Dr. Angela Griffin

Dr. Angela Griffin is a visionary and inspirational leader, currently serving as the CEO of a Seattle-based nonprofit childcare organization. She has over 28 years of experience, leading the development and implementation of programs for ages birth through young adulthood in both grassroots and national organizations. Prior to her current role, Dr. Griffin was instrumental in leading another WA based nonprofit in achieving its ambitious goal of increasing the graduation rate for youth experiencing foster care. She is a former member of the Federal Way School Board and currently serves on the State Board of Education. She also volunteers on a variety of boards and coalitions that focus on service to youth and families at the city, county, and state level. Dr. Griffin’s greatest accomplishment is being the proud parent of three thriving adult children and a teenage creative genius, as well as the grandmother of an adorable toddler.

Suzette Espinoza-Cruz

Suzette is a passionate advocate for children and families and has dedicated 20+ years to supporting equitable policy in childcare and early learning at the local, state, and national level with a focus on equity and social justice; early literacy; supporting children’s home culture and language; and ensuring universal access to high quality early learning. She has presented workshops at local, state, and national early learning conferences on topics encompassing inclusion, cultural relevance, and anti-bias in the early learning classroom and has received recognitions and awards for her advocacy work from the City of San Francisco, the City of Seattle, North Seattle College, and Washington State Governor Christine Grégoire.



In her free time Suzette enjoys spending time with her family, singing karaoke, dancing salsa, hiking, sailing, reading books with all the infants and toddlers in her life, and cheering for the Seattle Sounders.

Lidiya Gebre

My name is Lidiya Gebre, I am educations program coordinator at ACHD (a local nonprofit in SeaTac). I graduated from Northwest University in 2020, with my bachelor's in biology/Pre-Medicine and Psychology. I am planning to start my graduate studies in the fall. I am very passionate about social justice, mental health, and education. Outside of work, I do independent projects that focus on mental health and social justice (e.g., Youth Healing Project/DEEL Social Justice Project). My goal is to open my own nonprofit in the future that will serve both locally and internationally, specifically around youth mental health, social issues, and wellness. My favorite hobbies are traveling, working out, watching sunsets on summer days with friends, and reading books!

Kimmy Nguyen

Kimmy Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American born and raised in South King County. She is a first-generation college graduate from the University of Washington where she received her degree in Medical Anthropology and Global Health in 2020. She held previous roles in youth development at nonprofits and currently is a Program Quality Administrative Assistant at School’s Out Washington. In her role, she provides administrative support in professional learning for people and organizations who empower youth through expanded learning. Her education and career goals include pursuing a MSW and continuing work in operations, administration, and grant management at local organizations. Kimmy is passionate about advocating for community resources, especially for immigrant and refugee families. She enjoys learning from diverse perspectives and fostering connections through storytelling.

Bethany Larsen

Bethany has committed her professional career to supporting young children, their families and the staff that provide high quality early learning services. Bethany has been a resident of King County for over 50 years and received her BA in Education at Washington State University. She served young children and families at Childhaven for almost 30 years of her career in multiple roles. Bethany partnered with Harvard's Center on the Developing Child to offer innovative early childhood interventions to families with young children. She participated in Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics consults focused on trauma and it’s impact on early brain development. Currently, Bethany is the Early Learning Safety Program Manager at Puget Sound Educational Service District which serves over 5,000 young children enrolled in Head Start and Early Childhood Education Assistance Programs. The health of young children and their families is a direct measure of the health of our communities.

Ariana Sherlock

Ariana relocated to Newcastle, WA from Portland, OR in 2013 with her husband, Ryan, and children, Adelai and Liam. Now in her third year on the Newcastle City Council, Ariana was elected for a four-year term starting in 2020. She was appointed to the CYAB through the Sound Cities Association in 2021.

Ariana works as a personal chef, and has previously served as the president of both the Hazelwood Elementary School PTSA and the Hazelwood Community Association. She is passionate about community engagement to build a better environment for our children (and adults!) to thrive.

Jack Edgerton

Jack is proud to be a second-generation Seattleite. His professional background includes working in the technology sector, the arts and services for children and families. For the past three decades he has focused on making a difference in the community by working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector. In additional to serving as the Board Chair for the national Circle of Parents network, he is currently Executive Director at Eastside Baby Corner and loves leading a team dedicated to ensuring all kids have the essentials to thrive.

