New Reading Clinic Executive Director: Dr. Faries
The Board of Directors of The Reading Clinic announced the appointment of Dr. S. Glenn Faries, M.D., F.R.C.P.[C] as its new Executive Director.
Dr. Faries will succeed Dr. Julie Dunstan, M.A., Ph.D. [Cantab.], who will be stepping down on August 31st, 2015 after six years in the post.
A physician by training, Dr. Faries practiced as an academic pediatrician at The University of Colorado Medical School and The Children’s Hospital of Denver [now Colorado Children’s Hospital] before returning to his native Bermuda in 2012 as Executive Director of The Sunshine League.
During the past three years he has played a key leadership role in the restructuring of The Sunshine League, which provides holistic and success-driven programmes and services for Bermuda’s children and young people. His key achievements with the charity were reintroducing the organisation into the Social Services landscape in Bermuda, development and implementation of new programming, including Pathways to Independence, an innovative transitional living programme for young men and reconnecting with donors and supporters by building on historical relationships and forging new ones.
Kevin Grant, President of the Board of Directors, said: “We are thrilled that Dr. Faries has agreed to join our team. During his career, Dr. Faries has demonstrated an energetic spirit and passion for education that we trust will translate into continued success at the Reading Clinic. We are privileged to have him on board and are looking forward to working with him as the Reading Clinic continues to grow and develop.
“On behalf of the Board, Trustees, staff, tutors and numerous volunteers, I would like to express our sincere gratitude and heart-felt thanks to Dr. Julie Dunstan for her brilliant work during her tenure with the Reading Clinic. Her achievements and success in raising the quality and availability of professional services to our valued students has been outstanding. Her tireless work ethic, professionalism and excellent leadership have made the Reading Clinic a first-class charitable organisation and community provider that Bermuda can be proud of.”
Dr. Dunstan is stepping down after a lifelong family association with The Reading Clinic. Her mother Ann was one of the first tutors at the Clinic after it was founded by Elizabeth Kitson in 1968, and later became its fundraiser and administrator, a trustee and President of the Board of Directors. Dr Dunstan herself started the ICAN Math Programme in 2007 before being appointed Executive Director in September 2009. Her sister Lynda has also served as one of the charity’s trustees.
“Whilst I am eagerly preparing for the next phase of my journey, I will certainly miss the daily interactions with those who are committed to improving the outcomes for children in Bermuda,” she said.
Dr Faries with his predecessor, Dr. Julie Dunstan, in the library of The Reading Clinic’s facility on Serpentine Road, Pembroke.
“It has been a joy to work with others who share a passion for helping children with learning differences! I do intend to continue supporting The Reading Clinic’s mission by helping out wherever I can and I wish Dr. Faries all the best in his leadership role at The Reading Clinic.”
Dr. Faries said: “What appealed to me about The Reading Clinic was that it speaks to two of my passions in life: children and education. I am looking forward to the challenge of applying the educational principles, skills and knowledge I have learned during my career as an academic pediatrician to a different environment and helping The Reading Clinic and its students become even more successful.
“One of the reasons I was drawn to The Reading Clinic was the closeness of the whole organisation, and its energised Board of Directors and staff. Dr. Julie Dunstan leaves a big pair of shoes to fill but I am joining an organisation with very solid foundations.”
He said his immediate goals would be to maintain the level of excellence of the programmes currently offered by The Reading Clinic and raise the visibility of its purpose and services by “providing education to parents and teachers about the tools we offer children to give them a better chance of success. We will continue to partner with other organisations, the corporate sector, government and individuals; by working together, we can provide the best possible services and address an issue that affects Bermudians across the spectrum of our diverse population.”
Founded in 1968, The Reading Clinic is a registered charity that promotes literacy and numeracy in Bermuda. It provides assessments, tutoring and related interventions for children with dyslexia and learning difficulties.
For more details, visit www.readingclinic.bm or call 292-3938
