YouthCare is grateful to the following individuals for committing their time and energy to serving on our Board of Directors and leading us in our mission to end the youth housing crisis.

Interested in joining the Board of Directors? Read the Board of Directors Description and Apply here!

Board of Directors


Becka Johnson Poppe (she/her/hers)

Board President
Joined in 20
22

YouthCare’s mission combines several things that Becka deeply cares about: equity and social justice, mental health, homelessness, and supporting the young people in our communities. Over the last twelve years, Becka has managed budgets and led policy analysis for some of the region’s largest government agencies. Currently, Becka oversees half of King County’s budget and works to advance environmental, mobility, equity, and social justice priorities. Previously, at the University of Washington, she promoted equitable access to higher education and led the UW’s analysis of state policy and budget proposals. Becka regularly volunteers for a number of local organizations, including on the Board of Doney Coe Pet Clinic, which provides care to the animal companions of people experiencing homelessness. She previously worked in mental health research for Stanford University and has mentored students from low-income communities over the last two decades. Becka is excited to support YouthCare in ensuring that all young people can thrive and is committed to centering and amplifying the voices of those who have lived experiences with homelessness. Outside of work and volunteering, Becka enjoys adventuring with her cat, Edgar, as well as spending time outdoors and cheering on the Mariners.


Ken Robertson, Vice Chair

Ken Robertson (he/him/his)

Board Co-Vice President
Joined in 2018

Ken was introduced to YouthCare during a day of service through his company when they served lunch at The Orion Center. It was such a great experience that they started doing a monthly lunch. That led to helping out the Barista program with resume writing, job hunting skills, and interview skills. The next step was naturally to start hosting a yearly luncheon table. Those powerful experiences with young people made him realize that he wanted to have a greater, more thoughtful impact with youth and YouthCare as an organization. Fast forward to 2018 and Ken’s professional life in development led YouthCare to connect him to the Real Estate Committee, and soon thereafter he joined the Board. He also enjoys volunteering for The One Eighty Foundation and in the past with Treehouse, Gay City, and Seattle International Film Festival. Ken and his husband, Tony, a Professor of Educational Studies at University of Washington, live in Seattle.  Ken enjoys architecture and design, travel, reading, and cooking. 


John Zmolek, Board Treasurer

John Zmolek (he/him/his)

Board Co-Vice President and Treasurer
Joined in 2020

John first became more familiar with YouthCare when his younger son started dropping into the Orion Center to receive services.  John and his husband, searching for a non-profit agency to partner with in developing low-income housing, started conversations with YouthCare’s CEO.  The result was James Place Studios. Though recently retired, he was the CEO of Verity Credit Union.  There, he focused on creating communities that we want and need by financing change.   John’s non-profit journey began in the 80’s as volunteer and board chair of Shanti, which provided one-on-one emotional support to persons with AIDS. John is currently chair of Business Impact NW, which trains and lends to new entrepreneurs, with a focus on women, veterans, and minorities. John’s family includes his husband, Jerry, son, Buckey, and their eldest son, James, who died in January 2019. YouthCare’s James Place Studios is named in his honor. John enjoys cooking, theater, hiking, and biking.  Because he has three German grandchildren, he is attempting to learn German.  


Tee Earls (he/him/his)

Board Secretary
Joined in 20
22

Tee began supporting YouthCare in the late 1990s when he moved to the Seattle area.  He has volunteered in the Orion Center and is a passionate believer in the holistic approach YouthCare brings, meeting young adults where they are and offering them a path towards greater self-sufficiency.  Tee is a Product Manager at Microsoft in the cloud computing division and has previously worked as a technology consultant for local nonprofits.  He and his husband are the proud parents of two adopted children, with extended family members dealing with many similar issues that YouthCare addresses.  Tee holds an MBA from Washington State University and a BBA from William & Mary.

Directors

Alyssa Alcantara

Alyssa Alcantara (she/her/hers)

Real Estate Committee Chair
Joined Board of Directors 2017

When Alyssa served on the United Way “Out of the Rain” Council to End Homelessness, the council was focused mostly on chronic adult homelessness. During a United Way meeting, YouthCare presented about the youth housing crisis, especially as it relates to preventing chronic adult homelessness. Inspired by YouthCare’s words, Alyssa began volunteering at ROOTS and YouthCare, which led her to explore how she could further help. With 10 years of experience as a licensed architect specialized in multi-family housing and working at Bellwether Housing in affordable housing development, Alyssa was referred to join the YouthCare Real Estate Committee, which led to an invitation to join the Board. She has since expanded her real estate experience to work in commercial real estate and continues to consult on the Real Estate Committee and Board of Directors. When she is not volunteering, Alyssa enjoys hanging out with her husband and three-year-old daughter, running, skiing, hiking, and camping. 


