Meet the Board
Our Board Members
Mike Hirsch
Mike is an expert in reading comprehension skills development, multi-sensory learning, and social-emotional learning. The intersection of these disciplines has led his students to grow beyond the expectations of the typical classroom environment. Mike has also influenced struggling learners among student athletes he has coached. His familiarity with the signs and needs of people with dyslexia leads to immediate diagnosis and prompt remediation. As a result, his students’ data often skews the average bell curve toward the positive.
Ken Hasty
Ken’s tremendous background in philanthropic work and business brings a veteran mindset to seeking solutions. Ken has coached athletes of every level, from pee-wee to professional basketball players, and served on the boards of several minor league basketball organizations, and community and civic organizations. A devout man of faith, and long-time proud member of the Waukegan community, Ken has seen firsthand how many people lack proper literacy training and its results at all levels.
Demitrius Haywood
Dee has seen firsthand the challenges for underserved communities in the area of dyslexia and learning disabilities. She has personally used comprehensive, sequential, multi-sensory instruction to assist students with reading difficulties. Dee is an expert in finding solutions for students with various disabilities and supporting the families of those with learning challenges. Dee currently serves as a District Representative for Chicago Public Schools (CPS).
Russell Smith
Russell has been a top performer in the Midwest region and nationally among investment consultants at Merrill, and consistently in the top 15% nationally among financial advisors in JPMorgan Wealth Management’s advisory group for several years. Holding an MBA from Kennesaw State University and expecting to complete his remaining CFA exams by early 2027, his belief in life-long learning and Literacy Rescue’s mission has inspired him to help expand our reach.