The People of PVLA

Overall, the PVLA isn’t what many would consider a huge nonprofit. Our focus is local, as we provide classes that benefit the people who live in Platte and Colfax counties, as well as the surrounding area. While we may not be large, the people who keep the PVLA running make a huge impact.

Who Keeps the PVLA Running?

The PVLA Board

At the top of the list of the People of PVLA is the board of directors. These individuals ensure that the PVLA does what it can to fulfill its mission and stay financial responsible. For more information about these people, please click on the tab above.

The Executive Director

Next in line after the PVLA board is the executive director. This position is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the PVLA. From budgets to hiring to community outreach, the executive director does what is necessary to provide the programs that are the most beneficial to students.

Jessica has been the executive director since February 2023. Her role is only part-time, and she spends the rest of her working week teaching English classes at CCC and as a Writing Coach on campus. “There are two things that make me incredibly proud of what I do at PVLA: one is providing a safe space for students to learn, and the second is connecting them to the Columbus community.”

Classroom Instructors

While the PVLA board and executive director are responsible for much of the behind-the-scenes work, it’s the instructors that are the true lifeblood of the nonprofit. Without them, the PVLA would not be able to function. We are so thankful and appreciative of the individuals who provide their time and expertise to teach students.

We have instructors for the following classes:

Citizenship

Yesenia is the citizenship instructor in Schuyler, and she teaches on Saturdays. She started teaching in May of 2024. “My passion for U.S. history drives me to empower adults on their journey to becoming U.S. citizens. It’s incredibly fulfilling to motivate them as they pursue their own dreams and goals. I believe in the transformative power of education and am committed to helping adults realize their aspirations, all while providing this invaluable support at no cost. Together, we can build a brighter future!”

Melanie teaches citizenship in Columbus on Monday evenings, and she has been with the PVLA since the fall of 2020. “I previously enjoyed working with CCC Adult Education and PVLA students as the volunteer coordinator, and I wanted to continue when I took a full-time job as the CCC-Columbus Academic Success Center director. I love helping PVLA students reach their goal of becoming a United States citizen!”

Introductory ESL and Integration

Lorena teaches the Introductory ESL and Integration class on Thursday nights in Columbus. This is one of our newest class offerings, so she has only been with PVLA since January of 2025. “I have the desire to help more people and families in our community. I love teaching the integration class, this class has helped so many adults adapt to life in the US by providing English language skills, digital literacy and knowledge of resources and services that our community has to offer. I definitely see myself teaching at PVLA for many more years to come!”

Introductory ESL

Toni teaches the Introductory ESL class on Tuesday mornings, and she has been with PVLA since February 2025. “I recently retired but wanted to keep busy. I wanted to meet new people and also contribute to the community. I felt that teaching ESL would meet these goals. I would like to continue teaching ESL and also looking for other opportunities to volunteer.”

Family Literacy

Lana has been the Family Literacy instructor at Emerson Elementary since August 2024. “I wanted to become a PVLA instructor because I enjoy helping people who are new to our community. I especially love teaching English and interacting with people from different countries.”

Conversational English

Bill has been teaching the Conversational English class in Columbus for at least 10 years—but no one really knows for sure how long he’s been here, so he could have been teaching for much longer! “I saw an article in a church bulletin asking for volunteer tutors. It has been rewarding to see former students doing well.”

Outreach ESL

Mikaela has been teaching Outreach ESL classes since July 2024. These classes are offered by various businesses around town, and Mikaela goes on-site to instruct the employees. “I like making people feel seen, heard and giving them a friendly face when they may be trying to acclimate to a new country or culture. I also like helping people, and seeing their faces light up when they realize that they can communicate with me makes my day. I love seeing my students in class every week, knowing they are paying attention and trying hard to learn. They are doing very well and I am proud of them all.”

A Place for All

The PVLA has been around since the 1980s, and we continue to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the classroom and beyond. Everyone at the PVLA plays a vital role, and we couldn’t ask for a better team!

Keeping Kids Busy Over the Summer

Photo by zhang kaiyv

School ended last week, which means summer has officially started. This can be both a blessing and curse with having kids at home, but we have some ideas that can help you and them stay sane over the next few months.

Visit the Local Library

A good way to keep kids engaged over the summer is to visit the Columbus Public Library. Not only do they have a selection of amazing books to choose from, but they also have a variety of activities to keep the entire family engaged.

Whether you have a young child, a tween, or a young adult, there is something for everyone. Check their calendar often this summer for fun happenings for the entire family!

Visit the Children’s Museum

In addition to checking out the local library, you also might spend some time at the Columbus Area Children’s Museum--as they are both in the same building!

Some of the exhibits you can engage with here include Kidstown, Farm Adventure, the Loup River Water Table, and a Sensory Room, among others. 

According to the website, “The Columbus Area Children’s Museum is a wonderland of learning disguised as fun. CACM’s exhibits lets kid’s imaginations soar as they roleplay in shops and adventures mirroring those found in Columbus, sparking an understanding of community and commerce.”

Plan a visit today!

Sign Kids Up for Youth Programs

From swimming lessons to summer camps, the Columbus YMCA has a variety of events to keep you and your kids busy during the summer. Visit their Upcoming Events to discover what options they have to offer.

Columbus Public Schools even has some summer camps for you to consider, and you can find the right one for your kiddo by visiting their webpage. 

Centro Hispano is also offering a Camp Centro to keep kids engaged during the summer. More information can be found on this events page. 

Get Engaged with the Columbus Community

In addition to events that are focused specifically on kids, there are also numerous family-friendly events that will be put on by the City of Columbus during the summer. For a list of all the fun that can be had, please check out the Columbus Chamber’s webpage. You’re sure to find something that everyone will enjoy!

Find Some Time to Rest

While heading out into the community and exploring what Columbus has to offer can be incredibly fun, don’t forget to schedule some time for rest. That might include sitting on the couch with your favorite book, or having a fire on your back patio (assuming there are no fire bans in place!). 

You can make the evening even more special by making s’mores or grilling with friends. You might also plan a family movie night, or lay on a blanket in the backyard and count the stars.

Fun for All  

Summer is here, and with that comes a lot of fun. There is a lot to do in our amazing community, and we hope you’ll venture out to explore, but also remember to enjoy some quiet moments when you can.