Board of Directors

Pamela Awbrey, Board Chair, is a seasoned educational leader with a robust background in talent acquisition and staffing, team leadership, and strategy. Holding a Master's in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington, Pamela has dedicated over 15 years to fostering growth and excellence in education.

Since 2020, Pamela has served on the executive team at Compass Rose Public Schools in San Antonio. She is currently the Chief Strategy Officer where she oversees a wide range of strategic functions, including student recruitment and enrollment, marketing and communications, board and governance, and grants and community partnerships.

Pamela's journey in education began at IDEA Public Schools in the Rio Grande Valley where she grew up. She held multiple roles and made significant contributions. Starting as a substitute, she progressed to become a paraprofessional and then a Special Education Teacher at IDEA Public Schools in Edinburg, Texas. Her efforts led to a substantial improvement in state assessment passing rates for special education students. As an Instructional Coach, she further enhanced student growth and developed instructional interventions across secondary schools in the district.

Pamela Awbrey resides in La Vernia, Texas, with her husband. She has 5 active kids and two grandchildren. She loves being outdoors, riding her motorcycle, making jewelry, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Ella Yeargin, Board Secretary, is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in conflict resolution, program development, and nonprofit management. Her educational background includes a J.D. from DePaul University College of Law and an M.S. in Bilingual Elementary Education from Fordham University. Her first job after graduating from Bryn Mawr College as an English-Spanish dual major was to teach self-contained bilingual elementary as a New York City Teaching Fellow in the Bronx, NY. Over the years, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating equitable environments and planning strategically with marginalized communities.

At Thread, Inc., Ella led a team that developed after-school and summer job programs and guided college application processes for young people in Baltimore. Her leadership was pivotal in recruiting and training AmeriCorps members, significantly contributing to the organization’s mission of ending social isolation and building a more inclusive culture.

As Supervisory Ombudsman at the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, Ella served as an independent resource for dispute resolution, both within the FDA and with external stakeholders. Her expertise in negotiating and resolving disagreements ensured effective management of complex regulatory issues. During her tenure, she held various leadership positions where she consistently demonstrated her ability to handle sensitive legal matters efficiently. Earlier in her career, Ella worked as a Presidential Management Fellow at the White House, collaborating with federal agencies to develop policies addressing addiction, alternatives to incarceration, and other criminal justice issues. Her legal experience includes representing juvenile defendants and victims of domestic violence, showcasing her dedication to advocating for vulnerable populations.

Balancing her professional achievements, Ella is a devoted parent to two children, one of which attends TGP. Since leaving her home state of Vermont for college, Ella has lived on the East Coast, in the Midwest, and in the South. Ella and her family moved to San Antonio last year after visiting her best friend here for 15 years.

Eric Neal, Board Treasurer, along with his wife Jenni, is a caregiver of two here at The Gathering Place. 

He brings almost two decades of financial analysis experience as Board Treasurer. In addition to his participation at The Gathering Place, Eric serves as a director of the San Antonio Rotary Club, was an Ambassador of the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and has volunteered with Snack Pak 4 Kids, the San Antonio Food Bank, K9s for Warriors, Sleep in Heavenly Peace and SAMMinistries. He is highly motivated for the betterment of his local, national, and global communities.

He graduated from SMU in 2005 with a Degree in Economics.

Martin Silverman, Board Member, is a father, grandfather, husband, and long-time educator based in San Antonio, Texas. He recently retired as principal of Salinas Elementary School, where he was deeply committed to providing the best educational experience for students and families. Throughout his career, Martin has served as a teacher and administrator in urban, suburban, and rural districts. His passion lies in creating and nurturing school culture, providing enriching experiences for students and families, and developing future educators. As a former bilingual teacher and administrator, he is dedicated to ensuring that English Language Learner (ELL) students receive quality programs to enhance their unique skills.

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Martin was educated in the NYC Public Schools, an experience that shaped his love for education. His early years were spent in a Brooklyn housing project and various apartments in the borough. Although his parents did not have extensive formal education, they instilled in him a strong work ethic and a love of literacy through their reading habits. Martin credits his three older sisters, who often played "school" with him, for fostering his early interest in education. According to family legend, his crib often served as the "Principal's Office" during these childhood games, perhaps foreshadowing his future career as a school principal. A significant influence was his 7th-grade Spanish teacher, Mrs. Raddock, who created an engaging environment for language learning. Her influence sparked his desire to learn languages and become a bilingual teacher.

Throughout his career, Martin has worked as a consultant and coach, helping schools and organizations enhance their practices and improve student and teacher outcomes. One of the highlights of his recent work has been facilitating a collaborative inquiry practice, where teachers observe and learn from one another to address challenges in the classroom. He has also published articles and blogs through the Teach Better platform and the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association journals. In addition to his writing, Martin hosts two podcasts: The Second Question, where educators discuss ideas and honor influential teachers, and The Texan Connection, which he co-hosts with two other Texas educators.

Board Governance

TGP Public Schools is a non-profit organization that runs The Gathering Place, a public school in San Antonio, TX. All documents legally required to be posted are included below, and all board meeting agendas and minutes are posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.

Upcoming Meetings

  • Thursday, July 25, 2024, 5:00 pm - agenda linked here

  • Thursday, August 22, 2024, 5:00 pm - agenda linked here

  • Thursday, September 26, 2024, 5:00 pm - agenda linked here

  • Monday, October 7, 2024, 6:00 pm - agenda linked here

  • Thursday, October 24, 2024, 5:00 pm - agenda linked here

  • Thursday, November 14, 2024, 5:00 pm - agenda linked here

  • Thursday, December 17, 2024, 5:00 pm -

  • Thursday, January 23, 2025, 5:00 pm

  • Thursday, February 27, 2025, 5:00 pm

  • Thursday, March 20, 2025, 5:00 pm

  • Thursday, April 24, 2025, 5:00 pm

  • Thursday, May 22, 2025, 5:00 pm

  • Thursday, June 12, 2025, 5:00 pm

Legally Required Postings and Documents

  • Required postings can be found here

  • For all public information requests, please email a public information request to publicinforequest@thegatheringplacek12.org or mail the request to 5818 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238. Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code gives the public the right to access certain government records

  • To contact the school’s webmaster, email brian@thegatheringplacek12.org

Historic Board Minutes and Agendas