Board of Directors
Keith Moore – President
A graduate of Baylor University, Keith Moore spent more than 40 years in public accounting, building a career grounded in integrity, service, and attention to detail. Alongside his professional accomplishments, Keith and his wife, Myra, have built a vibrant family life with five children, 10 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Keith first became aware of Communities In Schools (CIS) more than 20 years ago and was inspired by the organization’s work in supporting students, especially those who are less fortunate or at risk. Serving on the CIS board allows him to help provide students with the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to succeed in school and beyond, ensuring they have the tools to reach their full potential.
Outside of his professional and board work, Keith enjoys spending time outdoors hunting and fishing, tending his garden, and staying active with yard projects. Known for his love of numbers, he also delights in crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. His involvement with CIS reflects a lifelong commitment to service, family, and helping the next generation thrive.
Gary Bird – Past President
When Dr. Gary Bird moved to New Braunfels in 1976, he didn’t just put down roots—he committed himself to the people of the community. For more than 35 years, he served as a trusted family physician, caring for generations of patients and helping families navigate life’s most vulnerable moments. In the final chapter of his medical career, Dr. Bird helped bring Resolute Health Hospital to life, extending his impact beyond individual patients to the broader health of the region.
After retiring in 2013, Dr. Bird found that slowing down wasn’t really his style. A couple of years later, he joined the Communities In Schools of South Central Texas board in 2015, drawn by the organization’s ability to step in when students need support the most. He has seen how timely help—offered at the right moment—can change a student’s path and turn obstacles into opportunities for success.
Today, retirement has been good to Dr. Bird. His days are filled with time spent with grandchildren, travel, continued service through CIS – currently serving as Board President, and staying actively engaged in the community he has called home for nearly five decades.
Jenny Faulkner – Secretary
Jenny Faulkner considers her family her greatest joy. She is “Mimi” to three wonderful grandchildren and a proud mom to two sons. She has called New Braunfels home since 1997. She enjoys traveling, hiking, sailing, and spending quality time with her family.
A self-proclaimed technology enthusiast and proud Aggie, Jenny dedicated much of her career to education and innovation. She began by teaching middle school math and science for 15 years in Longview and Houston before transitioning into leadership roles in educational technology. She went on to serve as the first Director of Technology for New Braunfels ISD and later for Alamo Heights ISD, where she spent a combined 18 years helping shape and advance technology in schools. She retired in 2014 after a long and impactful career.
Shortly after retiring, Jenny joined the Board of Directors for Communities In Schools of South Central Texas, where she has now served for 11 years. She is passionate about the organization’s mission and proud to serve alongside a dedicated group committed to supporting students, families, and the broader community.
Jill Bassett
Jill Bassett considers her family her greatest blessing. She has been married for nearly 40 years and is the proud mother of three children and grandmother to six grandchildren, who bring immense joy to her life. She and her husband enjoy traveling and spending quality time with friends and loved ones.
Originally from Ogallala, Nebraska, Jill brings a deep appreciation for community and connection to everything she does. She has proudly served on the Board of Directors for Communities In Schools of South Central Texas for the past 10 years and is deeply passionate about the organization’s mission. She has seen firsthand the meaningful impact CIS makes in supporting students and helping them succeed both in school and in life.
In her free time, she enjoys making memories with her family, exploring new places, and staying connected with her community.
Susan Bell
Susan Bell, RN, BSN (retired), brings a lifetime of service, care, and advocacy to the Communities In Schools (CIS) of South Central Texas board. Raised and educated in Ohio, Susan moved to Texas in 1969 and went on to build a distinguished 35-year nursing career that included serving as a Navy nurse, school nurse, and nurse educator.
Throughout her work in schools, Susan saw firsthand the challenges students and families face—barriers that often extend beyond the classroom and must be addressed for students to succeed. Her experiences as a school nurse made clear the vital role CIS plays in helping students navigate those obstacles, stay engaged in school, and build a path toward a brighter future. Being part of that mission continues to be deeply meaningful to her.
Today, Susan enjoys retirement alongside her husband, Kenneth, and cherishes time spent with their seven grandchildren, often at their ranch in the Texas Hill Country. She also enjoys cooking, playing games, and spending time with friends—especially a good game of Mahjong. Her involvement with CIS reflects a lifelong commitment to caring for others and supporting the well-being and success of students and families.
