A Bittersweet Farewell to our Founder, Kathy Martin

Kathy Martin, founder of Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society, has stepped down from the Board of Directors.

It is so bittersweet to share that our wonderful founder, Kathy Martin, has stepped down from our Board of Directors. For over 16 years, she volunteered as our Board Chair and poured her soul into making sure families across the North Island had access to amazing programs like Mother Goose and the Literacy Bus. In 2024 she stepped down as Board Chair, but remained a board member.

While we are all going to miss her terribly, Kathy let us know that she simply feels, "it’s time." She is leaving with a happy heart, telling us how incredibly proud and impressed she is by the vision, energy, and talents of the team keeping things running.

Kathy’s passion is truly the heart and history of the Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society. Way back in 2008, she brought together different local literacy programs because she firmly believed that "literacy is the key to building healthy communities".

She paved the way for everything we do today.

As Board Co-chair Donna Merry so beautifully put it, Kathy's energy is the story of this society. It’s hard to imagine a meeting without her, but we are so glad she feels completely at peace knowing the society is in good hands and ready for the future.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Kathy, for your years of beautiful dedication. We wish you the absolute best as you dive into more of your favorite things—from running and dragon boating to your time with the community theatre. You built an incredible foundation for us, you have given our communities a beautiful foundation to keep growing upon. We promise to keep making you proud!

Jessica Brown, Executive Director

Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society