G.L.A. Gaithersburg Literacy Academy

G.L.A. Gaithersburg Literacy Academy

Gaithersburg Literacy Academy's program combines enrichment and intervention to meet Montgomery County students where they are academically. We service students age 1 year to 5th grade between the hours of 4–7pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.

This is a joint venture between Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church and Epworth’s Ana A Brito Foundation.

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Our Approach

Assess & Grow

We use ongoing assessments to identify student needs and measure growth.

Hands-On Learning

We provide engaging, hands-on learning experiences that strengthen reading and math skills.

Supportive Environment

We create a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and socially.

Targeted Literacy Support

Gaithersburg Literacy Academy uses the Let’s Read Brand in our tutoring targeted at 2nd grade learners.

GLA Staff

GLA Site Coordinators

Rev. Jennifer Fenner

The Reverend Jennifer Fenner – “Pastor Jen” – was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and grew up in Howard County, Maryland. She is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and served churches in Prince Georges and Montgomery County. She is currently serving as the Lead Pastor of the Epworth United Methodist Church in Gaithersburg, MD. As of 2025, she has been named the interim Executive Director of Epworth’s Ana A Brito Foundation.

Reverend Fenner has also served in Nicaragua, Central America, where she was Mission Intern through the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Returning from Nicaragua she worked with the Church Center for the United Nations, educating church and community groups through personal encounters with justice work in New York City. Additionally, she served two years as a Young Adult Missionary in Residence for the General Board of Global Ministries, equipping young adults to serve globally for change.

She graduated Summa Cum Laud from the Drew University Theological School in Madison, New Jersey, with a Master’s in Divinity and was honored with the Hebrew Bible Award.

She is currently a resident of the City of Gaithersburg; married to Edgard Téllez -Morales and mother to Xiloxochitl Sofía and Daniel Antenor Xolotl Téllez Fenner, both students at the University of Maryland and graduates of Gaithersburg High School.

Pastor Jen finds deep meaning in Genesis 32 as Jacob returns to make peace with his brother, wrestles face to face with God at the river Jabook, holds on all night for blessing and walks
away with a permanent limp. A lived experience with God will forever change who we are, how we show up in the world, where we are led to walk, and the ways in which God uses us for God’s purposes.

Fully bilingual English/Spanish, Pastor Jen is committed to promoting justice and community engagement as part of the praxis of faith.

Pastor Jennifer Fenner
Interim Executive Director

Rev. LeAnn Hodges

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Pastor LeAnn Hodges

Seemab Asif

Faith, family, and service have always been central to my life. As the daughter of a bishop who served the Christian community in Pakistan for over 50 years, I learned that faith is expressed through love, compassion, and kindness.

With over 20 years of teaching experience, I am honored to serve as Sparks Lead for Children’s Discipleship and Connection at Epworth United Methodist Church.

My goal is to create a welcoming space where children feel loved, valued, and encouraged to grow in faith through Bible stories, prayer, music, creative activities, and friendship. I believe that by working together with families, we can inspire children to live with kindness, compassion, and a heart for serving others.

At Sparks, I want every child to know three simple truths: God loves you, you belong here, and your life can make a difference.