Adam Foote

Since graduating from Lewis & Clark College with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in Art, I have been working my way up the West Coast creating impactful youth development programs in my communities. I started my youth development career as an AmeriCorps Volunteer in Humboldt County California, where I was born and raised, by creating a before and after school program in an alternative high school while assisting teachers in their class room. This year is my third school year managing Kids Co. at West Mercer Elementary and my first at our newest location, Kids Co. at Northwood Elementary. I cherish calling the Pacific Northwest my home. When I have free time you can usually find me playing soccer, board games, and disc golf, hiking, taking pictures, and spending time with family and friends. I also grapple with the cognitive dissidence of supporting both the Sounders and the Timbers during soccer season.

Linda Lampley

I’m from Seattle, WA I grew up not too far from this Kids Co. Graham Hill location. I started working in child care during the summers at the age of 14. That’s when I found the love to work with children. At a young age I knew I wanted to teach children by helping them learn and grow. I’ve worked with many ages from 1 year olds to middle school.

What I love most about working with children is watching how each child have their own unique ways of learning. I like working with families and the community to create a positive, quality learning environment.

Denise Williams

My name is Denise Williams and I’m the program Director for Kids Co. at Magnolia. I started working with kids since I was just 15 years olds! I grew up going to after school programs, so I know how important that can be for students and families. Having worked in several childcare programs, I am excited to finally be able to run my own program! I graduated from Northwest College of Art & Design majoring in Illustration and Video Game Design. If you ask my program kiddos what Ms. Denise’s favorite things are, they will tell you, cats, makeup, and art! Working with kids has always been a passion of mine, and I am looking forward to what Kids Co. has to bring for me!

LaFawnda Williams

I’m an Alaska native who migrated South in order to attend Seattle Pacific University. I fell in love with Seattle and never left! My home-away-from-home is Kids Co. at McDonald where I get to spend quality time with all of your great kids and get to know the community as a whole. In my spare time I enjoy basketball, travel, and my family and friends.

Patrick Russell

I have been working with kids for over 30 years and been with Kids Co for 16. I have taught art, science,
geocaching, and summer camps. I can’t think of any better job than making a difference in kids’ lives.

Sara Metcalfe

I was born and raised in Seattle. My grandma ran a licensed childcare out of my childhood home here on Queen Anne. It was because of her that I developed a passion for working with youth. In high school, I worked as a tutor and began seeking out ways to volunteer with children. I attended Western Washington University and graduated with a degree in the Psychology of Human Development with an endorsement in Elementary Education. After graduating, I found a place here at Queen Anne Elementary. Since 2013, I have worked in the K-1 classes as a tutor as well as working here at Kids Co.

Chris Martin

After earning my Ph.D. in English from the University of Washington, I took two years off to be a dad before returning to teaching. My professional focus is medieval literature, primarily 9th century Welsh-Latin texts. You may ask me about the Vita Alfredi at your peril! I’ve taught literature—from medieval to Shakespeare—and a variety of writing genres—creative, argumentative, and technical—at University of Washington, Seattle University, and Highline College. During my tenure as a part-time lecturer, I dove head-first into the world of school-age care to develop and run after-school enrichment in and around Seattle. Now, I have the awesome job of working with kids full-time and I couldn’t be more excited to show my passion and commitment to school-age care. While I’m not spending time with my family, skating, biking, and hiking, you can find me at the kitchen table, playing board games with friends.

Gerleza Chancie

Born and raised in Seattle, I was a child who struggled early on with reading. It took the love and time of a teacher that encouraged and instilled confidence in me. This sparked a light that made me to want to help kids learn to read, and have fun in school. My hope is that no child is left behind and that all children will love to learn, have fun and be inspired to follow their dreams.

Spencer JohnDrew

Born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, I moved up to Washington State ten years ago to attend the University of Puget Sound where I studied Psychology and World Religion. After graduating, I began working in Seattle Public Schools, where I have run a number of after school programs around the city. While I am relatively new to the Kids Co. team, I come with almost a decade of experience working with elementary school and middle school aged youth, and am excited to share my experience with a new community. Outside of my work with youth, I co-own and run an independent record label with my best friend, as well as play in a number of bands that regularly perform around the city.

Gabrielle Redwine

I have a passion for helping youth and assisting in academic achievement and developmental milestones. I love helping families and believe in empowerment through education. As an educational professional, I have taught infants through high school learners in child care and early learning sites for more than ten years. My experience has given me great insight into proper child care, guidance, and education. I hold a Master’s of Business Administration, with a specialization in leadership and project management, and two certificates in Early Learning Childhood Education. I base my program philosophy on team work, collaboration, encouragement, and supporting the optimal development of each child. I believe that children flourish academically, socially, and emotionally when learning is hands on, creative, and produces an environment that promotes growth mindset. My vision for South Shore is to be seen as a leader in providing the best of quality care for all children.