Cally is a native of Dripping Springs, Texas.  After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin with a BA in English, Cally graduated from Texas A&M University School of Law.  She worked for Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas in Dallas as a staff attorney who represented victims of domestic violence.  After spending some time working in the private sector as a free-lance writer and an attorney, she is very excited to be back in the nonprofit world.  

Kasey, a Campus Support Specialist, partners with educators and campus leaders to improve teaching and learning through data-driven decision-making and targeted support. Her work focuses on building strong instructional practices, fostering collaboration, and ensuring all students have access to high-quality learning experiences. 

Marlen is an educator with experience teaching both middle and high school students. She specializes in creating engaging, real-world learning experiences that help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and career-ready skills. Marlen enjoys sharing practical strategies with fellow educators that increase student engagement and make learning meaningful across content areas. 

Michelle is a special education teacher in the Foundational Learning program at Hays High School, where she supports students with autism, intellectual disabilities, and ADHD through structure, connection, and compassion. With over 15 years of experience, she focuses on creating calm, supportive classrooms where all students can feel safe, understood, and successful. 

Cara is a secondary educator with 16 years of experience creating engaging, high-energy classrooms where curiosity leads the way. She holds a master's degree in education from Texas State University and loves finding creative ways to connect students to learning science. When she’s not teaching, she’s usually brainstorming the next big idea to make the classroom more fun and meaningful for her students.

TyGara is a middle school behavior interventionist in the Focus program, who goes beyond managing behavior; she decodes it. She equips students with the personal management and social skills they need to succeed while digging into the root causes behind their choices. Known for her high-energy, no-nonsense approach, she turns challenges into growth and insight into action. 

Sara serves as the Success Manager and primary point of contact at SchooLinks for Hays CISD, supporting the district’s K–12 college and career platform and initiatives. She brings specialized expertise in process improvement, project management, and user support to large school districts nationwide, drawing from her background in teaching, college and career counseling, and district leadership. Originally from Texas, Sara earned her degree in Marketing from Texas A&M University with additional focuses on International Business and Cultural Studies. 

Amy is an LPC and Texas State University graduate with experience providing therapy in both in-person and virtual high-acuity settings. Amy has worked with both adolescents and adults, supporting clients through complex emotional and behavioral challenges with a compassionate, client-centered approach. Amy currently works as a Clinical Supervisor for an online IOP, overseeing a team of therapists and collaborating with other clinicians to create a safe, collaborative therapeutic space. 

Veronica is an experienced instructional leader with over a decade in K–12 education, currently serving as a Campus Support Specialist. Her expertise includes Gifted and Talented Education, with a focus on curriculum development, data-driven instruction, and designing impactful professional development that supports diverse learners. She has a proven track record of coaching educators, leading district initiatives, and advancing gifted and differentiated instruction to enhance student outcomes. 

Mandy is a Reading Academies Cohort Leader and Campus Support Specialist with 28 years of experience in elementary education. She specializes in advancing early literacy through evidence-based practices, including the Science of Teaching Reading. Mandy has a strong track record of designing and delivering professional learning, coaching educators, and supporting the implementation of research-based reading instruction across multiple campuses. 

Dr. Vigil serves as the Behavioral Health Coordinator for the Hays County Health Department, where she leads countywide initiatives to improve access to mental and behavioral health services through community partnerships and systems-level coordination. With a background in psychology, special education, and applied behavior analysis, her work focuses on addressing social determinants of health and advancing equitable, trauma-informed approaches to care. She holds a Ph.D. in Education and Community Leadership from Texas State University, with expertise in identity, belonging, and community-informed methodologies.