Reading Partners North Texas is a nonprofit organization that engages community volunteers to provide students with the proven, individualized reading support they need to read at grade level by fourth grade. We seek to create a more equitable future, one where every child in North Texas has the support they deserve to become strong readers and lifelong learners.
Reading Partners North Texas is powered by AmeriCorps, a federal agency for national service. We mobilize AmeriCorps members to recruit and coach volunteers, support students during and outside of tutoring sessions, work on capacity-building projects, and so much more.
Meet our team
Kimberly Benavides is a passionate educational leader with 20 years of experience in public education. Kim’s work with students, families, and the community is fueled by her unwavering belief that children are our greatest asset, and literacy is the key to self-confidence and opportunity. She holds a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies from Texas Tech University, a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from The University of Texas at Arlington, and Doctor of Education from Abilene Christian University where her research focused on the sustainability of school-community partnerships.
Kendra Bass values education and has a passion for advancing youth across multiple platforms. She is a Reading Partners North Texas Alum (2013-2015) and a former middle school English teacher and grade level administrator. She transitioned from the classroom to pursue nonprofit management within the Dallas communities. Kendra holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Sam Houston State University, a master’s in Juvenile Forensic Psychology from Prairie View A&M University, and a master’s in Nonprofit Administration from Louisiana State University Shreveport. She is devoted to making an impact on the lives of youth and helping them reach their greatest potential.
Karla Gurley is a passionate educator, teacher, and leader with a strong love for students, reading, and people. She has over a decade of experience in the classroom and five years of international teaching experience in Shanghai, China. She graduated from UT Arlington in 2017 with a master’s in education, leadership, and policy studies and received her bachelor’s in social work from Georgia State University in 2005. It is her desire to see all students, no matter their background, be successful in the classroom and stir in them a love for reading! Contact: karla.gurley@readingpartners.org
Carlos Hernandez graduated from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley with a Bachelor of Arts in English. He taught high school English for a year, then worked in an after-school program for middle school students. He relocated to Fort Worth to serve as a literacy lead at George C. Clarke with Reading Partners in 2020. As an individual that faced numerous educational and cultural challenges growing up in the bicultural border region of South Texas, he is passionate about inclusivity, representation, and equitable education for all students.
Diana Martinez graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in English and sociology. She spent two years teaching kindergarten in Dallas ISD and seeks to use her classroom experience to impact a larger community. As a first-generation college student and someone who experienced a lot of challenges in education, Diana believes that all students should have access to an equitable education. Diana currently holds a master’s in Education from Southern Methodist University and is dedicated to making education more equitable for students.
Hannah graduated from UT Arlington with a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Public Health in May of 2020. Immediately after graduation, Hannah served two years with Reading Partners as an AmeriCorps member. During that time, she fell in love with community outreach. When the opportunity arose after her second term to join the team as a full-time staff member, she was elated. Hannah also earned her Master of Public Health during her time as an AmeriCorps member and hopes to use that knowledge to further her understanding of the systematic inequalities that our students experience. Contact: hannah.moffatt@readingpartners.org
Danielle is a US Navy veteran with a Bachelor of Science in education from Texas Woman’s University, where her passion for shaping young minds took root. For two years, she dedicated herself to teaching Pre-K, leaving a lasting impact on her students and their families. Danielle’s altruistic spirit led her to work in the nonprofit sector, focusing on volunteer management and community engagement. Through these experiences, she forged meaningful relationships and discovered her true calling: serving her community, particularly in ways that positively impact children. With a unique blend of military discipline, educational expertise, and a heart devoted to the betterment of society, Danielle continues to be a driving force in creating a brighter future for the next generation.
Contact: danielle.morrison@readingpartners.org
Jennifer’s journey in education began as a Teach for America corps member serving in Denver, Colorado immediately after completing her undergraduate studies at Knox College. After completing her two-year commitment and earning an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado-Denver, she taught another four years before transitioning into the multifaceted role of instructional coach, family liaison, and manager of a 21st Century Community Learning Center at her school. Jennifer also spent time in the world of education policy, serving as an Urban Leaders Fellow in Dallas and as a policy analyst with the New Mexico Public Education Department. She is an avid reader and loves seeing a love of reading grow in the students we serve.
Kim Taylor graduated from Northwood University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. While completing her degree, Kim decided to dedicate her career to organizations that make a positive impact in her local community. For over ten years, Kim has held a variety of roles ranging from development, special events, volunteer administration, and community engagement at local agencies. She received her international accreditation for Certification in Volunteer Administration in 2014.
Board of directors
Tania Curry, board co-chair, program officer, The Meadows Foundation
Erik Moss, board co-chair, chief of staff, Child Poverty Action Lab
Beth Dana, minister of faith development, First Unitarian Church of Dallas
Chrystal Badillo, branch manager, supervisory principal, Level Four Financial
Matthew Garcia, SVP of public policy, Dallas Regional Chamber
Rev. Dr. Daniel C. Kanter, sr. minister/CEO, First Unitarian Church of Dallas
Denisecia Lee, teacher, Fort Worth ISD
Jody Sanders, partner, Kelly Hart
Myra H. Savage, trust officer, Bank of America Private Bank
James Walton, partner, EY
Abby Wilkinson, associate, Jackson Walker LLP