Our Board Members

Kristi (KB) Schatz
Board Chair &
SoleMates Coordinator

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 (now called SoleMates), 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."

Maggie Caldwell
Secretary

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."

Rachael Felan
Coach Coordinator

Rachael has lived in Austin since age 12. She grew up playing basketball, but when she reached college running become her stress reliever and solo activity. She started her freshman year just running a mile a day, then one day pushed it to 2 and there was no stopping her after that. These days she stays mostly close to home, running on an off leash trail with her two dogs.

Rachael attended UT and earned a degree in Liberal Arts. After graduation she entered the world of residential real estate and discovered it was a perfect fit for her. She has worked as a buyer's agent with The Nelson Project at Keller Williams Realty for the last 3 years.

In her words, "Girls on the Run is unlike any other non-profit that I have been involved in. There is something about the program that reaches all girls, no matter their age, their family situation, or school and helps each participant grow into a girl of their word. Coaching over the last two years has made me realize that all girls in today's world face similar issues and giving them the opportunity at the elementary level to talk about those issues while also setting them up to achieve such a big goal as a 5k run is amazing. Every 5k brings tears to my eyes when I see how proud each girl is when they pass the finish line."

Carlena "CJ" Harris
School Expansion Coordinator

Carlena grew up in Houston, Texas. In 1991, she moved to Austin, Texas after accepting a Systems Analyst position with the TX Department of Public Safety agency. During her middle and high school years, she was an avid participant in Track & Field. She loved to compete in the 100m, 200m, relays: 4x100m, 4x200m, and the 4x400m. She continued to feed her passion for competing after college by participating in a number of 5k events. She currently has her sights on biking events and duathlons.

Carlena joined IBM in 1997, and currently works as a Talent Development Program Manager. She holds an undergraduate degree from University of Houston in Information Systems Technology and an advanced degree from St. Edward's University in Organizational Leadership & Ethics. Carlena volunteers as a motivational speaker, emcee, life coach, internet blogger, writer, and mentor.

In her words, "Fitness is important, and I believe if we motivate girls to embrace fitness early, fitness will become a part of their lifestyle. I’m also passionate about assisting young women reach their goals and strengthen their leadership skills. I believe GOTR allows not only me but also all our dedicated volunteers to participate as role models for young women. I believe all girls need someone who they can see and emulate; someone who resembles them and genuinely cares about them and their interests. We all win!"

Cameron Nokes
Sponsorship Coordinator

Originally from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Cameron has lived in the Austin area since 1994. From a very early age, sports have been a part of Cameron’s life, competing in football, basketball, baseball, tennis, track, and cross country. In recent years, Cameron has continued to make running a part of daily life and has competed in numerous 5K and 10K runs in Austin, including the Capital 10K each spring.

Cameron is a product manager at Cisco, developing services for Cisco advanced technologies. Cameron has a BA in Business from Southwestern University and a Master’s degree in Technology Commercialization (MSTC) from The University of Texas at Austin.

In his words, “Sports and exercise have always been a part of my life and have provided me confidence and a sense of accomplishment. It teaches you things about yourself and others that can only be experienced. With a daughter of my own, I actively work to instill confidence in her. GOTR fosters this for young girls through a tremendously valuable mentoring process. I am very honored to serve this organization.”

Jodi Lisa Ondrusek
Volunteer Coordinator

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."

Shorey Russell
Treasurer & Marketing Coordinator

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, especially when she can participate with her dog, Sugar.

Shorey works in the field of HR Technology and holds a BA in Economics and a MA in Human Resources. She 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. Shorey is also actively involved with animal rescue work with Austin Pets Alive!

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."

Melissa Sileo
Grants Coordinator

Melissa grew up outside of Washington, DC in Northern Virginia. She didn't run much as a child, unless it was part of a game of hide and seek or chase in her neighborhood. As an adult, though, she was introduced to running as a sport by one of her best friends. It was a great way to get exercise and still find time to socialize friends. She has gradually increased her distances and just finished her second half marathon. Melissa's love of the sport, social aspects, stress relief and ability to spend time outside practically year round in Austin makes all the training & effort worth it. She also loves triathlon relays, walking her dog, and swimming.

After finishing college in Virginia, graduate school for social work in Boston and her first job in Washington, DC, Melissa moved to Austin in 2004. For the past 5 years she’s been working at the Lance Armstrong Foundation where she is a Senior Manager on the Mission Team. She oversees their direct service programs, which provide help to anyone affected by cancer. She counts herself as one of the lucky ones that truly loves going to work every day.

In her words, “I am thrilled to serve on the board of Girls On The Run. It’s truly a dream come true because it combines so many things I love. I can personally relate to how tough being a young girl is on your self esteem and wish that the programs that GOTR offers were around when I was growing up. Being able to give back and help young girls learn about how they can accomplish something they put their mind toward is a remarkable opportunity.”

David Valenti
Legal Counsel

David has lived in Austin since 2000. From the age of 7 through college, David was a competitive swimmer, swimming distance events and butterfly. After graduating college, David became involved in endurance events, initially participating in triathlons and eventually in half marathons and marathons. He has participated in triathlons and running races of and on ever since.

David is an attorney working on corporate, securities and mergers and acquisition matters for a variety of clients from high-tech to manufacturing and retail. David has a BA in Mathematics from the University of Kansas and a JD (cum laude) from Southern Methodist University.

In his words, “I have spent almost my entire life participating is sports. I began with swimming and tennis at an early age and branched out into triathlons and marathons later in life. The life lessons that I have learned through my participation in sports are too numerous to list. The experience has made me a firm believer in the power of participation in sports to help kids achieve their full potential in life. Unfortunately, young girls are often excluded or at least not encouraged to participate in sports in the same way that boys are. Girls on the Run provides a perfect vehicle for young girls to begin the process of personal growth and development.”