Volunteer Work
President of Diablo/Alameda Branch of the National League of American Pen Women (NLAPW) 2004-08 & 2014-current
National Arts Credential Officer for NLAPW 2021-current
Curator – Celebrate Women! – NorCal Pen Women Art Exhibit, John O’Lague Galleria, Hayward City Hall 2017 and 2018
Board Member – Hayward Arts Council 2014-2023 and Co-President with husband Gerald 2017
Vice President: Artwork Demonstration Chair – A.R.T., Inc. 2016-current
Board Member and Tutor – Hayward Literacy Plus Council 2000-current
Tutor – English Conversation Circle for people improving their English at the Hayward Library 2020-current
Advisor – Scholarships, Inc. 2001-current
Awards
2021 Hearts of Hayward Award, Hayward City Council
2018 Alameda County Arts Leadership Award – District 4
2017 Ruby Hearts of Hayward Award, Hayward City Council
2010 Teacher of the Year, Hayward Adult School – Hayward Education Foundation
2004 John N. Pappas Humanitarian Award – Hayward City Council
2003 Distinguished Citizen Award – Hayward Lions Club
Author
In 1992, when I began teaching at the Hayward Adult School, I didn’t know so many people couldn’t read! When I asked students if they were reading or guessing, they’d say they were guessing.
I wanted to find ways to help people improve their reading. I created Fast Forward to Phonics because I found that phonics combined with whole language worked best. I used Fast Forward to Phonics at the Hayward Adult School, where I taught Literacy-GED students from 1996 to 2012. Since 2001, I’ve been a literacy tutor at the Hayward Public Library.
In 2002, I created a DVD companion to Fast Forward to Phonics as part of my Master’s thesis in Education at California State University, East Bay. It received an excellent response. Fast Forward to Phonics began as a phonics book, but grew to include lessons that help people improve their grammar, punctuation, and essay writing skills.
former Hayward Mayor
Michael Sweeny
I am the editor of My Name Is America – A Collection of Life Stories, which is simultaneously heart-wrenching and inspiring.
Read Testimonials about Fast Forward to Phonics.