About Us
The Reading League Arkansas
Our mission is to advance the awareness, understanding, and use of evidence-aligned reading instruction.
Meet Our Team
Meet TRL-AR President, Lesley Paige
Lesley Paige Estes joined The Reading League because of her deep commitment to advancing the Science of Reading and ensuring that all students receive high-quality, evidence-aligned literacy instruction. With a background as a National Literacy Consultant, Certified Dyslexia Therapist, and Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist, she brings extensive experience in educator training, dyslexia intervention, and large-scale curriculum and professional development implementation. Lesley is especially passionate about empowering teachers with the knowledge and tools they need to transform literacy outcomes, and she is honored to help further The Reading League’s mission to bring evidence-based reading instruction to every classroom.
Meet TRL-AR President Elect, Francine Swickheimer
Francine Swickheimer joined The Reading League because of her own experience as a struggling reader and her commitment to ensuring every student has access to strong, evidence-aligned literacy instruction. With nearly 30 years in education, she has served as a classroom teacher, Educational Specialist, MTSS/RTI Coordinator, Literacy Director, Head of Academics, and is a certified Dyslexia Interventionist. She holds both a Master’s and Doctorate in Reading and Literacy. Now a national Educational Consultant, Francine partners with districts and educators to strengthen Science of Reading implementation. She is honored to support The Reading League’s mission to improve literacy outcomes for all students.
Meet TRL-AR Vice President, Kelly Stone
Kelly Stone joined The Reading League Arkansas because of her desire to empower teachers to directly impact students across our wonderful state. With 20 years of experience in education, she has served as a DESE State RISE Specialist, Statewide Science of Reading trainer, secondary English teacher, and K–12 Cooperative Literacy Specialist. Kelly is a trained TNTP and Cognitive Coach who supports school leaders and teachers in data-driven instructional improvement and effective literacy implementation. She is committed to ensuring every student has access to knowledgeable teachers and high-quality materials to build strong reading foundations.
Meet TRL-AR Treasurer, Raven Robinson
Raven Robinson joined The Reading League Arkansas because of her passion for children and education. With a background in finance and accounting, she brings extensive nonprofit accounting expertise to the team. Quality financial support in the nonprofit sector can be difficult to find, and Raven is grateful to contribute to The Reading League’s mission in the way she knows best—through her finance and accounting skills.
Meet TRL-AR Secretary, Erika Hubbard
Erika Hubbard joined the Reading League Arkansas to advance literacy access and opportunity for all students and champion research-based reading practices nationwide. With over 10 years of experience as an educator, leader, and consultant, she has worked across K–12 schools to strengthen instruction, lead professional development, and implement data-driven programs to track student progress and close learning gaps. Erika currently serves as Principal of KIPP Blytheville College Preparatory School. In alignment with the Reading League, she supports teachers in developing strong instructional reading practices for all learners. Her most notable achievement is raising her school’s accountability grade from an F to a B.
Reimagine the Future of Reading
Help us bring the science of reading to every educator, parent, and child.