The teenage years are often painted as a turbulent time, but they can also be a powerful period of growth and bonding—if parents are equipped with the right tools. In this eye-opening episode, we’re joined by Jharman Lightner, a master's in Psychological Health Educator, Consultant, andPh.D. candidate in Developmental Psychology. With over 15 years of experience spanning clinical evaluations, research, and counseling, Jharman brings a wealth of insight to the complex journey of raising teens.
Together, we explore:
Whether you're navigating mood swings, social pressures, or questions of identity, Jharman offers compassionate, research-backed advice to help you meet your teen where they are—and guide them toward who they’re becoming.
En este episodio, la doctora Oriel María Siu nos invita areflexionar sobre el impacto que tienen los cuentos de hadas eurocéntricos en la crianza y la construcción de la identidad de niñas y niños. Bajo el tema “Descolonizandolos cuentos de hadas”, exploramos cómo recuperar narrativas propias que dignifiquen nuestras experiencias, celebren la diversidad y empoderen a las infancias desde su cultura y su idioma.
Sobre la Dra. Oriel María Siu
La doctora Oriel María Siu es autora, profesora y conferencista dedicada a la literatura infantil, los estudios chicanos y latinx, y la representación cultural. Su trabajo es una herramienta poderosa para que familias y educadores cuestionen los relatos tradicionales y elijan historias que nutran el espíritude resistencia y belleza en nuestras comunidades.
Más información en su sitio web: https://www.orielmariasiu.com/
Cultivating Confidence with Anita Garcia Morales
What does it truly mean to encourage a child? How does it differ from praise, and why does that difference matter?
In this enlightening episode, host Anita Garcia Morales dives deep into the subtle yet powerful distinction between encouragement and praise — a conversation every parent, caregiver, and educator needs to hear. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in Seattle Public Schools and her work as a Courage & Renewal Facilitator and Positive Discipline Certified Associate, Anita explores how language and intention influence a child’s self-worth, motivation, and resilience.
Through stories, practical strategies, and a lens rooted in equity and social justice, Anita explores how encouragement fosters inner validation, while praise can sometimes inadvertently create external dependency. Listeners will walk away with tangible tools to nurture their children's authentic confidence, support emotional growth, and build stronger, more respectful relationships.
Whether you're raising young children, mentoring teens, or healing your inner child, this episode offers rich insights grounded in both research and lived experience.
https://www.racingtoequity.org/
En este inspirador episodio de Parenting Takes a Village, Rafael Núñez Valera y Selvin Vásquez Montecinos —dos padres latinos comprometidos con la crianza activa— se sientan a conversar sobre la importancia de que los hombres participen en la vida escolar de sus hijos.
Rafael, originario de la Ciudad de México y residente de Seattle desde 1997, es padre de tres hijos y apasionado del golf, la cocina familiar y los momentos compartidos con sus seres queridos. Selvin, cocinero guatemalteco en el restaurante Un Bien, es padre de tres niñas y un firme creyente en el valor de la presencia paterna desde los primeros años de vida.
Juntos reflexionan sobre:
Cómo la participación de los padres fortalece el desarrollo emocional y académico de los niños.
La manera en que su involucramiento rompe estereotipos de género y promueve la equidad dentro y fuera del hogar.
La conexión única que se forma al conocer el entorno escolar, los amigos y las rutinas diarias de sus hijos.
El poder del ejemplo como herramienta educativa.
Y cómo su presencia activa puede transformar la relación entre las familias y las escuelas, creando comunidades más inclusivas y solidarias.
Este episodio es una invitación poderosa a repensar el rol masculino en la educación, contada desde las experiencias reales de dos padres que están presentes, comprometidos y orgullosos de ser parte del viaje educativo de sus hijos.
A Conversation on the Beach Naturalist Program with Becky Cooke
In this inspiring episode of Parenting Takes a Village, host [Insert Host Name] welcomes Becky Cooke (she/her), a parent education instructor at Magnolia Cooperative Preschool and a passionate advocate for outdoor learning and community engagement. With a background in occupational therapy and a deep love for nature, Becky shares her journey from working in a traumatic brain injury rehab unit in NYC to becoming a beloved educator and environmental steward in Seattle.
Becky discusses her volunteer work with the Seattle Aquarium’s Beach Naturalist and Cedar River Salmon Journey Programs, as well as her role as a Salmon Steward for the Carkeek Watershed Community Action Project. She explains how families can foster curiosity, connection, and conservation by engaging with local marine environments — and why tidepooling is more than just a summer activity.
