Girls on the Run of Austin
PO Box 200594
Austin, TX 78720-0594
(512)608-GOTR




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Our Board Members


 

Kristi (KB) Schatz
Board Chair &
SoleMates Coordinator

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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."


 

Rachael Felan
Coach Coordinator

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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

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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

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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.”


 

Shorey Russell
Treasurer & Marketing Coordinator

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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."


 

Christin Livesay
Legal Counsel & Secretary

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Christin grew up in Dallas, but has lived in Austin since 2003. She developed her love of running and being active in junior high and high school when she played soccer, ran track and was on the drill team. During college and law school she began running longer distances and in 2008 she ran the Chicago marathon. Now Christin stays active by regularly running 10Ks, half marathons and trail runs around Austin and Dallas.

Christin is an attorney who handles a variety of commercial litigation matters, including all types of business tort litigation, contract litigation, and professional liability litigation. She received her JD from the University of Texas School of Law and her B.B.A in Marketing from Southern Methodist University.

In her words, "I love that running tests your limits and develops a kind of self reliance that is only learned through doing something challenging. GOTR is an amazing program that builds self confidence, encourages healthy habits and teaches the girls that they are stronger than they know. I feel privileged to be a part of GOTR!"