Community Advisory Council

The Community Advisory Council is composed of invited educators, medical professionals, non-profit leaders, and parents with expertise relevant to the mission, programs, and services of BookSpring. The Advisory Council advises and assists the Board of Directors and meets on a quarterly basis.

Meet the Council

Sarah Ruttan, Chair/BookSpring Board Member

Sarah Ruttan, Chair/BookSpring Board Member

Sarah Ruttan has worked in the field of education since 2002, serving as a bilingual ...
Karen Arneson, Staff Liason/BookSpring Partner Manager

Karen Arneson, Staff Liason/BookSpring Partner Manager

As the Partner Manager at BookSpring, Karen helps build early literacy and cultivates family engagement ...
Alana Dias, Director of Education at Hillside Early Childhood Center

Alana Dias, Director of Education at Hillside Early Childhood Center

My name is Alana Dias and I am the Director of Education at Hillside early ...
Kathleen Huston, Books on the Border

Kathleen Huston, Books on the Border

I grew up in Austin, have a Masters in Social Work and a Doctorate in ...
Thania Gonzalez, AVANCE

Thania Gonzalez, AVANCE

Thania Gonzalez grew up in Brownsville – located at the southernmost tip of Texas. Thania ...
Alejandra Velásquez

Alejandra Velásquez

I am Texas State University graduate and was hired at People’s Community Clinic out of ...
Kellie Sauls

Kellie Sauls

Kellie Sauls serves as the Director of Outreach, Culture, and Engagement for the Teacher Retirement ...
Stacy Carter

Stacy Carter

I am an in-home childcare provider. I have been in this field for 25 years ...
Ruthie Walker

Ruthie Walker

Ruthie Walker, Ed.D., has dedicated 22 years to education, making a significant impact in the ...
Rhiannon Cordero

Rhiannon Cordero

Rhiannon Cordero is a remote Logistics Coordinator and a mother of two. She holds a ...
Sherita Calhoun- Nelson

Sherita Calhoun- Nelson

Sherita Calhoun is a dedicated mental health professional and consultant with expertise in the behavioral ...
Leanne Bailey

Leanne Bailey

I am a passionate believer in the power of books to change lives. I worked ...
Mikayla Balderas

Mikayla Balderas

Bio coming soon ...
Gwynne Ash

Gwynne Ash

Gwynee Ellen Ash, Ph.D., is a professor of Reading Education at Texas State University. Dr ...
Erika Martinez

Erika Martinez

Tengo una non profit 501c3 El Niño y El Cuento enfocada en la lectura y ...
Makalah Kesee

Makalah Kesee

I’m a lifelong book lover, curious learner, and passionate advocate for youth development. From teaching ...
Natalie Brown

Natalie Brown

Hello! My name is Natalie, and I am the proud mother of 2 (very) energetic ...
Alex Shahrestani

Alex Shahrestani

Alex Shahrestani is Managing Partner at Promise Legal PLLC, a technology-focused law firm in Austin, ...
Valerie Silva

Valerie Silva

Bio coming soon! ...
Sandra Avila Ramirez

Sandra Avila Ramirez

Judge Sandra Avila Ramirez serves as the presiding judge of the 98th District Court, which ...
Ruby Vizuet

Ruby Vizuet

 Books and reading have always been a big part of my life, and I’m passionate ...
Nicole Castleberry

Nicole Castleberry

Hi! I'm Nicole! I currently serve as a Library Aide for Lewisville ISD while pursuing ...
Shannon Lewis

Shannon Lewis

Shannon Lewis is a wife, mom, teacher, and believer in the power of literacy to ...
Scroll to top