Hi there, I’m Marissa! I was originally hired at Kids Club in 2009 after moving to Seattle from Colorado! I started out as a staff member working with the 3rd-5th graders, and in 2015 when I returned from graduate school I was hired as the Executive Director. Prior to Kids Club, I had worked as a Before & Afterschool counselor and supervisor with programs in Colorado, where I grew up. I have worked in this field on & off for 19 years. Wow, time has flown! During my adult career, in addition to working with youth I have also worked as a psycho-educational group facilitator of parenting groups for court-ordered adults with domestic violence and drug & alcohol histories; and as a social worker for incarcerated adults serving Life Without Parole. I enjoy working with adults and children and have found in this current line of work that I can connect with both, and that is the sweet spot for me! Outside of work hours I enjoy spending my time with my family. I have a spunky seven-year old daughter and a wonderful husband! I love reading bumper stickers on cars, building forts in the living room, and baking treats from scratch. I used to knit, swim, and read, but until my child grows up a bit those are on hold, as I’d rather spend my time with her after a long day than miss any more of her growing up! 

Hi! I’m Shannon. I started my career in after school programs in a low-income housing community center. This work exposed me to many assets of social work and family support needs. I went on to work in the field of domestic violence, child protection, and child behavior and mental health. I have my master’s in clinical social work and have worked in the field of trauma and parent education for the last ten years. I have experience in training and facilitating cultural competency initiatives and am passionate about that mission. Working in after school programs in collaboration with educators, social-emotional networks, and families in support of youth is important to me. As for outside of work, I love spending time with my partner and dogs (some of you may have met Smokey!), reading and creating art! Family and friends are what I value most outside of work.

Hello! Around here, everyone calls me Kiki. I am originally from North Carolina. I’ve been working at Kids Club for almost five years! Over the last two years, I’ve worked with 4th and 5th grade students at Stevens Elementary where I focused on a girls group of color where we met once a week and worked on our social skills, building confidence, and leadership. Throughout the year, I volunteer when I can as an advocate for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). This is a program that offers volunteers to help children that’s experienced neglect and/or abuse in the home and their well-being. I have a degree in childhood development, but want to further my education. I look forward to engaging with the children daily and offering a great support system here at Kids Club. When I am not working, I enjoy movie time with my son and arts and DIY projects!

Hi! My name is Sumaiya Iman, I am a staff member at Kids Club in the Blue Room. In high school, I worked as teen lead at Powerful Voices Girls Rap. I have worked with children in different settings for several years  such as recently in a developmental preschool classroom at Wing Luke Elementary as a  paraprofessional. I enjoyed in my free time creating art in various projects. I am currently a college student at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, California studying Child Development for an associate degree. I am most looking forward to what I can learn from children to improve my own learning and understanding. As a thank you to them, I will hope in return they learn from me!

 Hello! I’m Giovanni! I’m a recent college grad with a BFA in graphic design. I attended an art high school as well. While in high school, I started my after-school teaching career. At 17, I started teaching troubled youth how to skateboard and find creative outlets for their emotions and better social skills for their community. Once I moved to Seattle I continued to teach the kids and adults in my community how to skateboard and all the life lessons you can learn from skating.

All of this brought me to Kids Club. After 5 years of teaching skateboarding, I wanted to change up the job a bit, however, I wanted to continue to see the joy on the kids’ faces once they overcome a difficult obstacle. I enjoy seeing them realize nothing is impossible as long as you work hard and put your mind into whatever it is!

Hi, my name is Duncan. I am a student at Shoreline College, pursuing a career in education or childcare. My passion for this field was inspired by teachers who supported my growth, not only academically but also socially. I enjoy leading activities that involve crafting, giving children the opportunity to create something they can take home and share with their families. With four years of experience working with elementary-aged children, including volunteer work, I am committed to creating a space where every child feels comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their unique perspectives, regardless of their background.

Once upon a time, Marc was tasked with writing a mini auto bio blurb for an organization’s newsletter and website you might have heard. From the Light within, he would hope to shine through his multicultural rainbow lines. Asian race, Filipino ethnicity, American nationality declarant. He is the youngest child of Philippine born parents. Passion for diverse community service with youth and children as a career, He has had this experience for ten (10) plus years. Eclectic in his taste of food, music, T.V., etcetera Family, friends, theatre, cooking, hiking, camping, painting, and anything 90s are a plethora. As one concludes this vignette, Marc hopes that his mini words will become worthy in time. For you see, a new journey embarked with Kids’ Club After School Program will come to be a family he finds.