FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Alicia comes to us from the Academy for Precision Learning where she was the Director of Counseling and Transition and the previous Head of Upper School. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has spent her career working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Alicia has worked in a variety of settings including early childhood, residential, educational, medical, and private practice. Most recently, Alicia has been providing transition education, advocacy, and support services with the goal of fostering independence and creating a strong community of inclusion. Alicia is excited to take on this new role with the SCC and is dedicated to creating a space where young adults can build meaningful relationships and a sense of community through education and recreation, with an eye on continued growth and independence.

She is an alumni and active member of the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities program at the University of Washington (UW LEND) where she provides professional development training and education around transition related topics. The UW LEND serves as a center of excellence preparing the next generation of leaders to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in achieving their full potential.

Alicia has spent most of her life in Seattle and thrives on what the city and surrounding communities have to offer. In her spare time she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and dog “Bear”.

PROGRAM AND INTAKE MANAGER

Camille comes to Summit with many years of experience working with the neurodiverse population in a variety of settings. in 2009 while substitute teaching at schools in her home state of New Hampshire, she found herself most drawn to the special education classes. She received her bachelor's degree in communications but continued to feel a calling towards working with children and later received a Masters Degree in International Child Studies from King's College in London. Upon graduating, she moved to California where she first worked with the adult ID/DD population in a community day program and became acutely aware of the lack of enriching programming for adults in this community. After moving to Seattle in 2016, she started a yoga business primarily teaching after school programming and quickly discovered her passion for utilizing the tools of yoga and mindfulness for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In the years that followed, she offered yoga programs throughout Seattle including at The Academy for Precision Learning, Aspiring Youth Summer Camp and at the Alyssa Burnett Center. Additionally, she worked in Community Relations at a local eating disorder treatment center and as a Life Skills Coach for neurodiverse young adults. It is with great excitement that she comes to Summit, in a role that feels like the ideal culmination of her experiences, skills, and passion.

In her free time, Camille loves listening and dancing to Taylor Swift, reading, watching tv, walking with her husband and dog, Willow, visiting family, and traveling.

SOCIAL WORKER

Miguel Smith received his MSW from the University of Washington in Children, Youth, and Families Practice. He takes an interest in anti-oppressive practice, youth empowerment, and the positive healthy development of our young people, their families, and the communities that serve them. He has worked with several Seattle-based nonprofit organizations and state agencies over the last 14 years. Miguel spent the last 8 years as a high school transition counselor in the Seattle Public School system assisting students with all types of disabilities. In his job as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Miguel ensured that each student had access to pre-employment transition services that would enhance vocational opportunities and post-secondary education options. He also assisted in helping students and their families navigate and access community networks and appropriate programs that will help create a supportive environment for learning and growth, independence, and enhance their quality of life. Miguel seeks to build new community partnerships, so young people at Summit Community Center can have better access to services, address barriers and support their educational and employment aspirations.

Miguel enjoys traveling, volunteering, hiking, and playing soccer in his spare time.

BEHAVIOR AND TRAINING SPECIALIST

Kate comes to Summit after years of working in both public and non-public educational settings, residential settings for at-risk youth and clinical settings. Kate is originally from California and found her spark and love for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families while she was in high school. Once discovering her passion, she began to volunteer for Special Olympics swimming as a swim coach and also volunteered in her local high school's Special Day class. After finishing high school and college, she spent time educating and working with at-risk youth as well as with varied neurodivergent populations. She has earned her bachelor's degree in Education and also holds a Masters of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis/Special Education. In addition, she is working toward earning her Ph.D in Cognitive Behavioral Psychology.

In 2015, Kate moved to Seattle to expand her horizons and to continue her love for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and with their families as well. She is extremely excited and grateful that she is able to become part of the Summit community!

In her spare time, Kate loves spending time going to local thrift shops and finding unique treasures, reading, completing the New York Times crossword puzzles and gardening in her garden. She also loves going on outside adventures with her husband and their two cats, Cheeto and Gigi. The cats are less excited about the outside adventures but they tag along in their cat backpacks anyway. In addition, during the months of October-April, Kate can be seen with her husband going to Kraken hockey games and cheering obnoxiously.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT LEAD

Kevin met most of the Summit Community Center leadership team through Academy for Precision Learning, where he taught Spanish and social-emotional learning classes for 5 years previously. Kevin studied Spanish and International Politics for his undergraduate at University of Idaho before moving to Seattle, WA in 2017. His career has been centered on providing high-level support and education for people with disabilities. At Summit Community Center, Kevin leads various groups related to socializing, enjoying nature, and building friendships through shared activities. One of Kevin's strongest-held beliefs is that extending kindness to others goes a long way, and he strives to make everyone feel welcome at all times.

