Meet Our Staff

Vicki Ellis

Executive Director

616.843.1470

Born and raised in Metro Detroit, Vicki always appreciated the significance of community. Throughout her journey, which has taken her to various places including Indianapolis and Lancaster, PA, she eventually settled in Grand Haven nearly 20 years ago. During this time, she has devoted herself to fostering connections and creating opportunities for growth.

Vicki has been married for over 25 years to her loving husband, and are proud parents of two adult sons who are forging their unique paths in life. Supporting them as they grow and pursue their passions has been one of her greatest joys.

Vicki enjoys reading, kayaking, hiking, outdoor winter activities, and traveling. She particularly values visiting family in Colorado and exploring destinations with her husband, such as India, Costa Rica, and various locations across the U.S. Spending quality time with friends and family is also important to her.

Vicki stated, "I am thrilled about my new opportunity with READ Ottawa, where I have the privilege of focusing on a specific area of our community to help expand the organization’s mission. By increasing awareness, forging new partnerships, and collaborating with an exceptional staff and board, I am eager to support adults in their journey toward literacy and personal growth, helping them build brighter futures for themselves and their families."

Marisol Stork

Pair Coordinator
Grand Haven / Northwest Ottawa County

marisol@readottawa.org

616.834.0607

Born in Iowa, but raised in Wisconsin, and a resident of Michigan since 1994, Marisol is a true Midwesterner at heart. Marisol has both a BA in Psychology and Religion, and a MSW in Social Work with an emphasis in Marriage & Family therapy. She is happily married, and a mother to two children and a rescue dog. Marisol started with READ Ottawa as a volunteer in 2012. She then took over at the Pair Coordinator in 2013, and has served the organization in that capacity since. Marisol loves the people she gets to meet in her job, and is proud to serve her community by working with READ Ottawa.

Lynn Groothuis

Training Coordinator
Ottawa County

lynn@readottawa.org

616.414.0295

Lynn is a graduate of Calvin College with Bachelor's in Education. She taught at Zeeland Christian School from 1988 to 2022 in the regular classroom and as the visual arts instructor. Lynn has a passion for mentoring and has served in that role for the Ethnic Diversity Alliance, 70×7 Ministry, Alternative Education in Grand Haven and more. She believes strongly in the power that literacy brings and is committed to helping foster dignity in every learner. In her free time Lynn enjoys golfing and hiking with her husband as well as collecting interesting driftwood on the beaches of west Michigan.

Richelle Hofman

Pair Coordinator
Holland / Zeeland

richelle@readottawa.org

616.795.9991

Richelle graduated with a Bachelor’s in English from Hope College and went on to receive a Master’s degree in Education from Grand Valley State University. She spent nearly thirty years in the high school classroom as an educator at Hamilton Community Schools teaching primarily British and American Literature. Richelle also stayed busy by teaching evening English classes at Hope College as well as coaching Hamilton’s Freshman Girls Basketball Team and Science Olympiad Team. Richelle has volunteered for READ Ottawa as both an Assessment Coordinator and tutor. Having grown up in West Michigan, Richelle believes the work READ Ottawa does changes lives and has a positive impact on her community. Richelle loves to mow her lawn, work in her flower garden, watch Hallmark movies, read, browse Amazon, and spend time with her husband, two daughters, and three furry cats.

Jacquie Karr

Pair Coordinator
Hudsonville / Zeeland

jacquie@readottawa.org

616.834.0998

Born and raised in North Muskegon, MI, I earned a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from the University of Michigan, which laid the foundation for my diverse professional career journey. I have embraced a variety of roles in volunteer leadership, community outreach, and management, always seeking new challenges and growth opportunities.
Recently relocated from Hudsonville to Holland, I continue to empower others as a certified life coach. Engaged with Blue Zones initiatives and global experts from Ikaria, Greece, I help midlife individuals design their purposeful “best next in life” path, focusing on health, wellness, and longevity through workshops and events.
Family is at the heart of my life, and I cherish every moment spent with my grandkids as we build memories and a legacy. I love immersing myself in nature and enjoy kayaking, hiking, beach outings, Mediterranean cooking, traveling, and meeting new people.
I am excited about working with READ Ottawa because I am passionate about
connecting with people in purposeful ways that help them move forward to reach their dreams and achieve their goals.