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 have lived in Park City for 10 years and have 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, either watching their children ski race or looking for hidden powder stashes.

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.

Christine Tiranno is the Program Manager of our Advocate Program. She became a Certified Dyslexia Advocate is 2017 and has assisted many families with developing action plans to ensure their children receive the support and resources necessary to succeed in school. Christine, her husband and two children, one of whom is dyslexic moved to Park City in 2014. Originally from a suburb of New York City, Christine graduated from Lehigh University with a BA in Economics and International Relations. A Madison Avenue veteran, she spent nearly 20 years as a national television buyer working with numerous Fortune 500 companies including AT&T, Dell, 3M and MetLife at WPP’s GroupM. Christine enjoys working with children and has taught alpine skiing to kids for ten years, both in Vermont and most recently at Park City. Her passion for kids and sport is evident as she can frequently be seen in the stands at local high school lacrosse and football games.

Molly grew up in a military family experiencing a wide array of school systems from inner city public busing schools, Department of Defense schools, and private boarding schools.   Graduating with a BS in Finance from Virginia Tech, Molly went on to continue her travels living in 5 states/countries before settling in Park City in 2007 where she lives with her husband, two kids, a dog, a cat, and two rabbits.   Her children, one of whom is dyslexic, attend private schools.   Molly’s passion to keep learning and help her children do the same has led to forays as a ski instructor, bike mechanic, nordic ranger, kids soccer coach, board member of Friends of the Library, and a certified dyslexia advocate.   She is passionate about offering guidance and sharing what she has learned with others as they navigate through the resources, accommodations, and action plans available for those with learning differences.

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 have lived in Park City for 10 years and have 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, either watching their children ski race or looking for hidden powder stashes.

A native of Alberta, Canada Stacey move to Utah in 1991 to work as a pediatric nurse at Primary Children’s Hospital and enjoy the Utah powder. Stacey has been a nurse at PCH since 1991 and currently works as a clinical education instructor.  She also is a substitute nurse in the Park City school district Stacey lives with her husband and 12-year-old daughter who was identified as dyslexic in second grade. Stacey has been involved with PC READS since 2014 as and is excited to help families navigate the system as a certified dyslexia advocate.

I have been lucky to call Park City my home, since 2004. I am originally from the San Diego area, but like many…came to Park City for spring break in 2004, & realized that this is where we wanted to be, so after being a Californian all of my life, we made the move here that summer. My husband and I both work at Parley’s Park Elementary. I have spent 12 years helping struggling readers to be more successful…first at Jeremy Ranch Elementary, & just this year, making the move to Parley’s. It was a former Reading Specialist who inspired me to learn more about dyslexia, & to go on to get my Wilson Reading Certification from the University of Utah Reading Clinic. I tutor privately after school hours, & just recently earned my Dyslexia Advocate Certificate, thanks to a grant from PC Reads. I have also been trained in the Barton Reading program. My passion is helping families through the maze that is often associated with dyslexia, & in turn, to make sure that their children receive the proper instruction & accommodations that will make them more confident, & more successful. I am proud to have this opportunity to advocate through PC Reads.

Christine Tiranno is the Program Manager of our Advocate Program. She became a Certified Dyslexia Advocate is 2017 and has assisted many families with developing action plans to ensure their children receive the support and resources necessary to succeed in school. Christine, her husband and two children, one of whom is dyslexic moved to Park City in 2014. Originally from a suburb of New York City, Christine graduated from Lehigh University with a BA in Economics and International Relations. A Madison Avenue veteran, she spent nearly 20 years as a national television buyer working with numerous Fortune 500 companies including AT&T, Dell, 3M and MetLife at WPP’s GroupM. Christine enjoys working with children and has taught alpine skiing to kids for ten years, both in Vermont and most recently at Park City. Her passion for kids and sport is evident as she can frequently be seen in the stands at local high school lacrosse and football games.

Lindsey Aten is a student-athlete at The Winter Sports School in Park City. She will complete her junior year in November 2020. At school, she is a Student Council Representative and on the yearbook staff. Lindsey loves to ski and competes throughout the Western Region as an alpine ski racer for the Park City Ski & Snowboard Club. She is a member of the Park City High School Cross Country team and previously played competitive soccer. Lindsey enjoys volunteering and recently organized a contact-free food drive for a local nonprofit organization. When not busy with school and sports, Lindsey enjoys traveling, volunteering, crafts, and hanging out with her friends.

