Eric Buley

Eric Buley is a nonprofit leader with more than 15 years of experience supporting children and youth. His career in King County spans early childhood, K–12, and higher education, as well as public health, affordable housing, and homelessness services. Eric earned his Master of Public Administration and Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Washington, where he is now pursuing a doctorate in Education focused on Systems Leadership & Change. Committed to equity, systems change, and community well-being, Eric also enjoys playing in King County’s LGBTQIA+ soccer league and spending time in the mountains.  

Jerry Blackburn

Jerry Blackburn works as the Program Director for the Empower Youth Network, a community nonprofit providing prevention-based services. In addition to joining the EYN team, Jerry is an adjunct faculty member in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Seattle University. Jerry is a graduate of the University of Washington with a Master of Education and has been a certified Substance Use Disorder Professional since 1999.

In his community, Jerry has served as a founding board member for The Garage- The Issaquah Teen Café, a team member for ParentWiser- the PTSA Council Education Committee, a member of the Greater Issaquah Equity & Inclusion Group, as well as serving as a longtime steering committee member for the Counselor Camp- Adolescent/Young Adult Behavioral Health Conference. 

In 2005 he was honored by the Washington State Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse with the Richard Rivera Passionate Youth Professional Award, the Issaquah Schools Foundation presented him with the Golden Apple Award in appreciation for his dedication to the health of young people in 2017, and in 2021 he received the Influence the Choice, Vicki Hoffman Legacy Award for his work as an advocate for preventing substance use and promoting the mental, physical, and social wellness of our youth.

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.

Ellie Wang

Ellie is a current senior at Holy Names Academy in Seattle, Washington. She is heavily involved in the aquatics space. Not only is she a member of USA Swimming through Bellevue Club Swim Team, but she advocates for inclusive policy changes for swimmers at the local and national level. She is also working with legislators from the city, state, federal level to bring a new pool to the greater Eastside area and to spread awareness about water safety. When not swimming, Ellie enjoys playing the pipe organ and making cards. Through CYAB, she hopes to broaden her advocacy skills and to motivate other youth to become a positive force for change.

Merob Kebede

Merob Kebede is a senior at Lake Washington High School. She dedicates her time to volunteering and exploring innovative ways to help children learn more effectively. Originally from Ethiopia and now residing in King County, Merob brings a perspective shaped by both multicultural experiences. Having moved to the U.S. at the age of nine, Merob deeply understands the challenges children face when adjusting to a new way of living while navigating the resources available. These experiences have inspired her growing interest in advocating for children and youth. 

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.

Eric Dodd

Eric Dodd is currently a sophomore at Lake Washington High School, and a lifelong resident of King County. Eric's passion for civic engagement and community service was sparked in 2022 when he joined his local youth council. Since then, he has become dedicated to advancing this passion, championing efforts in areas such as access to behavioral healthcare and equitable, affordable housing. 

Eric is honored to contribute to King County Children and Youth Advisory Board (CYAB) and aims to help amplify the voices of young people, and advocate for equitable policies and programs that directly benefit King County's children and youth.

Beyond his public service, Eric enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, lifting weights, and playing instruments such as the clarinet and tenor saxophone.

Hattie Steward

Hattie Steward is a new member of the King County Children and Youth Advisory Board. In 2022, she became an active member of the Gathering Collaborative. Created by Dow Constantine, Executive of King County. Over the past two years, Hattie has collaborated with staff from the King County Executive’s Office of Equity, Racial and Social Justice to design a novel grant process to equitably distribute $25 million in grants to start to tackle the negative impacts of racism. Hattie also assisted with the grant development of the five core community investment priorities: health and wellness, economic stability, housing, education including power and capacity building. Hattie has a passion for helping improve the quality of life for youth ages 11-19. She served as a registered counselor from 1999 to 2007, with the State of Washington Health Professions Quality Assurance. Hattie has years of experience serving as an Advocate and Family Liaison for youth and their families.

Yessica Osorio Duran

Yessica is currently a junior at Charles A. Lindbergh in Renton, Washington. With a deep passion for social justice, she’s always looking for opportunities to broaden her horizons and expand on her skills. As a first-generation student, she recognizes the struggle of balancing two cultures and strives to amplify the voice of youth in the community. During her time on the Board, she hopes to give young people a voice and represent the challenges youth face while gaining new knowledge around legislation and government. She is excited to work with others to create a stronger and more united community through servitude. 

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.

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!