Gloria Hoxsie (on leave)

Gloria is a lifetime resident of King County. They serve as a young leader on the CYAB, and are passionate about giving young people the support they need to grow and thrive. As a young person themself, Gloria is dedicated to advocating for children and youth, particularly those from marginalized communities. They recognize that their position on the CYAB is one of service to the community rather than authority. Gloria is determined to serve with a focus on equity, empathy, and respect. In their spare time, Gloria enjoys cooking, reading, writing, and playing with their cat, Ziva.

Erin "BJ" Lee

Erin Lee is the Community Engagement Director at Quilted Health, an organization committed to building and championing a model for equitable access to compassionate, evidence-based, whole-person pregnancy care. She’s a public health practitioner committed to eliminating racial disparities and inequities within healthcare and the early learning sector. Erin holds a Master of Public Health with a special focus in Health Services from the University of Washington with research focused on community-based doula support in WA state. Erin’s current work at Quilted Health focuses on engaging local doula and midwifery community-based organizations in their efforts to support laboring individuals across WA state. In previous roles, Erin has supported diverse programming and community partner coordination for non-profits focused on early learning supports specifically for unsheltered children and families, and Native and Indigenous communities in King and Pierce counties.

Dr. Donald Felder

Dr. Donald Felder is a new member of the King County Children and Youth Advisory Board. For background, teaching, coaching, and leadership is his forte, and he has a deep love for using data to harvest discoveries, unfolding recommendations, and implementing transformational plans. Dr. Felder defends the educational rights of students using the Washington State’s constitution, its legislation, and those policies that activate ample learning opportunities, for all children to become architects of their dreams. Combining the knowledge, he is guiding Districts in the art of reimaging how community partnerships are employed in schools. His leadership, as an educational consultant, fosters synergy for teams to thrive under the umbrella of a common vision. This picture reveals Dr. Felder’s love for serving those establishing social justice structures. From one service partner to another, it is reported that Dr Felder leads from his heart to reach mindfulness actions and outcomes.

Debbie Peterson

Debbie Peterson (she/her) is an advocate, consultant, and trainer in early learning, youth development, family support and community involvement. Her work focuses on strengthening children, families, caregivers, educators, and their communities through connections to strength-based culturally responsive practices, workforce development activities and collective impact strategies. Debbie serves as a state-lead to the Center for Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families, as a state-approved trainer and trainer observer for the WA State Department of Children, Youth and Families and as partner, consultant and trainer with the Washington State Family Child Care Association, Child Care Resources of King/Pierce Counties, and the Federal Way Black Collective. Debbie and her high school sweetheart reside in Federal Way in King County District 7 where they are raising their four daughters and enjoying being grandparents.

Annu Luthra

Annu Luthra is the Youth Leadership Program Director for the Indian American Community Services (IACS). IACS serves the community through programs/services for all life stages while fostering an environment of inclusion and diversity.

Annu joined the IACS board in 2012 and has served as the Secretary, VP, President, and currently, is the YLP Director. Through outreach and advocacy, she works with her team on identifying youth needs, creating safe/ trusted spaces, providing mentors, and collaborates with partners to bring in training/workshops. The program empowers the youth by having them at the table, providing opportunities to gain leadership/life skills through projects, advocacy, and civic responsibility. Annu works with Mental Health counselors regularly to bring much-needed awareness/tools into youth group sessions, a way to reduce stigma while addressing issues that impact youth. Annu is a participant in Eastside Pathways’ CANs where she is involved in the BOQ project and Equity Pledge Taskforce.

Nicole Herron

Nicole is a change agent with over 10 years of nonprofit and board leadership experience. She is passionate about education equity, social justice and environmental sustainability. As a Program Director for Treehouse, she oversees a statewide program for youth experiencing foster care, is dedicated to improving educational outcomes, and community wellbeing. She has experience seeking and distributing grants, managing contracts and building partnerships that expand access to resources and education.

Nicole received her Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership and Sustainable Business from Antioch University and currently serves on the board of the Northwest Fund for the Environment. She lives in Renton and spends her free time with her dog, house plants, and partner. Her vision for King County is that all youth have the resources and opportunities needed to achieve their goals, health, and wellbeing.

