What is United Readers?
United Readers is one of UWSN’s signature programs that is designed to support K-5 students in developing foundational reading skills. With a focus on personalized support, this program pairs United Readers Mentors with students for one-on-one and small group sessions.
How United Readers Works:
- Students participate in structured lessons to enhance their ability to hear and manipulate the sounds contained within words.
- Dedicated Mentorship: Students engage in focused 30-minute sessions twice weekly with United Readers Mentors, promoting steady progress in foundational literacy skills.
- Proven Success: 96% of participating students demonstrated improvement in their abilities.
Meet Our Mentors
Jackson Bourgon
Jackson Bourgon serves as a United Readers Mentor, supporting students in literacy and English essentials while building meaningful connections within the school community. His passion for this work stems from his experience with Opportunity Village and his background in early childhood education. Outside of the classroom, Jackson enjoys Dungeons & Dragons, editing, and videogaming. If you’re ever in Las Vegas, he recommends grabbing a bite at Hwaro 2.
Catherine Burbank
Catherine Burbank is a United Readers Mentor, helping students in kindergarten through fifth grade build foundational literacy skills to strengthen reading fluency and confidence. She was inspired to join UWSN because of her children, who motivate her passion for supporting young learners. Outside of work, Catherine enjoys playing League of Legends and visiting theme parks. For anyone visiting Las Vegas, she recommends checking out the AdventureDome for a fun experience.
Elena Ladislao
Elena Ladislao serves as a United Readers Mentor, supporting students from kindergarten through fifth grade in developing foundational literacy skills and improving reading fluency. She joined UWSN because of her passion for helping others and her belief in creating meaningful impact in the community, especially for children who are the future of our society. Outside of work, Elena enjoys pretending to be dinosaurs with her 4-year-old son and singing with the Las Vegas Master Singers. When visiting Las Vegas, she recommends exploring the beauty of Red Rock or the Valley of Fire.
Katya Navarrete
Katya Navarrete is a United Readers Mentor, helping young students strengthen their reading skills by learning letter sounds and building confidence as they read. She was inspired to join UWSN because of the organization’s commitment to supporting the community, especially its dedication to helping children succeed in school. Outside of work, Katya enjoys reading and attending Pilates classes. When visiting Las Vegas, she recommends stopping by the Museum of Illusions, one of her favorite local spots.
See Our Schools
Nevada Rise Academy: Through rigorous academics, high-quality instruction, and intentional character development, Nevada Rise Academy Charter School places every kindergarten through 5th grade student on a path to college, and ensures each student has access to life’s fullest opportunities.
Vegas Vista Academy: Vegas Vista Academy breaks down the barriers set by traditional patterns of inequality through experience and education. We facilitate equity and access for all to a data- driven, world class curriculum focused on academic excellence, community service learning, bilingual fluency, and outdoor experiential education.