Alysa Marx - Executive Director

As Executive Director and Founder of Refugee Resources, Alysa Marx brings more than 20 years of experience serving the refugee community in Dallas. Her leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to educational equity, cultural understanding, and the transformative power of the Gospel.

Alysa's vision for The Reading Circle and Preschool Circle grew out of years of firsthand work with refugee families—volunteering across resettlement, education, and social services. These experiences shaped her conviction that literacy is a key to academic success and a doorway to hope, dignity, and long-term opportunity.

Under her guidance, The Reading Circle and Preschool Circle has grown into a trusted, gospel-centered mentoring and literacy program that meets students where they are—academically, spiritually, and culturally. Alysa continues to lead with compassion, purpose, and a firm belief in every child's potential.

Julie Bovenkamp - Preschool Circle Coordinator

Julie has a long-standing passion for serving children and families, especially within the refugee community. She has volunteered in various capacities for many years and has faithfully served in Awana, a Bible-based program focused on Scripture memory and discipleship, for decades.

Julie brings a strong understanding of early childhood development and a gentle, nurturing presence that makes young children feel seen and loved. After volunteering with the Preschool Circle for a year, it became clear she had a unique gift for working with preschoolers. Shortly thereafter, she joined the staff as the Preschool Circle Coordinator.

Julie's heart for children extends beyond the classroom. As a mother of six—two of whom were welcomed into her family through foster care and adoption—she embodies a deep commitment to compassion, care, and Christ-centered service. She continues to invest in the lives of our youngest learners, laying a foundation of love, literacy, and faith.

Emily Thompson - Intermediate/ Advanced Reading Coordinator & Social Media Manager

Emily is a former classroom teacher with a strong background in curriculum design and instructional methods. Her passion for literacy and education is matched by her commitment to equipping volunteers to serve with excellence and confidence.

In her role, Emily helps train and support mentors—ensuring they are well-prepared to guide students in reading development and academic growth. Her teaching experience includes work in Title I schools, where she supported students from diverse and often challenging backgrounds, including those who have experienced trauma or are part of the ESL community.

Emily brings both expertise and empathy to her work, helping create an environment where volunteers feel empowered and students feel seen, supported, and capable of success.

As Social Media Coordinator, Emily helps bring the mission of our organization to life online. Through thoughtful storytelling and creative media, they highlight the values that define our work—sharing the love of Jesus, the power of literacy, and the impact of one-on-one mentorship.

From Instagram and Facebook to newsletters and digital campaigns, Emily curates content that builds awareness, inspires engagement, and invites action. Whether it's capturing a moment in the classroom or sharing a student's success story, her work helps connect hearts to our mission and turn followers into faithful partners and donors.

With a passion for meaningful communication and a heart for ministry, Emily plays a key role in helping others see, support, and join God's life-changing work through our programs.

Julianne Elson - Emerging/Beginning Reading Coordinator & Office Manager

Julianne serves on staff with Refugee Resources, where she brings a deep passion for literacy, relational ministry, and cross-cultural connection. As a trained educator with a degree in Elementary Education, she is especially committed to helping students build a strong foundation in reading—knowing it impacts every area of their lives and future opportunities.

In addition to supporting programming and working with students and volunteers, Julianne contributes to the development of curriculum and learning environments that foster both academic growth and a sense of belonging. Her background in the classroom and love for teaching shape the way she engages with students, meeting them with patience, creativity, and encouragement.

Julianne’s journey with Refugee Resources began in 2017 as a volunteer. Having spent years involved in mission work, including bi-yearly trips to Tanzania, she developed a heart for serving those who may go unreached or unheard. Through her experience with Refugee Resources, she quickly realized that this same calling could be lived out within her own community. Her work continues to reflect a desire to see students and families known, supported, and transformed through both education and the love of Christ.