Free one-on-one tutoring to adults who struggle
with reading and writing in English, all at a pace
that suits the learner.
More than 1000 volunteer hours are given each year
to our non-profit organization and the people we serve.
Learner centered, tutor driven. Since 1978.
Who we serve
Adult Literacy Fredericton (ALF) serves all adults in the greater Fredericton area. Born and raised in the region or newcomers.
We empower adults who struggle with reading and writing in English by offering free one-on-one tutoring, enabling them to become fully engaged socially and economically in their community.
Our service is totally free. Always.
We are here to help.
No judgment, confidential and in total respect of your privacy.
Mission
Changing lives through literacy by offering free one-on-one tutoring to adults.
Vision
All adults have the opportunity to develop their literacy skills.
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Our Patron
We are deeply grateful for the trust, support and engagement of the Honourable Louise Imbeault, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick as patron of Adult Literacy Fredericton. (Learn More)
Hon. Louise Imbeault ,
Lieutenant Governor
of New Brunswick
Our Tutors are Everything
Our organization relies on the dedication of volunteers tutors to carry ALF's mission.
Thousands of adults in the region have benefited from our support. One at a time. Always.
We want to believe that our learners have grown into more active and engaged individuals in their community.
Thank you to our tutors.
Board of Directors 2025-2026
President - Dan Horsman Dan is a graduate of the New Brunswick Teacher's College (now defunct), UNB with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Harvard University with a Master of Public Administration. During his university years, Dan was part of a student group that tutored Wolastoq children in their homes. He took a year off from university to be a Frontier College labourer-teacher in a gold mine outside of Yellowknife, NWT. Most of his career was spent with the provincial government, first as an economist, then a policy analyst and then as an advisor on aboriginal (indigenous) affairs. He became the first Executive Director of the provincial government's Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat (which later became the Department of Indigenous Affairs). Many many years ago, he served on the Boards of the Fredericton Boys and Girls Club and the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority. In retirement, he has been a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and Adult Literacy Fredericton. He has been a tutor and Board member of Adult Literacy Fredericton and is currently serving as its President. Dan is separated, has three step-sons and four wonderful grandchildren. His favorite book: The Way of Myth by Fraser Boa.
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Secretary - Lisa O'Blenis My personal mantra is: put your hair in a bun, drink some coffee, and handle it. I’ve spent over 20 years working and volunteering in the non-profit sector—a space that feels like home and where I’ve found both personal fulfillment and professional success. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside passionate individuals who inspire me daily. I’ve witnessed the impact of small acts of kindness and the transformative power of community. My focus has been supporting marginalized populations—helping people feel connected, valued, and empowered to access essential resources. I’ve worn many hats over the years: I’ve played Santa and a Birthday Elf for isolated seniors, tutored adults as they improved their literacy skills, offered crisis support on a helpline, and helped individuals find safety and hope in moments of deep despair. I’ve also supported military families navigating life with children who have exceptional needs. Currently, I serve as the Executive Director of Oromocto Training and Employment Centre, where I support adults with intellectual disabilities. I joined Adult Literacy Fredericton as a continuous learner who knows the joy of getting lost in a good book on a rainy day. I understand the barriers faced by those without strong literacy skills and want to be part of the solution—helping learners build confidence and open doors to new opportunities. In my free time, I enjoy reading fantasy fiction, volunteering, and chasing waterfalls.
Director - Vivian Farrar *Former business owner, mother, long time volunteer in the school system *Tutor and board member with ALF since 2011 * I began my time with Adult Literacy Fredericton by taking in-person tutor training after reading about getting involved with the organization. I felt in awe of the strength it would take for someone to ask for help to learn to read and write as an adult. Being a part of someones’ journey to accomplish this was motivating and humbling. *I enjoy sewing my own clothing, art quilting, travelling and spending time with my two grandsons. *My favourite books are by Anne Marie McDonald: Fall on Your Knees, and The Way the Crow Flies.