James Lovell

James was born and raised in Seattle and now lives in SeaTac with his wife and three kids Theodore, Wilson, & Eleanor (born in 2012/2013/2015). James is white and Ojibwe (an enrolled member Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in Belcourt, ND). James has worked with young people and youth programs his whole life, including Huchoosedah, 7 years at VFA (now Kandelia), and 5 years at School’s Out Washington. James served as development director for Neighborhood House before his current role as development director at Chief Seattle Club. James currently sits on the Native Family Advisory Council for Highline Schools, is the PTA co-president at Madrona Elementary in Highline, and is a board member for RVC. James' favorite project with young people was working to include youth & family voice in the creation of the educational model for Seattle World School.

Carol Goertzel

I have had transformational opportunities through being able to participate in the Selma March, living in Brazil, organizing against the Vietnam War in Oregon, studying China in graduate school and learning from others, obtaining an M.S. in Nonprofit Management.

As Executive Director of the Lutheran Settlement House Women's Program in Philadelphia, teen girls, literacy, GED and college prep, counseling, job training and childcare across several communities were supported. I directed the Philadelphia Housing Authority Resident Support Department, addressing housing and resident needs. We opened the first Spanish/English Hotline for Battered Women, advocating for state law changes.

On Vashon, in 2016, I joined the Vashon Youth and Family Services board, assuming the role of Executive Director for 2 1/2 years before rejoining the board of directors. It is an honor to join the CYAB!

Jessica Werner

Jessica Paul Werner has led Youth Development Executives of King County (YDEKC) since its inception in 2011, building the coalition of more than 100 executive leaders of youth serving organizations and establishing YDEKC as a thought leader in the fields of youth development, social emotional learning and collective impact. Jessica has more than two decades of experience in advancing the youth development field, with a focus on creating more equitable environments for our kids, and also for the adults that support them. Before her decade at YDEKC, Jessica supported youth development efforts for nine years at the YMCA of Greater Seattle. Jessica completed her MPA at the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy and Governance in 2002 with a focus on non-profit management. Jessica is a proud graduate of Seattle Public Schools, Occidental College, and two years of service as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member in Sitka, Alaska and Portland, Maine. Jessica is a proud member of the Tlingit Tribal Nation, and now lives with her family in Shoreline, Washington.

Yolanda Trout

Yolanda Trout-Manuel began her first term on the Auburn City Council in January 2014. Currently 2022 represents Auburn on the King County & Sound Cities Association, Domestic Violence Initiative Task Force, (new)King County Best Starts for Kids, SCA Children and Youth Advisory Board, National League of Cities, Vice Chair of Hispanic Legislative Elected Officials (HELO), and NLC- Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO). Also serves on the local Auburn Prevention Coalition for the Auburn School District.

Previously, Yolanda owned and operated a bi-lingual Per-school/childcare for 13 years. Her husband Ronald Manuel and she have four grown children,11 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. 

Dwane Chappelle

Dr. Dwane Chappelle is Seattle’s first Director of the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL). Confirmed to this role by City Council in February 2016, Dr. Chappelle oversees the city’s efforts to partner with families and communities to achieve educational equity and build a better future for Seattle students through strategic investments in education. Dr. Chappelle graduated from Grambling State University and earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gonzaga University. 

Maria-Fernanda Martinez Novoa (on leave)

Maria Fernanda Martinez Novoa is a Family Navigator Lead at Chidlhaven, serving families at the Pediatric clinic of Harborview. After completing her BA in Government and International Relations in Colombia, Maria Fernanda emigrated to the United States, where she has been working to the empowerment of impacted communities, through her work in the early childhood field. Being part of a BIPOC community has allowed her to connect with the struggles faced by families when it comes to services and opportunities for children and youth in King County. Maria Fernanda’s work at Childhaven aligns with her interest in equity, advocacy, and policy changes to assure access to early childhood education.

Cindy Elizalde

Cindy Elizalde, Executive Vice President

Cindy’s upbringing in the agricultural region of Central Washington shaped her lifelong commitment to justice. She remembers how her parents would place her and her siblings in apple bins while they worked hard in the orchards because affordable child care wasn’t available to many communities.

Her childhood experiences motivated her to become an advocate for children, youth, and families. She went on to become an early learning professional, where she and her colleagues formed a union to address low pay and unjust policies. Cindy was an active member of SEIU 925 before joining as staff in 2009. Since then, she has organized more child care providers, bargained more labor contracts, and trained thousands of union members across the state on how to enforce workplace rights. She also served as the Member Resource Center Director and was elected Secretary-Treasurer, before being elected Executive Vice President.

