Tim Sheppard - Board President

Tim retired from the Army after a 40-year career which included serving as the Chief of Staff for the Wyoming Army National Guard. As an Army Engineer, he enjoyed completing construction projects throughout Wyoming and the world. Currently, he serves as the Executive Director of the Wyoming Veterans Commission. Along with serving as the distinguished past governor for the Rocky Mountain District of Kiwanis; president of the board of directors for Raising Readers in Wyoming; vice-president of the board of directors for the Cheyenne After School for Kids program and as past-president of the board for the Cheyenne YMCA. He's also a regional director for the First Lady's Wyoming Hunger Initiative (WHI). He holds an MS in Strategic Studies from the Army War College.  Tim graduated from Leadership Wyoming in 2007 and currently serves as its immediate past chairman of the board. He's also a graduate of the inaugural Wyoming Academy -- a collaboration between Leadership Wyoming and the Wyoming Business Council. He is married with seven children, including two sets of back-to-back twins.

Don Dorn - Board Vice President

Don Dorn is a Deputy Mine Inspector for the State of Wyoming. Before working for the State, Don had a long career in mining, working from operations to management. While employed with Peabody Energy, Don was on a selection committee for the Peabody Leaders in Education. Don also served on the Wyoming Mining Council and the Wyoming Emergency Response Commission and is a Wyoming Miners Hospital Board member.

Don has been a board member of Raising Readers since 2012; he has been involved in various fundraising activities and currently helps get our books to our clinics and volunteers across many Wyoming counties. Don’s favorite part of the program is hearing stories from parents and the impacts that early childhood reading develops between parents and young children. He believes it is never too early to start reading to children of all ages, including before birth.

Sharon Catellier - Board Secretary

Robin Grandpre - Board Member

Peaches Tyrrell - Board Member

Lisa Williams - Board Member

Kim Alexander - Board Treasurer

Katie McCue - Board Member

Darci Ostermiller - Board Member

Torie Haze - Board Member

Amy Reyes - Board Member

Laramie Cummings - Board Member

Alaina Stedilie - Board Member

I have been an avid reader my entire life, which began with my mother’s love of reading.  We spent a lot of time at the public library growing up.  I have shared that love with my children and feel strongly that if you can help children with a love for reading, they will always have a friend!  I also believe that a child’s vocabulary is enhanced the more they read.  I enjoy being part of this organization that gets books in kids’ hands; they can start a library of their own!

 

Robin Grandpre’s love of books has fueled her commitment to fostering a love of reading and learning in young minds. She is deeply honored to join the Raising Readers Board of Directors in January 2025 and is eager to contribute to the organization's mission and promote early literacy. Robin was born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming and is proud to be part of the community. Robin works as a project manager for Public Consulting Group and holds the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, and her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. In 2023, Robin was awarded with the Patrick Henry Award for her work to support the Wyoming National Guard. When Robin isn’t working or volunteering, Robin is busy spending time with her family, reading/listening to audiobooks, crafting, or making sourdough bread.

 

“I am passionate about this program, which puts a book in the hands of a child, promoting a brighter future that inspires the joy of reading and a lifelong love of learning”

As a dedicated advocate for early literacy, I am proud to be a part of Raising Readers in Wyoming. With a proven approach of distributing beautiful new books to children during their well-child visits, Raising Readers in Wyoming has made a profound impact in the lives of countless young children across our state. It impresses me that since the programs creation in 2002, it has provided almost 600,000 books, supporting early literacy development, school readiness, and a love of reading that will last a lifetime. As a board member for Raising Readers in Wyoming, I am committed to continuing the organization's vital work. Outside of my community & professional work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, my wonderful dog SaDee, and exploring the beauty of Wyoming through scenic drives and outdoor activities.

 

Lisa Williams lives on a ranch north of Lusk with her husband JD. She is a graduate of the University of Wyoming where she received her B.S. in elementary education and attended the American College of Education, receiving her MS in Educational Leadership. Lisa has served in education in Albany and Niobrara counties over the past 30 years. Lisa and JD have three adult children, Clayton (Trisha), Allison (Carter), and Larkin Williams. When Lisa is not working with her team at the Wyoming Virtual Academy,  she enjoys spending time with friends and family, feeding the ranch hands, listening to music, being active, and traveling. As a new board member, Lisa looks forward to contributing to Raising Readers mission and vision while collaborating with others in her region to put more books in the hands of children. 

