Our Team

Elissa Aten is Co-Founder and Executive Director of PC READS. She is also a Certified Dyslexia Advocate and assists families with developing action plans to ensure that their children receive the support and resources necessary to succeed in school. She and her husband moved to Park City in 2008 with their two children, one of whom is dyslexic. Elissa is a strong proponent of public education and previously served as a Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) Board Member. Her involvement with PCEF included volunteering as Fundraising Chair for Running with Ed, a 38-mile annual relay race held in Park City. Originally from upstate New York, Elissa graduated from Dartmouth College and then spent two years teaching middle school math in Baltimore, MD with Teach for America. After teaching, she received her J.D. from Boston College Law School, practiced law in Boston and later worked as an Associate Director of Career Services at Boston College Law School. Elissa enjoys being an active Dartmouth alumna and is currently serving on her Class Executive Committee. Elissa and Elliott spend most of the winter weekends on the ski slopes, looking for hidden powder stashes.

Molly loves a life filled with adventure. Growing up in a Navy household, she moved frequently and attended a range of schools, from diverse public schools to DoD and private boarding institutions. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Virginia Tech, she continued her travels, living in five different states and countries before settling in Park City in 2007. Following an epic bike ride across America, Molly put down roots in Park City with her husband and two kids, who attend school in the Park City School District.  Molly’s passion for new experiences and learning has driven her to take on a variety of community roles. She has been a ski instructor, bike mechanic, nordic ranger, soccer coach, board member of Friends of the Library, and a Certified Dyslexia Advocate. When she’s not advocating at PC READS, you’ll find her adventuring with her family—whether they’re canyoneering, rock climbing, cliff jumping, tackling a via ferrata, or diving into their latest new excursion.

Molly loves a life filled with adventure. Growing up in a Navy household, she moved frequently and attended a range of schools, from diverse public schools to DoD and private boarding institutions. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Virginia Tech, she continued her travels, living in five different states and countries before settling in Park City in 2007. Following an epic bike ride across America, Molly put down roots in Park City with her husband and two kids, who attend school in the Park City School District.  Molly’s passion for new experiences and learning has driven her to take on a variety of community roles. She has been a ski instructor, bike mechanic, nordic ranger, soccer coach, board member of Friends of the Library, and a Certified Dyslexia Advocate. When she’s not advocating at PC READS, you’ll find her adventuring with her family—whether they’re canyoneering, rock climbing, cliff jumping, tackling a via ferrata, or diving into their latest new excursion.

Emily lived overseas, in Argentina and Brazil, for the first six years of her life before her family relocated to Utah. She received a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from BYU and soon after began working in a family mental health clinic in New York City. She had her first child while living in New York City and the other two after moving to San Francisco. In 2015 she and her family moved to Park City where she and her husband expanded their household to include dogs, chickens, ducks, and bees with occasional sheep that frequent their small farm.

Emily has two children who were diagnosed with dyslexia later in their school years and were still able to receive support through PC READS. She is grateful for the valuable information she received from this organization and is now looking forward to helping parents and students of any age as they work through reading and academic challenges.

Courtney grew up in Mill Valley, California before her family moved to Park City in 1993. Courtney received a bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from the University of Colorado Boulder and worked on several local, state and national political campaigns. A lifelong learner, Courtney shifted her focus to education and returned to school to earn a Masters of Science in Child Development and a Masters of Science in Special Education from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. She taught preschool and special education in Boulder, Colorado and worked for the Park City School District as a reading aide while raising her family. Courtney and her husband joined her family in Park City in 2007. When not on the golf course or skiing, Courtney and her husband are busy raising 3 sons, 2 dogs, 4 cats and 1 fish. Courtney is excited to be a certified dyslexia advocate and to help families navigate their IEP and 504 journey.

Amy grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Political Science.  She moved to Chicago, started working and then went back to school after getting married.  Amy graduated from the University of St. Francis with a master’s degree in Education and later obtained her LBS 1 special education endorsement.  After spending ten years as a special education resource teacher in the Chicago suburbs, Amy moved to Midway, Utah with her husband, 2 crazy dogs and 2 cats.  Her son and his wife moved here a year later and her daughter is also in Salt Lake City finishing up her bachelors degree.  In November, Amy became a grandmother to Milo and spends as much time with him as possible, while also tutoring students in the Midway/Heber and Park City areas.  Amy’s experience working with students who have learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADD, and autism has made her realize the importance of helping families navigate the process for getting support for their student and looks forward to continuing that journey with PC READS.

