Autumn Newman


Director

Autumn has lived in the Waco area for most of her life, and she has always loved this city. After graduating from Midway ISD, she attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and received her bachelor’s in English & writing in 2020. Throughout her life, Autumn has had a love for reading good books and for championing kids and their families. She absolutely loves getting to combine these passions to serve the Waco community with the STARS team! When Autumn isn’t at work, she spends her time volunteering with youth ministry, hanging out with her friends, and adding to her array of random hobbies.

Gina Sanders


Program Coordinator

Gina is a native Houstonian, but she and her family moved to Waco in 2020. Gina and her husband, David, have been married for almost 19 years. They have 6 children, 3 grandchildren and a rescue dog named Zia. Gina graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She loves being a part of the STARS team and supporting mentors who are encouraging WISD students through relationship and reading. When Gina is not working for STARS, she loves spending time with her family, dates with David, hiking at Cameron Park and gardening.

Francisco Leyva


Program Coordinator

Francisco Leyva is from Waco, TX, and he graduated from Tarleton State University in 2021 with a degree in marketing. He volunteers on the worship team at his church and also leads a small group. Francisco loves listening to music, watching movies at Cinemark, and cheering for the Boston Celtics! Other than that, he loves working with the best team at STARS Book Clubs and mentoring the next generation through reading. He really believes that the next generation of students will be able to read and succeed because of the commitment of our mentors to serve the community.

Elaine Embry-Mullins


Campus Coordinator

Elaine is a native Texan who has a heart for service. She received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in elementary education with specialties in early childhood, reading, and special education. She is a certified Educational Diagnostician and administrator.  She worked in disadvantaged schools in Dallas and Corsicana, which is where her heart is. In 2014, she retired from working from the State of Texas in the Texas Juvenile Justice system in the area of education. She began mentoring in 2018 with STARS Book Clubs as part of the group from First Methodist. When she is not volunteering with other activities she enjoys, she is with her three grandchildren and family.