Staff & Board

*VOLUNTEER STAFF

Volunteer Staff are the dedicated and passionate individuals who make Freedom Project’s mission possible. Volunteer Staff contribute countless hours in bringing our programs into prisons and the community at large. Their creativity, resourcefulness, warmth, and eagerness to learn is an instrumental piece that gives life to the Freedom Project community.

 

*ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

	KC Young, OP, Executive Director Pronouns: she, her, hers, herself KC has been privileged to work with marginalized people for nearly 30 years on Indian reservations as well as in hospitals, prisons and inner-city neighborhoods. A skilled networker, she has extensive experience providing leadership for many nonprofit organizations, ranging from drug addiction treatment centers to transitional housing for homeless women and children, and has lobbied for justice and peace on the local, national and international levels.
	Kirsten Elfendahl, Chief Operating Officer Pronouns: she, her, hers, herself Kirsten manages the day-to-day operations of the organization and works to build a strong foundation of clarity and collaborative systems upon which Freedom Project can grow further into it mission. She brings over 20 years experience in business management, organizational development and personal growth, as well as a rich meditation practice of over 15 years. Kirsten believes the survival – and thrival – of our communities depends upon the well-being all parts of ourselves, especially the parts that have been marginalized, disenfranchised and oppressed.
	Joanie Fuller, Prison Programs Director Pronouns: she, her, hers, herself Joanie coordinates Freedom Project’s prison programs through the Department of Corrections and in collaboration with our dedicated team of volunteers and mentors. She aims to support the variety of needs of the community members integral to Freedom Project’s work – including class participants, inside mentors/facilitators, folks returning to the community from incarceration, and those who volunteer their time on the inside/outside. Joanie graduated with a Masters in Social Work from the University of Washington.
	Brie Chang, Resource Management Co-Director Pronouns: they, them, their(s), themself Brie assists in the management of Freedom Project’s financial, intellectual, and human resources. These include grant-writing, the racial equity board committee, curriculum development, intern supervision, policy design, and marketing/communications. Brie is an avid practitioner of mindfulness and compassionate communication, especially in the context of mental health and social change. Brie holds a Masters in Social Work from the University of Washington.
	Rusty Thomas, Office Administrator  Pronouns: he, him, his, himself Rusty provides for Freedom Project’s administrative needs. He is the Community Circle/Seattle Facilitator and passionate about providing Nonviolent Communication and mindfulness training to Freedom Project Volunteers. Rusty’s biggest life resource is his regular meditation and living Nonviolent Communication. Rusty holds a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in psychology, spirituality from Antioch University, Seattle.
	Mano da Silva, Strategic Equity Specialist Pronouns: he, him, his, himself Mano consults with Freedom Project staff on developing Freedom Project’s programming, training, policies, procedures, and media so as to align with a racial equity framework. Mano was born a refugee, grew up in St. Louis, and has lived in Seattle since 2008.  He spends most of his free time volunteering for grassroots organizations.

*BOARD MEMBERS

Peace Keenen – Acting President & Secretary of the Board

Anne Barnes – Vice President

Gailen Baber – Treasurer

Tresa Thomas Massiongale – Co-Chair of Marketing & Partnership Committee

Priscilla Dean LaCour – Chair of Race Equity & Social Justice Committee

Erin Sperger – Chair of Programming Committee

Emily Lundell – Board Member

Daniel McInally – Board Member

 

Freedom Project Board Members:

* Have experience with Freedom Project.
* Are committed to the Freedom Project Mission and Values.
* Contribute energy and creativity to governance of Freedom Project
* Represent Freedom Project to the larger community.
* Cultivate supportive relationships for Freedom Project.
* Assist in acquiring resources needed to sustain and grow Freedom Project.