MEET OUR BOARD
Catherine Le Dunbar, Chair
Catherine was born and raised in Houston. For 10 years, she has volunteered with The Kids’ Reading Room and witnessed firsthand the incredible impact literacy has on children’s lives. Today, as Chair of The Kids' Reading Room, she is proud and inspired to spark a lifelong love of reading in every child served. She earned her law degree from the City University of New York School of Law. Community work has always been important to her. She's served as Chair of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, sat on the boards of Asian American Family Services and OCA-Greater Houston, and is proud to call herself an AmeriCorps alumna. These days, she's a Board Member with the Houston Housing Finance Corporation and the Asian Chamber Foundation, and helps out with animal rescue groups.
Catherine was born and raised in Houston. For 10 years, she has volunteered with The Kids’ Reading Room and witnessed firsthand the incredible impact literacy has on children’s lives. Today, as Chair of The Kids' Reading Room, she is proud and inspired to spark a lifelong love of reading in every child served. She earned her law degree from the City University of New York School of Law. Community work has always been important to her. She's served as Chair of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, sat on the boards of Asian American Family Services and OCA-Greater Houston, and is proud to call herself an AmeriCorps alumna. These days, she's a Board Member with the Houston Housing Finance Corporation and the Asian Chamber Foundation, and helps out with animal rescue groups.
Vincent Schappell, Treasurer
Vince Schappell volunteers behind the scenes to streamline book donations, as well as provide overall organization. He received his degree in Chemical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. He is the founder of Health, Wealth & Happiness Toastmasters and has served in numerous officer roles on their board at various times. Today, Schappell has retired as the owner of All Prime Amusements, and spends some of his time volunteering for The Kids’ Reading Room.
Vince Schappell volunteers behind the scenes to streamline book donations, as well as provide overall organization. He received his degree in Chemical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. He is the founder of Health, Wealth & Happiness Toastmasters and has served in numerous officer roles on their board at various times. Today, Schappell has retired as the owner of All Prime Amusements, and spends some of his time volunteering for The Kids’ Reading Room.
Catherine Roth, Secretary
Cathy Roth has been an elementary school teacher for over 38 years, educating both kids and teachers along the way. She earned her BS in Elementary Education from Texas Christian University and her Masters in Education in Curriculum & Instruction from Houston Baptist University. Roth is a diamond level ABYDOS Literacy Institute Trainer and a Sue German Award recipient. Currently, Roth works in Spring Branch ISD as the Elementary Language Arts Lead Instructional Coach.
Cathy Roth has been an elementary school teacher for over 38 years, educating both kids and teachers along the way. She earned her BS in Elementary Education from Texas Christian University and her Masters in Education in Curriculum & Instruction from Houston Baptist University. Roth is a diamond level ABYDOS Literacy Institute Trainer and a Sue German Award recipient. Currently, Roth works in Spring Branch ISD as the Elementary Language Arts Lead Instructional Coach.
Patricia Schappell, Founder
Trish Schappell volunteers and is responsible for the overall direction of The Kids’ Reading Room. After attending ABYDOS Reading Week in 2013, Schappell realized there was a need for all students to have access to books in order to learn to read. This realization has flourished into The Kids Reading Room, which changes lives every day. Schappell worked in education 29 years as a teacher, administrator, instructional specialist and retired from Spring Branch ISD as a Middle School Counselor in June 2023.
Trish Schappell volunteers and is responsible for the overall direction of The Kids’ Reading Room. After attending ABYDOS Reading Week in 2013, Schappell realized there was a need for all students to have access to books in order to learn to read. This realization has flourished into The Kids Reading Room, which changes lives every day. Schappell worked in education 29 years as a teacher, administrator, instructional specialist and retired from Spring Branch ISD as a Middle School Counselor in June 2023.
Michelle Torres, Volunteer Coordinator
Besides volunteering with The Kids' Reading Room for a number of years, Michelle volunteers with several other organizations working with children. She is a Docent at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston leading weekly tours for Houston-area third graders and a mentor at Yellowstone Academy and Small Steps Nurturing Center. When not volunteering, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband and three grown sons, as well as reading.
Besides volunteering with The Kids' Reading Room for a number of years, Michelle volunteers with several other organizations working with children. She is a Docent at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston leading weekly tours for Houston-area third graders and a mentor at Yellowstone Academy and Small Steps Nurturing Center. When not volunteering, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband and three grown sons, as well as reading.