Our Staff
& Board

Literacy Volunteers of Coconino County is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and operated by three staff members and trained volunteers.

Kim Khatibi

Executive Director

Kim Khatibi brings over 20 years of experience in K–12 and higher education to her role at The Literacy Center. With a Master’s in Education from Northern Arizona University, she has served as a high school teacher, college reading and English instructor, ESL teacher, and program coordinator and director in both Special Education and broader instructional programs. Her experience also includes work with the Arizona Department of Education, where she contributed to statewide initiatives supporting educators and students.

Kim is passionate about expanding access to education and believes deeply in its power to strengthen individuals and communities. She has also served in education advocacy roles, including on local school boards and as Coconino County Director for the Arizona School Boards Association.

Kim lives in Flagstaff with her husband, their two children, and two lively dogs. She enjoys family time, cooking, traveling, exploring new cultures, and making the most of northern Arizona’s outdoor life.

Grace Vaughan

Legal Services Program Director

Grace was born in Northern Arizona and raised as a world-traveling third-culture kid by her missionary parents. Before age 25 she had spent significant time in 18 countries, developing a deep love and appreciation for humanity across the globe.

Grace earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northern Arizona University, holds certification as an Arizona Legal Document Preparer, and is a US Department of Justice Accredited Representative able to practice immigration law before the Federal government. For further information on the Department of Justice Recognition and Accreditation Program: https://icor.eoir.justice.gov/en/faq/

Outside of her nonprofit work, Grace enjoys home projects, reading century-old British mysteries, hiking, playing games with friends and family, spending time with her husband and three sons, and being involved in her small-town community.

Clay Showalter

Youth & Family Program Coordinator

Clay first came to Arizona in 2022 to backpack the Arizona National Scenic Trail from Mexico to Utah. Along the way, he fell in love with the state’s remarkable natural landscapes and vibrant communities. After completing the trail, he began leading free outdoor education programs for Indigenous and Spanish-speaking youth from Flagstaff, the Navajo Nation, and the Hopi Reservation.

Through his work with schools, families, and community partners, Clay saw firsthand the critical need for literacy education across Northern Arizona. He began integrating literacy and English language learning activities into outdoor programs before discovering The Literacy Center, where he volunteered with both our Raising Readers and NAILS programs.
 
Today, Clay is excited to deepen his impact by supporting young readers through Raising Readers and one-on-one youth tutoring, while helping expand partnerships and literacy opportunities in communities throughout Northern Arizona.

Douglas Lyerly

Adult Program Coordinator

Doug has always had a passion for language and education! He holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary History Education from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a master’s degree in Bilingual/Bicultural Education from DePaul University.

Over the past 20 years, Doug has taught conversational English to adults and children in Japan, tutored adult English language learners preparing for their U.S. citizenship tests, and created and operated a bilingual library at a K–8 school on Chicago’s West Side. Most recently, he spent 12 years teaching Social Studies, Theater, English Language Arts, and Creative Writing at the Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy.

Doug is honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue working alongside dedicated educators and helping unlock the power of language!

Board of Directors

Sarah Ells

President

Alyn Rumbold

Vice President

Jan Sgambelluri

Secretary

Dianna Sanchez

Treasurer

Dannae Campbell

Member

Janet Cohen

Member

Phyllis Wolfskill

Member

Kathleen O'Brien

Member

Luann Mace

Member

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