About Us
Our Team
Darlene Martin
Executive Director
Danny McWhorter
Director of Safety
Janice True
Volunteer
Janie Ester
Volunteer
Karen Kennedy
Volunteer
Mike Kennedy
Volunteer
Nancy Kritser
Fast Food Coordinator
SueDell McWhorter
Volunteer
Suzanne Wallace
Volunteer
Karyn Johnson
Volunteer
Carol Rohane
Lead Teacher
Carole Thorn
Volunteer
Jay Arredondo
Director of games
Liz Mozola
Volunteer
Ann Palmer
Volunteer
Jan Price
Volunteer
Sherry Burgess
Volunteer
Our Journey
2022
Bear PAWS Established
Bear Paws was founded to support students of Austin Middle School.
2023
Program Inception
Judge Nancy Tanner and the Potter County Charitable Grants Program awarded a significant grant to Bear Paws from Covid relief funds.
2023
Catalyst Grant Awarded
A Catalyst Grant was awarded by the Amarillo Area Foundation for program support.
2023
First Panhandle Gives Campaign
In November 2023, Bear PAWS participated in the Panhandle Gives Campaign for the first time.
2024
Ongoing Community Impact
Our vision is that all students who participate in Bear PAWS during their years at Austin Middle School will be prepared to enter high school as Christ followers, committed to doing their best to be socially and academically responsible while exhibiting leadership and decision making skills.