At Girls on the Run, our volunteer coaches are truly the heart of our organization, and we couldn’t do what we do without their support and dedication. Each season, hundreds of volunteer coaches spend countless hours preparing for twice-a-week lessons, coaching and mentoring our girls, and getting ready to complete a 5K. And the positive impact they have on the girls in our program is immeasurable!
We recognize that serving as a volunteer coach at Girls on the Run requires a huge commitment, which is why we wanted to give a WOW Energy Award to some very special Girls on the Run coaches who celebrated 5 and 20 seasons of coaching this fall. Much gratitude and appreciation to all our coaches who celebrated anniversaries this past season.
5 Seasons
Amy Cheney | Park Street Elementary
Aria Stinson | Knight Elementary
Becky Stamatiades | Atlanta Speech School
Chelsea Tucker | Fifth Avenue Elementary (F.Ave)
Ingri Rojas | Chesney Elementary
Jillian Kurz | Lovin Elementary
Jovita Bradford | E. Rivers Elementary
Kristy McDowell | Deerwood Academy
Shekia Peoples-Armour | Deerwood Academy
20 Seasons
Natalie Bundschu | Talley Street Upper Elementary
Natalie started a Girls on the Run team at Clairemont Elementary in the fall of 2014. When the City of Decatur opened a new school for 3rd - 5th grades in 2019, Talley Street Upper Elementary, Natalie started a Girls on the Run team and it quickly expanded to 2-3 GOTR teams each season. Natalie is a thoughtful and kind 3rd grade teacher and lead SEL coordinator at Talley.
She has shared with us that the lessons in the Girls on the Run program align with her philosophy as a teacher and administrator. She always has a focus for how the teams at Talley can be as accessible and inclusive as possible, encouraging students from all backgrounds and experience levels to join and belong in the program. We are so grateful to Natalie for her passion for the Girls on the Run mission and introducing so many Decatur girls to Girls on the Run!
