Shelly O'Donnell

Executive Director

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Shelly ODonnell is the Executive Director of Teacher Reuse. She is a retired Texas teacher who taught Deaf Education PK-12 and American Sign Language for 26 years. Shelly received her bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and her master's degree in Education of the Deaf and hard of Hearing from Texas Woman's University.

Shelly taught at Austin Community College, Grayson County College, Howe ISD, Round Rock ISD, Hays CISD, and Lockhart ISD, meeting exceptional students and teaching with some outstanding faculty.

Her proud accomplishments:

• Founded the Texas ASL Educators state-wide workshop

• Taught swimming lessons to economically disadvantaged children

• Engaged the community in learning sign language.

• Started Teacher Reuse nonprofit teacher store

Neva Kuchar

Treasurer

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​Neva earned her bachelor ‘s degree from the University of Texas – Austin, her ESL certification and her master’s degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. She taught K-5 in 3 Texas public schools, Alvin ISD, Round Rock ISD and Georgetown ISD for 14 years. She was honored Teacher of the Year in 1997 at Alvin Primary and 2002 at Old Town Elementary. After retiring to raise her two boys with her husband Mike, she continued her passion for teaching & volunteering.  She was a PTA member/coordinator, religious ed teacher, VBS director, UIL Chess & Oral Reading coach, room mom, church volunteer, & substitute teacher.  In 2019 she started her first LLC, Rise Up Balloon Décor & Creations, creating balloon decorations for her community.  Now retired again, she has joined forces with Teacher Reuse.  A perfect fit for volunteering and helping teachers!

Laura Caswell

President

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Laura Caswell has worked with teachers and educators for nearly 20 years, including more than 2 years of service with Austin ISD in the Construction Management Department.  In a professional capacity, Laura has worked with educational, government and corporate clients to find furniture solutions since 1996.  Volunteering has been a very important part of Laura's life and career, serving on various boards and committees for organizations that align with her personal and career goals, including Association for Learning Environments and her son's booster clubs.

Laura earned her Bachelor's Degree in Advertising from the University of Texas, then went on to a career in sales.  In her capacity of Furniture Fixtures and Equipment Manager with Austin ISD, Laura was introduced to Teacher Reuse.  The mission of Teacher Reuse spoke to Laura's interest in helping teachers, as well as being a sustainable organization.

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Tracy Shaw

Secretary

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Tracy Shaw has a BA in Liberal Arts from Cornell College and a teaching certification from UTSA. At the reuse store, she helps sort ELAR activities into grade levels so teachers can easily shop for their grade-level students.

Angela Pena

Bio coming soon!

Angela Peña is a retired educator with over 20 years of teaching experience in Hays CISD. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in General Business from Concordia University in Austin and her Master’s degree in Bilingual/Bicultural Elementary Education from Texas State University.

Throughout her career, Angela taught first, second, and fourth grade, focusing on fostering a love of learning while advancing her expertise in math and science education. She has presented at several Adelante Conferences in Austin and participated in eight years of summer workshops with the Texas Regional Collaborative at the University of Texas at Austin. Her dedication to creating lifelong learners and cultivating strong mathematicians and scientists guided her continual professional growth.

Angela’s leadership has been evident in her many roles, including cooperating teacher, mentor, team leader, and campus advocate. She also served as Secretary of the Hays Educators Association for three years, as well as Secretary and Vice President of her local dance booster club, and a board member of The Teacher Reuse organization. Her extensive experience in administration, training, curriculum development, and leadership has allowed her to share her passion for education and lifelong learning with colleagues, students, and community.