New Executive Director for Literacy Society

NEWS RELEASE: February 24, 2026

Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society (MWFLS) is pleased to welcome Jessica Brown as its new Executive Director.

“We are very excited to bring Jessica on board,” said Laura Kaminker, Co-chair of the MWFLS Board of Directors. “Her diverse skill set and her commitment to the communities of the North Island make her an excellent fit with the Literacy Society.”

Jessica has her Education Assistant/Community Service Worker with Indigenous Focus certificate from North Island College and is finishing her Human Services diploma. She has completed practicums at K'ak'ot'lats'i School (Quatsino First Nation) and North Island Community Services, with an upcoming practicum at Foundry Port Hardy.

Jessica also runs her own business and has volunteered for many years in Port McNeill. She has a wide range of skills, along with a deep commitment to community service, reconciliation, and lifelong learning, and is dedicated to fostering inclusive, community-centered programs. She lives in Port McNeill with her husband Scott and their son Charlie.

"I am so excited to step into this role and work alongside the dedicated staff and board to continue fostering lifelong learning and strong community connections,” said Jessica.  “Literacy has shaped my own journey as a learner, parent, and community member, and I’m honoured to help strengthen those opportunities across the North Island. I see literacy as a pathway to empowerment, connection, and reconciliation, and I’m excited to support this work with our communities.”

Contact Jessica for general society and financial information or to donate to the literacy society at ed@mwfamilyliteracy.org. 

“We’re grateful to former executive director Charity Gillett for her leadership and support over the past two years,” said Donna Merry, Co-chair of the MWFLS Board of Directors. “We wish Charity all the best in her new role as Training and Development Manager at Quatsino First Nation.”

The Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society works with communities, schools and organizations to support literacy and learning for all ages on North Vancouver Island.

Visit the MWFLS website to learn about their free programs at: mwfamilyliteracy.org