Elaine Bennett
Elaine Bennett considers her family and community the foundation of her life. She earned a BBA in Accounting from Texas Lutheran College and later completed her Executive MBA at The University of Texas at San Antonio. She and her husband, Randy, live and work in Seguin, where she is the CEO of the Guadalupe Regional Medical Center Foundation. They are proud parents of two adult children and recently welcomed a new son-in-law into the family.
Raised with a strong work ethic, Elaine began helping on her family farm at just 10 years old, driving the grain cart—an experience that helped shape her lifelong commitment to responsibility and service. Today, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and embracing the outdoors through activities like hunting, feeding cattle, and caring for feral cats.
Elaine is deeply passionate about serving her community and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. She believes in leading with purpose and using her influence to support students in staying on track for success. As a member of the Board of Directors for Communities In Schools of South Central Texas since 2024, she is proud to help guide the organization’s mission, advocate for student needs, and ensure resources are used effectively to support those who need it most.
In her free time, she continues to give back through volunteer work and enjoys staying connected to her community, always striving to empower others and create lasting, positive change.
Amber Brown
As a fourth-generation New Braunfels resident, Amber Brown has deep roots in the community she proudly calls home—and today, she is raising the fifth generation (Go Unicorns). A graduate of Texas State University, Amber has built her professional career in local banking and currently serves as Senior Vice President and Commercial Lender at a New Braunfels–based bank, where she works closely with businesses and families to support long-term growth and stability in the region.
Amber’s commitment to community service is woven into both her professional and personal life. As a parent of two teenage daughters, she is actively involved in youth sports and leadership development, including participation in the National Charity League. Together as a family, they value giving back through volunteering and staying engaged in the many events and traditions that make New Braunfels special.
Serving on the Communities In Schools (CIS) of South Central Texas board is a natural extension of Amber’s belief that every student deserves access to essential resources and support. She is especially passionate about CIS’s role in ensuring students have what they need—whether school supplies, food, clothing, or counseling—to stay in school and graduate. Amber believes CIS provides students with a chance and a pathway to higher education and career opportunities that can change the course of their lives.
Gabriela Diaz
Born and raised in New Braunfels by immigrant parents, Gabriela Diaz grew up in a close-knit family where shared values, resilience, and community shaped who she is today. Growing up alongside her brother and two sisters, Gabriela learned early the importance of connection, hard work, and giving back—principles that continue to guide her personal and professional life.
Gabriela earned her degree in Psychology from Texas State University, with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. Her educational background and passion for understanding people naturally led her to a career in the real estate industry, where she now serves as a sales executive. In her work, Gabriela is driven by a desire to help others navigate important life transitions while building meaningful, lasting relationships.
Her commitment to Communities In Schools (CIS) of South Central Texas is deeply personal. As a student, Gabriela was supported by a CIS mentor who invested in her during a formative time in her life. That experience left a lasting impact and inspired her to serve with CIS today—to pay that support forward and help ensure other students receive the same encouragement, guidance, and belief that once changed her own path.
Outside of her professional and board service, Gabriela enjoys reading, exercising, and staying actively involved in her community. Her involvement with CIS reflects both gratitude and purpose, rooted in a desire to create opportunities and brighter futures for the next generation. A fun fact—she’s a devoted fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Barbara Doeppenschmidt
A lifelong resident of Comal County, Barbara Doeppenschmidt has dedicated her career and her heart to education and community service. A graduate of Texas State University, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees before spending her professional life as a teacher and school administrator with New Braunfels and Comal Independent School Districts.
Throughout her years in education, Barbara witnessed firsthand the challenges students and families face—and the powerful difference Communities In Schools (CIS) can make when the right support is in place. Seeing CIS step in to help students succeed both in and out of the classroom inspired her to remain connected to education even after retirement and to help expand awareness of the CIS mission throughout the community.
Today, Barbara enjoys life surrounded by family and the outdoors. She is the proud mother of two daughters and has been blessed with four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Living in the country, she and her family raise cattle and cherish time spent together, whether playing games, attending school and extracurricular activities, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Her continued service with CIS reflects a lifelong commitment to students, families, and the community she has always called home.
