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Denise Carleton, Founder & Executive Director
​Denise has been involved in community service since moving to Forsyth County in 2005. Her journey of service started as PTA Environmental Education Committee Chair at Daves Creek Elementary, which resulted in the school being recognized on the local and state level for its recycling efforts. She didn’t stop there and went on to form student environmental clubs at Daves Creek Elementary and Cornerstone Schools. Denise also served as the Environment Dept. Chair of the Sawnee Woman’s Club for over a decade. Keep Forsyth County Beautiful has recognized her as their Educator of the Year and Volunteer of the Year, and she was the first recipient of the Crystal Johnson Award. Denise's passion for recycling, reuse and education led her to realize my dream of opening the Teacher Reuse Exchange (TRE) in 2020 (yep at the height of the pandemic). Sparking kids’ excitement about reading is another passion. In 2020 she joined Literacy Network of North Georgia (formerly Literacy Forsyth). She's now their Vice Chair. Denise recently led LNNGA’s Read Across America service project, which resulted in over 4,900 students in five of our Forsyth County Schools receiving bags of books.
Let's FILL Classrooms - NOT the Landfill!

"It is not what we get. But who we become, what we contribute that gives meaning to our lives." --Tony Robbins
Marilene Cunningham, Board Member
Marilene Cunningham graduated with a BS in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education and Child Development. She received a MS in Literacy and is a certified reading specialist Pre-school through High School. Her teaching career spanned 35 years in both public and private schools. She enjoys volunteering with the TRE and First Redeemer Church. Marilene is very committed to donating her time and expertise to assisting children in our community to develop strong reading skills so they can be lifelong learners. 
Denise Webb, Board Member
Denise has a specialist in Elementary Education and endorsements in Science, Teacher Leadership, Gifted, and ESOL. She currently teaches STEM at Coal Mountain Elementary where she incorporates environmental education into her curriculum that she teaches to all the students in the school. Caring for the environment is a passion she shares with her family. Her son graduated with a degree in Environmental Economics and Sustainability. She is a board member with Keep Forsyth County Beautiful. Denise enjoys volunteering with the TRE, participating in the Lake Lanier Shore Sweeps, and Home Hazardous waste and electronics recycling events sponsored by Keep Forsyth County Beautiful.
Christine Murphy, Board Chair
Christine is an accomplished and dedicated individual with extensive experience in the education sector. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina and master’s degree in education from De Paul University. She taught in the Chicago Public Schools, where she gained valuable experience and insights into the challenges facing educators and students.

Christine is committed to making a positive impact on the community and believes that education is the key to creating a better future. Her passion for education and community service led her to become involved with the Teacher Reuse Exchange, where she currently serves as chairman of the board. Her contributions to the organization have been invaluable, helping to secure funding and support for programs that benefit teachers and students in Forsyth County. Christine is married to her college sweetheart, Chris, and together they have three children. 
Hadriane Kalfus, Steadfast Volunteer
What can we say about Hadriane? She’s a hoot, pistol and straight shooter, and we would be lost without her. Two years ago her husband contacted us about donating his large collection of National Geographic magazines. He asked if we needed help cause his wife needed something to do. We said send her over! Hadriane comes almost every Tuesday and Thursday, when she’s not off traveling the world, to help us sort through donations. She makes sure writing instruments work, puzzle and game pieces are all there, ABC’s are in order, and keeps us on our toes. It’s hysterical to listen to her and Lisa bicker.

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” Lucky for us, Hadriane has both.