Our Staff
Tamara N. Smith
Executive Director
A lifelong education advocate, Tamara has dedicated her career to ensuring educational equity for all students, pursuing this mission in various capacities. She is deeply passionate about literacy, community-centered advocacy, culturally responsive education practices, and the holistic development of students. A former educator, her twenty-year career has included executive leadership with organizations in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware. Tamara is a proud graduate of Spelman College and currently serves as a board member for Five Frogs, Inc., the Wilmington Center for Education Equity and Policy, and Braven-Delaware.
Kara Fisher
Chief Operating Officer
Over the past 24 years Kara has served students, teachers, and administrators in the city of Philadelphia, supporting both elementary and middle schools, alternative education settings, as well as adult programming. She strongly believes that education is the door to success and reading is the key. The mission of Reading Allowed is completely aligned with her personal passion - unlocking student social-emotional, academic, and civic potential by improving literacy skills. In addition to identifying as an advocate and an educator, she is also a wife, mom, reader, writer, and nature photographer. She is currently studying the Science of Reading and the Science of Awe. She looks forward to seeing what an important impact Reading Allowed will continue to have on each of the communities and students we serve. She is tremendously thankful for this opportunity.
Jen Curyto
Instructor
A lifelong Philly neighbor, Jen is joining Reading Allowed with over 20 years of teaching experience. Growing up in a family of teachers, a love of education and learning was practically genetic and her passion for literacy development led her to pursue a graduate degree in Reading Education and a certification in Wilson Instruction. Jen’s recent position as the Learning Specialist at a local independent school has grown her expertise in supporting teachers with the implementation of literacy curricula and providing instruction for individuals with reading deficits. For the past two years, Jen has followed the journey of Angela Marks and, inspired by the mission and growth of her organization, considers it a privilege to partner with the Reading Allowed team in their work in and around Philadelphia.
Ami LaRoche
Program Manager
Ami has been a tutor with Reading Allowed since 2019. Prior to joining Reading Allowed as a full-time Program Manager, Ami worked for four years as a Wilson Reading System Level I certified Dyslexia Practitioner at the Springfield Township Middle School. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Education in preparation for certification as a Reading Specialist.
Richard Huber
Administrative Assistant
Richard brings 15 years of experience in both nonprofit and government work to Reading Allowed. Prior to joining the team, he served as a Volunteer Manager with the Delaware Division for the Visually Impaired and as a Communications Manager with the Delaware Association of Volunteer Administrators. In addition, Richard worked as the Assistant Director of Visitor Services within the Johnstown Area Heritage Association. He holds a Bachelor's degree from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Humanities and Social Sciences. Richard has always had a passion for serving others and is excited to work with Reading Allowed on their mission to help every struggling reader obtain the highest quality structured literacy instruction.
Bizzy Lyons
Instructor
Bizzy comes to us with a Bachelor's degree in Special Education and English Education from West Chester University. Before becoming a Wilson Reading System Level I certified Dyslexia Practitioner, she spent most of her time working with students in the Life Skills and Emotional Support classroom. Bizzy has been with Reading Allowed since the Summer of 2024 and now works full-time in Philadelphia public schools. She continues to expand her knowledge of the science of reading through various courses to ensure she is providing the most quality, specialized reading instruction possible.
Stephanie Antar
Instructor
Stephanie is a dedicated reading instructor with over 20 years of experience in fostering literacy skills among learners of all ages. Holding a bachelor's degree in sociology has allowed her to bring a unique perspective to reading instruction, with an understanding of social contexts that influence learning. Certified in the Wilson Reading System and with a master's degree in middle level education, Stephanie has been able to specialize in structured literacy approaches to ensure support to individual needs. It is a joy for her to work with Reading Allowed to support their mission.
Olivia Gilbert, M.S.Ed.
Instructor
Olivia joined the Reading Allowed team in the Summer of 2025. She holds a B.A. in Education from Bryn Mawr College and an M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania. Olivia is a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner and a CERI Certified Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher, and has also trained in the Orton-Gillingham and Lindamood-Bell approaches. Before working at Reading Allowed, Olivia spent 5 years at AIM Academy, where she was a Lower School teacher and team coordinator, supporting students with a wide range of learning profiles. She also participated in dynamic, research-based professional development through the AIM Institute for Learning & Research. Olivia believes in structured, differentiated, multisensory approaches that make literacy accessible and fun for every child. She is thrilled to bring her passion for literacy to students in and around Philadelphia, helping them gain confidence and discover the joy of reading.