Barbara Gettig
A native of Seguin, Barbara Gettig has devoted her professional life to public education and student success. She earned her undergraduate degree from Texas Lutheran University and her graduate degree and certifications from Texas State University, beginning a 36-year career that spanned roles as a teacher, campus administrator, and district-level administrator in public education.
Throughout her leadership in school districts, Barbara witnessed firsthand the effectiveness and lasting impact Communities In Schools (CIS) has in helping students overcome challenges, stay engaged in school, and achieve their goals. That experience inspired her continued involvement with CIS, allowing her to support students and families beyond the classroom even after retirement.
Following her retirement from public education, Barbara spent six years working at Texas Lutheran University. Today, she remains deeply connected to her community and enjoys spending time with her husband, Dave, and their son. Her interests include caring for plants, creating floral arrangements, cooking, traveling, swimming and snorkeling, and—most recently—playing Mahjong. Barbara’s service with CIS reflects a lifelong commitment to education and to ensuring students have the support they need to succeed.
Christina Lewis
A lifelong resident of New Braunfels, Christina Lewis takes great pride in the community she calls home. A graduate of New Braunfels High School, she currently serves as Vice President of JCH Construction. Family is at the heart of Christina’s life—she is the wife of a cowboy, mother of three, stepmother of two, and “Lulu” to a sweet new grand baby.
Serving on the Communities In Schools board allows Christina to give back to the community she has loved her whole life. She believes deeply in the organization’s mission and the meaningful difference it makes in helping students access the support they need to succeed.
In her free time, Christina enjoys rocking her grand baby, reading a good book by the fire, watching a good crime show, or driving around her ranch at night spotlighting critters.
Jerry Perkins
Coming Soon
Hector Ramirez
Hector Ramirez knows the impact of Communities In Schools (CIS) not just as a board member, but through lived experience. A CIS alum and graduate of Marion High School, Hector went on to earn his degree from Louisiana State University in 2022, graduating as the youngest degree recipient in his class. His academic journey reflects both determination and the power of having the right support at the right time.
Today, Hector serves as a teacher at Five Palms Elementary in the South San Antonio Independent School District, where he is committed to creating safe, supportive learning environments for students. His work in education is a natural extension of his belief in the mission of CIS and the role it plays in helping students overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.
As a former at-risk student who received CIS services, Hector is passionate about giving back to the organization that helped change the trajectory of his life. He is actively engaged in advocacy work with CIS at both the local and national levels. Through his work with the CIS National Office, Hector helps develop resources for CIS alumni across the country and has collaborated with alumni coordinators from five states. He has also served as a presenter at two CIS National Conferences, represented CIS at the Texas State Capitol during the 89th Legislative Session, and shared his story locally through media appearances.
Hector’s continued involvement with CIS reflects his deep commitment to ensuring that students across South Central Texas—and beyond—have access to the same support, encouragement, and opportunities that helped shape his own success.
Summer Robledo
With more than 20 years of experience in banking, Summer Robledo has built a career rooted in leadership, community engagement, and relationship-building. Throughout her professional journey, she has held roles spanning management to community outreach, always focused on creating meaningful impact and staying connected to the people she serves.
At the heart of Summer’s Assistant Vice President of Spend Life Wisely Ambassador work is her deep commitment to family and community. She is a proud mother of three and a nana of three, and she often describes this stage of life as one centered on purpose—refilling her soul through service and giving back. That sense of calling is what led her to serve on the Communities In Schools (CIS) of South Central Texas Board of Directors.
Her passion for CIS is deeply personal. She believes wholeheartedly in the power of public education to change lives, and has seen firsthand how CIS supports students—including her own daughter—by helping them build coping skills, resilience, and strong support systems. In a world where social media and societal pressures can feel overwhelming, she values CIS for providing students with a safe space, a caring presence, and a pathway to hope.
Outside of her professional and board service, Summer is a creative at heart. She enjoys all things crafty and loves making custom items—from cups and shirts to cards and décor—using vinyl, sublimation, paint, and sewing. Creating for others is one of the many ways she continues to share joy and connection within her community.
Robin Shellard
Robin’s story is deeply rooted in Seguin and Guadalupe County, where a strong tradition of community service was passed down through generations. Following the example set by her parents, Robin has always believed in giving back to the community that helped shape her. She raised her two children, now adults, as a single parent and is also a proud step-parent to two step-children—one of whom is currently a high school student benefiting firsthand from Communities In Schools services.