In his spare time, Kevin enjoys listening to podcasts to keep his language skills sharp, playing board or card games with friends, and spending time with loved ones. goes here

TECHNOLOGY & INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF LEAD

Jillian has been working in education for ten years, most recently as a high school teacher at Academy for Precision Learning and as the program manager for Ryther’s Seattle Creator Studio. One of Jillian’s biggest passions is making engineering and STEM education accessible to all who are interested in learning, and she’s excited to bring those programs to Summit Community Center! In her free time, Jillian loves live music, reading, and playing board games.

DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Jadon comes to Summit after volunteering in Friendship Circle for over six years where he worked with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He saw the impacts community-centric programming provided for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and knew he wanted to get more involved. Combined with his passion for social justice, Jadon traveled to Southern California where he attended Pitzer College and completed his undergraduate degree in Sociology. He emphasizes looking at life through intersectional lenses and to give oneself grace.  He is excited to join Summit and cannot wait to see its growth!

In his spare time, Jadon loves to crochet animals and gift them to friends, listen to music, be outdoors, and hang out with his two dogs Buster and Scooter.

INSTRUCTOR-MENTOR

Alexis started playing basketball when she was three. After high school she received a scholarship and attend Seattle University, where she earned a bachelors degree in communications. After graduation Alexis played professionally in Hyvinkää, Finland. Following her professional career she worked as a video coordinator for Seattle University women’s basketball. This past year she also was a varsity assistant coach at the Northwest school. Alexis loves to coach and has worked with various groups of youth athletes, she loves that basketball has no boundaries and the way it brings people together. In her free time, you will find Alexis cooking, enjoying nature, traveling and working out.

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Emily has been practicing yoga since 2009 but made the shift into teaching in 2019 when she took both the Vinyasa 200 hour teacher training and the hot hatha training addendum through We Yoga Co. Emily loves the practice of yoga because it allows one to connect with their true self. She loves sharing yoga with others because she believes it encourages people to see their own independence and inner strength, to see that they are capable, beautiful and strong. Emily writes and performs sketch comedy and brings humor and lightness into the yoga studio. When not at the studio, Emily enjoys gardening, making art, drinking wine and doing backbends.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT - SPECIALIZED HABILITATION

Helen has been involved with the disability community for 6 years, working as a DSP, job coach, healthy relationships educator, and specialized habilitation provider. She earned her BSW with a minor in Family Studies from St. Olaf College in Minnesota, where she interned at a mental health clinic specializing in dual diagnoses of mental illness and developmental disability. Helen seeks to help young adults build confidence in their friendships, relationships, and independent living skills. She believes education and information should be accessible and inclusive for all who are curious. Outside of the classroom, Helen spends her time rowing, crafting, exploring Seattle with her friends, or taking naps with her cat, Trout.

IMPROV INSTRUCTOR

Jackie Moffitt is an autistic self-advocate and certified teaching artist with a passion for theater, particularly improv. They have years of experience acting, writing and teaching with Theater of Possibility, a troupe based on Augusto Boal's Theater of the Oppressed for autistic kids and young adults. They are also a musician and film critic, a frequent volunteer at Books to Prisoners, and a self-directed learner with a passion for philosophy and linguistics

MUSIC INSTRUCTOR - SPECIALIZED HABILITATION

Jon Salzman has been involved with music throughout his life. He studied both trombone performance and audio engineering in college at Seattle Pacific University. After college, he worked as an audio engineer and studio musician at Bear Creek Studios. He was the drummer for local band Poss and the touring drummer of Scott Yoder. Jon loves to teach all instruments, music production, or any other avenue that makes you feel creative and inspired!

MENTOR - SPECIALIZED HABILITATION

My name is Kit. I’m originally from Hong Kong, and I've called Seattle home since 2016. Currently, I’m a Master of Occupational Therapy student at the University of Washington. After graduating with my BASW from UW, I worked as a social worker in a skilled nursing facility, where I witnessed firsthand the power of advocacy and support in transforming lives. My commitment deepened as I worked as a navigator assistant with college students from the neurodivergent community during my undergrad years, igniting a fire within me to advocate for inclusivity and empowerment. Throughout my career, I've been passionate about supporting individuals to achieve their fullest potential. Outside of school, I find joy in roller skating and illustration, and I have an insatiable love for travel. I'm excited to grow alongside the SCC community!

SPECIALIZED HABILITATION

Maya earned her BASW from the UW Seattle School of Social Work and her DTA in Integrated Studies from Cascadia College, and is a proud member of the disability community.  During college, she studied the specific effects that the pandemic had on disabled youth at Seattle Public Schools and tried to be an advocate during this tough situation.

Maya originally wanted to be a teacher and worked in schools with a variety of children helping them reach their curriculum goals both one on one and in small groups, before her path led her to social work. Maya is excited about co leading classes on Coping Strategies and Independent Living, and working at the welcome desk.