Farron Curry

Farron Lennon (she/her/hers)

Governance Committee Chair; Executive Committee
Joined in 2020

When Farron first attended a YouthCare luncheon and served a meal at The Orion Center, she knew she wanted to be part of it. A lifelong Washingtonian, Farron has witnessed the devastating effects addiction, family conflict, and homelessness can have. Too many young lives, including Farron’s childhood friend Kristen, have been lost too soon – which drives Farron’s commitment to YouthCare’s mission. Farron is an Attorney who practices employment and business litigation, usually on behalf of clients in the manufacturing, retail, and nonprofit industries. She has always been passionate about young people and devotes volunteer time accordingly, including at Childhaven, through Gonzaga focused on the impacts of youth “aging out” of the system, at the University of Oregon as its first Child Advocacy Fellow, and today with YouthCare. Farron is a mom to three kids, Lennon, Finn, and Beau. They love spending time together, especially in, on, or near water (which makes West Seattle the perfect spot for them to live and explore).


Lindsay Harris (she/her/hers)

Finance Committee
Joined in 2023

Lindsay found YouthCare when she embarked on a search for an organization focused on addressing barriers that prevent young people from reaching their full potential. She hoped to bring the skills and experience she gained working in healthcare leadership roles to bear in service to young people and an organization committed to helping them thrive. YouthCare was a perfect fit. YouthCare’s mission – to end homelessness and to ensure that young people are valued for who they are and empowered to achieve their potential – is audacious and necessary. Lindsay is ready to roll up her sleeves to help YouthCare achieve in service to its goals. Lindsay has held several volunteer and board roles throughout her career and is active in supporting organizations committed to health equity. She currently serves as the Chief Commercial Officer at Cambia Health Services, leading the performance and growth of the company’s health plan business across the Pacific Northwest. Lindsay enjoys skiing and traveling with her family. She also enjoys running with her lovable golden retriever whenever she can.


Shawli Hathaway,MPA (she/her/hers)

Race Equity Justice Committee Chair, Executive Committee, Governance Committee
Joined in 2023

Early in her career Shawli first learned about YouthCare when she was working with youth and young adults aging out of the foster care system. YouthCare provided a critical lifeline to vulnerable youth during one of the most important yet daunting times of their lives. Later on Shawli managed a team of AmeriCorps members and placed members at YouthCare. Through these experiences Shawli learned more about YouthCare and grew to deeply respect the positive impact the agency has in the community. Currently Shawli serves as the Interim Director of Resident Services at King County Housing Authority and joined YouthCare’s board to pursue her passion of ending youth homelessness. In her free time Shawli enjoys playing competitive tennis and immersing herself in a good book.


Dr Jennifer Hoock

Dr. Jennifer Hoock (she/her/hers)

Real Estate Committee
Joined in 20
21

Jennifer noticed YouthCare’s Orion Center driving from teaching and seeing patients as a family doctor at Kaiser. Shortly after, she collaborated with YouthCare staff for a needs assessment, and found that youth wanted to “learn about health” and have a “clinic onsite.” Thus began “Doc Talks,” and later, Kaiser added a clinic (2016) which has grown to be part of the Kaiser clinical care system, also now including a to treat youth struggling with substance use disorders. She runs the Community Medicine training for the residents and sees patients at the “Orion Clinic” and NeighborCare’s Rainier Beach Clinic. While at YouthCare, Jennifer has come to appreciate the challenges faced by youth as they move successfully into adulthood without the supports most of us take for granted: functional, supportive family, a place to live, education, and access to health and mental health care. Jennifer is amazed by the resilience and determination seen in youth and the staff; YouthCare’s “care” makes a difference, and now, Jennifer has joined the Board to get more deeply involved and ensure support continues to be equitably available to all who need it.


Tierra Jones, MS (she/her/hers)

Public Affairs Committee
Joined in 2023

Tierra found YouthCare while searching for organizations that support young people, social justice and equity. She was hoping to connect her passion of investing in future leaders to a new place she would soon call home, Seattle, WA. Tierra is originally from Philadelphia. She’s dedicated the last 13 years of her life to social impact and specifically, youth focused. In the early stages of her career, Tierra founded a nonprofit in Philadelphia, Attract Philly Inc. Tierra has held several volunteer and advisory committee roles to support local nonprofits and grassroot projects to advance education equity and mentoring. Tierra is committed to empowering the youth and being a part of Youthcare board allows that commitment. She’s also the principal fundraising consultant at Nonprofit Development Hub, a women owned consultant agency that assists black and brown led nonprofits with fundraising and grant writing services. Beyond volunteering and fundraising, Tierra enjoys traveling, learning and exploring different foods–her favorite is food from the soul!


