Meet our Board

Our board is a group of dedicated individuals, each bringing a unique background, perspective, and set of skills to the table. United by a shared passion for supporting children with Dyslexia and language-based learning differences, our members are committed to using their talents to help our foundation thrive. Together, they work to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed, both in and out of the classroom.

Mary Belvin

Founder/Executive Director

Our founder, Mary Belvin, has been helping struggling readers for 20 years, the last nine through Literacy Intervention Services, LLC, which she founded in 2016. Mary holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Writing. She is a Certified Academic Language Therapist, Certified Dyslexia Therapist, and a Qualified Instructor. As a career educator, Mary has experience as a classroom teacher, private therapist, teacher trainer, college instructor, writing consultant, curriculum writer, and school administrator. Recognizing a strong need for struggling learners to receive specialized instruction, she is dedicated to training teachers in research-based literacy programs, thereby increasing the number of students who succeed in learning to read, write, and spell. Her passion is to bring joy, excitement, and success to learning for all.

Curtis Zachman

Chair

Curtis Zachman has over 25 years of experience in global supply chain, treasury and compliance with Flint Hills Resources and currently INVISTA, where he serves as Vice President of Global Supply Chain. Curtis earned a Bachelor’s degree in marketing from Fort Hays State University. He serves on an advisory board within the WSU School of Business and is involved with the Knights of Columbus. Curtis and his wife, Angie, have four daughters, two of whom have dyslexia.

Lisa Harris

Vice Chair

Lisa Harris is a dedicated Reading Specialist with over 16 years of experience in literacy education. Lisa currently serves as the Reading Specialist at Wichita Collegiante School, where she employs evidence-based, multisensory approaches to actively engage students in developing their literacy skills. She holds a Master's in the Art of Teaching and is a Certified Academic Language Therapist. Lisa and her husband, Jason, have four adult children including a child with dyslexia.

Scott Bender

Treasurer/Compliance

With 33 years of experience in finance, accounting, and technology, Scott Bender is well prepared for his role as Treasurer on our board. A native of Emporia, Kansas, Scott holds an accounting degree from Emporia State University (ESU). He has been an active member of the ESU community, having served on the Alumni Board of Directors and currently serving as a Trustee for the ESU Foundation, where he also advises to the Finance Committee. Professionally, Scott is the Controller for Berry Companies, Inc., and has an extensive background from his 22 years at Koch Industries. Outside of work, Scott enjoys golfing and spending time with his wife, Jill, their two adult children and their dogs.

Cristen Valentine

Secretary

Cristen Valentine is an accomplished entrepreneur, owning multiple businesses, including a property management company and a construction company. With a 15-year background in banking and an educational foundation in accounting, she brings valuable organizational and financial experience to her role on the board. Cristen is the mother of two daughters with dyslexia who have thrived through specialized tutoring, Cristen is passionate about advocating for children with learning differences and ensuring access to essential educational resources.

Kelly Walker

Committee Member at Large

Kelly Walker is a licensed family therapist, serving clients across Kansas for over twenty years. She holds a degree from Kansas State University in Family Studies and Human Services and a Master of Science in Family Therapy from Friends University. Kelly and her husband, Ryan, have six children and have directly benefitted from the unique instruction necessary for children with dyslexia. In addition to her work as a clinician and mother, Kelly is active in her children’s school, serves at the co-chair of the stewardship council and coordinates hospitality for women’s ministry at her parish.

Hanna Lane

Scholarship Chair

A graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in Business Administration, Hanna Lane worked in sales and advertising for 20 years and now spends much of her time as "Head of People Operations" for her family. Hanna and her husband, Joe, have two middle school children. Hanna's passion is to bring literacy services to all children in need. Hanna can often be found at her children's school running the bible study nursery room, working on the annual auction, or leading art classes.

Jill Bender

Fundraising Chair

Jill Bender brings a wealth of experience and passion to support BLI. A graduate of Kansas State University, Jill holds dual degrees in Accounting and Finance. She serves as Director of Enterprise Finance Applications, with twenty years at Koch. Jill's proficiency in managing projects at Koch, coupled with her expertise in hosting and organizing events, provide essential skills for her fundraising role. Her commitment to the Belvin Literacy Institute stems from a personal connection, as her family has been touched by dyslexia. Jill enjoys spending time with her husband, Scott, their children, family, and their dogs.

Meet our Board

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