MEET OUR STAFF
Photo Credit: Meg Evans
JO ANN MATTSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jo Ann Mattson joined STAIR-Annapolis in March 2022 after serving for six years as Executive Director of The Light House in Annapolis. A former elementary school educator and passionate community advocate, Jo Ann understands the importance of strong literacy skills in improving a child's chances for academic success. She believes that reading opens up new worlds of possibility and promotes empathy and understanding. Jo Ann lives in Homewood in Annapolis and enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Gatsby. She is an avid knitter and loves to listen to books as she knits!
Jo Ann can be reached at [email protected].
MALENA RULAND, VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Malena first joined STAIR-Annapolis as a twice-weekly tutor at our Mills-Parole location, and she brings this valuable experience to her work as Volunteer Coordinator. Malena is responsible for managing a roster of more than 250 volunteers, arranging tutor workshops, recruiting and training new volunteers, and serving as a critical support for volunteers. Malena grew up in a bilingual Spanish-speaking household surrounded by books and understands how important it is for children to become stronger, more confident readers. She lives in Crownsville with her husband and enjoys reading, going to the beach, and spending time with her three children.
Malena can be reached at [email protected].
JEANNIE HEIMANN, PROGRAM AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Jeannie came to STAIR-Annapolis as Program Manager in June of 2022 after spending more than 25 years in the education industry. Her experience as a classroom teacher, program director and curriculum developer make her well suited in her role to ensure consistent and quality program delivery across all STAIR sites. Jeannie is a true lover of children’s literature, and helping children develop the skills they need to fall in love with reading is at the core of her work with STAIR-Annapolis. A life time Annapolitan, Jeannie attended Anne Arundel County Public Schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade! She lives in Annapolis with her husband, 3 sons and 2 dogs, Maple and Molly and enjoys reading, theater, cooking and spending time at the beach.
Jeannie can be reached at [email protected].