Our Team

Executive Director of Readiness To Learn + the South Whidbey Community Center

Gail holds a B.A. in Human Services & Education from Western Washington University.

Recognized for her work on rural homelessness and family support, she's a frequent speaker at conferences and a recipient of "Best Administrator" from the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children.

With 28 years of marriage, two adult children, and 5 grandchildren Gail resides in South Whidbey.

Co-Executive Director + Family Resource Coordinator

Cailyn Murray, Co-Director at Readiness To Learn since 2022. A graduate of South Whidbey High School and Western Washington University (B.A. in Human Services, with a focus on school and community partnerships). Cailyn fell in love with the FRC when she visited the site during a class field trip in 2002. She joined Readiness To Learn in 2013 as a Homework Club volunteer and was hired in 2017, a dream come true!

Cailyn focuses on community-based, family-centered programs, helping to manage large-scale initiatives through the Family Resource Center that benefit hundreds of families annually. Her career has been centered on equity-focused leadership and community building. 

Prior to her current role, she was a Program Manager at Service Alternatives, where she managed financial systems and helped ensure high-quality client care and compliance. Cailyn lives in Clinton with her husband Ken and children, Tevrin and June, and enjoys traveling river rafting, and caring for their pets.

Co-Executive Director

Ali McManus is a longtime Whidbey Island community member who is deeply committed to strengthening families and supporting inclusive, responsive services for children and caregivers. She previously served on the Readiness to Learn board from 2018–2023 and now returns as Co-Executive Director.

Ali holds a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership, a Master’s degree in Education, and a Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis. As a behavior analyst, she has spent her career supporting neurodivergent children and adults in building skills that foster autonomy, connection, and meaningful participation.

Ali finds joy in small moments—bike rides, swimming in the Sound, and blowing bubbles with her kids at the beach. She brings curiosity, compassion, and a strong belief in collective care to her leadership at Readiness to Learn.

Family Support Specialist + South Whidbey School District's Homeless Liaison

Mary's start with Readiness To Learn began in 2011, following her graduation from Washington State University's online program in Human Development.

Connecting and supporting families is her passion. She loves walking alongside people in order to try to help make their lives a little easier.

Having moved to South Whidbey in 1989, she cherishes the community and can't imagine living anywhere else. She lives with her wonderful husband and a floofy orange (one time fair grand champion) cat.

Administrative Support Specialist + Print Production

A graduate of Skagit Valley College, Crystal has been a part of Readiness To Learn for over a decade. Initially an Office Assistant, she now greets visitors at the front desk since returning to RTL in June 2021.

Her unique insight, as a former recipient of services, shapes key programs like Back to School and Holiday House.

Raised on Whidbey Island, she has two adult children who attended South Whidbey Schools.

Academic Coach for SWMS and SWHS + Youth Engagement Specialist

Jenny, raised on Whidbey Island, graduated from the University of Washington in 2006 with a History degree. For fourteen years, she successfully operated a horse training business, developing elite horse and rider pairs for three-day eventing. In 2021, Jenny returned to her roots after completing a Social and Human Services program at Seattle Central College.

Driven by a passion for youth mentorship and community service, Jenny champions equity and inclusion as foundations for strong communities. After volunteering for Readiness To Learn’s Tutor Time, she became their Youth Engagement Specialist and an Academic Coach for McKinney-Vento students in grades 6-12. Jenny is deeply inspired by her students and dedicated to advocating for their needs.

In her free time, she enjoys life on her family farm in Clinton with her animals. Her leisure time is filled with live music, winter skiing, year-round hiking, and summer paddle boarding, embracing the Pacific Northwest’s scenic outdoors.