Dedicated to the success of all students.
Meet the Team
Terry Averyt
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Terry Averyt, a Dallas native and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, began her career in commercial real estate management, where she worked for over 20 years. She transitioned to the nonprofit sector in 2012, joining Catch Up & Read in its early stages.
Initially serving as Program Director, Terry became Director of Operations in 2020. She brings extensive experience in financial management and customer service to her role, overseeing daily operations, implementing program strategies, managing personnel, and supporting the overall organizational infrastructure.
Terry is motivated by the joy of witnessing students who once struggled with reading make significant progress. Outside of work, she enjoys exercising, playing pickleball, traveling internationally, and spending time with her family. She’s also become an avid reader—especially of books by Kristin Hannah.
Martha Bujanda, M.Ed., M.B.A.
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC IMPACT
Martha Bujanda draws on her personal journey as an immigrant and former English language learner to advocate for educational equity. Born in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, she overcame early economic hardship before reuniting with her family in Dallas. Inspired by her family’s resilience, she pursued academic excellence through Texas public schools and holds a B.A. and M.B.A. from the University of Dallas, an M.Ed. from Southern Methodist University, and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.
Martha began her 17-year career in Dallas ISD as a bilingual teacher. As a principal, she led schools to significant academic improvements, transforming campuses into models of success. She then served as director of LEAD, Dallas ISD’s principal development program. Today, she brings that same drive to Catch Up & Read, where she works to ensure every student has access to the education and support they need to thrive.
Jonathan Cambambia
BILINGUAL LITERACY COACH
Jonathan Cambambia is a dedicated educator with ten years of classroom experience. He earned his degree from Texas Tech University and brings a personal connection to his work as a former at-risk English language learner who struggled with reading. His journey has shaped his approach to teaching and coaching, allowing him to effectively support elementary and middle school students in achieving significant reading growth each year. At Catch Up & Read, Jonathan is committed to ensuring that every child has access to the resources needed to read at grade level by third grade, setting them up for lifelong success. He is passionate about empowering students with confidence and equipping teachers with effective tools to support reading growth.
Outside of the classroom, Jonathan enjoys reading, running, spending time with family and friends, attending concerts, and watching movies. His favorite children’s books are Fantastic Mr. Fox and A Monster Calls. His favorite Catch Up & Read value is Continuous Learning, as he believes in fostering a growth mindset and embracing lifelong learning both personally and professionally.
Jane Cole
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Jane Cole was born and raised in Louisiana and holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Louisiana Tech University. She moved to Dallas to begin her career as an Administrative Assistant, working in the commercial real estate and oil & gas industries for 35 years.
Since 2023, Jane has brought her wealth of administrative experience to Catch Up & Read, where she finds fulfillment supporting the organization's mission to help young readers succeed. Outside of work, she enjoys playing mahjong, cooking, baking, reading, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She’s especially fond of mysteries and dramas by authors like Harlan Coben and James Patterson.
Francisco Díaz
BILINGUAL LITERACY COACH
Francisco Diaz is a passionate Bilingual Literacy Coach who is committed to empowering teachers and students using evidence-based literacy practice and data-driven instruction. He holds a B.A. in Spanish and Psychology from Sewanee: University of the South and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Relay GSE. With more than seven years of experience in education with Chicago Public Schools and Dallas ISD he specializes in early childhood education, mCLASS and bilingual education.
Francisco is dedicated to helping emergent bilingual students close the achievement gaps and promote confidence. Outside of work, he enjoys playing soccer and board games where he embodies the spirit of Collaboration.
Allie Floyd, MLIS
SOCIAL MEDIA ASSOCIATE
Allie Floyd was born and raised in the Dallas area and holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree from the University of North Texas. Allie worked as a first-grade teacher and an elementary school librarian before joining Catch Up & Read as a full-time staff member.
Allie has worked with Catch Up & Read since 2016 and has worn a variety of hats within the organization. From CAR Teacher to CAR Lead Teacher, Literacy Coach, Curriculum Manger, and now Social Media Associate- it has been an incredibly rewarding journey all along the way!
