Chrissy Howard was named Manager of Reading Success by 4th Grade in 2019, and brings with her a deep understanding of the work of the initiative. Most recently at Springfield Public Schools, Howard served as an Instructional Leadership Specialist in Literacy. She has also previously worked as a teacher, instructional coach, literacy leader and principal in Springfield and Worcester. Howard earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Wheelock College; her Master’s in Education from Harvard University; and her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) from Simmons University, focused on urban elementary education. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree at UMass Amherst in the Language, Literacy and Culture program. Howard is active in the community as a member of the board of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts and the Harvard Club of Western Massachusetts. She was part of BusinessWest’s 40 Under 40 class of 2018, and is also a recipient of the Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Howard resides in Springfield with her husband, Geoff, and their two young daughters.