Managing Board

Allison Sillers

Program Director

Allison has worked with Understanding Disabilities as a lesson leader since 2018 and as Program Leader in charge of curriculum and programming since 2019. In early 2020, Allison took on the new position of Program Director, which combined the roles of Program Leader and Executive Director. In 2020, Allison developed an online curriculum for the 2020-21 school year. Why I Support UD: As a parent, I first started volunteering with UD because I wanted my children to grow up in a community that prioritizes inclusion and empathy. I am so grateful that Reading has this incredibly unique and special program in our schools. Contact Allison

Michael Barry

Treasurer

Mike is a father of 2 boys, both in Reading Public Schools. He has over 15 years of experience in the Asset Management software development and technology management industry. In his spare time, Mike can be found playing with home automation or on the slopes trying to teach his kids to ski. Why I Support UD: By understanding others‘ personal challenges I believe we will form stronger bonds between community members than would otherwise be possible. Providing this experience for children is an amazing way to allow these bonds to grow at an early age!

Timna Serino

Secretary

Timna has been working in the biotechnology sector for 17 years, managing clinical trials to develop new therapies for rare diseases. She also has two sons in the Reading Public Schools.
Why I support UD: I volunteered to teach a UD lesson to fourth graders, and realized what a unique and special program was in store for my kids as they were starting their elementary school years. I want to keep the UD mission moving forward, since this is such a powerful way to educate young students by teaching inclusion and acceptance of our differences firsthand.

Diana Koster

Curriculum Writing Team, Lesson Leader

Diana has 20 years experience as a writer, course developer, software engineer, and community volunteer. Her work includes creating documentation, professional development coursework, and marketing materials for the high tech industry. Diana began working with UD in 2012 because of her family’s experience with food allergies and was soon drawn to teaching other UD lessons. Why I Support UD: The UD journey expands perspective, taking us from personal experience to a larger societal view. It inspires us all to think deeper. It’s a great curriculum.

Jon Taubman

Curriculum Update Team, Lesson Leader, Webmaster

Jon is a musician, website manager, project manager, and marketing professional with over 17 years experience working with music publishing companies and nonprofit organizations. Why I Support UD: Any time you can spend in your child’s classroom is a rewarding experience, but the UD experience tops all. I get to teach in my daughters’ classrooms and school communities these great UD awareness lessons that build social skills, self-confidence, and empathy. As a parent, it doesn’t get better than that! Whats more, the UD script makes the curriculum easy to teach, even without teaching experience.

Lee Lucas

Board Member at Large

Lee has been a parent volunteer with Understanding Disabilities since 2017. As a mother of a Reading Public Schools student, and as a person with Cerebral Palsy, disability awareness education and inclusion are issues Lee is passionate about. Why I Support UD: As a mother with Cerebral Palsy, being a part of this unique organization has provided me with great opportunities. First and foremost, being able to actively participate in my child’s education. Secondly, I enjoy being someone that can represent the societal perspective of living with a physical disability to the staff and students of Reading Public Schools.

See our Advisory Board