Staff and Advisory Board

Jenny Horsley, MBA
Executive Director
913-945-6577
jhorsley@kumc.edu
Jenny Horsley serves as Executive Director, bringing a master’s degree in Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies to her leadership. She joined Reach Out and Read Kansas City in 2015 and stepped into the executive director role in 2017, guiding the organization with both strategic insight and a deep commitment to early literacy. Her previous experience includes directing volunteer services at Operation Breakthrough and serving on the leadership team at Head Start as Disabilities Coordinator for the region. Jenny is known for building strong community partnerships and championing programs that support families from birth onward. She brings a thoughtful, energetic presence to every initiative she leads. Her favorite childhood story is The Pokey Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey, illustrated by Gustaf Tenggren.
Sallie Page-Goertz, MN APRN, CPNP-PC
Medical Director
913-588-6364
spage@kumc.edu
Sallie Page-Goertz is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with more than 45 years of experience caring for children and families in outpatient settings. She has supported Reach Out and Read Kansas City since its earliest days, ensuring that books become a natural and joyful part of pediatric care. Sallie currently serves as a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics (volunteer status) at the KU School of Medicine and continues her clinical work at The University of Kansas Health System. As Medical Director for Reach Out and Read Kansas City, she teaches resident physicians how to use books to strengthen developmental guidance during well-child visits. Her career reflects a lifelong dedication to nurturing children’s growth through both healthcare and literacy. Her favorite childhood story is A Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey.
Stefanie Estes, M.L.S.
Book Coordinator
913-588-0295
sestes2@kumc.edu
Stefanie Estes joined Reach Out and Read Kansas City in 2020 as Book Coordinator, bringing a master’s degree in library science and more than a decade of experience in public libraries. Her background as a storyteller, manager, and book club coordinator shapes her thoughtful approach to selecting books that spark curiosity and joy for young children. Stefanie oversees the ordering and distribution of more than 70,000 books each year, ensuring that every title is developmentally appropriate and engaging. She also manages program implementation across partner clinics, supporting providers in sharing books and literacy guidance with families. Her work reflects a deep belief in the power of stories to shape early learning. Her favorite childhood story is Weird Parents written and illustrated by Audrey Wood.

Serenity Liessmann
Events and Communication Coordinator
913-588-3073
sliessmann@kumc.edu
Serenity Liessmann is the Events and Communications Coordinator, dedicated to fostering a love of reading from early childhood and helping shape a meaningful program for local families. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has since gained extensive marketing experience, including copywriting, social media management, and website development. In recent years, Serenity has also embraced her passion for event planning, bringing enthusiasm and creativity to community events that make a positive impact. Her favorite childhood story is Goodnight Moon written by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd.
Reach Out and Read Kansas City Advisory Board
Marissa Steele, Board Chair, TEKsystems Global Services, LLC
April Soberon, Vice Chair, Leavenworth School District
Ben Gebhards, Past Chair and Finance Chair, Humana
Nancy Spangler, Spangler Associates Inc
Trae Venerable, Honeywell and local author
Taylor Worthington, Mithril Defense
Tabitha O’Riley, The Standard
Jordan Lord, AbbVie
Mary Burford, Pepsi Co.
Darin George, Black and McDonald
Committee Members
Eli Colmenero, MarksNelson
Kelly Jernigan, Commerce Bank
"Reach Out and Read Kansas City supports foundational journeys for families and children in their growth and literacy."- Ben Gebhards, Advisory Board Chair