Meet TLRN’s Operational Team

Chris McGilvery

Founder and Executive Director

Chris McGilvery is an educator, nonprofit founder, Ph.D. candidate of Educational Leadership Policy at Texas Tech University, and an advocate for equitable education. He has over 15 years of experience working with teachers, students and schools in K-12 settings and in Higher Education.

Chris is a dedicated advocate for equitable education and literacy, with a deep-rooted passion for ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Leaders Readers Network, Chris has been at the forefront of empowering communities through literacy programming, service projects, and educational initiatives.

Under his leadership, the Leaders Readers Network has grown from a grassroots initiative to a nationally recognized organization that partners with schools, educators, and community leaders to deliver impactful literacy programs. His innovative approach includes engaging young leaders in service projects that promote reading and providing teachers with the resources they need to create an active community of readers and leaders.

Chris and his work received the 2020 Freedom Through Literacy Grand Prize winner from Judith's Reading Room, and 2020 Honorable Mention from The Texas Center for the Book.

San Antonio Regional Team

San Antonio Regional Team is located in the San Antonio Area.

Regional Director, San Antonio
Therese is a product of Northside ISD and is a seasoned educational leader with over 16 years of experience dedicated to advancing literacy, equity, and community engagement in underfunded schools. With a Doctorate in Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education (in progress at Texas Tech, Lubbock) and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, Therese has a solid foundation in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and program management. She has led impactful initiatives such as large-scale teacher induction programs and multi-million-dollar grant projects aimed at improving educational outcomes and supporting educators.
Therese’s passion for literacy began in South Africa, where she started a literacy program at the Raphael Center for HIV and AIDS, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of literacy. This experience fueled her ongoing commitment to fostering equitable access to education through coaching, mentorship, and collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders, including educators, universities, and community organizations.
As she joins The Leaders Readers Network as the Regional Director for San Antonio, Therese is eager to leverage her expertise in program development, grant management, and community collaboration. Her alignment with TLRN’s core values of collaboration, equity, and integrity will drive her efforts to promote early literacy and create lasting, positive change in the lives of students and educators.

Programs Coordinator, San Antonio
Amber Padilla’s passion for education and literacy has been a driving force throughout her career. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master's in Guidance and Counseling from Angelo State University. With over six years of experience teaching in a Montessori setting within Houston ISD, Amber has cultivated a hands-on, student-centered approach to education that aligns with her deep belief in nurturing young minds.
Amber’s journey with The Leaders Readers Network began during her college years, where she first became involved by providing books to children in Fiji while studying abroad. This experience ignited her commitment to the organization's mission, leading her to take on various volunteer roles, including developing early programming and participating in the Literacy Fellowship while teaching in Houston, Texas.
Now, as a dedicated staff member, Amber plays a key role in supporting the expansion of the Literacy Fellowship and fostering community partnerships with organizations such as Amarillo National Bank and the Spurs. Through these efforts, she continues to work towards providing books to children in underserved schools and communities, ensuring that every child has access to the tools they need to succeed.
Amber is thrilled to be part of The Leaders Readers Network, where she can continue her journey of growth and learning, all while spreading the love of literacy and quality education to every corner of the community.

Texas Panhandle Regional Team

Texas Panhandle Regional Team is located in the Texas Panhandle Area.

Regional Director, Texas Panhandle
Patrick Miller is an educator who serves Amarillo in myriad ways. Miller fulfilled an elected six-year term on the Amarillo College Board of Regents, and served a term as president of the Amarillo Branch NAACP. Moreover, Miller’s civic involvement includes contributing his time to the Vestry at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Panhandle PBS Advisory Council, Amarillo Branch NAACP, The Amarillo Symphony Board, Randall County Sheriff’s Office Advisory Board, Strategic Initiatives Committee of the Amarillo Area Foundation, Elevate Amarillo, and the Community Advisory Panel of the Amarillo Police Department.
Miller served for a dozen years in the traditional public school setting, including three years as a school administrator, Patrick now serves as the Regional Director (Amarillo/Canyon) for The Leaders Readers Network (TLRN). Patrick is most excited to collaboratively address the systemic issues regarding access to culturally-relevant literacy resources for students. Supporting the expert practitioners who daily provide quality instruction to our region’s students is of utmost importance to Miller.
The value of this work is investing in the outcome of our students. Patrick believes cultivating a life-long love of literacy yields immeasurable benefits for students, and credits his own success to the investment of his family and teachers who encouraged him to read at an early age.

Programs Coordinator, Texas Panhandle

Ranell Garner holds a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies from West Texas A&M and is a certified educator. With years of experience in education, she has worked with students across various age levels, including early childhood, Prekindergarten, Kindergarten, and 6th grade Reading Language Arts (RLA).
Ranell’s passion lies in fostering a love for reading in her students. She believes in the power of literacy to transform lives and takes joy in guiding students to discover the magic of books. Her favorite moments in the classroom involve reading with students, creating an engaging and interactive environment that nurtures their curiosity and love for learning.
Inspired by fellow educators and a remarkable mentor teacher, Ranell has developed creative strategies to keep students engaged and excited about reading. She is dedicated to making a lasting impact on her students’ lives by cultivating a lifelong passion for literature.