Board Members

President

Ramona Kluth

Ramona has been a board member since July 2023 and the president since January 2024.

"I believe in the cause of PVLA. I hope to see the organization continue to meet the goals and objectives of the PVLA."

Secretary

Angie Biester

Angie has been a board member since August 2022.

"Literacy is such an important part to helping those in our community overcome language barriers. I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and make a difference in other lives.

It would be nice to see more locations for classes so that we can meet the needs in Columbus and surrounding areas. It would be awesome if we could see an increase in the number of people utilizing the PVLA programs. It is hard to know the true impact of the PVLA programs, but it is safe to say that it has generational impacts.

Being a part of an organization that has acknowledged a need within the community and has made a difference."

Treasurer

Tammi Gotschall

Tammi has been a board member since February 2022.

"A friend suggested I join the board. Many years ago, I volunteered as a tutor for the program. Supporting this agency and its worthwhile mission is very important to me.

I teach ESL through CCC Adult Education. With the help and support of PVLA, I hope to help our students achieve their goals and be proud citizens of our community."

Members

Dee Condon

Dee has been a board member (for this round) since July 2023 and is on her 5th 3-year term.

"The first time I joined the board I was employed at Columbus Public School working in the Administration Building working with the ESL population. That experience certainly helped me understand the importance to make learning the English language to the adults in the homes of those students available. PVLA did that at the time, and still does. Making the program bigger and more available seemed necessary and over the many years of my involvement that has happened. There is still a long way to go as the population in this community who need this support continues to grow and diversify. PVLA does what it can to expand and meet the needs where they can, which is a good thing.

I would like to see the program continue to grow and expand. Remaining current with area needs would seem to be very important. I hope we can continue to add board members from different cultures to our membership. It is so important the board hears concerns from the population."

Yanet Rubio

Yanet has been a board member since September 2023.

"I love the purpose of the PVLA so, of course, when I had the opportunity to be part of the board, I took it. I believe that PVLA plays such an important role in making a great impact on the integration and learning on our whole community. Every class PVLA does changes someone’s life, making it 100% better.

My hopes and dreams for the future is that PVLA keeps growing. I hope that we can reach out and change thousands of family’s lives and make the process easier and more welcoming for every immigrant in our area."

Terri Hotovy

Terri has been a board member since September 2023.

"I’ve always valued education and felt this association provided a valuable resource for nontraditional students and wanted to be a part of the organization. I worked for several years at Central Community College and truly enjoyed working with the students and educators at the college.

I hope to remain in good health and to be a person who contributes to the community for many years. I hope for the health and well-being of my family."

Duane Matson

Duane has been a board member off and on for approximately 20 years. He's been involved with at least four different executive directors.

He decided to serve on the board "ultimately to help those who need the help the most. I sued to maintain a learning center at work when I first started. That was helping individuals, as well as the company, grow.

I hope to find myself in an educational/training field where I can help individuals grow and reach their career or educational goals."

Olivier Musungay

Olivier has been a board member since June 2023

"I started to volunteer at PVLA since 2012, and always need to serve my community. Back home, I have a bachelor’s degree in education and have been teaching many years. So, teaching English and integration class is a good way to help all immigrant in my community and learn more about American culture.

I will need to continue  to serve my community through PVLA as long God will give me Strength and grace."

Vanessa Adame

Vanessa has been on the board since April of 2024, but she has worked with PVLA and CCC for more than a year.

"I decided to serve on the PVLA board because I loved my time at PVLA and CCC, where I had the opportunity to help individuals reach their goals. I am passionate about collaborating with board members who truly care about the future of the students, This shared commitment to making a positive impact inspired me to take on this role.

I hope to be a part of strong collaborations among board members, teachers, and the community to enhance the educational programs and resources PVLA has so that every student can leave with the skills, confidence, and inspiration they need to succeed in their future.

Thank you for the opportunity to come back and be part of the PVLA family."

Cindy Sanchez

Cindy joined the board in August 2021, and recently committed to her second 3-year term.

"I wanted to be able to come back to give back and serve PVLA in a different way. PVLA was my very first job ever. I started out as a Family Literacy aide at sixteen years old. It was my high school job, and I went through the ranks. I taught everything from civics, to ESL, and even helped with GED instruction. Staying in Columbus and raising my own family here has pushed me to want to do more and be a part of my community. Being part of PVLA, I now get give back but in a different way.

I would love to go back to school and finish up my graduate degree while raising my three kiddos and crazy dogs. I would love to see more people from my generation and younger take part in their community and community events. There’s always way to be part of and give back to our community.

I love and appreciate the chance to be part of such an amazing board and organization. Seeing how the programs and classes are directly affecting families and neighbors has got to be one of the most rewarding feelings."