Director - Joan Somerville Professional Background: University educated – BA., BEd., MEd. Educator - total 34 years; taught at Elementary, Middle and High school levels; 9 years at Fredericton High School – Social Studies (History) teacher, Social Studies Department head, Vice Principal. Tutoring: Fredericton Literacy tutor: April 1998 – 2025. Upon retiring, adult literacy was at the op of my list for a way to give back to my community. Within months I took Laubach Literacy’s workshop and qualified as a tutor only to be invited to join the Board and serve as editor of Newsworthy. My involvement with Adult Literacy Fredericton has been my absolute pleasure. The dult learners with whom I have worked surprise me everyday with their dedication to earning. Their hard work and success – whether it be a new skill mastered or a new word added to their vocabulary enhances my satisfaction. If I can make a difference in he life of any one of my learners, I have reached a goal because literacy is not a luxury, t is a right and a responsibility. Current hobbies/personal interests: travelling, gardening both flowers and vegetables, reading – member of a Book Club 24+ years old, Charter member of Delta Kappa Gamma International – a professional women educators rganization 1978-2025 ; Past President of both the Provincial Organization & Local Chapter. Presently serving as Secretary for both. Favourite Book: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Vice President - Mo Kinlad Mo Kinlad is a senior management professional and tech entrepreneur with over two decades of experience leading transformative initiatives across technology, consulting, and social impact sectors. She has held leadership roles in digital transformation, e-commerce, and public sector innovation, with a proven ability to drive results, build trusted partnerships, and deliver scalable solutions. She holds an MBA in Venture Commercialization and Investment from the University of New Brunswick, as well as advanced degrees in Computer & Information Science and Computer Science. Beyond her work in tech and management consulting, she is deeply passionate about community development and equitable access to opportunity. She joined ALF in 2023 to continue the legacy of her late father—a lifelong educator and professor in adult education—and to contribute her skills toward creating sustainable, inclusive impact. She is also the founder of a tech startup focused on making access to opportunities safer and more equitable for immigrants. Her work, both in tech and community service, reflects a deep commitment to inclusion and social mobility. Her hobbies include walks, journaling, creative sustainable fashion and lifestyle design, and exploring new ideas—especially those centered around technology and community impact. Her favorite book is Buy the Future by Dr. Mensa Otabil, which has shaped her perspective on purpose, vision, and transformational leadership.
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Treasurer - Kaely Scott I have been volunteering as a board member with ALF since 2019 when I moved back to Fredericton after living away. I originally decided to volunteer as I was studying adult education at UNB and was looking for a way to reconnect with my community. I have continued to volunteer with the organization because I love what we do, and I believe we offer a service to people that is invaluable. Adult education is near and dear to my heart, and I am fortunate enough to be a WES program officer with Working NB, so I get to work in this field every day. It is amazing to see the changes that are possible for someone when they have the resources they need. When I am not working or volunteering with ALF, I love spending time outside, curling, and reading. I don’t think I could ever choose my favourite book-but one of my favourite reading activities is to read the contenders for Canada Reads each year.
Director - Vinita Achankunju My name is Vinita Thomas Achankunju, I am a healthcare professional with nearly 20 years of experience. I am a Registered Neurophysiology Technologist and a Certified Health Executive (CHE). I have worked across both Canadian and international healthcare systems, combining clinical practice with teaching, program development, and leadership. I hold a Master’s in Applied Health Sciences from Western University and am currently pursuing a Master’s in Adult Education and Health. I am deeply passionate about community health, health education, health promotion, and immigrant health. I will be starting my PhD at the University of New Brunswick in Fall 2025. I began volunteering with Adult Literacy Fredericton at the end of 2024 because I strongly believe in the power of education to transform lives. As both an adult learner and educator, I’m passionate about supporting others in developing literacy skills, building confidence, and engaging in lifelong learning. In my personal time, I enjoy nature walks, cooking, spending quality time with my family, and reading. One of my favorite books is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho—a timeless story about dreams, purpose, and self-discovery.
