Meet the FOUNDERS

Rachel Bush, co-founder of Say YES to RECESS, a nation-wide movement started in Tennessee with the goal of increasing daily recess for all public schools across the United States.

Rachel Bush

  • A mom of four, Rachel’s journey began when she set out to help her oldest daughter manage anxiety. That personal mission quickly grew into a passionate advocacy for all children to have access to more recess and unstructured play during the school day. Rachel doesn’t just believe in a child’s right to play — she believes in their right to be. Whether it’s relaxing in the grass, swinging on monkey bars, digging in the dirt, or befriending a curious bug on the playground, every child deserves time to connect with the world in their own way. To her, unstructured play isn’t a luxury — it’s a vital part of learning.

  • When she’s not fighting for more recess or designing graphics for Say YES to RECESS, Rachel is a full-time professor of graphic design, where she inspires the next generation of creatives. She also coaches her kids’ basketball and soccer teams, trying to balance advocacy, academia, and after-school practices with heart and humor.

  • Her favorite recess memory goes all the way back to third grade. One day, a group of boys challenged the girls to a game of Red Rover. The girls gladly accepted… and ended up winning! Everyone played fair and had fun, but that little victory has stayed with her ever since — still bringing a smile to her face.

Morgan Garner, co-founder of Say YES to RECESS, a nation-wide movement started in Tennessee with the goal of increasing daily recess for all public schools across the United States.

  • As a proud mom of two, Morgan is inspired daily by her children to advocate for a more balanced school day—one that values both meaningful learning and the power of play. For Morgan, recess isn’t just about running around—it’s a place for kids to build confidence, creativity, and connection.  Alongside Kathryn, Rachel, and their SYTR team, she helped lead the effort behind the landmark Tennessee legislation that increased daily recess to 40 minutes for elementary students, setting a model for schools nationwide.

  • When she’s not at the state capitol or helping launch Say YES to RECESS chapters across the country, Morgan is a full-time REALTOR®, Army wife, and master juggler of all things family. She can often be found in her garden or sipping a glass of Prosecco on her porch as her kids run amuck.

  • Morgan’s favorite recess memories include dominating the tetherball court (she was always the tallest) and seeing who could jump the farthest off the swings. She never did flip over the swing set—but hey, there’s still time.

morgan garner

Kathryn Truman, co-founder of Say YES to RECESS, a nation-wide movement started in Tennessee with the goal of increasing daily recess for all public schools across the United States.

  • Kathryn is proud of SYTR for many reasons—but most of all, for the way it’s sparked meaningful conversations across the country about what the education system is prioritizing. Her biggest motivation and favorite title is MOM to four active boys, who can usually be found barefoot and outside, getting into some sort of trouble.

  • Kathryn is one-third of the powerhouse trio that founded Say YES to RECESS (SYTR). She spent eight years serving as an officer in the U.S. Army before pursuing her longtime dream of becoming a nurse. When she’s not helping launch SYTR chapters across the country, she works as a Registered Nurse in Nashville.

  • Kathryn attended school in New York, where recess took place in a small section of the school parking lot—and that was all they needed! She has the best memories of mastering the art of double Dutch with friends and her sisters, who attended the same school.

KATHRYN TRUMAN