Dr. Caroline White
CEO
Caroline White, Ph.D. is a seasoned educator with over forty years of experience in teaching and school leadership. She founded and operated a successful charter high school in Phoenix for twenty-five years. Beginning her teaching career in Texas, Dr. White also spent summers teaching English as a Second Language to exchange students at Hofstra University and Yale. Her commitment to global education extended beyond the classroom as she hosted exchange students from Asia and Europe.
Her educational insights have been published in national journals, including NASSP and the American School Board Journal. She is the author of the Jimbo children’s book series and Teaching Shmeaching, a candid and humorous reflection on her years in education. Dr. White has shared her expertise as a presenter at the National Charter School Conferences in Washington, D.C. and Chicago, and previously served as a Congressional intern.
Her creative achievements include a winning entry in the first Hollywood Hewlett-Packard calculator video competition and placing in the short script category at the Las Vegas International Film Festival. In recognition of her dedication to education and refugee support, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton proclaimed “Caroline White Day” in August 2017 in her honor.
Steve Goins
President & Chairman of the Board
Steve Goins brings a blend of technical expertise, educational devotion, and nonprofit leadership to his role as President and Chairman of the Board at Joy Literacy Foundation. With dual degrees in Computer Information Systems and Psychology from the University of North Florida, Steve combines analytical acumen with a deep understanding of human behavior, skills he has applied throughout a distinguished career.
He has held key roles at American Express, including Lead Programmer Analyst and Senior Operations Analyst, and later, as a community service, brought his knowledge to the classroom, teaching coding and chess at the high school level. Steve also served as Chairman of the Board at two Phoenix school districts, where he guided strategic growth.
An avid chess competitor and two-time Jacksonville champion, he has presented nationally on data systems at the SAS Software Conference with articles like “Controlling Files” and “The Data Cruncher.”
At Joy Literacy Foundation, Steve is dedicated to helping aspiring literacy teachers with scholarship opportunities.
Carol Boultinghouse
Director
Carol Boultinghouse brings over four decades of experience in international insurance, client relations, and account management
to her role as a Board Director. A motivated self-starter, she has held key positions at leading firms including Guy Carpenter & Company and
AIG WorldRisk, where she managed complex portfolios and built long-term relationships with clients.
Her expertise spans underwriting, marketing, contract preparation, and customer service, with a consistent focus on reliability and results.
She is known for her organizational skills and ability to navigate both day-to-day operations and high-level strategic planning.
Carol also values education and community involvement. She has taught continuing education courses for insurance professionals and
volunteers her time teaching English as a Second Language to adults.
She studied history and English at Eastfield College and Abilene Christian College at Dallas.
Her experience as an educator and mentor has shaped her practical approach to helping others grow and
gain confidence through learning.
She is an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Lions Club International.
Carol believes strong literacy skills open doors to opportunity, and she is committed to supporting programs that help individuals gain the tools they need to succeed.
Mary Goins
Director
Mary Goins brings a lifelong love of reading and a deep commitment to community well-being to the JOY Literacy Foundation Board. Her literacy journey began with the mystery of Nancy Drew books, which sparked a lasting devotion to reading and has been complemented by her regular journaling practice.
With a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management and Community Development, a Master of Arts in Gerontology, and a Graduate Certificate in Public Health Science, she combines academic excellence with real-world experience in healthcare leadership.
She held a key role at Via Christi Hospitals, where she managed medical staff services and led clinical operations for a Family Medicine Residency Clinic. There, she helped implement patient-centered care models, supporting over 100 patients daily with integrated medical, mental, and social health services.
Mary also brings business skills from 15 years in the oil and gas industry, where she held leadership positions in pipeline scheduling and natural gas liquids trading.
A recipient of numerous academic and leadership honors, she is dedicated to advancing literacy as a tool for lifelong growth. Her expertise in health systems, community development, and operations management brings valuable perspective to JOY Literacy Foundation’s mission to uplift lives through literacy.
Jennifer Groman
Director
Jennifer Groman brings deep expertise in literacy education and a lifelong dedication to student learning.
With a BA in English and a background in secondary education, she has taught language arts and English at both the middle and high school levels.
Jennifer has worked across public, charter, and preparatory schools, delivering individual and small-group interventions focused on reading and writing.
Her experience spans K-12 classrooms, with a special emphasis on developing critical thinking and communication skills.
Beyond the classroom, Jennifer is driven with a strong interest in supporting literacy among underserved communities.
She has volunteered extensively with adult English language learners and refugees,
offering instruction and support to help individuals gain confidence and language fluency.
Jennifer holds a certificate in secondary education and an endorsement in gifted education.
Her career reflects a strong commitment to inclusive, student-centered learning and a belief in the power of literacy.
Known for her exceptional kindness and willingness to go above and beyond, Jennifer is someone who consistently puts others first.
Jaron Whitfill
Director
Jaron Whitfill is a film and media professional with a strong background in both creative storytelling and technical production. A graduate of New Mexico State University, he is known for his articulate communication skills, ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and talent as a writer. A lifelong reader, Jaron is rarely seen without a book in hand, a simple habit that reflects his genuine love of learning.