Megan Walsh

Megan M. Walsh is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LISCW) with a deep commitment to supporting children, youth, and families through community-based mental health and social services. She currently serves as the Director of Pediatric Therapy at Encompass Northwest, where she leads a multidisciplinary team providing developmental and therapeutic support to children and their families. Previously, she was the Director of Adoption Services at La Familia Inc., working with families navigating the adoption process and providing trauma-informed care and support.



She is honored to serve on the King County Youth Advisory Board, where she contributes her leadership experience and passion for youth mental health to help guide programs that elevate and empower young voices.

Asma Ahmed

Asma Ahmed (She/Her) has a background in human services and experience working in the public sector, where she has focused on strengthening housing stability and preventing homelessness. She brings expertise in equity-centered grantmaking, program design, and community engagement, with a commitment to ensuring resources reach those most impacted by systemic inequities. Asma is passionate about advancing racial equity and creating opportunities for children, youth, and families to thrive. Through her work and service, she strives to support community-driven solutions that build stability and expand opportunity across King County.

Jordan Cotton

Jordan M. Cotton is a passionate educator, advocate, and doctoral student committed to equity, justice, and innovation in education. With over six years of classroom experience, he currently teaches Secondary English in Federal Way, WA and serves on restorative justice initiatives that support inclusive school culture. Jordan also serves in his local church, where his faith fuels his calling to uplift students, empower educators, and build community through love, truth, and justice.

Briyanna Stewart

Briyanna Stewart currently serves as an Executive Assistant at Treehouse, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth in foster care. With a background in Sociology, she is deeply committed to juvenile justice, policy, and advocacy for disenfranchised and marginalized communities. Briyanna has contributed to numerous initiatives that elevate community voices and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. She believes the most meaningful and lasting change happens when everyone has a seat at the table. She is excited to join CYAB and continue the work of amplifying youth voices and empowering communities.

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. 

Shawn Armour

Shawn Armour is an IT consulting professional with extensive experience in successfully implementing technical programming and development project management. With a strategic and analytical approach, Shawn has a strong background in business requirements gathering, process modeling, and business transformation. He has worked in various industries, including software, healthcare, banking, retail, education, and non-profit.

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.

Jackie Jainga Hyllseth

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.

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.

Jasmine Lee Fry

Jasmine Lee Fry is an education advocate and the CEO of a digital marketing company. She has been working for more than a decade to improve outcomes for students, particularly in the areas of hi-cap education and racial justice. In her previous career, she worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, covering local government and education in Southern California. Jasmine is a proud parent to two children.

Gracie McDanold

Gracie McDanold is a current student at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington as a Music Education Major. She grew up in the Black Diamond, WA area where she began her work on the King County Youth Bill of Rights Task Force at Enumclaw High School in 2023. Gracie is a strong education advocate, has enjoyed hearing from the youth of King County, and can’t wait to continue these efforts. Gracie’s passion for Community service has opened a lot of doors in her life from serving Thanksgiving Dinners at the Golden Steer (Kent, WA), to volunteering at a local animal sanctuary. Gracie prides herself on her strong work ethic and her love for supporting the life around her. Gracie is so thankful to be able to serve on the board as a young leader and can’t wait to see what the future brings!

Charmaigne Jones (Co-Chair)

Charmaigne's story is one of resilience and unwavering faith. Despite challenging beginnings in foster care, she became the first in her family to graduate with both undergraduate and master's degrees. This journey instilled in her a deep belief in helping others overcome obstacles, particularly aspiring entrepreneurs.

With over 15 years of experience, Charmaigne is a seasoned expert in guiding businesses through intricate legal and financial complexities. Through her firm, Blue J Consulting, she empowers startups, corporations, and nonprofits to thrive, allowing them to focus on their vision.

Charmaigne's entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond consulting. Inspired by her beloved dog, she founded Bella's Custom Bowls, a premium dog food company. She actively serves her community through the King County Youth Advisory Board, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and her church Evangel Temple Full Gospel Church.

Lisa Stirgus

Aaron Johnson

Aaron Johnson is an Airforce Pilot veteran with five years of outstanding service. With a passion to serve others, he then spent fifteen years with the United Nations Department of Peace Keeping Operations (UN/DPKO) under the UN Security Council, during which he was appointed to seven UN Missions (Congo DRC, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Central Republic of Africa, Afghanistan, and Georgia Tbilisi). 

Aaron holds a master’s degree in aviation and in law.

Aaron is committed to philanthropy and serving his community. He holds strong values of equality, fairness, and a genuine desire to help others, which he believes is grounded in love and self-sacrifice. Aaron has answered a call to serve the youth in his community in Seattle and across the United States as the Executive Director of BIPOC Apostrophe Foundation. He firmly believes that diversity is our strength, and love is the binding force that keeps us united.