We help teachers publish books that give back to classroom grants.
Small Press Publishing supports educators across Colorado
by turning their ideas, stories, and creativity
into real impact for classrooms.
Why We Founded
Small Press Publishing
Classrooms are full of ideas—but often lack the funding to bring them to life. Teachers go above and beyond, spending their own money on supplies and creative projects. Many educators are writing—stories, lessons, resources—but don’t have support to publish their work.
Small Press Publishing was founded to connect these two truths. We help educators publish books and turn those books into funding for classrooms. Every dollar raised supports teacher-driven grants, making creativity tangible and learning possible.
Our Purpose
Empowering Educators and Students
Small Press Publishing empowers students and educators to publish their stories and transform every book into an opportunity to strengthen classrooms, alongside community donations. Through accessible publishing and teacher-driven grants, we reinvest creative work back into schools by supporting educators across Colorado who inspire and shape our communities.
Our Mission & Vision
Why We Exist / Looking Ahead
“Because partnering with teachers to bring their voices to print and to reinvest profits directly into classrooms is our mission.”
We envision a future where every teacher has the resources they need to spark creativity, curiosity, and learning—funded by a community of stories that uplift education.
How We Make an Impact
Turning Creativity into Action
Small Press Publishing elevates educator authorship and channels proceeds into teacher-driven classroom grants. Every book published supports classroom projects, strengthens learning environments, and empowers students.
Supporting Educators
& Classrooms
When you donate, you’re not giving to a general fund—you’re investing directly in classrooms and the educators who lead them. Every day, teachers imagine lessons, projects, and experiences that spark curiosity and creativity, yet too often these ideas are limited by budget constraints, outdated supplies, or lack of funding. Your support helps remove those barriers.
Donations fund teacher-driven classroom grants, providing classroom supplies, student-centered projects, libraries, and teacher-designed initiatives across PreK–12. Every dollar is distributed transparently and used solely to empower educators and students.
Cassandra Lucero
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (she/her)
Cassandra is a creative, and nonprofit leader dedicated to supporting classrooms and amplifying educator voices. With a background rooted in education, the arts, and community‐centered advocacy, Cassandra founded this organization to address the funding gaps teachers face while honoring the creativity and expertise educators bring to their work every day.
Her vision brings together teacher‐driven classroom grants and nonprofit publishing, creating a sustainable model where books give back and ideas become impactful. Cassandra is passionate about equity, creativity, and building systems that trust educators as professionals, authors, and leaders. She believes classrooms thrive when educators are resourced, heard, and supported - on the page and in practice.
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Cassandra brings over a decade of experience as a creative director, with art, creativity, and self‐expression at the center of her work. Her background in creative leadership has shaped a deep commitment to honoring individuality, encouraging innovative thinking, and creating spaces where people feel empowered to share their stories and ideas authentically.
This creative foundation directly informs the mission of the organization. Cassandra believes that creativity is not an extra in education - it is essential to learning, identity, and student engagement. Through arts‐based practice, storytelling, and design‐driven thinking, she approaches nonprofit leadership with an emphasis on imagination, accessibility, and expression.
Her work as a creative director continues to influence the organization’s publishing program, classroom grant design, and community storytelling, ensuring that educator voices are celebrated, unique ideas are embraced, and creativity serves as a bridge between people, classrooms, and impact.
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Education & Classroom‐Centered Work (PreK–12)
Nonprofit Founding & Mission‐Driven Leadership
Educator Advocacy & Equity‐Focused Initiatives
Creative Direction & Arts‐Based Practice
Publishing & Storytelling for Social Impact
Community‐Centered Program Development
Thomas Mulcahy
CO-FOUNDER & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR (he/him)
Thomas is an aspiring elementary educator with hands-on teaching experience and a strong background in leadership and operations. He is currently completing his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
Prior to teaching, Thomas has gained more than three years of classroom experience, including teaching driver’s education across Aurora and Denver, Colorado. His work in instructional settings is grounded in relationship‐building, clear communication, and a commitment to supporting students through practical, real world learning.
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In addition to his work in education, he brings over five years of professional experience in operations and management. He previously served as a supervisor for a major company, where he oversaw warehouse operations, managed staff, coordinated day‐to‐day logistics, and ensured locations were successfully set up and functioning. He regularly assumed full managerial responsibility when needed, balancing behind‐the‐scenes operations with customer‐facing leadership.
Thomas brings a thoughtful, organized, and people‐centered perspective to his role, combining classroom experience with operational leadership. He is passionate about education, systems that function effectively behind the scenes, and supporting environments where students and educators can thrive.
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Elementary Education and Classroom Instruction (PreK–6)
Student Engagement and Relationship‐Based Teaching
Driver’s Education and Applied, Real‐World Learning
Operations and Warehouse Management
Staff Supervision and Team Leadership
Program Coordination and Day‐to‐Day Operations
Organizational Systems and Behind‐the‐Scenes Support
Polly Larsen
FINANCIALS DIRECTOR (she/her)
Polly is a seasoned financial services leader with nearly four decades of experience in banking, commercial lending, and financial strategy. Throughout her 30+ ‐year career in major banking institutions, she has built a reputation for integrity, thoughtful leadership, and exceptional client service.
Her professional background includes extensive expertise in commercial lending, treasury management, cash management, and business development, particularly in serving middle‐market businesses. She is known for her ability to lead high‐performing teams, foster strong client relationships, and deliver tailored financial solutions that support long‐term growth and sustainability.
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In addition to her corporate banking leadership, Polly has a strong commitment to nonprofit service. She has served numerous charitable organizations and brings trusted financial oversight, fiscal responsibility, and strategic insight to mission‐driven work.
Polly is passionate about helping organizations thrive through sound financial management, transparency, and ethical leadership. As Financial Director, she plays a vital role in ensuring the organization’s financial health, accountability, and sustainability—supporting educator‐driven grants and programs that make a meaningful impact in classrooms and communities.
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Financial Strategy & Fiscal Oversight
Nonprofit Finance, Governance & Compliance
Commercial Lending & Credit Risk Management
Treasury Management & Cash Flow Optimization
Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Reporting
Risk Management & Internal Controls
Team Leadership & Professional Mentorship
Client Relationship Management & Strategic Partnerships