Michelle Marshall (she/her/hers)

Real Estate Committee; Race Equity Justice Committee
Joined in 2023

Michelle is a native to Seattle and was an at-risk youth that experienced being homeless during her teenage and early adult years. Understanding how important it is to have support and the proper resources, Michelle was driven to turn her circumstances around. About ten years ago, she set a goal to eventually join an amazing program like YouthCare, and be a part of the positive impact of the communities she grew up in. Being able to serve on the board is such an honor and an opportunity that Michelle would not have thought was possible as a youth. Michelle has spent the last 16 years at Symetra Life Insurance Company and in her first three months of employment, she had the opportunity to serve and volunteer in the community. Michelle loves this about the company she works for and has made volunteering with her work team, a reoccurring theme. Michelle also has had opportunities to be connected to colleagues as a coach and a mentor in the last few years. Over the years in Michelle’s career, she is often the only Black woman at work events, and on the teams that she is a part of or lead. This drove Michelle’s passion for DE&I and creating and leading safe environments where people can be their authentic self. Michelle understands the importance of feeling seen, heard, valued, and respected. Michelle has joined the employee resource groups at work and is enthusiastic about learning more about diverse groups. Michelle is excited to apply her skills and lived experiences to YouthCare’s overall mission; to end homelessness for the youth. Michelle has an adult daughter, loves music and traveling with her friends.


Greg Moye

Greg Moye (he/him/his)

Community Campaign/Fund Development Committee Chair
Joined in 2020

Greg has had two passions in serving the community: education and helping the disadvantaged. To him, YouthCare is one of the rare organizations that embodies both. He believes that interceding in the lives of youth when they require it most is vital for the long-term health of our community. He has many years of experience serving in leadership positions and founding organizations that serve people affected by HIV, as well as bringing people together in support of LGBTQ communities. As the chairperson of the Russell Investments’ LGBTQ employee network, he has been a major financial and volunteer supporter of the scholarship programs of the GSBA and Pride Foundation. He recently co-founded and co-chairs EmRG, an association of LGBTQ corporate leaders who collaborate, serve the community, and advocate on behalf of LGBTQ employees in partnership with corporate leaders and local government.  In his free time, he is involved in the visual and performing arts, fitness and nutrition, writing, and travel.


Priya Priyadarshini

Governance Committee
Joined in 2024

As Microsoft’s Global Head of Talent Management, Priya leads a team focused on developing and deploying talent strategies across the entire organization. This encompasses executive development, talent acquisition, and career development for all employees. Prior to this role, Priya held various HR leadership positions at Microsoft, most recently leading employee learning and development programs. Throughout her 15-year career at Microsoft, she has championed bringing out the best in people, fostering diversity, and placing humanity at the core of technology. Beyond her professional life, Priya actively contributes to the community and enjoys an active lifestyle. She is a strong advocate for personal growth, as evidenced by her favorite quote: “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”


Hillary Norris Schneider

Community Campaign/Fund Development Committee
Joined in 2024

Hillary has nearly 15 years of experience in the nonprofit industry, where she was originally introduced to YouthCare. Hillary has lead philanthropy and social responsibility programs in the construction industry through workforce development, pre-apprenticeship support and college scholarships, previously at one of Seattle’s largest general contractors and now at the Association of General Contractors Education Foundation. Her passion for YouthCare really bloomed working closely with YouthBuild, where she got to know staff and students, understanding their barriers and celebrating their successes. Hillary is from Sumner, WA where she learned the vitality of taking care of your community for the empowerment of everyone. Her and her husband have two daughters and a rambunctious dog Ralphy that they are often chasing after. Hillary is deeply touched by the mission of YouthCare and believes no one – especially youth – should be living without access to shelter, food and basic needs.


Asha Sehgal

Community Campaign/Fund Development Committee
Joined i
n 2021

Bio coming soon


Stefani Sugihara (she/her/hers)

Governance Committee
Joined in 2023

Stefani was introduced to YouthCare through the Seattle Kraken, where she currently serves as the Sr. Manager of People & Culture. As part of this partnership, she heads the workforce development program that focuses on providing youth with job opportunities within the sports & entertainment industry. Seeing how excited, passionate, and hardworking these young people are when given the opportunity encouraged her to play a bigger role in furthering YouthCare’s mission as a Board Member. When not volunteering, Stefani and her partner, Bobby, enjoy traveling, going to hockey games, and spending time with their 130lb Great Dane, Livy.


Joe Woolley (he/him/his)

Finance Committee; Real Estate Committee
Joined in 2025

Joe was first introduced to YouthCare while attending an annual fundraiser in 2022. The organization’s work resonated with him, having served on non-profit advisory boards with similar areas of focus – youth advocacy, mentorship, and housing support. With both Friends of the Children and Ronald McDonald House, he had observed that many of the program participants were perpetually battling housing instability, which aggravated nearly every other challenge that the programs’ models sought to address. With the City of Seattle’s Community Surveillance Working Group, he saw how the most at-risk populations for civil liberty violations were frequently diverse communities with high rates of housing instability and – as a result – limited means / awareness of social justice threats from new surveillance technologies. As a result, Joe was eager to get further involved with YouthCare, ultimately joining the Board of Directors in 2025. He has spent the last eight years at Amazon, largely focused on corporate expansion initiatives and real estate. Prior to Amazon, he worked in corporate development at a venture-backed start-up in San Francisco, focused on licensing transactions and specialty investments. He began his career as a management consultant focused on financial analytics and product marketing for large technology clients.


as of January, 2025