Maya is committed to social work values including diversity, equity, and inclusion. In her free time she loves thrift shops, enjoys watching movies and streaming shows with her friends, and playing with her dog and cat. She is a Swiftie and can’t wait to get to know her colleagues, and is so excited to be a part of the Summit community and all the great things it does!

MENTOR - INSTRUCTOR

With an approach to social work rooted in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the diverse needs within our communities, Natasha Oakley brings a wealth of experience and a heart-driven commitment to fostering connections and facilitating positive change. Natasha comes to us from FareStart Seattle, where she honed her skills in the culinary arts with a focus on community coordination and human connections. With an additional background in photography, photo processing, and editing, Natasha has cultivated a unique blend of artistic sensitivity and interpersonal insight.

Natasha's journey in social work began growing up with a friend with special needs, which profoundly shaped her professional path. “It ignited in me a passion for supporting neurodivergent individuals in every facet of their lives.” And she has been able to do that through the transformative power of shared experiences, especially those centered around the universal language of food preparation, sharing, and the simple joys of meaningful conversation that are unique to the culinary experience.

INSTRUCTOR

Stephen comes to Summit after spending 9 years working in childcare at the Ballard Boys & Girls Club, and 17 years of coaching baseball. Stephen is now a personal trainer, and enjoys helping others pursue healthy and active lifestyles. At Summit Stephen looks forward to working with the neurodivergent population, and helping them explore how capable they are physically. Everyone should have a chance to find out what their body can do and explore different avenues to find the type of physical activity they most enjoy. In his spare time Stephen enjoys time spent outside, mostly playing sports or hiking.

MENTOR - INSTRUCTOR

My name is Trenton and I am thrilled to be apart of the SUMMIT community. I am friendly, engaging, helpful, and honest. I was born and raised here in Seattle. When I was in high school, I played for Special Olympics for all four years. It was a lot of fun and I made new friendships. I graduated from Ballard High School in 2017, and from Seattle Central College in 2020 in Hospitality Management.

As someone who lives on the autism spectrum, I want to bring more awareness of the disability community and help others to become better advocates themselves.

Outside of work, I enjoy working out, spending time with friends and family, seeing movies, taking long walks, and skiing

SPECIALIZED HABILITATION

Hi, I'm V :) I currently live in Seattle and got my BSW in June 2023 at the University of Washington. In my free time, I like to read, listen to different types of music, dance, and occasionally play video games. I also really enjoy talking to people about anything and everything as I believe that is one of the best ways to learn and grow as a person while building lasting connections.

I started working with the neurodivergent population in high school where I was a peer mentor and helped students with their classes and learning other life skills they will need after graduation. The classrooms were always filled with community and compassion which is why I was saddened when I couldn’t find similar programs after high school. When I discovered Summit through my BSW program and got the opportunity to intern here, I felt proud and excited to find an organization that aligns with what I was looking for. I feel incredibly lucky to keep working here even after graduating and I can’t wait to be around different members, staff, and volunteers to see how Summit evolves as time goes on!

MENTOR

"Laughter is the best medicine…it's healing for the soul," has been Xanne's favorite quote from a young age. As a parent raising a child on the autism spectrum, "It takes a village to raise a child" became a favorite as well. Hence, working at the Summit Community Center is a dream job for them!

Xanne is a social entrepreneur who founded the organization, Sneaky Deep Collective. They design and facilitate community building "playshops," engaging the four healing salves of our birthrights-movement, sound, storytelling and stillness-all in the context of play and improvisation.

In their free time, Xanne can be found playing pickleball, the Native American flute or dancing with the waves in the Puget Sound.

VOLUNTEER & MUSIC SUB

IMRPOV VOLUNTEER

INTERN

Noel is a nursing student at Seattle University. As a required component of his curriculum, he came to the Summit Community Center to become engaged, learn, and grow as well as to support every member in the Summit Community Center.

Noel received a bachelor's degree in public health, where he studied ways to preserve and promote the health of others, thereby having an impact on the lives of entire populations and communities. He feels that expanding his knowledge is essential to his personal growth because it helps him build his sense of self and self-worth, which he believes are necessary to make a positive difference in the lives of those in need.

Noel has lived most of his life in Washington State. He loves spending time with his family and enjoys doing outside activities such as hiking, camping, and swimming. 

INTERN

Pyper is a Masters of Social Work student at the University of Washington. Prior to her studies at UW, Pyper worked in the public school system for the last four years in both the Bay Area and Chicago. She specialized in ABA, working primarily with elementary-school aged students. She is passionate about self-advocacy, inclusivity, and using creative modalities to bring connection and joy! She graduated from Chapman University in 2020 with a Creative Writing degree, and a minor in Integrative Educational Studies.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Pyper enjoys swimming, camping, cooking vegan food, and anything artistic. She is excited to bring her experiences with theater and arts to the SCC community. As she is brand-new to Seattle, Pyper is excited to explore all of the natural beauty and hiking opportunities around the area!

