Our Passionate Board
Guinea Reads started at the most basic level - children taking action to better the lives of other children in a third world country. It started with one lemonade stand by Jamie Marlowe and blossomed into stands across New England all with one purpose: make a difference. It was "Stands for School." After 7 years of supporting the school in Kouya Sidia, it was clear more had to be done. "Stands for School" became Guinea Reads with the understanding that in order to read a child must have access to books. A literacy rate of 30% means libraries aren't a priority. It will be in Kouya Sidia. Our dedicated, passionate board, along with everyone who shares the desire make a difference, is working hard make this vision a reality.
Janice Erickson is a longtime supporter and student of West African Dance & Drum for nearly 30 years. She has visited Guinea and witnessed first hand the tremendous need for literacy. She hails from central Maine and now lives in Westbrook. She does the Marketing and Office Management for OOB/Saco Adult Education.
Jeff Howe has been playing drums for dancers in the Portland Maine area for over 20 years, most often using drum rhythms from Guinea, West Africa. He's been fortunate to have been given access to the vibrant music and culture of Guinea by many African artists, in particular Namory Keita, and hopes someday to visit Guinea to experience it first-hand. Jeff writes GIS software for a living, and resides in Portland.
Irena McQuarrie has been studying West African percusion since 2015 with different teachers around the USA, particularly Washington, Hawaii, Vermont and Maine. She has been very fortunate to travel to Guinea with Namory Keita and Sayon Camara. Irena is a trained community music facilitator through Musicians Without Borders, and works as a physical therapist in Southern Maine, where she lives.
John Marlowe's passion for the people and culture of Kouya Sidia, Guinea inspired him to launch Guinea Reads. He studies the music and culture of Guinea, and performs with notable artists Namory Keita, Sayon Camara and local musicians from Maine and New Hampshire. Beyond launching Guinea Reads John is a third grade teacher at a public school in Maine where he lives with his son and wife.