Listeners will gain insights into:
The importance of outdoor, hands-on learning for children (especially those with sensory needs or neurodivergence)
How to respectfully explore tidepools and beaches using the principles of beach etiquette
Seasonal marine life to look for in Puget Sound and how to identify common creatures
Simple tools to enhance your beach outings, from field guides to loupe magnifiers
How community science and stewardship can empower families to care for local ecosystems
Becky’s OT lens and infectious enthusiasm for nature will inspire listeners to slow down, look closer, and maybe even send her pictures of mushrooms. Whether you’re a lifelong Pacific Northwesterner or new to the region, this episode will equip you with the tools and curiosity to become your child’s first nature guide.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Seattle Aquarium Field Guides:
FieldGuide2019-English.pdf
FieldGuide2014-English-Spanish2.pdf
Guía de campo de la playa de Puget Sound (Beach-Guide-2022.pdf)
Beach Etiquette Recommendations (BeachEtiquette_Feb2021_english.pdf)
Kid-friendly Books:
What Do You Find in a Tide Pool? by Megan Koop
Tidepools: National Geographic Readers
In One Tidepool by Anthony Fredericks
Let's Explore the Beach by Karen DeWitt
Fylling’s Illustrated Guide to Pacific Coast Tidepools by Marni Fylling
Whelks to Whales by Rick M. Harbo
Tools: Loupe Magnifier (for closer looks at tidepool treasures)
Pro tip from Becky: “Play outside, explore with care, and don’t forget to ask your kids what they notice — their perspective might surprise you.”
Reconnecting with Wonder featuring Khavin Debbs
In this heartwarming episode of Parenting Takes a Village, we step outside—literally—and explore the transformative power of outdoor play with children. Our guest, Khavin Debbs, shares how nature has always been more than a backdrop—it’s been a lifeline, a classroom, and a source of deep joy.
From his childhood days in Sacramento spent meditating and playing in his parents’ yard to his time as a Tiny Trees Outdoor Preschool preschool teacher, Khavin’s connection to nature runs deep. Now an adjunct professor at the University of Washington and North Seattle College, Khavin blends education, environmentalism, and play to inspire a new generation. “It’s a marriage of everything I’ve ever wanted to do. It is awesome,” he says.
Khavin's impressive journey includes roles as a rock climbing instructor, preschool educator, and advocate for environmental education. He is currently pursuing his Ed.D in Education at Antioch University Seattle, where he also earned his degree in Urban Environmental Education. His work embodies the belief that outdoor play is not only beneficial—it's essential for children's development and well-being.
In this episode, Khavin offers practical ideas and heartfelt encouragement for parents and caregivers looking to deepen their children's relationship with the natural world—whether in a forest or a backyard.
Explore the resources mentioned in this episode:
Dycuflon.com – Innovative French outdoor gear for kids
Facebook Marketplace – Great finds for outdoor play equipment
Affortabup – Affordable gear and resources for families
Children & Nature Network – Research and tools to connect children with nature
The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)
WYAP (Washington Youth Academy Program) – Youth development and education
E3 Washington – Environmental education and equity in Washington State
Khavin's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sankofaoutdoors/?hl=en
En este episodio de Parenting Takes a Village,exploramos la poderosa diferencia entre animar y alabar en la crianza. ¿Cómo influye cada enfoque en la autoestima, la autonomía y la resiliencia de los niños? Junto a nuestra invitada, Paulina, profundizamos en cómo el aliento fomenta la confianza interna y la motivación intrínseca, mientras que laalabanza puede generar dependencia de la aprobación externa.
Paulina Cuevas es chilenay una ciudadana del mundo, con más de 20 años de experiencia apoyando a familias, estudiantes y educadores en Chile, China y Estados Unidos. Como entrenadora líder de Disciplina Positiva, consejera escolar licenciada y especialista en desarrollo socio emocional, yoga y mindfulness, nos comparte estrategias prácticas basadas en la neurociencia y la justicia social para fortalecer la conexión con nuestros hijos.
Además, recomendamos recursos valiosos para seguir explorando este tema:
El nido evolucionario, un libro que aborda la crianza desde unaperspectiva de apego y desarrollo. The Evolved Nest: Nature's Way of Raising Children and Creating Connected Communities de Darcia Narvaez y G. A. Bradshaw.
Simplicity Parenting Podcast, con herramientas para una crianza más consciente y equilibrada.
Marisa Moya, experta en disciplina positivaen España, cuyo enfoque ofrece estrategias clave para fomentar el desarrollo saludable de los niños.
¡Acompáñanos en esta conversación llena de reflexiones y estrategias prácticas para criar niños seguros y resilientes!
El libro The Evolved Nest: Nature's Way of Raising Children and Creating Connected Communities de Darcia Narvaez, PhD, y G. A. Bradshaw, PhD, no está disponible actualmente en español.Sin embargo, hay recursos relacionados disponibles en español. Por ejemplo, la iniciativa The Evolved Nestofrece materiales en español, incluyendo una colección de películas y otros recursos sobre crianza y cuidado inspirado en modelos naturales. Además, el libro Restoring the KinshipWorldview de Wahinkpe Topa (Four Arrows) y Darcia Narváez PhD está disponible en español, ofreciendo perspectivas sobre prácticas de crianza. Estos materiales pueden ofrecer valiosas perspectivas alineadas con los temas de The Evolved Nest.
Welcome to Parenting Takes a Village with Tania, the podcast where we explore how we can support children and families through early education, community connection, and expert insight. I’m your host, Tania, and today we’re diving into a critical issue in early childhood education—preschool expulsions.
Did you know that young children, especially Black boys and children with high rates of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), are disproportionately suspended or expelled from early learning programs? Today, we’ll discuss what’s behind this issue and how BrightSpark Early Learning Services is working to change the system with its Expulsion Prevention Partnership.
Joining us are two experts from BrightSpark:
Maggie Heard – Maggie is the Family Navigation Lead at BrightSpark Early Learning Services and has been working in early childhood education since 2017. Her experience in a variety of child care settings has fueled her passion for making high-quality early learning accessible to families from all backgrounds. At BrightSpark, she supports child care subsidy programs and helps families navigate the subsidy system.
Michael Kasprzak – Mike is the Internal Professional Development Coordinator for BrightSpark and co-chair of the agency’s Expulsion Prevention Partnership. Over his 17 years with BrightSpark, he has served as an early learning coach and coach supervisor. He is deeply committed to BrightSpark’s mission “to nurture and sustain child-centered, antiracist early learning communities.”
Together, we’ll explore why early childhood suspensions and expulsions happen, how they impact children and families, and the proactive steps BrightSpark is taking to prevent them.
To learn more about BrightSpark and their work, visit brightspark.org.
Tania habla con Lea Evans del tema : Criando Niños/es Bilingües.
¡Bienvenidos de nuevo a Parenting Takes a Village! Hoy exploramos un tema muy cercano a mi corazón: la crianza de niños bilingües. Ya sea que desees transmitir tu lengua heredada, abrir puertas a nuevas culturas o simplemente brindarles a tus hijos el regalo del multilingüismo, este episodio es para ti.
Me acompaña Lea Evans, Educadora de Padres en North Seattle College, con una formación en lingüística aplicada—el estudio del lenguaje y cómo lo aprendemos. Lea ha enseñado tanto inglés como español, ha trabajado en asesoría universitaria y tiene una conexión profunda con el bilingüismo. En su familia, el español se saltó una generación, por lo que en su adolescencia sintió el llamado de recuperarlo, viendo el lenguaje como un puente hacia su familia, su cultura y una visión más amplia del mundo. Ahora, está transmitiendo esa conexión a su propio hijo, quien asistió a la cooperativa preescolar en español PCPE y ahora estudia en un programa de inmersión dual.
En nuestra conversación, Lea comparte su conocimiento tanto desde la experiencia profesional como personal: cómo el idioma moldea la identidad, los retos y las alegrías de criar a un niño bilingüe y consejos prácticos para las familias que emprenden este camino. También hablamos de su trabajo apoyando clases de preescolar cooperativo, incluyendo una en español, y por qué la exposición temprana y el apoyo comunitario son claves en el aprendizaje de un idioma.
Así que, ya seas parte de una familia multilingüe, estés comenzando a introducir un segundo idioma o simplemente sientas curiosidad por los beneficios del bilingüismo, no te querrás perder esta conversación.
Recursos:
https://luminarypodcasts.com/listen/nbcuniversal-telemundo-39-dfw/descifrando-la-ciencia/bilinguismo-la-importancia-de-hablar-dos-idiomas/c7c3fe73-aee2-4155-8801-887d57e49366?country=US (podcast en español)
https://www.healthychildren.org/Spanish/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Paginas/7-myths-facts-bilingual-children-learning-language.aspx (artículo en español)
https://www.nytimes.com/es/2016/03/18/espanol/ser-multilingue-no-solo-mejora-las-habilidades-cognitivas-sino-tambien-las-sociales.html (artículo en español)
https://www.atlantis-press.com/proceedings/sdmc-21/125968716 (inglés - 2022 literature review of cognitive benefits)
Welcome back to Parenting Takes a VillagI'mwe'reI'mI'mwe'reI'mwe'reI'mI'mwe're, the podcast where we explore how we support and nurture our children—and ourselves—through the ever-evolving parenting journey. I'm your host, Tania. Today, we're diving into a deeply personal and profoundly impactful topic: raising children beyond the gender binary.
Parenting is full of choices—how we guide, nurture, and support our children in becoming their most authentic selves. But what does it look like to raise children in a way that frees them from rigid gender expectations? How can we, as parents and caregivers, create an environment where kids feel safe to explore their identities on their terms? To help us explore these questions, Erin Sara DiPeso joins me in exploring these questions. Erin is a nanny, teacher, and stay-at-home parent of three. With a background in positive discipline, non-violent communication, and child development—not to mention an unexpected love of ornithology—Erin brings a wealth of knowledge and lived experience to this conversation. As part of the LGBTQ community, Erin has chosen to raise all three of their children with a gender-neutral approach, allowing them the space and freedom to define who they are.
In this episode, we'll talk about what it means to raise children outside traditional gender roles, the challenges and joys of this parenting approach, and what we can all learn from creating more inclusive spaces for kids to grow and thrive.
So, whether you're a parent, educator, or someone who wants to better understand gender-inclusive Parenting, this conversation is for you.
https://www.northseattlecoops.org/
En este episodio de "Parenting Takes a Village: NSC and You," Tania conversa con Xiomara, una destacada profesional comprometida con el apoyo a las familias en su viaje hacia la alfabetización temprana. Xiomara, inmigrante salvadoreña radicada en Seattle desde 2005, ha dedicado su carrera a facilitar programas para niños y familias en las bibliotecas públicas de Seattle y del condado de King. Con pasión y un profundo sentido de urgencia, trabaja para preparar a los niños para la escuela, empoderando a las familias como los primeros y más importantes maestros de sus hijos. Su enfoque cultural y lingüístico garantiza que las culturas y los idiomas que las familias hablan en casa sean representados en sus programas, fomentando en los niños un fuerte sentido de identidad y pertenencia. Xiomara también está completando una licenciatura en Educación, después de haber estudiado psicología en El Salvador.
Temas principales:
En este episodio, exploraremos la importancia de la alfabetización temprana en el desarrollo de los niños y cómo los padres pueden desempeñar un papel activo
en este proceso crucial. Xiomara y Tania compartirán herramientas prácticas que pueden ser incorporadas en la rutina diaria de las familias, incluyendo:
Establecer rutinas: Cómo crear momentos consistentes para leer y aprender juntos.
Ser flexible: Ajustar las actividades a las necesidades del momento y del niño. Modelar: Mostrar a los niños el valor de la lectura y el aprendizaje a través de sus propias acciones.
Hacer preguntas de final abierto: Fomentar el pensamiento crítico y la curiosidad en los niños. Usar la técnica TPR (Reacción Física Total): Incorporar movimientos físicos al leerpara fortalecer la comprensión y la memoria. Si eres padre, madre o cuidador, este episodio te brindará estrategias prácticas y accesibles para apoyar a tus niños en su camino hacia la alfabetización temprana. Aprenderás cómo crear un ambiente enriquecedor y cómo las pequeñas acciones diarias pueden tener un impacto significativo en el futuro académico y emocional de tus hijos.
Books such as "Windows" and "Mirrors" in Parenting with Betty Williams
Welcome back to Parenting Takes a VillageParentingIn today's, Today'sI'mParentingtoday'sParenting. Today's episode explores the many facets of parenting through connection, equity, and shared learning. I’m your host, Tania. In today’s episode, we're exploring books' transformative role in Parenting and education as "wiParentingd "mirrors." Joining me is Betty Williams, a passionate advocate for racial justice, anti-bias work, and creating inclusive environments where children and families can truly thrive.
Betty brings decades of experience as a social worker, early childhood educator, and Parent Education Instructor at North Seattle College. Beyond her academic achievements—a BA in Psychology from Vanderbilt University and an MSW from the University of Washington—Betty's work is deeply rooted in advocacy. She's committed to listening, learning, and partnering with those most impacted by injustice, and she sees her role as both a learner and an accomplice in justice work.
In this episode, we'll explore how books can serve as "windows" that allow children to see and learn about lives and experiences different from their own and "mirrors" that reflect and validate their identities and stories. Betty will share insights on intentionally choosing books that expand empathy, challenge stereotypes, and create a sense of belonging for children and families.
Effectively serve these roles. We'll also discuss practical tips for parents and educators: How do we identify books that serve these roles effectively? What should we look for when diversifying our bookshelves at home or in the classroom? How do we navigate difficult conversations that might arise when children encounter new or challenging perspectives?
Betty'sBetty'sThroughBetty'sBetty'sThrough Through Betty's wealth of experience—both as a professional and an individual deeply committed to equity and inclusion—we'll discover how books can open doors to greater understanding and connection. This conversation promises to inspire you to think differently about the stories we share and their impact on the children we raise.
"Get ready to explore the decisive role of books as "windows" and "mirrors" with Betty Williams. Let's dive in!
In this episode of Parenting Takes a Village, Tania sits down with Beth Goss (she/her), a seasoned expert in Early Childhood Education and a Certified Gottman Educator, to explore how relationships shift and grow after children enter the picture. Together, they delve into the impact of children’s tantrums on family dynamics and the importance of co-regulation not just with children but within partnerships.
Beth shares insights from her decades of experience as a preschool teacher, administrator, teacher trainer, and now a tenured parent education instructor at North Seattle College. Drawing on her work with the Gottman Institute, Beth offers practical tools to help couples strengthen their connection while navigating the challenges of parenting young children.
Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about maintaining empathy, fostering healthy communication, and building resilient family relationships—one moment of connection at a time.
To learn more about Beth or to explore her workshops and consulting services, visit www.bethgoss.com.
Book Resource:
The Opposite of Worry: The Playful Parenting Approach to Childhood Anxieties and Fears by Lawrence J. Cohen
Welcome to Episode 3, where we dive into the transformative topic of fostering feminist values in the next generation. In this episode, Tania sits down with Sally and Sarah to explore how parents, educators, and mentors can support children and teens in developing a solid foundation of gender equity, empowerment, and respect for all identities.
Sally, a seasoned faculty member in the Department of Parent Education at North Seattle College, brings a wealth of experience from her decades in child psychotherapy, parent consultation, and education. With her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan, Sally has spent over 20 years as a parent educator, offering practical insights into raising empathetic, justice-minded children through her professional expertise and personal experience as a mother of two.
Sarah Rose Olson, M.Ed., a Seattle-based wellness teacher, sexuality educator, and curriculum developer, joined the conversation. Sarah is deeply committed to empowering young people by building skills in consent, self-advocacy, and healthy relationships. Her trauma-informed approach tackles the shame and stigma often associated with sexuality and identity, helping adolescents to make informed, confident decisions about themselves and the change they hope to inspire in the world.
Sally and Sarah bring unique perspectives and actionable ideas for fostering feminist values at home and in the community. From teaching media literacy to encouraging critical thinking, they help us explore ways to inspire the next generation to advocate for equity and respect. Tune in to discover how small, everyday actions can have a powerful impact on building a more inclusive and just future.
En este episodio, Tania conversa con Anita García Morales sobre una herramienta esencial de la disciplina positiva: las juntas de familia. Anita, con más de 30 años de experiencia en educación y cofundadora de Racing to Equity, nos comparte cómo esta práctica fomenta el respeto mutuo, la colaboración y una comunicación efectiva en el hogar. Las juntas familiares pueden convertirse en un espacio inclusivo donde todos los miembros, especialmente aquellos de comunidades tradicionalmente marginadas, pueden expresarse y sentirse valorados.
Si quieres profundizar en esta herramienta y en otras prácticas de disciplina positiva, aquí te compartimos algunos recursos:
Positive Discipline Association– positivediscipline.org
https://www.positivediscipline.org: Ofrece talleres y cursos en español, presenciales y en línea, sobre disciplina positiva.
Disciplina Positiva Latinoamérica– disciplinapositiva.org
https://disciplinapositiva.org: Organización dedicada a promover la disciplina positiva en América Latina, con información sobre talleres, recursos y certificaciones en español.
Racing to Equity –racingtoequity.com
https://www.racingtoequity.com: Consultoría cofundada por Anita García Morales, especializada en justicia social y equidad. También ofrece recursos y apoyo a familias inmigrantes que desean aprender más sobre prácticas inclusivas y equitativas en sus comunidades.