INTERN

Maeve is a Master's in Social Work student at the University of Washington in Seattle. She is interested in accessible mental health therapy and creating inclusive environments that foster friendship and community.

Maeve has experience with children/adolescents in in-patient behavioral health settings, including neurodivergent teens navigating stressful times. She also worked with high-risk Veterans at the Portland VA as a research assistant. Maeve studied Psychology, Anthropology, and Creative Writing in her undergraduate program at Washington University in St. Louis, and she loves combining mental health care with creativity and a social justice approach to the world.

Maeve loves reading (everything from horror to classics to contemporary lit), watching movies/shows, crocheting, tennis, and trying new restaurants. She originally grew up in a smaller town in Illinois, so she loves the vast food selection Seattle can offer! 

INTERN

Amelia is studying at the University of Washington to earn a Master’s of Social Work degree. Prior to beginning her education again, Amelia earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Civil Engineering and worked throughout Washington state on private and public engineering projects. Throughout her college education and following work experience, Amelia began to explore the impact that absence of supports for developing minds, especially developing neurodivergent minds, has on long term mental health of an individual. Combining her passion for supporting others through challenging times, knowledge of her own neurodivergence, and her getting-hard-work-done attitude, Amelia comes to Summit ready to learn from and support others wherever possible.

In her free time, Amelia loves walking around town (usually with noise-cancelling headphones!), running, gardening, sewing, and keeping her two cats entertained.

INTERN

Sierra (she/her) is in her final undergraduate year at the University of Washington, earning her bachelor’s in Education with a minor in Disability Studies. Her passion for working with disabled individuals stemmed from interning in school/classroom settings as teacher assistants throughout high school and university—there, she learned firsthand how unfair schooling and capitalistic systems are for disabled individuals; it was immensely clear that society was built by and for neurotypical and able-bodied people. At SCC, Sierra is excited to build community and foster meaningful relationships between members while working towards creating a more inclusive world. In her free time, Sierra enjoys crocheting and knitting, rock climbing, and reading.  

SUB MENTOR

Originally from California, Mike is new to Washington and was a Math teacher in urban settings for over 14 years. Her teaching experience includes teaching in Inclusion Model settings where she learned the art of Differentiation to help all students demonstrate learning and growth. Being a teacher is a big part of her identity as it’s both the most creative career she’s ever had, as well as being the most important and rewarding. Mike earned a BA from Art Center College of Design and her teaching credential from UCLA. When she’s not working with students, she enjoys playing board games, reading, and exploring Seattle’s outdoor green spaces. She is also an enthusiastic Celtic basketball fan. Go Celtics!

SUB MENTOR - INSTRUCTOR

My name is Tessa, and I am a Master's of Social Work student at the University of Washington! I got into social work because I am passionate about clinical practice and the importance of human relationships.

I recently moved here from New Jersey, and the connection and fun at Summit have made it feel like home! I love the beach, family, dogs (specifically my dog Levy), hiking, cooking, and all gluten-free food <3

I am really grateful to be able to connect with and learn from the SCC members!

SUB MENTOR - INSTRUCTOR

Halle first made connections with neurodivergent adults working at a before and after school care program, learning about the different abilities and needs of some of her colleagues and students. Then, when completing a practicum for a Bachelor's of Social Work at Colorado State University, she formed a relationship with 2 ID/DD adults. She loved spending time crocheting and playing guitar with her new friends, and learning about their joys, challenges, and passions. Throughout and after college, Halle also worked as a Caregiver for differently abled people in assisted living facilities, and as an Operations Manager of a small food security nonprofit. After relocating to Seattle in spring of 2023, Halle was excited to find out about the opportunity to work with SCC and to help build community and to understand more about how the world can be more inclusive for differently abled people. Halle also likes animals, live music, board games, and baking.

SUB MENTOR

Bella is receiving her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Washington and is delighted to join the SCC team. She has a background in homeless outreach, supportive housing, and peer mentorship.

Bella is passionate about people and inclusive community spaces. She loves finding common ground with people, while honoring our differing lived experiences.

In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and studying the healing arts.

MENTOR

Arushi is an undergraduate at the University of California – Davis studying Psychology and Accounting. She developed a passion for supporting neurodivergent individuals in high school, when she first started working with the population. Her experience volunteering at Special Olympics competitions and tutoring children with developmental disabilities inspired her decision to pursue a career in the field. Outside of her academic and professional endeavors, Arushi enjoys swimming outdoors, baking sweet treats, and listening to rap and R&B music. As Arushi is originally from Seattle, she is looking forward to spending the summer with her friends and family in her hometown. Arushi is delighted to serve Summit Community Center as a Staff Mentor and is honored to be a part of such a welcoming and inclusive team!