Who We Are

Lead to Read KC was launched in 2011 by Lynn and Jean Rundle. Both former teachers, Lynn and Jean mentored and tutored teens. They realized that many of these very intelligent kids couldn’t read fluently – and a few barely could spell. There had to be a way to help.

Lynn and Jean believed the problem wasn’t just that the kids weren’t reading; it also was that reading didn’t seem relevant to them. After months of research, plus consultation with school principals, teachers, community groups and community members, Lynn and Jean launched Lead to Read KC.  

Beginning with a handful of volunteers in several Kansas City-area schools, Lead to Read KC has diversified our program to serve our students and community in new ways. Our program now has four key areas of focus

  • Reading and Mentoring 
  • Tutoring 
  • Reading For Life Author Partnerships
  • Reading Is EverywhereSM Community Book Distribution Initiative 

Learn more about what we do.

We stand for inclusiveness, equity, and respect and against racism. We will speak up for equity and justice in schools. We operate with the utmost respect for our employees, volunteers and the communities we serve. Learn more

Lead to Read KC Board of Directors

Executive Committee

  • Eric Graham, TGP Investments – Chair
  • Pauly Hart, Lead to Read KC – President
  • Matt Oldroyd, American Century Investments – Treasurer
  • Ellen Pantaenius, Onspring Technologies – Secretary
  • Caitlin O’Byrne Waters, CBIZ – Past Chair

Board Members

  • Sue Agrawal, Community Volunteer
  • Benjamin Bravence, UMB Bank
  • Shawn Creger, Edward Jones
  • Carol Espinosa, Freedom Interiors
  • Sarah Gaikwad, Lead to Read KC
  • Justin Goldsborough, FleishmanHillard
  • Holly Jenkins-Long, LISC of Greater Kansas City
  • Kayla Lagud, Hallmark
  • David Lowe, Lockton
  • Denise Mills, The LeaderFuel Center LLC
  • Dina Newman, UMKC Center for Neighborhoods
  • Mary O’Connor, Country Club Bank
  • Lynn Rundle, Board Member Emeritus
  • Mark Swanson, Burns & McDonnell
  • Tony Temple, Temple Made Fitness
Lynn and Jean Rundle

Lynn and Jean Rundle
Co-founders of Lead to Read
lynn@LeadtoReadKC.org

Chelan David

Chelan David
Development Director
chelan@leadtoreadkc.org

Kevina Francis

Kevina Francis
Admin Professional
kevina@leadtoreadkc.org

Sarah Gaikwad

Sarah Gaikwad
Director of Administration
sarah@leadtoreadkc.org

Pauly Hart

Pauly Hart
Executive Director
pauly@leadtoreadkc.org

Linda Hughes

Linda Hughes
Program Manager, Community Outreach
linda@leadtoreadkc.org

Bev Leonard
Program Manager, Tutoring
bev@leadtoreadkc.org

Hayley Rees

Hayley Rees
Volunteers Manager
hayley@leadtoreadkc.org

Allison White

Allison White
Program Manager, Reading and Mentoring
allison@leadtoreadkc.org

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