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 developed Lead to Read KC.
Beginning with a handful of volunteers in several Kansas City-area schools, Lead to Read KC has grown into Kansas City’s largest literacy volunteer corps. We now connect 1,100 elementary students with adult Reading Mentors in more than 50 urban classrooms across the metropolitan area, providing more than 500 hours of social, emotional and reading skill support each week.
Become a Reading Mentor – apply today!
Lead to Read KC Board of Directors
Justin Goldsborough, Fleishman Hillard-Co-Chair
Dustin Walton, Populous-Co-Chair
Pauly Hart, Lead to Read KC-President
David Lowe, Lockton-Vice President
Ellen Pantaenius, Onspring Technologies-Secretary
Eric Graham, TPG Investments-Treasurer
Sue Agrawal, Community Partner
Lynn Carlton, HOK
Sarah Gaikwad, Lead to Read KC
Rebecca Haessig, Set the Schools Free
Lokesh Krishna Ravichandran, Cerner
Mary O’Connor, Country Club Bank
Lynn Rundle, Founder Lead to Read KC
Mark Swanson, Burns & McDonnell
Caitlin O’Byrne Waters, CBIZ
Alane Watts, American Century Investments
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| Lynn and Jean Rundle Co-founders of Lead to Read [email protected] |
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| Pauly Hart Executive Director [email protected] |
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| Sarah Gaikwad Director of Administration [email protected] |
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| Bev Leonard Program Manager [email protected] |
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| Hayley Rees Volunteer Manager [email protected] |
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| Martha Weber Conradt Communications Manager [email protected] |