 

Kim Alexander is currently the Chief Strategy and Growth Officer for Blue Federal Credit Union; she just celebrated her 19th year at Blue. Kim graduated from Chadron State College, received her CPA certification while working in Arizona and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Colorado State Online Campus. A lifelong learner, Kim has a passion for learning starting with our leaders of tomorrow and throughout life. Having raised two children in Cheyenne schools, she understands the parenting & encouragement involved in raising readers. Kim has been looking for a non-profit to contribute to for some time, and when Raising Readers in Wyoming caught her eye, she knew this was a passion she could get behind and support.

 

Katie McCue is a dedicated educator with expertise in literacy, curriculum, and instruction. She has devoted her career to ensuring all stakeholders understand the critical importance of literacy. With 18 years of experience in elementary education, she brings a wealth of knowledge in literacy development, professional learning, and community and family engagement.

As a board member of Raising Readers in Wyoming, Katie is committed to advancing the organization’s mission by ensuring all families have access to high-quality books and resources that emphasize the importance of reading to children. She works to expand literacy opportunities both within her community and across the state of Wyoming.

Beyond her role on the board, Katie is actively involved in Level Up, a Wyoming Department of Education teacher leadership initiative, and serves as the secretary for the Cody Schools Education Foundation. She also leads family engagement initiatives to foster a love of reading and learning. Passionate about literacy, she strives to make a meaningful impact by promoting education, professional development, and access to books for all.

"Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope." – Kofi Annan

 

Location: Powell, WY

Darci Ostermiller is a dedicated educator with 29 years of teaching experience, including 19 years in kindergarten. In 2022, she was honored as Park County Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Ostermiller is passionate about creating a joyful classroom culture based on trust, integrity, and a growth mindset, ensuring every child reaches their potential. She emphasizes the importance of celebration, encouraging students to set and achieve their goals, while fostering a love of reading and literature in the next generation.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Ostermiller has developed her professional philosophy through various roles, including Special Education and Preschool. She began her journey at Northwest College and continued at Montana State University-Billings, earning her Master’s degree in education from Lesley College. Recognizing the value of collaboration, she has guided many colleagues in their professional development.

Mrs. Ostermiller has held several state education roles, including participation in Level Up Leadership, Wyoming Mentorship Core, Educational Leadership Rendezvous, and the Wyoming Teacher Recruitment and Retention Task Force. She is also excited to serve as a new board member for Raising Readers in Wyoming.

 

Torie Haze was born in Colorado and holds a Master's degree in Business/Finance. She has been working as an Administrative Assistant at First Interstate Bank for nearly six years. Torie is passionate about literature and enjoys spending her free time learning about new topics through reading. She shares this love for reading with her son, who is an avid reader as well. Torie hopes to extend her passion for literature to the community by engaging with various organizations in Laramie.

 

Amy Reyes B.S. Ed,L.L.B, IT/ECMH-E

A child who reads is an adult who thinks! That'smy favorite quote. I've been in education for 25 plus years and I know that literacy is the key to participation in the world. This starts in the womb and progresses significantly after birth. I've seen the difference reading to children can truly make. I will forever be an advocate of early literacy programs. Raising Readers just makes sense for me! 

 

Laramie is a Wyoming transplant (thanks to her Wyoming-native husband) and is extremely happy to have made Casper and Wyoming home. She was born in Oregon and raised in Colorado, areas that allowed her to be outside year-round, whether skiing, swimming, rafting, climbing, or hiking. Laramie attended Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO, the University of Colorado, and earned a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Regis University. Laramie is a very busy full-time mom to two boys. She is also a Compliance Officer for a fintech company, a published author, and the owner of The Alcove Casper consulting and word-of-mouth marketing for small businesses and nonprofits. Laramie serves on several boards and committees throughout Wyoming. When not busy with her many projects, kiddos, husband, dog, and work, you can find her with a good book, looking at books, writing books, reading books with her boys, hosting various book clubs online and in person, starting a Wyoming publishing company, or doing anything that involves books.

 

Alaina is a shareholder in the Casper office of Crowley Fleck, PLLP.  While at work, she focuses on civil and commercial litigation.  In the community, Alaina has served on a number of boards and in leadership positions, most recently including the Natrona County Public Library Board of Trustees, CASA of Natrona County, and Casper College Paralegal Program Advisory Committee.  Alaina is also a member of the Leadership Wyoming Class of 2024.  As a lifelong reader and the mother to a young child, Alaina is dedicated to fostering and improving literacy for Wyoming’s children and introducing them to all the wonders that reading books can reveal.