Allie is motivated by seeing real and significant change with teachers and students alike. Catch Up & Read is a program with a proven track record to change lives and it is a joy to share in the magic! Outside of work, Allie enjoys walking, trying new restaurants, listening to audiobooks, and spending time with her family.
Carol Pierce Goglia
PRESIDENT & CEO
Carol Pierce Goglia is an education advocate, community champion, and movement builder who believes that our country’s future depends on the success of our youngest learners. As President and CEO of Catch Up & Read, she leads a team dedicated to building confident readers and teachers across North Texas.
Before joining Catch Up & Read, Carol served as President and Strategic Impact Advisor at United to Learn, where she helped double the organization’s reach to 50 Dallas ISD elementary schools. Previously, she led marketing at Communities Foundation of Texas, overseeing communications efforts for the foundation and special initiatives like W.W. Caruth Jr. Foundation’s grantmaking, Educate Texas and North Texas Giving Day, which grew from $5 million to $50 million under her leadership. Her work earned national and local recognition, including PR News’ Marketer of the Year and Communicator of the Year by CNM Connect.
Carol began her career in brand management and growth strategy at PepsiCo/Frito Lay. She holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin and a B.A. from Washington & Lee University.
Carol embraces each of Catch Up & Read’s values: Commitment to Excellence, Continuous Learning, Confidence, Collaboration and Celebration. Her favorite children’s book series include Magic Tree House and Encyclopedia Brown.
Ayanna Jackson
PROGRAM MANAGER
Ayanna Jackson is a passionate Program Manager at Catch Up & Read, deeply committed to educational equity and community empowerment. Raised in the Fair Park neighborhood of Dallas, her own experiences in public schools shaped her drive to uplift underserved students.
She holds a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Texas and a Master’s in Education Administration from Lamar University. With over a decade of experience in Dallas ISD as both a teacher and instructional coach, Ayanna joined Catch Up & Read in 2023. Since then, she has led efforts that measurably improve student reading outcomes through innovative programming and meaningful community engagement.
Her leadership reflects a commitment to inclusion and academic excellence, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Rachel Ladd
BILINGUAL LITERACY COACH
Rachel Ladd is an experienced educator with a passion for nurturing young readers. S earned her degree from Texas Tech University and holds an EC-6 Alternative Certification. She has taught kindergarten through fifth grade, participated in ELAR summer programs, and served as a teacher with Catch Up & Read in Richardson ISD.
Rachel is driven by a desire to help each child grow at their own pace and develop the literacy skills needed to succeed in school and in life. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys reading, playing sand volleyball, and attending concerts. One of her all-time favorite books is Thank You, Mr. Faulker by Patricia Polacco. Her work at Catch Up & Read is fueled by a love for Continuous Learning and student growth.
Catherine LeBlanc
FOUNDER
In early 2007, Catch Up & Read’s founder, Catherine LeBlanc, noticed while volunteering at an elementary school in Dallas that although students were attending school five days a week, the vast majority were falling behind reading on grade level. These students were often children of color or from underserved communities, a population facing compounded barriers to success from generational poverty and systemic racism.
Catherine engaged educational consultants who confirmed that most Dallas students could not read on grade level and pointed to extensive research identifying teachers as having the greatest impact on student achievement.
-
Catherine writes:
Since 2009, Catch Up & Read has worked on developing the most innovative and effective ways to support educational reform in schools in North Texas.
By collaborating with teachers, principals and administrators, we are raising the bar on campus-wide instruction to meet the educational needs of every child for years to come.
We are a non-profit, community-funded organization that is transforming the lives of elementary students in Dallas and Fort Worth by equipping them to read on grade level by 3rd grade.
Our research-based literacy and social emotional intervention is led by dedicated educators, staff, and the support of parents. Our approach allows us to provide long-term improvements for students, teachers, and entire campuses resulting in equitable education for all children and lasting improvement for our public schools.
We are always looking for ways to improve and expand our reach. If you are looking for a meaningful way to contribute to our community, we would love your help. Please consider donating, volunteering, or signing up for our newsletter.
