About Us
Our Mission
The mission of Culpeper Literacy Council is to provide, promote, coordinate literacy services for adults 18 years of age or older in the Culpeper community.
The overall goal of Culpeper Literacy Council is to be a part of a collaborative system to help eradicate illiteracy in Culpeper. We firmly believe that our adult learners strive to become self-sustaining citizens who want to positively contribute to their communities in which they live and work. Culpeper Literacy Council not only equips adult learners with knowledge, but more importantly, we help them gain courage and hope for a better future – for themselves and their families.
Our History
Originally started in January of 1987, Culpeper Literacy Council began with a small group of 6 volunteers teaching adult students how to read and to helping high school dropouts study for their GED. In 1989, CLC was established as non-profit and has been a successful resource for adult education for almost 35 years.
CLC expanded its programs to include English as a Second Language instruction in early 2000 when Culpeper saw an increase in the number of immigrants moving from the Northern Virginia area. In 1997, there were 8 ESOL students who received services. Twenty-five years later, CLC serves on average 130 ESOL students each year.
In 2022, Culpeper Literacy Council doubled the classroom space and increased the number of classes offered. The U.S. Citizenship Test Preparation instruction was expanded, ESL Conversation Circles were added, and Reading Circles took place for the first time.
Our Services
Culpeper Literacy Council provides classes for students who wish to learn English or learn about United States Citizenship. CLC also proivides free one-on-one tutoring to adults who want to learn to read, or improve their basic math skills.
English classes are offered in levels from beginning to advanced. We also have Conversation Classes where students of all English-speaking abilities can come together for practice speaking English in a group setting. The tutor/facilitators introduce a variety of topics and make sure everyone has a chance to participate.
U.S. Citizenship Test Preparation Classes are fast-paced, challenging classes for those who are planning to take the citizenship test in the near future. The test questions are covered as well as practice filling out pre-test paperwork, answering the oral part of the test, and writing complete sentences for the written portion of the test.
Adults who want help with reading or basic math are matched with a tutor who works with them to discover their goals. From there, a personalized learning plan is developed. Weekly meetings and work outside of class keep the learning fast-paced.
Khalil Benhajjam
Director of Programs
Khalil is a native of Morocco and has called Culpeper home since 2010. A former exchange student, he completed high school in Morocco and credits his study abroad experience for deepening his understanding of what it means to be both an ESL learner and speaker. Khalil began volunteering at the Culpeper Literacy Council as an ESL tutor, where he saw firsthand how language and education can empower individuals to become confident, contributing members of their communities. With a deep personal connection to the mission of CLC, Khalil is committed to transforming the organization into a vibrant hub for learning and cultural exchange, welcoming adults from all backgrounds to grow, connect, and thrive.
Elizabeth Price
Office Administrator
Elizabeth Price is the Administrative Assistant at CLC. She previously interned at CLC while studying Teaching English as a Second Language at Liberty University. Her experience as a tutor gave her meaningful insight into the learning journey and the impact of language education.
In her role, she assists tutors with guidance and resources, while also helping learners register and schedule classes. She has been blessed to see so many students gain confidence in language learning, and she has a passion for helping others and supporting everyone in their language learning journey.
Caroline Pearce
Marketing / Social Media Manager
Caroline manages marketing for Culpeper Literacy Council, creating materials, graphics, email campaigns, and social media content that highlight the stories and impact of CLC’s work. She enjoys using creativity and communication to connect learners, tutors, and the wider community with the mission that literacy changes lives.
Board of Directors 2025
David Lee
President
David, Born and raised in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, earned a B.A. in Spanish from Wake Forest University and an M.A. in Physical Education from UNC-Chapel Hill. With a 36-year career in the Virginia public school system, he began as a high school Spanish teacher and football coach in Winchester before serving as a middle school administrator, both Principal and Assistant Principal, in Fauquier County. After retiring in 2021, David began tutoring at the Culpeper Literacy Council, joined the Board in 2023, and became Board President in 2025. He currently serves on the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors. A proud father of two grown children, Mason (34) and Marissa (29), and grandfather to Marro (1), David enjoys travel, reading, and fitness activities in his free time. He is also currently learning German and how to play the piano.
Nikii Davis
Treasurer
Nikii is a Culpeper native who did both her undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Virginia. She has been a CPA since 2004 and is currently a Supervisor at YHB CPAs & Consultants. In her spare time, Nikii enjoys traveling and playing cards & board games with her husband and their three children.
Becca Buncie
Becca is a native of Culpeper. She holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from UVA and a BSN from Marymount University. She works as a Registered Nurse and Patient Care Coordinator at the Free Clinic of Culpeper. She has a passion for literacy and health literacy and enjoys sharing her knowledge with the local community. She has tutored various classes with CLC since 2023, to include beginner conversation, ESL 5 and health literacy. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family
Griselda Sanchez
Griselda Sanchez is a project manager at Merck with over a decade of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and a licensed real estate agent for the past two years. She is also a passionate advocate for literacy, a commitment rooted in her earliest experiences helping her Mexican immigrant parents navigate life in the U.S. Through both her professional and volunteer work, Griselda is dedicated to empowering others—whether through homeownership or education.
Tiffani Jeffries Williams
Vice President
Tiffani is a Regional Manager is UVA Health System working primarily in Central Virginia. She is involved in her church and community and most recently served on the Mary Baldwin College Board of Visitors, and completed Lead Culpeper training wtih the Chamber of Commerce in 2018.
Tammy Barboza
Secretary
Tammy, a New England native, has resided in Culpeper for almost 20 years. She has served as a professional fundraiser and events specialist for numerous nonprofit organizations, both healthcare and civic minded for more than 25 years. Tammy currently manages development efforts for Encompass Community Supports and has a professional voiceover business, as well. She volunteered as a tutor of GED preparation and holds a deep appreciation for literacy and learning.
Shannon Butler
Shannon is a dentist in Culpeper. She and her husband have two college-aged children. She is an Elder at Culpeper Presbyterian Church and she has served on the board of Culpeper Literacy Council for many years.
Bryan McCormick
Bryan McCormick is the current Library Director at the Culpeper County Library. Prior to coming to Culpeper Bryan worked and lived in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa, and his career as a library director spans over 26 years. Bryan and his family love to travel and explore, and are enjoying their time here in Northern Virginia. Bryan is married to Marina who is an accounting assistant, and has two sons, Andrew at Eastern View HS and Krystofer at Floyd T. Binns MS. Bryan has several hobbies, though his main hobby is building and collecting LEGO (received his first set when he was 4 years old).
Culpeper Literacy Council
415 South Main Street, Suite 204
Culpeper, VA 22701
Call: 540-825-5804
F: 540-825-4069
Director of Programs
Email: director@culpeperliteracy.org
Office Administrator
Email: admin@culpeperliteracy.org
Thank you to our Partners in Literacy
