Gaston Literacy Council Staff

Deana Murphy, Executive Director, joined GLC in July 2024 after a career in education.  She previously worked as a teacher, a college lecturer at UNC Charlotte, and the Director of Pre-Kindergarten Services with Gaston County Schools. She is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Charlotte.   

With her background in education, she has seen first-hand the critical role of literacy for both personal success and as a vital member of society.  She is excited about the work of the Literacy Council and looks forward to strengthening and expanding its outreach. 

Deana enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, and is learning to embroider.  She loves sports, especially the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Green Bay Packers.  She is Board Chairperson for the Partnership for Children of Lincoln and Gaston Counties, and a member of the Workforce Development Committee, the Rotary Garden, and the Bobbie H. Rowland Foundation. She and her husband, Marty, are parents of 5 adult children. 

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Jean Ann Stuart, Assistant Director, comes to the Gaston Literacy Council with over 15 years of human service experience in the non-profit sector. She has a passion for empowering others to find joy in the life they were given. She is excited to spread joy through education and the power of reading at the Gaston Literacy Council.

Jean Ann has a BA in Psychology from Belmont Abbey College and a long history of advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Jean Ann enjoys walking, being outside, and spending time with family.

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Donna Watson, Lead ESL Instructor, joined GLC in 2012 and has over thirteen (13) years experience in adult education.

Donna graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from UNC Charlotte. She is a former employee of Gaston County Schools where she held several positions. As a Parent Specialist, Donna earned national recognition for planning successful parent involvement events in the community. During this time, she also volunteered with GLC as a reading tutor.

Prior to joining GLC, Donna taught reading in the Adult Basic Education department of Gaston College. Her passion is helping lower leveled students achieve level gains. She loves to see their enjoyment and excitement of learning English, and see their fears of a new language transform into a new self-confidence!

Donna enjoys dancing, history, documentaries, traveling and serving in her church’s missionary department.

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Elizabeth is an Adult Education Instructor at Gaston Literacy Council. She began her involvement with GLC while working as a volunteer in 2017, and quickly became a favorite of the students.

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Master of Teaching in Foreign Language Education from the University of Virginia. While pursuing her degrees, she studied abroad in Valencia, Spain. After teaching Spanish for the Clover School District, Elizabeth completed an endorsement to her Master’s Degree in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) through the College of Charleston.

When she is not working to serve her community as a sustainer of the Junior League of Gaston County or as a member of the Next Gen giving circle of Gaston Community Foundation, she enjoys essential oils, reading, tennis, and spending time with her husband and two boys in Gastonia.

Mary joins our team after retiring from Corporate America in which she was a Human Resource leader for 38 years.  She holds a BS and Masters in Education. Last year upon retirement, she volunteered to support our Reading Soul Mates program, and this year is excited to join our team to help to coordinate and support volunteers of the program.

Mary has 3 grown children and 2 beautiful granddaughters who live locally.  They are her sun, moon and stars.