Hello my name is Fiona Sawyer. I am a junior and student/athlete at the Winter Sports School in Park City, Utah. I was diagnosed with dyslexia in elementary school and since then I have worked hard with my teachers and tutors to be successful in academics. I am currently on a 504 plan to help me pursue my academic goals. Outside of school, I ski race competitively in the Western Region for the Park City Ski Team. I also enjoy playing competitive soccer, hiking, sailing, biking, playing the ukulele, cooking, and doing art. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, being with friends and family, and volunteering for local organizations. In my future, I hope to ski race competitively in college, as well as pursue a degree in the medical field.

My name is Annalina Powers and I am a sophomore at Park City High School. I am a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters, NHS, Fashion Club, etc. I really enjoy art, baking, and dance. Dance is a way for me to release stress and earn some exercise. In junior high, I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Since then, I have taken corrective actions to have a successful academic life and have been able to learn skills to help me cope.

Elsa Futch is an 8th grader at Weilenmann School of Discovery, who is a member of the National Junior Honor Society. She skis for Park City ski team as a competitive Nordic cross country skier as well as practices biathlon at Soldier Hollow. Outside of school and training, Elsa enjoys spending time with her friends, teammates, and her collection of plants. Elsa also loves to organize, sing, and raise two lambs for 4H.

Amelie Stein is a freshman at Treasure Mountain / Park City High school. Amelie is a competitive figure skater and trains all year round before school every morning. Amelie is an aspiring artist and takes art classes in character design and animation to improve her skills. When not busy with school, skating, or art, Amelie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, or playing with her cat and dog.

Keely Fisher is an 8th grader at Treasure Mountain Junior High. She is a part of NJHS and enjoys volunteering. In her free time, she is a part of the Park City Nordic team and the Soldier Hollow biathlon team. She also alpine skis with friends and family over the weekend. While she is not skiing or at school she enjoys hanging out with friends, baking, shopping, and reading. Can you believe it? She likes reading!

Jenna Tiranno is a sophomore student at Park City High School. A member of the lacrosse team at PCHS and a part-time alpine ski racer for the Park City Ski & Snowboard Club, Jenna fills her time outside of school with sports. In the summer she spends her time sailing on the Jordanelle and hiking with her two Spinone Italiano dogs Lola and Baffi. Jenna also enjoys baking, boxing, and listening to books on Learning Ally.

A native of Hanover, New Hampshire, Emily Fisher moved to Park City in 1998 and planned to stay through the 2002 Olympics.  18 years later Emily is still living in and loving Park City.  A graduate of Middlebury College, Emily majored in Environmental Studies.  Emily was also a four year member and captain of the Nordic ski team.  After college Emily worked for US Ski Team from 1998-2007.  Throughout her professional career Emily has worked for non-profit sport organizations.  Currently she is the Public Operations Senior Manager at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center.  In addition to her professional career Emily coaches soccer, skiing and volunteers in the community.  Emily has two children at Parley’s Park Elementary in Park City, one of whom is dyslexic and has an IEP.  Witnessing her dyslexic daughters struggle to find the right path led Emily to PC READS.  Helping other families and students with dyslexia excel is a mission dear to Emily’s heart.

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.

Ann Futch, excitedly joined our Board in 2017, assuming the role of Treasurer.  Ann began her career in investment banking working on both the east and west coasts.   After the arrival of her first child, Ann started her own recruiting firm, focused on the financial services industry.  As her children’s need for attention grew, she turned her professional attention to serving on the Boards of non-profits.  As the Vice President and Treasurer for Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, Ann helped to run a capital campaign and building expansion project.  Education is a strong passion for Ann, thus she has worked with the PCSD on two significant projects, one involving raising funds for the hiring of additional staff to serve the needs of high achieving students in the elementary schools.  More recently, Ann served as the co-chair for the Strategy Committee, a sub-committee of the Park City School Board.  Other local organizations that Ann has been fortunate to serve as a Board Member include Utah State Odyssey of the Mind and the Figure Skating Club of Park City.  When Ann isn’t in a meeting or driving her daughters to the ice rink, she can be found running on the beautiful trails of Park City or singing her heart out anywhere people are willing to listen.  Ann graduated from The Johns Hopkins University and Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.  She and her husband, Curt, have two daughters aged 13 and 10.  Having witnessed the importance of early intervention first hand, she is excited to be a part of an organization that helps other students realize the benefit of it as well.  She looks forward to the day when all educators can help to move dyslexia from being viewed as a learning disability to being thought of as a critical thinking ability.

