Kara Kalnitz
Executive Director
Kara Kalnitz has been working for Learning Edge since September 2009. Prior to serving as the Thursday Program Manager and now Executive Director, Kara was a volunteer tutor with Cluster for four years. She has a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Erin Agboola
Program Coordinator, Student Services
Erin was a volunteer at Learning Edge for more than two years before she joined the staff as the program coordinator for Project Next Step which is aimed at those in high school as they look to the future. Erin has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis. In 2021, Erin was promoted to the Program Coordinator for Student Services. She is primarily responsible for student recruitment through Austin community engagement, new student onboarding, and developing academic enrichment opportunities for Learning Edge participants.
Julia Schroeder
Marketing Coordinator
Julia Schroeder is a freelance writer who handles social media and marketing for Learning Edge. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations from Northern Michigan University.
Bernadette Diaz
Reading Specialist
Bernadette is a veteran teacher now specializing in helping students with reading issues in the Chicago Public Schools through the nonprofit organization Reading in Motion. Bernadette has a bachelor's degree in history from Boston College and a master of education degree in teaching and curriculum from Harvard University.
Joan Richards
Reading Specialist
Joan is a former Learning Edge volunteer. She has taught in the Chicago Diocese for 15 years as a Montessori, preschool, and 1st-grade teacher. She also worked as a K-8 reading and math interventionist through Catapult Learning. Joan has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Purdue University, a master's degree as a reading specialist from Concordia University, Montessori certification from North American Montessori Center, and an LBS1 Special Education certification from Lewis University.