I attend Park City High school and have a 504 Plan, which has helped me throughout middle school and high school. My favorite accommodation is getting extra time on tests. Outside of school, I like mountain biking, skiing, traveling and playing music, especially on the piano and drums.

Teagan Grady is a 11th grader at Park City High School. She is a member of Park City High School’s Mountain Bike Team, Softball Team and Flag Football Team. She was diagnosed with dyslexia in kindergarten. Teagan enjoys being outdoors, being with friends and family, and traveling around the world.

Lila is an 11th grader at Treasure Mountain.  Since elementary school, she has enjoyed being a part of PC READS, and now is excited to be a mentor to others.  Soccer is one of her favorite activities.  But spending time with friends is what makes her most happy!  She’s thinking about being an FBI agent or detective when she grows up.

I’m in 8th grade.  I was diagnosed with dyslexia in 3rd grade.  My three favorite school subjects are math, science and band.  I play flute and alto sax in jazz band.  This year I started competing in mountain bike racing on the Park City High School mountain bike team which I really like.  I love to ski.  I also enjoy playing virtual reality games like gorilla tag.  I have been participating in MIND events for 3 1/2  years and I’m really looking forward to being a MIND mentor.

Max is a junior at Park City High School. He is part of the student council and enjoys volunteering. Max is also a member of the Park City Skimo team, High School Mountain Bike Team, and enjoys archery.  In his free time, Max likes skiing and mountain biking with his friends and his big brother.

Parker is a Freshman at Park City High School. She was diagnosed with dyslexia in first grade and also has ADD, which is like ADHD, but without the hyperactive side. Parker loves traveling around the world, spending time with family, and hanging out with her friends. Parker has been attending MIND events for about 8 years.

Aidan Gale is a Sophomore at Park City High School. He is a Junior Varsity member of Park City Mountain Bike Team (PCMB) and a backcountry skier for PC SkiMo. Aidan is a third year student of Kimball Art Center’s Young Artist Academy. Aidan was born and raised in Park City but just returned from a year abroad where he completed his first year of high school and pursued surfing and basketball in Costa Rica. Aidan has been receiving support services for ADHD and Dyslexia since early elementary school. He has had to embrace allies, accept accommodations and develop self advocacy skills through middle and high school and is excited to support younger students to do the same and find their voice.

Kelly is a certified natural foods chef and ran her own catering company and worked as a food stylist in Denver.  Prior to that, she worked for various book publishers in Minnesota, Colorado, and Vermont in marketing and sales positions.

Kelly started attending PC READS meetings five years ago and has become an active member. Two of her children are diagnosed with dyslexia, and they have enjoyed and benefitted greatly from the MIND programming.

In addition to volunteering with PC READS, Kelly is actively involved with PCEF, EATS, and school PTO boards.

Kristi Marsh grew up in Northern California and graduated from San Francisco State University with a major in psychology.  After working with children for several years, Kristi returned to school, received her teaching credential and went on to teach elementary school for four years.  When her son was born, Kristi chose to stay home and work alongside her husband in their property management business.  Two years later, their daughter was born and they moved their family to Park City.  Kristi has been actively involved in her children’s schools and joined PC READS in 2015 when her son was diagnosed with dyslexia.  Kristi is passionate about providing advice and guidance to families struggling with dyslexia and serves as PC READS’s Programming Chair.

Megan Trayner grew up in Killington, Vermont. She is a former U.S. Ski Team member in Alpine Skiing and NCAA Division I Champion and three time All American for Middlebury College, where she graduated with a B.A. in Art and Psychology. Megan currently works her global health and wellness business from home, alongside her role as the Park City Programs Manager for the Youth Sports Alliance. When her two daughters were diagnosed with Dyslexia, she became passionate about helping advocate for their needs and raise awareness for dyslexia to help empower her children and others in understanding learning differences. She has been a member of the PC READS Programming Committee since 2021. She and her husband, Gar love raising their three kids here in Park City.