Director- Aricie Coq I hold a professional background in Agricultural Economics and Community Development, with several years of experience working at the intersection of rural development, food security, and sustainable agriculture. My academic and fieldwork experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of the economic, social, and environmental challenges faced by farming communities, particularly in under-resourced regions. I began volunteering at ALF in December 2024 after learning about its impactful work in promoting literacy and lifelong learning. I was drawn to ALF's inclusive mission and its grassroots approach to creating equitable access to education for all. Volunteering here has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to causes I deeply care about—especially in supporting learners of all ages in building confidence and skills. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy reading, nature walks, and gardening. I'm also passionate about languages and cultural exchange, and I spend time exploring world cinema and trying out new recipes from different cuisines. My favorite book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, a timeless story about purpose, resilience, and following one’s dreams.
Director - Meghan Jagoe Meghan works as Legislative Counsel, drafting Acts and Regulations for the Province of New Brunswick, working previously as a lawyer with Legal Aid. I have been a Board Member with ALF since December 2023. I spend my spare time yelling about hockey and basketball and playing saxophone with my band, Jock & the Docs. My favourite book is the last book I’ve read, so currently The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager. So much of modern life and society pre-supposes a certain level of literacy, and anyone struggling in that regard faces institutional and administrative barriers to full participation. ALF’s approach of providing personalized tutoring is an invaluable resource in helping those in need achieve greater opportunities.
Director - Alexis LeFait My professional background is rooted in the sciences. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from Mount Saint Vincent University, followed by a Master of Science from Saint Mary’s University, both located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Currently, I serve as the Microbiology Laboratory Manager at Chinova Bioworks in Fredericton. I’ve been with the company since 2019, originally joining as a laboratory intern. Over the years, I’ve grown alongside the organization and now help to manage daily lab operations, contributing to Chinova’s mission of developing natural preservation solutions. In September 2022, I began my journey with the Adult Literacy Fredericton (ALF) Board of Directors. I was looking for meaningful ways to give back to the community and came across ALF through the Connect Fredericton volunteer website. As a lifelong reader, I was instantly drawn to ALF’s mission to “Change lives through literacy.” It was clear that this was a cause worth supporting, and I’ve felt deeply connected to their work ever since. Outside of work and volunteering, my hobbies include reading, caring for plants, and gardening. This year, I’m excited to try square foot gardening for the first time. Reading is a big part of my life—I typically read over 100 books a year. While I enjoy books across many genres, I’m especially drawn to fantasy, thrillers, mysteries, graphic novels and romance. Two of my current favorites are The Mistborn Trilogy and The Stormlight Archive series, both by Brandon Sanderson, whose storytelling and world-building continue to inspire me.
Director- Jennifer Welles I am a Professional Engineer who has worked for the Province of New Brunswick for over 25 years. I graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Chemical), and have gained experience in industrial regulation, process improvement, organizational strategy, and management. I began volunteering at ALF in January 2025. As a daughter of two math teachers, I was fortunate to grow up with literacy and numeracy as an essential part of my life. My appreciation for these skills grew as my children progressed through the school system. I joined the ALF Board to support their mission of helping adults acquire reading, writing, and numeracy skills, and to raise awareness of literacy issues in the community. I have many hobbies, but the one I always come back to is reading. It's too hard to pick just one favourite book, but, for fiction lovers, I would recommend anything by Guy Gavriel Kay, particularly the Sarantine mosaic and Tigana. I also have a long-standing fondness for Lucy Maud Montgomery's books, including Anne of Green Gables and Emily of New Moon.
History
The Literacy Council of Fredericton was founded in 1978 based on the philosophy the literacy pioneer and missionary, Frank Laubach whose materials incorporated vocabulary development and comprehensive exercises. Dr. Laubach’s challenge “Each one teach one” continues as a challenge today.
In the mid-1980s, three new programs (Challenger, Endeavor, Voyager) were added to challenge more advanced learners. In the meantime, a demand for English as a Second Language(ESL) tutoring grew, and after volunteers were trained, the program was introduced in 2004.
The first President was Joyce Astle (1978-1983) and the first Student-Tutor Co-Ordinator was Dib Watson (1978-1979). In 2005 the position of Student-Tutor Co-Ordinator and Office Manager were combined and in 2016 the title was changed to Executive Director.
In 2015, the organization changed its name to Adult Literacy Fredericton (ALF).
Today, ALF is located at 874 York Street, Fredericton where a classroom and a library are offered for free to its learners.
More than 1000 hours are provided by volunteers each year.