Anne Arundel County Literacy Council

It is a pleasure to introduce Philana Murphy, AACLC’s new Literacy & ESL Student Coordinator. In April, Philana joined our staff as the Literacy & ESL Student Coordinator. She first became acquainted with the Literacy Council’s work as a grant liaison in 2013 and has been a long-time admirer of the organization ever since.

Philana has volunteered and consulted with organizations ranging from nonprofits and small businesses to Fortune 500 companies across multiple sectors. A Maryland native, she enjoys outdoor activities such as running and gardening, as well as spending time with loved ones. Philana is thrilled to be part of the Literacy Council, sharing the common thread of connection and community.

Matthew Gallagher Assumes New Program Director Role at AACLC

We are delighted that AACLC tutor and former ESL Student Coordinator Matthew Gallagher has taken on the role of Program Director, effective May 1. He will oversee our adult education and tutor training programs.

Matt grew up in the suburbs of Washington, DC, where he lives today. He graduated from Iona College in New Rochelle, New York.

Matt taught in schools in New York and Washington, DC, before starting work with the American Red Cross, during which he worked at the national, regional, and local offices. He also did earthquake relief in the former Soviet Republic of Armenia for five months. While at the Red Cross, Matt served as an instructor for various health and disaster-preparation courses.

In 2001, Matt returned to Maryland. He earned his Master’s Certificate in Government Contracting from George Washington University and has worked as a contracting officer for various government departments, including the Library of Congress.

Matt has been an ESL instructor at St. Mary’s Church in Annapolis since 2018. He started with the AACLC in 2024 as an ESL tutor and has since contributed far beyond the scope of a tutor.

With Matthew on board as Program Director, the Literacy Council is poised to expand our reach, grow partnerships, and serve more adult learners in 2026 and beyond.

Congratulations and thank you, Matthew!

The Literacy Council’s volunteer body includes people living in the county and outside it, married couples, neighbors, former colleagues, retirees, and working men and women.

Our volunteers are:

+ tutors who helped students pass the citizenship test, get a driver’s license, register to vote, read to their children, earn a high school diploma, sign up for a library card and use it, create a resume and send an email, get a better job, and much more.

+ a team of people who welcome, assess, and assist students receiving our services.

+ people who train and coordinate with our tutors.

+ the great folks who manage everything from student progress tracking to reporting, governance, and resources.

+ and people who help out at events like our Appreciation Dinner and Book Fair.

Volunteers come to Literacy Council work in various ways, but they all have one thing in common: a desire to make a difference in someone’s life in the communities where we live.

Thank you for volunteering!