STAFF BIOS
Gayle Kellman
Executive Director
Gayle decided when she was in the 3rd grade that she wanted to be a teacher. This path led her to the University of Wisconsin where she earned her degree in Elementary Education and Environmental Studies.After a year of teaching 6th grade on the North side of Chicago, she decided to head West in search of cleaner air and a stronger sense of community. Upon learning more about the challenges facing Portland’s Public Schools, Gayle chose to combine her love for teaching with her concern for the environment through a year of service with AmeriCorps as the first-ever Volunteer Manager for Schoolhouse Supplies.
This experience inspired Gayle to continue her involvement as a full-time staff member, later transitioning into the Development Director position in 2005. In February of 2007, Gayle became the Executive Director at Schoolhouse Supplies with the goal of establishing the free store as a permanent fixture of innovation and support in the community.
Jennifer Samuels
Development Director
Jennifer is a long-time Portland resident who joined Schoolhouse Supplies in the spring of 2009 after stints at the Oregon Symphony, Lewis & Clark College, The Portland Schools Foundation and Third Angle New Music Ensemble. With deep personal commitments to supporting teachers and students, and keeping items out of landfill, Jennifer finds the mission of Schoolhouse Supplies a fantastic match. Jennifer holds an undergraduate degree in music education, a graduate degree in English and lives with her family in NE Portland.
Erin Olinghouse
Marketing Manager
Erin has been a part of the media and communications community in Portland ever since graduating the Art Institute of Portland with a bachelors degree in Graphic Design.After trying her hand in the Design field at a leading Marketing Communications firm, Erin interned with Portland Monthly Magazine planning events and assisting in marketing initiatives. She soon pursued her marketing interests at Bridgeport Village in Tualatin, and was so inspired by the promotion of non-profits through the center events, that she broke away and started event planning on her own.
Erin joined the Schoolhouse Supplies team first as an event planner for their annual fund-raiser “The Wells Fargo Celebrity Spelling Bee” and has since stayed on as the Marketing Manager for Schoolhouse Supplies.
Courtney Berry
Program Manager
Courtney joined the Schoolhouse Supplies team after a year of service as an AmeriCorps volunteer at Heritage High School in Vancouver, Washington.In her AmeriCorps position, she coordinated and chaperoned service-learning projects for 8th and 9th graders. Now she continues her involvement in public education by rallying volunteers to operate and stock our free store for teachers.
She’s always on the lookout for new individuals and corporate groups to join the team! As she nears her three-year anniversary of being on staff at Schoolhouse Supplies, Courtney is looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities each year will bring.
Bo Bullock
Operations Manager
Born in Detroit and raised in Bozeman, Montana, Bo Bullock has called Portland, Oregon home since 2006. Bo attended the University of Oregon, where he earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Political Science. Much of what he learned in this pursuit was the value of being “civic-minded”.In addition to his role at Schoolhouse Supplies, Bo is counselor at a Rotary youth camp during his summers, where he works with high school students in becoming positive leaders in their schools and communities.
He believes Schoolhouse Supplies provides an important service for teachers and ultimately students and is proud to be a part of a dynamic team.
Lydia Cox
Volunteer Coordinator
Lydia was born and raised in Oregon and is joining the Schoolhouse Supplies team following an AmeriCorps year of service with Hands On Greater Portland, as well as a temporary student engagement coordinator position with Oregon Campus Compact.
Drawn to the mission of Schoolhouse Supplies, Lydia has a passion for connecting with her community and supporting others to do the same. She looks forward to working with the dedicated network of volunteers who make Schoolhouse Supplies a reality, as well as rolling up her sleeves to take the volunteer program to the next level.
While away from the office, Lydia spends her time working with Good Sport Promotion through a summer internship, as well as relaxing outside, hiking and hosting pot lucks with her friends and neighbors.