Our Board Members

Carrie Peasinger, Director

Originally from Nebraska, Carrie serves in the United States Air Force where she earned her Associates degree in Financial Management and Public Affairs. Prior to joining the USAF, Carrie trained for a marathon while supporting the American Diabetes Association. It was the experience of a lifetime, and through this her love for running was born. After joining the military she furthered her love for running by running a variety of 5K races. In an effort to get others hooked, she coached a group of women from the Brooks City-Base in San Antonio in preparation for the Danskin Women's Triathlon in Austin. Witnessing each woman's journey toward self-confidence and success was extremely rewarding.

Carrie remains involved with various non-profits, including the Combined Federal Campaign and GENAustin. She currently serves in the USAF as a Military Journalist/Photographer and is attending Ashford University pursuing a BA in Sports and Recreation Management.

In her words, "The primary reason I am involved with Girls on the Run is that I am certain I would have benefited from participating in this program as a child. I grew up in a low-income neighborhood, and my family struggled in a number of ways. I put myself through school, but because of my insecurities I never pursued any sports activities until I was 22. I want to encourage and support girls so they can realize their dreams now."

Maggie Caldwell

Maggie grew up in San Antonio and has called Austin home for 14 years. At the age of 27 she ran in her first organized 10K run and also completed her first triathlon (after learning to swim!). The fun and self-confidence she experienced through these events changed her life. She has been running, biking, and swimming ever since. In 2008, she also completed her first marathon and her first Ironman triathlon (swim 2.4 miles, bike 112, and run 26.2).

Maggie is a Campaign Manager for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program. She received her graduate degree in 2005 in Public Administration with a focus on non-profit management. Prior to graduate school, she worked three years for the Austin Independent School District-Community Education Department coordinating an after school tutoring program.

In her words, "I'm a part of GOTR because I want all girls to experience the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with working toward and meeting a personal goal. We all have to start somewhere to reach our goals. I know firsthand how important it is to take that first step - no matter how small. You'll never learn what you can do unless you try. This confidence and self-respect contributes to healthy decision making that will aid each girl throughout her life."

Shorey Russell

Shorey has lived in Austin since the age of 6. In junior high she began running track, running in the 800m and 1500m events. It was during this time, at the age of 13, when she ran her first race with her uncle: the "Capitol 10,000." She has been running and racing ever since and especially enjoys triathlons and duathlons, and ran her first marathon in 2008. She stays motivated by trying new races each year.

Shorey works in the field of HR Technology and holds a BA in Economics and a MA in Human Resources, and has worked with a variety of non-profits over the years, including Delta Gamma's 5K event "Run for Sight", St. Stephens Episcopal School's "Toughest Race", and Austin Duathletes.

In her words, "Running by itself can build self-esteem, but with the specific issues faced by young girls, it's critical that our program offers more. The proven curriculum teaches girls how to manage relevant challenges like bullies, gossip, peer pressure, eating disorders, and obesity. Running is an important tool used in the process, and the teamwork, support and fun games that are built into the lessons make it much more meaningful."

Jodi Lisa Smith

Originally from England, Jodi moved to San Antonio at the age of 9 and in 2003 decided to call Austin home. As a scholarship recipient, Jodi always wanted to give back. During college she decided to run her very first race: the "Dollars for Scholars 5K." With this race, her love of running was born. Jodi enjoys participating in 5K, 10K, triathlon and marathon races.

Having worked in the field of Marketing for several years, Jodi holds a Master's degree in Advertising and earned her Ph.D. at the University of Texas in 2009.

In her words, "I feel that in today's ever-changing world, girls need to grow up with a strong sense of confidence in who they are as individuals, and that they can accomplish anything they set out to do. I suffered from severe asthma as a child and never thought I would be able to run, but when I gave it a try I found it so rewarding. I want all of the girls who participate in our program to realize their own strength, intelligence, and beauty. They, too, will be rewarded."

Kristi (KB) Schatz

KB is originally from St. Paul, MN and has lived in Austin for 2 years - most recently moving from Chicago, IL, where she was actively involved in Girls on the Run of Chicago as a coach for 3 years. Since discovering the power and inspiration of the Girls on the Run program, KB has been an advocate and supporter of the GOTR mission. At the age of 28, KB ran her first race, the Minneapolis "Turkey Trot". Each year she challenges herself with a new race goal by signing up for something she's never done before. Her racing calendar regularly includes many 5K, 10K, bike races, half marathons, and triathlons. When she ran the Chicago Marathon she did so as part of the Team Tiara, fundraising in support of Girls on the Run.

KB has worked for the same company for 10 years and currently works with Architects and Interior Designers in Austin and San Antonio, specifying commercial interior products. She has her BA in Speech Communications and Marketing from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota.

In her words, "Growing up I was not an active adolescent, and I wish the program had been offered when my confidence, self-esteem and athletics were lacking and in need of encouragement. Ever since I started running I have embraced the power it provides me. I have seen first-hand how Girls on the Run gives young girls self-confidence. The gift of working with the girls on their goals and seeing the delight in their eyes throughout the season is truly amazing."