We are honored to partner with you to transform the lives of at-risk children.
Sincerely,
Catherine LeBlanc Founder
Sonya Pegues
LITERACY COACH
Sonya Pegues has served as a Literacy Coach at Catch Up & Read since 2017. Prior to joining the organization, she taught in the Dallas Independent School District at Pleasant Grove and George Washington Carver Elementary Schools. She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma.
Sonya finds deep meaning in her work, explaining: “When you teach a child to read, you are teaching them a way to learn that can ignite a lifelong passion for the love of learning. Though I no longer teach in the classroom, I like working at Catch Up & Read because it gives teachers and students the tools and resources they need to do the work they are both in the classroom to do. Catch Up & Read also helps level the playing field for students and catch them up to where they need to be.”
Outside of work, Sonya enjoys reading and is active in two book clubs. Her favorite children’s book is The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander. She also enjoys beading jewelry, completing jigsaw puzzles, and traveling to sunny destinations.
Nini Phan
DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE
Nini Phan blends creativity with purpose—crafting engaging visuals, refining messaging, and bringing Catch Up & Read’s mission to life. She holds a B.A. in Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communications from UT Dallas, with a focus on Critical Media Studies. With experience in graphic design, branding, and writing, she is passionate about creating content that makes a meaningful impact.
Nini finds joy in using her creative talents to support the work of Catch Up & Read, where literacy transforms the lives of children and teachers. In her free time, she enjoys reading, solving word puzzles, cooking, listening to music, and exploring local coffee shops. She’s currently reading The Secret History by Donna Tartt. Her favorite Catch Up & Read value is Collaboration, because she believes the best ideas come from working together.
Daydelisse Rodríguez
BILINGUAL LITERACY COACH
Daydelisse Rodríguez Irizarry is an experienced educator committed to empowering teachers through evidence-based literacy practices. She holds a B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master’s in Spanish Language and Culture from the University of Salamanca. With over a decade of teaching experience in Dallas ISD, she specializes in project-based learning, personalized learning, STEM, and SEL.
Daydelisse is dedicated to making a lasting impact on students and educators through literacy. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities and finds inspiration in Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match, a book that celebrates individuality. Her favorite Catch Up & Read value is Commitment to Excellence, which reflects her dedication to serving the community with integrity and high standards.
Angélica Rojaz
BILINGUAL LITERACY COACH
Angélica Rojas Paz is a passionate Bilingual Literacy Coach with more than 20 years of experience in education. She holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, M.Ed. degrees in Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Administration, and a Master’s in Reading. Throughout her career—whether as a teacher assistant, interventionist, or instructional coach—she has worked to empower educators, strengthen students’ comprehension skills, and equip parents to support literacy at home.
Her dedication to bilingual education fuels her mission to close the achievement gap for emergent bilingual learners. When she’s not immersed in her work or reading Literacy Foundations for English Learners, Angelica enjoys running at White Rock Lake and frequently participates in the 15K Hot Chocolate race, where she embodies the spirit of Celebration.
David Schaefers
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Rev. David Schaefers is deeply committed to strengthening public education, advancing early literacy, and promoting educational equity for all students. With expertise in organizational strategy, communication, volunteer management, and donor development, David secures vital funding through grants and individual gifts. His work reflects a global perspective, having built partnerships with diverse communities both locally and abroad.
Ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA since 2008, David brings a deep sense of mission to his role. He holds a B.A. in History from the University of Texas at Austin and an M.Div. from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Before joining Catch Up & Read, David served congregations in Austin, Charleston, and Richardson, and has held leadership roles on regional church councils and international partnerships.
Inspired by his family’s journey with dyslexia, David believes that reading unlocks both joy and opportunity. His favorite books include The Hobbit, Walden, and The Gospel of John (which he can read in Koine Greek). His work at Catch Up & Read is guided by the value of Confidence, rooted in his belief that students thrive when empowered as readers—and that teachers excel when equipped with the tools, experience, and data to drive meaningful learning outcomes. David also serves on the Board of Trustees for Mo-Ranch Camp and Conference Center in Hunt, Texas, and enjoys spending time with his family.
