About us
Our Mission
Empowering ESL Students. Enriching the Community. Thousands of adults in our community don’t speak English well or at all. The RALC, provides English as a Second Language instruction to help these adults improve their lives and the lives of their families. We provide a variety of classes and activities throughout each year to further their mission.
Our Story
RALC was founded in 1990 through a collaboration between several community organizations. Members of these organizations saw that Richardson’s demographics were changing and that there were gaps within adult ESL services. The organization has succeeded for more than 30 years because of its dedicated volunteers and loyal community support.
The RALC Team
Introducing our RALC Team – a group defined by dedication, expertise, and passion. Meet the faces driving our success!
Ann Banks
Executive Director
Ann earned a BA in English and Secondary Education, an MS in Education Administration and Leadership, and is certified in change management, program development, and professional coaching. Her experience as an English teacher, principal, alternative school director, college professor and administrator, corporate trainer, leadership coach, and executive leader have primed her to lead the charge as RALC continues its fourth decade serving Richardson and the north Texas region.
Carson Childress
Program Coordinator
Carson coordinates RALC’s English as a Second Language programs, including curriculum development, teacher training, student assessment, and teacher support. Her passion is creating engaging, active learning environments where adults can learn. Carson came to RALC after many years as an English Teacher. She lives in Dallas with her husband and their rescue dog Oakle.
Katelijne Lefevere
Student Success Coach
Katelijne (Kat for short) started volunteering as an ESL teacher with RALC in 2017 and joined the RALC team in 2021. Originally from Belgium, Kat is a multilingual social worker fluent in English, Spanish and Dutch. She coordinates student outreach, registration, enrollments, and communications. Kat also helps facilitate the Career Bridge Program which provides RALC students with job search training and information about various career paths. She is passionate about supporting students as they work to improve their language skills and find meaningful employment. Kat lives in Richardson with her husband and two sons.
Sara Bramlett
Volunteer Coordinator
Sara has been involved with RALC since 2015, and has served as both a teacher and Volunteer Coordinator. In her role as coordinator she helps recruit, train, place, and support both our teachers and special events volunteers. She is passionate about the RALC mission to empower students with tools to be more successful in their careers, communities, and personal lives, and is honored to work with so many wonderful teachers who are our most valuable resource in serving our students. Outside of RALC, Sara enjoys time with her husband, adult children, and her large extended family.
Gavin Castle
Administrative Financial Assistant
Gavin is responsible for the ongoing financial operations for RALC as well as giving constant support to the Executive Director. Currently working toward a degree in Finance, he is driven by an interest in identifying patterns in numbers and using statistics to effectively solve problems. He has a heart for helping people and is excited for the opportunity to further his financial education through serving his community.
Felicia Garcia
Communications Coordinator
Felicia is a Dallas native and a UT Dallas graduate. She brings a passion for nonprofit work and years of experience in marketing, branding, photography and social media management. In this role, Felicia manages the RALC newsletters and social media platforms and other forms of communication. She also works closely with the Executive Director to generate new ideas on expanding RALC’s presence and mission.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors are defined by dedication, expertise, and passion and keep RALC going!
- Daniel Burdette – President
- Kimberly Marino – Vice President
- Jennifer Davidson – Secretary
- Phil Gibbs – Treasurer
- Catherine Burdette
- Robert Grinsfelder
- Kristen Ceaser
- Chuck Mueller
- Ginger Greenberg
- Rane Burress
Hours of Operation
(Call ahead for an appointment)
972-644-5119
Walk-Ins Welcome
Monday – Thursday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM