At the Northeast Youth Center, we believe that the care and education of the children in our center is the responsibility of every profile of person that works in the organization. We are fortunate to have a diverse team of caring, hard-working, and professionally blossoming individuals.
Meet Our Executive Director
Crystal MaCurdy
Executive Director
Hello! My name is Crystal MaCurdy. I stepped into the role of Executive Director at NEYC in June of 2025. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development with Certification in Early Childhood Education through Washington State University. Over the past 12 years, I have dedicated my personal and professional talents to making a positive impact in the lives of children and families. From teaching preschool at multiple childcare centers, to running a preschool from her family home, to teaching parent education classes supporting women in recovery, to running a non-profit organization and facilitating early educator workshops, my heart just lights up when I think about what a blessing it has been to have the opportunity to know and support so many amazing children and families! I am so glad to be here, serving the community I grew up in!
Meet Our Administrative Team
Kit Haley
Administrative Assistant
Kit joined the NEYC team in September of 2024 and is excited to be a part of our mission to serve Spokane youth in a caring and engaged environment. She graduated from Whitworth University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. In her spare time, Kit enjoys playing board games and keeping her two cats entertained.
Marisa Olmos
Administrative Assistant
I started at the center in March 2022 and worked for a year as a rec leader. I returned in January 2025 as a rec leader in the mornings, wanting to make a positive impact on the lives of children and support their social-emotional growth. I transitioned into the role of administrative assistant shortly after, which allowed me to not only provide a supportive and friendly environment for the children but parents as well. When I’m not here in the mornings, I am a Direct Support Provider for individuals with IDD. In my free time, I hang out with my cat and try new things.
Abbey Hall
Administrative Assistant
I joined the NEYC team in October 2023. I started in the school age program before moving into my current role as an administrative assistant. I was born and raised in Olympia before relocating to Spokane in 2022. Since 2018, my work with children has included working in childcare centers and in-home caregiving. I’m currently attending Eastern Washington University and will graduate this December with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in Psychology.
Outside of work, I enjoy crafting of all kinds, from crochet and sewing to puzzles and painting, as well as reading, baking, swimming, and playing video games. I love spending time with my spouse and our pets, which includes a dog, three cats, and four hermit crabs. I am proud to be part of the NEYC community!
Jonathan Hamstra
Tech Support
Jonathan joined in 2022 to help maintain and update all technologies used at the center. He manages anything that beeps, boops, or clicks. His love of computers started in childhood, and continued to grow all the way through graduating from Whitworth University in 2024 with a B.S. in Computer Science.
His goal is to enable all employees at the Center to be able to spend more time with the kids, and less time figuring out electronics.
Meet Our ECEAP Team
Lisa McGoldrick
Early Learning Director
I come to the Northeast Youth center with almost 20 years of Preschool teaching experience. I have worked in childcare centers; substitute taught in several school districts and have worked several years in ECEAP.
I have my Washington State Teaching Certificate and a degree in Mathematics from Eastern Washington University. I obtained my Montessori Teaching Certificate in 2018. I have been learning Conscious Discipline for 4 years and have over 100 hours of training!
Kayla Sherette
ECEAP Family Services Coordinator
I come to the Northeast Youth Center with seven years of experience as a foster parent, two years of experience as a supportive housing caseworker collaborating with the homeless community, and another two years of experience working in a group home with children with cognitive and behavioral disabilities.
I graduated in June 2023 with my degree in Integrated Community Services, and I am currently attending Whitworth University to obtain my degree in humanities.
Ana Atkins
ECEAP Lead Teacher
Hey, Ya’ll! My name is Ana, and I‘m so excited to be here as the Lead teacher in the Triangle room! I can’t wait to create a positive environment for both students and families! I’m going into my 10th year in the ECE field, I plan to further my education within the next few short years. I cannot wait to see the growth we make as a “School Family!” In my free time I love to be outdoors, fishing, camping or hiking. My Favorite hobby/pastime is traveling and going to concerts with my besties!
April Graham
ECEAP Lead Teacher
My name is Ms. April and I am the lead teacher for the square room. My education background is in counseling educational developmental psychology as well as school counseling. I received my B.S. from EWU and my M.S. from Capella University. My work background is varied and this is the first time in a long time where I am working with littles. Watching them learn and grow is as rewarding as can be. I am also a solo parent to a crazy kid who is my everything and we currently share our lives with two cats and two dogs. One quirky fact about me is I have been tiny living for 15 plus years and don’t see me changing. I also tend to find my happy place on the water or on the back of a horse. I look forward to getting to know all the kiddos and their diverse personalities.
Brittany Anderson
ECEAP Lead Teacher
I am the Lead Preschool Teacher in the Circle Room! I am thrilled to be a part of the NEYC team. I have over 13 years experience working with children. Most recently, I managed a group home for children with cognitive and behavioral disabilities for 8 years. I worked at NEYC back in 2007- 2008 when we were based in the basement of a church. I am blessed to be back and a part of this wonderful organization.
I believe early intervention and education for all children is one of the most important aspects of child development. My goal is to create a safe, loving and nurturing space for your children to grow emotionally and socially. I love to constantly learn and am excited to learn and practice Conscious Discipline in the classroom.
Lydia Crowder
ECEAP Lead Teacher
I am from Madrid (Spain) and I have been with NEYC since March 2024. I have 30 years of experience working in the Early Childhood Education field and I am super excited for my new role as second Family Services Coordinator. I am the morning assistant in the square room and then I help out as FCS.
I have 2 daughters ages 26 and 20, and I have recently stepped back into the role of raising children since my partner has 2 boys, ages 11 and 4. I am currently finishing up my AA in Early Childhood Education and will continue my journey into a BA. In my free time I enjoy the outdoors and being in the water.
Kristian Ingram
ECEAP Assistant Teacher
Hi! My name is Kristian and I am the Assistant Teacher in the circle room! I hold my AA in Special Education and have worked with children for over 13 years. Previously I taught toddler, Preschool and PreK classes in Liberty Lake before transitioning to the East Valley school district. I did everything from DD preschool to working with inclusion kiddos in ECEAP. I even jumped in to work with 18-21 year olds in Special Education that focused on building life and soft employment skills.
Following this, I moved into managing a group home for kiddos and eventually adults with special needs these past 6 years.
In my free time I volunteer on my church’s hospitality team. I’m also a single momma to a 13 year old boy and two daughters, who are 7 and 3. We enjoy hiking with friends between my kiddos sporting events. I’m excited to grow and learn alongside your children!
Angela Medoza
ECEAP Assistant Teacher
Spokane North East Youth Center
Iryna Bannikova
ECEAP Aide Teacher
Hi there! My name is Iryna. I have a Master’s degree in Business Economics. After graduating from university, I worked 10 years in the bank. In 2015, my family and I made a big move from Ukraine, and guess what? I had no idea how to speak a single word of English! Now I can read, write, and speak English, and I’m also fluent in Ukrainian and Russian. I had experience working with kids. I was lucky enough to work at ECEAP for almost 3 years. After that, I studied online and worked as a customer associate in a store.
I’m so blessed to have a wonderful family. I’m married and we have two kids: a16-year-old daughter (cheerleader at FHS) and a 12-year-old son (hockey player). We also have a furry son Boomer (black lab). We’re all about being active and finding fun activities to do together, no matter the season. Whether it’s skiing, cycling, wakeboarding, or camping, we’re always up for an adventure. I’m a big hockey fan!
Stacy Jensen
ECEAP Aide Teacher
Hi! I am an Aide for the Circle room. I hold two Liberal Arts AA degrees in Behavioral + Social Science, and Humanities + Communications, and recently graduated with my BA in Behavioral Psychology with an emphasis in infancy and adolescent development.
I have been married for 14 years and we have two children; a super creative 7-year old daughter, and a go-getter 12-year old son! We have a 7 month old puppy named “Seriously?!” and two bratty indoor cats. I love animals and I have spent most of my life working with animals; rehabilitating their behavior(s), and enforcing proper pet ownership.
Any spare time I have is usually spent making artwork with my kids, baking sweets, organizing/cleaning, yard saleing/thrifting, catching-up on TV series, making/selling beaded jewelry, and gardening!
Alyssa Locke
ECEAP Aide Teacher
Hello, my name is Alyssa and I am the Aide in Triangle Classroom.
I am studying to be a Speech Language Pathologist and earning my degree in Special Education.
In my spare time I love to garden, read and go camping. I am looking forward to getting to know all the children and families and making a difference wherever I can.
Caleb Casey
ECEAP Float Teacher
I just graduated from Ferris High school in June of 2023. I love working with kids and have wanted to be a teacher since I was 16. My favorite part about being around the kids is hearing all of their interests and seeing their skills and personalities develop. I am a dog dad of two dogs (6 months and 6 years) . They are my whole family.
I also teach swim lessons to kids and have been a ‘Manny’ for a family for 2 years for a 5 year old and a 4 year old. In my free time I like to watch Disney movies or terrible movies with my girlfriend. I am most excited to grow my connection with the kids and give them the resources they need to grow beyond the time I have them!
Abigail McGoldrick
ECEAP Float Teacher
I am the float for all the ECEAP rooms. I just graduated from Ferris High school in June of 2023. I love working with children and have been babysitting since I was 11.
I am excited to make connections with all the kids and families.
I enjoy spending time with my family and outdoors. I also love animals, I have a ferret and 3 dogs. :)
Meet Our School-Age Team
Jocelyn Zigan
School-Age Program Director
Jocelyn has been part of the NEYC team since the summer of 2021. She has held many roles, from Recreation Leader to School-Age Program Director, and has spent the majority of her professional career here at NEYC. At a young age, Jocelyn has become both an asset and a spark of energy within the organization. Jocelyn has impressed us with her advanced critical thinking, organization, and maturity. She is a person who will, no doubt, thrive as a professional, and we are thankful to be the first step in her journey.
Jocelyn is proud to be working for an organization that provides services for disadvantaged youth. Coming from a disadvantaged background herself, she finds fulfillment in giving back to her community. Jocelyn is a young professional who recently graduated from North Central High School and obtained her AA -degree from SFCC. She plans on studying sociology at Eastern University in the fall of 2024. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her loved ones, travel, and read.
Keturah Beaudoin
School-Age Lead Teacher
Hello, my name is Keturah and I am one of your School-Age Lead Teachers! I have been a part of the NEYC crew since April of 2022. In my free time, I enjoy volleyball, reading, and anything outdoors! My favorite things are my family, my cat, coffee, and watching new anime shows! A fun fact about me: I’m FFI/Hazmat certified and EMT certified. I also graduated high school at 16!
Braden Smith
School-Age Lead Teacher
Hi! My name is Braden Smith and I am one of your School-Age Lead Teachers! I am studying to become a Health and Physical Education Teacher with a Coaching Minor. I am also a volunteer coach and certified Washington State referee. I love spending time with my friends, family, and three dogs. In my free time, you will find me golfing, at the gym, or wrestling for Eastern Washington University.
Jordan Sains
School-Age Lead Teacher
Hi! My name is Jordan. I am one of your School-Age Lead Teachers. I have worked at NEYC for 3 years. I love being here at the NEYC; coming into work every day knowing that I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community and the children really makes it worth it! outside of work you can find me spending time with my family. I have a 3-year-old at home who teaches me something new daily, and another baby on the way. I enjoy spending my free time snowboarding, playing video games, reading, and cooking food for my wife and child.
Kevin Nguyen
School-Age Lead Teacher
Hi, my name is Kevin and I am one of your School-Age Lead Teachers. I graduated from EWU with a Bachelors in Children’s Studies. I love traveling and visiting new places and spending time with friends ,family, and my dogs, Toast and Andy. In my spare time, I usually game on my PC, try cooking new recipes, or spend time working on tech things that catch my eye.
Riley Rodenbough
School-Age Assistant Teacher
Hi! My name is Riley. I am one of your School-Age Lead Teachers. I attend Eastern Washington University where I am getting my Bachelors in Nursing. Summer is my favorite time of the year. I enjoy the hot weather and outdoor activities. I love being at the lake, out on the boat, hiking, and spending time with my family and friends-- especially my dogs!
Lela Smith
School-Age Lead Teacher
Hi! My name is Lela (the kids call me Larry)! I am one of your School-Age Leads. I joined NEYC in May of 2025. I have plans to attend WSU to study Veterinary Science, but in the meantime, you’ll find me spending time with my cats Tissue and Toby, as well as my family and friends. I enjoy hiking, crocheting, and drawing. Fun fact: I have a decade of experience on the cello!
Juliana Howard
School-Age Lead Teacher
Spokane North East Youth Center
Noah Walter
School-Age Aide Teacher
Hello! My name is Noah Walter and I am one of your School-Age Aide Teachers. I‘ve worked at NEYC since December of 2023 and I love working here. I recently finished my senior year at North Central High School. I plan to go to college this fall. In my free time, I like to hand out with my friends, play outdoor sports, and play video games. Fun fact about me: I’ve been to 7 countries.
Sophia Bertolero
School-Age Lead Teacher
Hi, my name is Sophia and I am one of your School-Age Aide Teachers! I have been training at NEYC to be a youth leader and I take pride in the role I have with the kids. I will be a 2027 high school graduate! As of right now, I plan to do running start through Eastern Washington University where I will study Physiology! I love playing volleyball and have played club for 3 years. I have 3 sisters, 2 cats, and 2 dogs. In my free time, your will find me at fast food restaurants, taking naps, listening to music, and watching the sunset!
Taylar Fraizer
School-Age Assistant Teacher
Hi! My name is Taylar and I am one of your School-Age Lead Teachers! I have been a part of the NEYC team since 2022. I am a certified Health and Physical Education teacher as well as yoga instructor and transformational specialist. I love spending time with my husband Tony, my dog, Ranger, family, and friends. In my free time, you will find me hiking, working out, back packing, and doing yoga. Fun fact about me: my husband and I will be welcoming our first baby this September!
Blake Zigan
School-Age Aide Teacher
My name is Blake Zigan and I am one of your School-Age Assistant Teachers. I have been working at NEYC since June of 2023. I recently finished my senior year of high school at North Central. In my free time I like to play sports and hang out with my friends. A fun fact about me is that I play the piano!
Carter Zigan
School-Age Aide Teacher
Hi, my name is Carter and I am one of your School-Age Aide Teachers! I have been a part of NEYC since 2022. I just recently graduated from North Central high School. I plan to pursue an electrician apprenticeship. In my free time, I like to hang out with my friends, play video games, and play sports. A fun fact about me: I am a twin!
Terry Herron
School-Age Volunteer
My name is Terry and I have been a volunteer at NEYC since January 2025. I retired from the HVAC industry in May 2021. I enjoy camping, biking, hiking, and visiting friends and family with my wife, Margaret, and daughter, Maree. I grew up in Seattle and moved to Spokane where I met and married my wife. A fun fact about me: our daughter was born on the 4th of July during a thunderstorm!
Meet Our Food Service Team
Sherra Bayman
Lead Kitchen Chef
I am the Lead Chef here at Northeast Youth Center. I have been feeding children in ECEAP programs for fifteen amazing years! Getting all the different age groups to take adventure bites of new healthy food is my main goal. I joined the NEYC family in July of 2024.
The most rewarding part of my job is connecting with the kids and learning their likes and dislikes when it comes to healthy food choices. I frequently have the school age kids come into the kitchen and let them help me serve at mealtime. It is a great reward for them.
In my free time, I enjoy coaching a wide range of sports for the Special Olympics. Bowling and swimming are my two favorite sports to coach. I love Basset Hounds so much that I have 4. I look forward to many more years at the Northeast Youth Center!
Jessie Ashby Jr.
Kitchen Assistant
Spokane North East Youth CenterMeet Our Maintenance Team
Russ Morgan
Maintenance Manager
Russ joined the team in early 2023. He has over 10 years of maintenance experience and went to school for diesel/heavy equipment repair at SCC.
He is proud to be a part of NEYC and see what an impact it makes on the kids, and he is willing to help out wherever possible to make it the best experience for the kids.
Jamal Gray
Maintenance Assistant
Hello, I‘m Jamal, your Maintenance Facility Assistant at Northeast Youth Center. I’ve been working here since June if 2024. I started as a rec leader in the beginning of summer and moved to Facility Assistant after that summer ended. I like to spend my free time with a lot of sports either playing or watching them, especially catching the latest NFL or college football games! I love kicking back with my family and friends any chance that I can get. Also I like to play video games when I can or watch movies or tv shows. I‘m a staying true to myself type. I’m always striving to be a hard worker and a good person every chance I get.
SITE MAP
CONTACT US
Follow Us!