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.

Ethan Harig (he/him)
Program Coordinator
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.

David Martineau (he/him)
Executive Director
martineau@WashtenawLiteracy.org
Phone: (734) 337-3341

I’m so happy for the opportunity to be part of the Washtenaw Literacy community! For more than 20 years, my work has been to help others learn and grow—coaching youth workers to use positive youth development practices, training educators and health care providers on equity and cultural responsiveness, teaching social workers to use theory in the field. Washtenaw Literacy’s learner-centered approach to tutoring resonates with me as an educator, community organizer, and lifelong learner. I was a French major in undergrad and I recently began studying the language again. I finished my MSW at the University of Michigan in 2000, and I am glad to have moved back home with my partner and our son, a 2025 high school graduate who is studying at the University of Michigan. I’m excited to work alongside our dedicated learners, tutors, staff, board, and supporters to expand access to literacy across Washtenaw County.

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. I love working with learners and helping new tutors bridge the gap between theory and practice. In my years in this role, I’ve either coordinated or tutored in all of Washtenaw Literacy’s programs. Currently I coordinate the ESL Beginners’ Club program, co-coordinate personal tutoring, and facilitate ABCs presentations. 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)
Senior 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.