After graduating from Texas A&M University, Robin began her career in the family’s business before stepping into public service. Over the next 25 years, she built a dedicated civic career as a municipal public servant in both Seguin and New Braunfels, driven by a passion for strengthening communities and supporting the people who call them home.
Serving on the Communities in Schools (CIS) board allows Robin to help ensure students receive the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to succeed in school and beyond the classroom. Her involvement is both professional and personal, shaped by lived experience and a deep belief in the power of support at the right moment.
Outside of board service, Robin stays busy in community theatre—on stage and behind the scenes—and is fluent in wisecracks and good-natured sarcasm. Her work with CIS reflects a lifelong commitment to family, community, and helping students thrive.
Margie Skolaut
Coming Soon
Judy Wohlfarth
Originally from Florida, Judy Wohlfarth came to Texas while serving in the U.S. Air Force. After retiring from military service, she began working with Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District, where she also became involved with Communities In Schools (CIS) of South Central Texas as both a mentor and board member.
Through her work as a mentor, Judy saw firsthand the challenges many students face and the powerful role that caring adults and strong support systems can play in their success. Her continued service with CIS reflects her commitment to ensuring that students and campus site coordinators have the resources they need to help students stay safe, supported, and on the path to graduation.
Among her many memorable experiences, Judy considers it a privilege to have flown around the Pyramids in a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter courtesy of the 82nd Airborne Division.
Mike Wohlfarth
Mike Wohlfarth dedicated more than 40 years to education, serving as a high school teacher, coach, assistant principal, vice principal, principal, and Director of Secondary Education. He also worked as a Field Supervisor for an alternative teacher certification program, helping prepare the next generation of educators.
Mike first connected with Communities In Schools (CIS) while serving as Principal at Byron P. Steele II High School. Seeing firsthand the difference CIS Site Coordinators made in the lives of students inspired him to stay involved with the organization and support its mission of helping students overcome challenges and succeed in school.
Throughout his career, Mike has enjoyed many memorable experiences in academics and athletics, including serving as an NCAA Track and Field official. One of his most unforgettable moments was parachuting with the U.S. Army Golden Knights. In retirement, he enjoys reading, working out, and spending time playing with his grandchildren.
Judge Rose Zamora
When Rose Zamora, Municipal Judge, was growing up in New Braunfels, education and community were already shaping the path she would follow. A graduate of New Braunfels High School, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Texas Lutheran University. She began her professional life in the classroom, teaching for Seguin Independent School District. Though her career would evolve, education never left her heart—she has always seen teaching as a lifelong calling.
That desire to serve led Rose to pursue a law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor in 2004. After nearly a decade practicing criminal and family law, she continued her commitment to public service when she became the City of New Braunfels’ Municipal Court Judge in 2013. While serving the city, she further strengthened her leadership skills by earning both a Master of Business Administration from Howard Payne University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Judge Zamora’s dedication to her community extends well beyond her professional roles. She has served on the City of New Braunfels 2012 Bond Committee and has been actively involved with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the McKenna Foundation, the Comal County Hispanic Council, and the Hispanic Business Alliance. Her involvement with Communities In Schools (CIS) of South Central Texas reflects her belief that every child deserves the support and motivation needed to thrive—and that the right help, at the right time, can change a student’s future.
Outside of her service to CIS and the community, Judge Zamora enjoys traveling with her family and exploring new cultures and foods with her two children. New Braunfels is the city she loves and calls home, and she remains deeply committed to giving back while inspiring the next generation to do the same.
Elizabeth Zwak
Elizabeth Zwak considers her family her greatest blessing. In addition to keeping up with her two children, she runs Sweet E’s Provisions, creating pickles, jams, and baked goods. Proceeds from her business are donated to local communities to support food security and mental health initiatives. Elizabeth also enjoys traveling, volunteering, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Elizabeth is passionate about the work of Communities In Schools (CIS) of South Central Texas. She understands that many students arrive at school unprepared to learn due to emotional or physical challenges, and she is proud to help support CIS in providing the vital resources students need to succeed both in school and in life.
In her free time, Elizabeth loves baking and experimenting with new recipes, combining her creativity with her desire to give back to her community.