
Our Board
Meet Our Board
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Laura Umthun
Chair of the Board
Adult literacy has been my passion and the reason that I returned to college to obtain my Master’s Degree in Adult Education from the University of Idaho. Recently retired, I taught adult education classes for over 15 years and served as the Director of the North Idaho College Adult Education Center for five years. Over much of my career, I have had the pleasure to team with educators who have dedicated their teaching careers to working with adults, ELL, and ESL learners. I am married to Dave, a retired fire battalion chief. I have two daughters and four grandchildren. I am involved with several community non-profits and enjoy hiking, kayaking, teaching yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and creatively working in my clay studio.
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Cam Darmstadt
"Literacy not only elevates the person, it also elevates the entire community.
Achievement. Liberty. Prosperity - these are the things I feel that literacy brings to our lives. When we’re literate, we feel proud of what we’ve accomplished, and we have the freedom to make choices and explore new possibilities. And let’s not forget about the opportunities that literacy opens up for personal, financial, and social success.
But here’s the thing: literacy is not something that everyone has. It’s a privilege that many people in our community and across the country do not have. And that’s why I’m so passionate about the Literacy Project of North Idaho. As a Board Member, I believe that literacy can change lives, and I’m committed to helping our students, volunteers, staff, and our Executive Director make that happen.
Cameron-Luc is a graduate of Williams College with Honors in History. He is also a graduate of McGill University with a certificate in French. He resides in North Idaho."
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Sarah Swanby
Sarah has been a volunteer instructor and tutor at LPNI since January 2024. Born and raised in rural WA, she graduated from the University of Idaho and Lewis-Clark State College with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Social Work. She worked for many years in healthcare social services. Sarah values lifelong learning, building an inclusive and compassionate community, and also enjoys traveling, hiking, and snowshoeing.
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Barb Tetherow
Organization Accountant
Barb is an enrolled agent with a rich tapestry of experiences and accomplishments, woven together by her unwavering commitment to excellence. She has many hobbies, including trail running, biking, and reading. Her journey is a source of inspiration, showcasing the profound impact one person can have on the world.
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Kat Gilmore
Founder
A passionate advocate for adult literacy, Kat founded The Literacy Project of North Idaho to help adults gain vital reading, writing, and English language skills. Teaching adults to read is an honor. As we know, reading opens up worlds to those who brave them.
She is a professor at North Idaho College where she has taught English since 2014. With a background in literature and philosophy, she has always been interested in where the philosophy of ethical and social ideals meet the storytellers.
Kat is an avid ultra runner and adventurer in all things outdoors.
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Christie Boss
Christie is a North Idaho native and the owner of Idaho Consulting & Accounting, where she supports nonprofit organizations, HOAs, and utility districts throughout the region. With over 15 years of experience in nonprofit financial management, she’s passionate about helping community boards stay organized, informed, and effective in their work.
She joined the Literacy Project board because she believes strong reading skills are the foundation for lifelong confidence and opportunity — and she’s excited to support a mission that builds up both individuals and the broader community. When she’s not working with numbers or nonprofit boards, you’ll usually find her on a dirt trail, soaking up the sunrise on a long run (preferably with snacks in hand).
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Antigone Twidt
Antigone’s goal is to continue her lifelong education. She is a REALTOR in Idaho and Washington with a focus on universal home ownership. Her specialties include first-time home buyers, new construction, investment properties and helping buyers/sellers transition during difficult times.
Long ago and far away, she studied foreign languages and it continues to help her empathize with ESL (English as a Second Language) learners. She finds her role as a tutor very entertaining as well as challenging.
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Liz Marcela Gathercoal
ESL Educational Advisor
Liz is a finance and accounting professional with over 4.5 years of combined experience in auditing and accounting, and more than 15 years working in the nonprofit sector and is currently pursuing her CPA certification. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education as well and is bilingual.
With her experience in nonprofit leadership and community engagement, she’s interested in supporting community initiatives and is happy to contribute her skills to help advance the mission of The Literacy Project of North Idaho.