Cindy has never forgotten her roots – as the proud daughter of hard-working immigrants, a rank-and-file union member, and now single parent to a wonderful 7-year old son, her lived experience drives her to make sure everyone’s voice is heard and respected.

Kendrick Glover

Kendrick Glover is a Black Man who is the founder and Executive Director of G.E.M. Glover Empower Mentoring. G.E.M. is a non-profit organization founded by this former high school counselor in 2014 to provide Case Management/Mentoring focused on the social and emotional wellbeing of youth and young adults servicing King and Pierce County in WA State, with an emphasis on serving the Black and BIPOC communities.

Jackie Jainga Hylseth

Place holder for bio. Jackie Jainga Hyllseth is the Executive Director of the Associated Recreation Council (ARC). This non-profit works in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation to provide childcare, healthy recreation programs, and activities to the residents of Seattle. In her previous position with School’s Out Washington (SOWA), she led their statewide quality improvement system for the afterschool and youth development field. She also led the development of the Washington State Core Competencies for Child and Youth Development Professionals and the Washington State Quality Standards for Afterschool & Youth development programs. She has been part of many local, state, and national committees and convenings focused on system building, youth program quality, and racial equity. Jackie holds a BA in Foreign Language and Literature and a Secondary Teaching Certificate. She is Filipina and Tsimshian, Alaskan Native and a traditional Cedar and Ravenstail weaver. She lives in Council District 2.

Helena Stephens

Helena Stephens is the Equity and Regional Policy Advisor with the City of Bellevue. Prior to her current position, Helena was the Family, Youth and Teen Services manager and have worked with Bellevue for 27 years. Before working with Bellevue, Helena was employed in the King County Court system and community services for 15 years.

A graduate of Seattle University with a degree in Political Science and a certified trainer from the University of Washington, Helena has served on numerous boards and commissions. Her passion is the health and well-being of women, children, and families, and often held leadership positions. Helena believes in the value of public service and considers being a public servant one of the highest callings.

An active member of her church, choir, and community groups, Helena is a resident of southeast Seattle and have lived in the Pacific Northwest for the past 46 years. Helena is married, mother of five and proud grandmother of six.

Rita (rrhee-Tah) Alcantara

I am a daughter of Filipino immigrants, born and raised in MLK County, raising two children in this rapidly changing region. My informal education began in my mother’s in-home daycare, while my formal education was in art and art history with a focus on photography and how it has been a tool of race-, class- and gender-oppression. I have worked predominantly in the social sector for organizations seeking to address inequity in the community I come from – from teaching art or dance to children in communities and schools with limited arts access to overseeing health education programs for youth who have become court-involved to fundraising for a program serving pregnant and parenting people of color. I currently work as the equity and inclusion officer at Kindering. In my personal time, I dream up creative ways to support my community toward resilience and healing through connection to identity and culture.

Meena Natarajan

Meena Natarajan, a wellness educator, has been working with IACS for the last 6 years teaching yoga for a diverse group. She runs programs from chair yoga for seniors, viniyoga for young adults, to Mother and child yoga. Meena has a background in instrumentation engineering but has been working in Yoga and wellness for the past 12 years. She is an IAYT certified Yoga therapist and believes in holistic healing, the mind-body-breath connection, and Ayurveda practices.

She also has a background in social work of over 13 years and worked to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for govt. school students in communities in Hyderabad, India.

Frida Marie Hernandez Perez

Hello! My name is Frida Marie Hernandez Perez, or just Frida Marie. I am 17 years old and I'm in my junior year at Kennedy Catholic High School. Though I am only in high school, I am working to go to college and become a lawyer. My dream colleges are Claremont McKenna in California or Harvard in Massachusetts. Over the summer, I was a part of an internship called the “youth idea lab”'; we came up with plans to create a safe hangout place for youth to do homework in and just hang out. Now, we are looking to see what it takes to expand this idea. We hope to make this small room into a full-fledged coffee shop, a functioning Co-Op business! I have big plans for my future, and that ambition does not stop there. I want to help represent the youth of King County as well. Younger people are still part of the County and need representation as well, I will work hard to provide that perspective. It is an honor to become part of the team and I cannot see what amazing things we come up with!