Our Board of Directors
BRIAN HALL, Chair
EVP Finance, Hanover Property Company
SEAN ALLEN
Owner, FastSigns
STEPHEN BARNES
Principal, Barnes Real Estate Investments
VICENTE GARCIA, Treasurer
Finance Executive, Former PepsiCo, Former Bilingual Teacher
SUZY GEKIERE
Community Volunteer, Crystal Charity Ball
CAROL PIERCE GOGLIA
President & CEO, Catch Up & Read
ANGELICA LEVERONI GOMEZ
Sr. Program Officer, Schusterman Philanthropies
ANN KIGHT
Professor, Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education, SMU
MICHAEL KONRADI
Chief Marketing Officer, Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
CATHERINE LEBLANC
Founder, Catch Up & Read
GABRIELA NORTON
President & CEO, People Performances Resources
REO PRUIETT, Ed.D., Vice Chair
Chief Programs & Engagement Officer of Educate Texas, Communities Foundation of Texas
ERIC REEVES
Managing Director, High STEPS, LLC
JASON SANDERS, Board Secretary
Founding Member, Sanders Collins LLP
WILLIAM TOLES
Attorney, Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.
DINA VASQUEZ
Speech Language Pathologist, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
Our Advisory Board
RICHARD EISEMAN, Chair
CEO, Eiseman Jewels
DORETHA ALLEN, Ed.D., NBCT
School Design Administrator, Garland ISD
NANCY BERNARDINO, Ed.D.
Associate Superintendent, Dallas ISD
BRENDA BUSCH
VP of Operations, Finance, Marketing & HR, Lakewood Brewing Company
JULIE DIAZ
President & CEO, The Dallas Foundation
BOB DRANSFIELD
Attorney, Norton Rose Fulbright, LLP
TOM DUNNING
Chairman & CEO, Lockton Benefits
LINDA PERRYMAN EVANS
Former President & CEO, The Meadows Foundation
ELIZABETH GAMBRELL
Civic Leader
JUDY GIBBS
Civic Leader
SALLY HOGLUND
Civic Leader
CHELSEA JEFFERY
Chief Regional Impact Officer, EC-12, The Commit Partnership
SHON JONES, CRPC®
Consultant, Fidelity Investments
RANDY KELLEY
Former Senior Partner & Director, Spencer Stuart
DICK LEBLANC
President, Hanover Property Company
JAY MCAULEY
VP of Strategic Relationships, True North Advisors
DEBORAH (DEBBIE) OATES
Civic Leader
ANGIE PARRA
ED Client Services, Requisite Capital
MEG SARTAIN
Founder, Sartain Partners
ROBERTA WILLIAMSON
Civic Leader
SALLY LYONS WYATT
Global EVP & Chief Advisor Consumer Goods & Foodservice Insights, Circana
KEN SANDSTAD
President, The Sandstad Group
CAROL VIG
Founder, Carol Vig Photography
Our Data Council
NANCY BERNARDINO, Ed.D., Co-Chair
Associate Superintendent, Dallas ISD
DORETHA ALLEN, Ed.D., NBCT
School Design Administrator, Garland ISD
SANDRA BARRIOS, Ed.D.
Executive Director, Dallas ISD
NICK ERBER
Director, Holistic Student Supports, The Commit Partnership
ERICA FOWLER
Analytics Consultant, Good Insights
JUSTIN HASSAN
Director of Instructional Excellence, KIPP Texas Public Schools
ANN KIGHT
Professor, Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education, SMU
KRISTIN KUHNE, MPA, Ph.D.
Senior Program Director, Center for Social Economic Mobility Through Education, Senior Program Director, UNT Dallas
LISA LOVATO, Ed.D.
Chief Schools Officer, Cityscape Schools
MAGDALENA PANDO
Associate Professor, SMU
KRISTEN WATKINS
Director of Personalized Learning, Akiba Yavneh Academy