Our Board of Directors
Steve is a retired third grade teacher of 31 years and a published children's book author of three books, THE OAK TREE (Inspired Books, 2015), THREE LITTLE SHRIMP (River Road Press, 2017), and his newest kid's book, THREE LITTLE CRAWFISH (River Road Press, 2020).
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In August 2018, Steve founded TRAVELING TALES, INC., a nonprofit whose mission is to "inspire a passion for reading and a love of learning through books." By February 2019, Traveling Tales, Inc. was approved by the IRS as an educational 501(c )3 nonprofit.
Steve Spires, M. Ed.
CEO / Founder
Ronny Kastner
Vice-Chairman
Ronny is a retired federal law enforcement officer after serving 27+ years with the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security. His experience includes organizational management, emergency operations, leadership development, operational and strategic planning, and public affairs.
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Ronny is married with two daughters. One daughter will receive her Master of Education degree in May 2020, while the other is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Education degree.
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Although he has traveled nationwide and has lived in several states, Ronny has always called Louisiana "home."
Odette Jennings
Secretary/ Treasurer
A New Orleans native, Odette has been a military wife for over 30 years and was a stay-at-home/ homeschool mom to her three children.
Odette has spent most of her life devoted to educating local children. From a Cub Scout den leader, a helper at Kid's A.T. (annual training) for military children in 2004, and a volunteer teacher who instructed kids on science and space at Starbase Camp. Odette has worked as the PE coach for Prince of Peace's Vacation Bible School in Chalmette, LA, as well as, serving as the director of the Slidell Christian Homeschool Education Fellowship (SCHEF) drama class from 2007-2011 and the advisor of the Republican Teens of Slidell (RTS). where she taught local teenagers about the three types of government. .
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Odette is excited to be part of Traveling Tales and hopes to continue spreading her love of learning and reading to children throughout Louisiana and the southeast region.
Jamie McDonald
Marketing/ Story Development
Jamie is a retired event planner and florist. She is also a published writer for newspapers, magazines, and websites, as well as, her blog "Inspired Living."
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Jamie enjoys working with children by writing and directing children's plays at her church in Carriere, MS. She recently wrote and directed a skit and co-directed a play which was performed by the young actors/actresses of the Picayune on Stage troupe.
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Jamie has 15 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She and her family volunteer with Opening Eyes every year at Southeastern University (Hammond) which provides free prescription glasses to the Special Olympics' athletes.
As an active member of her community, she serves on the Board of Traveling Tales, Inc. and on the Board of Spina Bifida of LA.