Our Team

Alison Austin (she/her)
Program Director
austin@WashtenawLiteracy.org
Phone: (734) 337-3375

I came to Ypsilanti from Detroit to study Special Education for the Hearing Impaired at Eastern Michigan University. I have been with Washtenaw Literacy for nearly 30 years, having first served as a volunteer tutor and Board member before becoming the Program Director. I enjoy jigsaw puzzles, creating visual art, and spending time in nature with my two Norwegian Elkhounds.

Kim Ellerthorpe (she/her)
Office Manager
ellerthorpe@WashtenawLiteracy.org
Phone: (734) 337-3338

I have been involved with Washtenaw Literacy as a tutor, mentor, AmeriCorps VISTA, and now as an office manager. I am thrilled to be able to bring my eclectic mix of skills to support our work. In my off hours, I enjoy art, improv theatre, reading, and of course spending time with my family.

Wafa Hamed (she/her)
AmeriCorps Member
wafa@WashtenawLiteracy.org
Phone: (734) 337-3311

My first language is Arabic. I have lived all over the world, most recently in Eswatini. I am passionate about learning and helping others grow through literacy. I believe knowledge is power and strive to make learning accessible to all. As an AmeriCorps member, I am helping with the Learner Team, learner recruitment, tutoring, and a variety of other projects.

Ethan Harig (he/him)
AmeriCorps Member
ethanh@WashtenawLiteracy.org
Phone: (734) 337-3393

Hello, I grew up in Middletown, Ohio, and now live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where I study Mathematics at Washtenaw Community College. My goal is to become a mathematics professor and inspire others through education. Outside the classroom, I enjoy movies, reading, sports, and spending time with friends. I’m passionate about helping others and giving back to my community.

Carole McCabe (she/her)
Executive Director
mccabe@WashtenawLiteracy.org
Phone: (734) 337-3341

I’m a community organizer at heart, because I believe in solidarity, not charity. I love the great big welcoming community that is Washtenaw Literacy, and all the ways we learn together. And I’m proud to be part of an organization that makes a real difference in so many people’s lives.

Megan Meeker (she/her)
Program Coordinator
meeker@WashtenawLiteracy.org
Phone: (734) 337-3391

I recently joined the Washtenaw Literacy team as Program Coordinator for virtual and in-person English as a Second Language Community Tutoring. I’m originally from Illinois but have lived in Michigan for almost 20 years. I received an English degree from Northern Illinois University and worked for several years as a certified paralegal, research assistant, and community organizer.

Jaime Merritt (she/her)
Program Coordinator
merritt@WashtenawLiteracy.org
Phone: (734) 291-0049

I grew up in the Ann Arbor area and recently returned to the community after receiving my Master in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Framingham State University in Massachusetts. As a Program Coordinator, I have done a variety of tasks but most enjoy working with learners and helping new tutors bridge the gap between theory and practice. I currently coordinate our partnership programs with WCC for beginner ESL learners and for pre-GED study. In my free time, I love doing creative projects, running around with my dog Charlie, and curling up with a good read.

Neal Steichen (he/him)
Program Coordinator
steichen@WashtenawLiteracy.org
Phone: (734) 337-3370

I earned my Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia College Chicago and have worked for several years as a tutor, teacher, and assistant librarian. Now living in Ypsilanti, I enjoy going to the many local parks with my family, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and watching professional wrestling. I currently serve as the Program Coordinator for Washtenaw Literacy’s Jail Community Tutoring and New Pages, a program specifically for previously incarcerated individuals.