About Us

Sound Learning Staff

Our dedicated team is the heartbeat of Sound Learning, working tirelessly to ensure that every student is provided with the tools and guidance they need to succeed. Reach out and get to know the passionate individuals behind our transformative educational programs.

Ava Taylor-Sisk

Executive Director

Manages organization, fiscal, financial, personnel and operational. Responsible for collaboration with community and local business organizations.

Maria Del Consuelo Guijosa

Thurston County Program Manager, ELA Level 1-2 Mason and Open Doors Program & Instructor

Coordinates ELA, GED, and HS+ instructional services in Thurston County. Also responsible for ELA Level 1-2 instruction and Open Doors program coordination in Shelton.

Jenny Blumenstein

Mason County ELA Program
Manager & Instructor

Coordinates classes and instructional services in the English Language Acquisition (ELA) Levels 3-6 program. Contributes to grant seeking activities.

Sheila Lent

Mason County ABE Program Manager & Instructor

Provides instruction and management for Basic
Studies (HS+, GED, Basic Academic improvement) programs.

Victoria Ridgway

Business Manager

Staffs the front desk; assists the director, program managers, and instructors with clerical tasks. Manages attendance data for reporting purposes. Schedules appointments as needed.

Mat Taylor

Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator

Manages the volunteer program including recruitment, intake,
initial orientation, and placement in collaboration with program managers. Also coordinates and participates in public events in Mason and Thurston Counties.

Cristina Holland

ESOL Instructor,
Mason County

Instructor for Level 2 ESOL students.
Prepares and delivers lessons for evening class in Shelton.

Nahun Lara

Bi-Lingual ESOL Classroom Aide,
Mason County

Delivers lessons and collaborates with instructors in the evening classes in Shelton

Our History

We were originally incorporated in 1991 as Mason County Literacy. Our 20th anniversary was marked by a new name for the organization that is appropriate to our evolving focus on the skills needed by workers, parents, and families in the 21st century.

At Sound Learning, our mission is to educate adults to succeed and contribute to their community.
Sound Learning is a non-profit organization located in Shelton, Washington.
We provide alternative education opportunities in Mason and Thurston Counties to help adults the skills and knowledge to reach education and career goals, and the ability to have the life they want for themselves and their family.
Since 1991 Sound Learning has successfully provided quality, accessible, and innovative literacy programs to a diverse community of learners representing varied educational, economic, cultural, and language backgrounds. We provide an entry to education and career pathways for students whose education was interrupted. We offer small group instruction that benefits from collaboration between experienced instructors and trained community volunteers. Students receive support at a level that’s appropriate, and classes are at times that work with their busy life schedule.
As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, donations are tax-deductible. Our Learning Center and primary office is in downtown Shelton. We have a satellite program in Thurston County that meets in various locations, including Timberland Regional Libraries and other public places.
To address the needs of our adult students we provide classroom instruction supplemented by distance learning and coordinate tutoring in a variety of subject areas including reading, writing, math, computer skills, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

Many participants are working to earn or complete a High School diploma (HS+) or GED. English Language Learners can transition to the diploma program when they are ready. All students learn to be independent learners, practice employability and digital literacy skills, and all of the skills that matter as they gain career wage employment.
ESOL classes and tutoring sessions also take place at CHOICE High School, South Puget Sound Community college campuses, the Timberland Regional Libraries, and other sites around Mason and Thurston Counties.
Our organization consists of a small professional staff, a Board of Directors, and many community volunteers. Our Board of Directors is made up of representatives from local communities, businesses, and government agencies, and is responsible for the organization’s governance, including policy and fiscal decisions.
Sound Learning’s staff also provides public education on literacy-related and diversity issues, through community presentations, displays, and a monthly electronic newsletter.
Staff and volunteers work closely with many educational institutions and community organizations, such as Shelton School District, Timberland Regional Library, South Puget Sound Community College, Olympic College Shelton, The Evergreen State College, WorkSource, Division of Social and Health Services, and other agencies in the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Area.

Values Statement

We are committed to respecting, supporting, and collaborating with the adult and youth participants in our program.
We believe that learner-centered, community-based education gives power and knowledge to people who often have not experienced success in more traditional educational settings.
We individualize instruction, building on each participant’s life experiences, interests, abilities, and personal goals as they relate to their role in the family, workplace, and community.
We are committed to bettering lives through education, because helping people to help themselves — building self-reliance — strengthens communities.

Mission Statement

We educate adults to succeed and contribute to their community.

Mission Statement

We educate adults to succeed and contribute to their community.

Vision Statement

Sound Learning transforms lives through education by helping people develop self-reliance, and strengthening community involvement through collaboration. We see a community that takes advantage of the economic and social opportunities represented by greater levels of literacy. Students and alumni are respected and represented in the business, social and education sectors.