Jackie Blake lived in Park City for 10 years, where she raised her daughter, Jordan. Jordan has recently graduated from Park City High School, where she was on the Debate team for four years. During her senior year, her team earned a first place at States and as a sophomore, Jordan claimed an individual 3rd place at States. Benefiting from a 504 Plan specific to her dyslexia, Jordan has and continues to reach her goals.

Maria McNulty is a long time resident of Park City and mother to two children with dyslexia.  A dyslexic herself, she understands first hand the struggles and challenges that school can present when dyslexia is not identified and addressed early.  Maria is also the Chief Operating Officer of Snowsports Industries America,  the winter industry trade association representing suppliers,  retailers, and resorts.  Prior to SIA, Maria was the president of M3 Events and Entertainment, a global consulting firm that specialized in youth marketing, partnership marketing, content generation and rights management, and event production.  Maria graduated with honors from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a BA in Asian History and a JD from the University of Utah College of Law.

I have lived in Park City for the last thirteen years and have two wonderful children who have successfully travelled through the Park City School District. My experience with PCSD and specifically Parley’s Park Elementary School began with three years as a first grade teacher, then five years as a Dual Immersion Third Grade teacher and two more as a general classroom Third Grade Teacher. Currently, I am in the Interventionist role at Parley’s Park.

I have a BA in Sociology from St. Michael’s College, a Certificate of Advanced Study in Psychology from University of Vermont and an MA and MEd in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University. As part of my training within the Park City School District, I have certificates in Early and Next Steps and Wilson I and Wilson Advanced from University of Utah Reading Clinic. I have completed all site-based Wilson Fundations trainings and taught the program for the last three years. Additionally, I am Orton Gillingham trained and have completed Multisensory Math training from the Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center.

Born and raised in Texas, Alisa, her husband Jay and two sons, moved to Park City, Utah in 2014. Alisa holds a Master’s Degree in English as a Second Language and is blessed to have been a teacher for the past 15 years. She has been a Reading Interventionist at Parley’s Park Elementary for the past 3 years. Before this, Alisa was a General Education and Special Education teacher. All of Alisa’s teaching experience and extensive literacy training has afforded her the knowledge to identify the needs of students with learning differences and provide them with targeted reading instruction. She believes her role as an Interventionist is crucial because instructing students with reading differences, early on, can change the course of their lives!

Andrew Nichols is a licensed clinical neuropsychologist in Utah and New York. He started his private practice in Park City during the fall of 2014. Since going into private practice Andrew has worked with a large number of local families whose children are experiencing learning difficulties, including a wide range of dyslexia cases, and he is an enthusiastic advocate for all children with learning differences. He has been involved with children and teenagers, in a variety of academic settings, for over 20 years. Andrew completed his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Louisville where he emphasized forensic, ADHD, Learning Disability, and personality assessments. After finishing his doctoral work, Andrew migrated to New York City where he completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in Advanced Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Neuropsychology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Excluding time spent completing doctoral work and specialized training in Louisville and New York City, Andrew has resided in the Park City area since 1992. He remains an active rock-climber, ultra-runner, and backcountry skier when not enjoying time with his wife and three children.

Lindsay Cunningham was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona.  She lived there until she graduated from the University of Arizona with an elementary education degree.  Lindsay taught first and third grade for 7 years after college until having her son.  Lindsay and her husband Chris moved with their two children, Ethan and Bryn, to Park City in 2013. Lindsay is the Cofounder of the Beau Collective, a fitness social club, here in Park City.   Her children attend Parley’s Park Elementary school.  Although they have loved their teachers and Parley’s Park, school has been a struggle for both her children.  Ethan and Bryn were both been diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD when they were in second grade.

Lindsay discovered PC READS while looking for ways to help her children succeed and reach their full potential.  The organization was so impactful for her family, she now feels passionate about helping other families and dyslexic students.

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.