Estos recursos son excelentes puntos de partida para empezar a implementar las juntas familiares y fortalecer los vínculos familiares a través de la disciplina positiva. ¡Acompáñanos en esta conversación y descubre cómo hacer de esta práctica un hábito en tu hogar!
In this episode, Tania sits down with Sally and Sarah to explore the critical topic of media literacy and its impact on families and youth. Sally, a seasoned faculty member in the Department of Parent Education at North Seattle College, brings decades of expertise in child psychotherapy, parent consultation, and education. With a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan, she has spent over 20 years as a parent education instructor, sharing practical parenting tools rooted in her professional experience and personal journey as a mother of two grown daughters.
Sarah Rose Olson, M.Ed., a Seattle-based wellness teacher, sexuality educator, and curriculum developer, joined the conversation. Sarah works closely with young people to foster consent, self-advocacy, and healthy relationship skills. Her trauma-informed approach challenges the shame and stigma around sexuality and sexual health, empowering adolescents to make informed decisions about their lives and the social change they wish to see.
Together, Sally and Sarah bring their unique perspectives to help us understand how media literacy can be used to guide children and teens in navigating today’s complex digital landscape.
Tania speaks with Beth about Relationships after having Children
Beth Goss (she/her)
Beth has been working in the field of Early Childhood Education since 1989. She has been a preschool teacher, an administrator, and a teacher trainer, and is currently a full-time, tenured parent education instructor at North Seattle College. Beth is also a Certified Gottman Educator and Training Specialist with the Gottman Institute. She can be reached for workshop facilitation, speaking engagements, and consulting at www.bethgoss.com
Tania talks to Lauren about nutrition.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Lauren Leedy specializes in creating unique strategies and solutions for the busiest of people to meet their personal health goals. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Lauren has experience across a wide variety of settings and patient populations, including five years in pediatrics. She now owns her 100% virtual nutrition practice based out of Seattle. She believes that changes don’t last unless they are realistic, and she holds a unique toolbox of ideas to take the guesswork out of healthy eating. Lauren is a busy mom known for her 15-minute meal hacks, tried and true product recommendations, and ability to share the science of nutrition in a clear, understandable manner.
For more information visit Lauren's website: https://laurenleedynutrition.com
Episode 12 coming soon on 05-10-22
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Lauren Leedy specializes in creating unique strategies and solutions for the busiest of people to meet their personal health goals. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Lauren has experience across a wide variety of settings and patient populations, including five years in pediatrics. She now owns her 100% virtual nutrition practice based out of Seattle. She believes that changes don’t last unless they are realistic and she holds a unique toolbox of ideas to take the guesswork out of healthy eating. Lauren is a busy mom known for her 15-minute meal hacks, tried and true product recommendations, and ability to share the science of nutrition in a clear, understandable manner.
Tania talks to Kyle about the importance of exercise and sports with children
Kyle Boyd is a former teacher who is leading fan development for the Seattle Kraken. He took on this new role after eight years of teaching history and social studies and is on a mission to ensure access to hockey for nontraditional hockey communities throughout Greater Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Kyle grew up in Eden Prairie, MN, and started playing skating at the age of four. After graduating from Dartmouth College with a degree in History in 2012 he joined Teach for America in St. Louis, MO. After his time in TFA Kyle taught at Buckingham Browne and Nichols School in Cambridge MA, as well as Lakeside School in Seattle. As a classroom teacher and coach, he has seen firsthand the power of connecting with kids through sport. He sees hockey to encourage youth to step outside of their comfort zone and use on-ice and off-ice experiences to impart life lessons. The Seattle Kraken will be the 32nd team in the National Hockey League and have recently completed the Kraken Community Iceplex their practice and community rinks in Seattle. Kraken Community Iceplex will serve as a hub for youth hockey programming in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest Region and will be the largest NHL practice facility within a major cities’ limits. This year Kyle has led efforts to market the team to new hockey fans, and engaged local school districts, community nonprofits, and after-school partners to bring hockey to communities new to the game. As Fan Development leads for the Kraken he oversees the work of building a diverse and avid fan base across the state and region. Kyle is excited to work with a variety of community partners to address the gap in equity and access around the sport of hockey. When he is not focused on hockey, Kyle enjoys films (especially documentaries) and is still an avid historian. Kyle lives in North Seattle with his wife Archi, and the two were married in October of 2019.