Originally from Chicago, Nick and his family moved to Park City in 2016 from New York City.  Both of his kids were a product of NYC Public schools through 3^rd and 5^th grade before moving to Park City.  His son was diagnosed with ADHD early on, and was recently diagnosed with dyslexia.  PC READS was a tremendous resource for Nick and his family, and being involved with this program is great way to give back. As treasurer, Nick brings extensive experience running his own business, and volunteering on various other boards over the years.  Nick also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Winter Sports School, and on the development committee. Nick is an avid Chicago Cubs fan, and in the winters you can find him traveling around the mountains watching his kids ski race.

Kim Turchin invests her time in advocating for the health and wellness of her family and
immediate communities. After graduating from Villanova University, she worked as a Pediatric
Intensive Care nurse at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and transported patients
from community hospitals within New Jersey. She then spent a year as a travel nurse and the
exposure to different hospital systems in New York, Colorado and California inspired her desire
to improve the patient and family experience on a larger scale.

Kim earned a Masters’ in Public Administration from New York University and spent over a
decade as a hospital administrator at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. Her
focus was on strategic planning — policy development, implementation and analysis and
revision of practices related to risk management, patient experience and community relations.
She continues to serve on the board of directors of her Manhattan co-operative building and
has also served on the parent association board of directors for the Churchill School and P.S. 41
Greenwich Village School where she was the VP of External Fundraising.

Shortly after she and her family relocated to Park City in 2022 for an active mountain life style
and its impact on health and well-being, she attended a PC READS Lattes and Literacy. She was
in awe of PC READS’ mission and commitment to elevating literacy and is grateful to PC READS
for supporting her family’s transition from a specialty school for language-based learning
differences to the Park City School District. Kim has been a volunteer in the Programming
Committee, hopes to be part of the legacy and contribute to the PC READS community in a
meaningful way.

Brian, originally from rural Montana, moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota to earn his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Minnesota. He then pursued a technology and financial markets career in Silicon Valley, working with multiple Fortune 500 companies and startups. For the last decade, he has been the CEO of Blacksmith International in Salt Lake City. In 2014, Brian, Lisa, and their young family relocated to Park City to enjoy a quieter life in the mountains. Their three children, two diagnosed with Dyslexia and ADHD, benefitted greatly from PC READS, fueling Brian’s dedication to enhancing education for children with these conditions. Brian loves skiing, camping, playing guitar and coaching his kids sports whenever possible.

Craig Moore grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and after starting at University of Colorado, finished his undergraduate studies at University of Georgia. Craig is a new Park City resident, having recently moved from Atlanta with his wife Kristen and their two kids.  Craig has a diverse entrepreneurial background, with successful exits in technology, manufacturing, real estate and venture capital.  Now that Craig has helped his kids settle into their new surroundings and achieved his goal of skiing 90+ days in his first season, he is ready to take on new challenges.  Craig’s daughter is lucky to have a special dyslexic brain and his wife Kristen is a certified Orton-Gillingham practitioner.   Together they would like to help reduce the friction that exists in getting a dyslexia diagnosis and receiving the necessary support.

Erin Grady is a 35 year resident of Park City and a mother of two who are currently enrolled at Parley’s Park Elementary.  Both Erin and her daughter have been diagnosed with dyslexia.  Erin attended the University of Utah and graduated in 1999 with a BS in Communications and minor in Business Management.  After graduating Erin went on to work for Deer Valley Resort and managed their Public Relations department for 13 years.  She made a conscious decision to step down from Deer Valley in 2011 to become a full time mom.  Erin has worked closely with the Park City Chamber by coordinating their National TV coverage for the past few years.  She also consults for Graff Public Relations and has an ongoing relationship with local, Salt Lake broadcast and print media.  Erin is truly dedicated to all things kids and currently sits on the board for the Figure Skating Club of Park City serving as their fundraising chair, has an active role on the Parley’s Park Elementary PTA and spends countless hours volunteering in the classroom.