Board of Directors
The Northeast Youth Center is very fortunate to have an outstanding board governing this organization. Board members come from different businesses and sectors across the community and share their expertise in a variety of areas. All board members play a critical role in developing strategic plans to continue moving this organization forward
2024 Board Officers
Dan Heibert
As a Gonzaga alum (Go Zags!) and a healthcare reimbursement executive for 20+ years, I have helped hospital and clinical teams in Washington and Idaho to achieve operational excellence with a focus on financial stability.
I believe strongly in the value of education and a healthy community, and my family began supporting the great work of the Northeast Youth Center in 2017.
I am honored to be a part of NEYC as a board member in support of its mission to provide at-risk youth with a safe environment, healthy food, and culturally enriching and stimulating educational and recreational opportunities.
Dawn Hiebert
“I joined the Northeast Youth Center Board of Directors a couple of years ago. My husband began our journey on the board. After serving a couple of years on the board his career path took him to Yakima, so I asked to take his place on the board. I‘m a teacher and my passion is teaching and supporting the kids in my community. This organization is so valuable to it’s community that we wanted to continue to support it!”
Kent Wales
CEO of Happy Laundry and Dry Cleaning, member since 2011, Development & Finance Committees.
“I love Spokane! I love the Northeast Youth Center! Serving our community is one of the things that brings me joy and fulfillment. Providing care, love, guidance, food and recreational opportunities to these kids we can help the next generation flourish and prosper. This will help Spokane for years to come. I am honored to serve the Northeast Youth Center.”
Lora Hovland
Lora joined the team in February 2020. She has her Bachelor‘s degree in Social Welfare from CSU-Fresno, her teaching credential for grades K-8 (taught in California and Washington) and her Master’s Degree in Education (Curriculum Development) from City University. She has worked in the office setting as an Executive Assistant and Office Manager, taught grades Kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade, worked as the Life Enrichment Director at a retirement community before coming to NEYC. She is excited to be a part of the team and bring her experience to benefit the families that we serve.
2024 Board Members
Yome Hong
Technology Consultant, Insight Enterprises
"It is so rewarding to serve on the Board of Directors. The NEYC provides valuable resources to the families of this community, supporting our youth in their development to be healthy, engaged & eager learners. I believe in that mission, so the youth center has my unwavering support!"
Amy Friemel
Being born and raised in Spokane, I have a deep connection to the community and a passion for supporting youth. My career spans 20 years in Continuous Improvement and Loan Operations roles within manufacturing and banking, and I currently serve as the Director of Loan Operations at STCU.
As a former latchkey kid and now a parent, I am passionate about ensuring that families can balance their work and childcare needs in a way that is supportive to the family unit and provides a safe, fun environment that allows kids to be kids. I’m excited to be part of the Northeast Youth Center organization.
Ben Radoslovich
Senior Estimator for Lydig Construction. Joined the board in 2022. Serves on the Capital Improvements Committee.
I have a passion for building and am humbled to share my knowledge with NEYC. I am proud to be involved with such an incredible organization helping families in Spokane and surrounding communities.
Joelle Pulver
I am deeply honored to join the NEYC board, and am eager to contribute to this community! I strongly believe that every child deserves support and a sense of belonging in a place where they feel truly valuled. I look forward to making an impact by empowering the youth we serve and help them reach their full potential.
Carly Cortright
My dissertation on Adverse Childhood Experiences and juvenile delinquency drew me to serve on the NEYC Board. Activities and structure can be such a difference maker in our children’s lives, and I love that the NEYC provides that.
Berkley Phillips
Former US Figure Skating National Silver Medalist, US Figure Skating National coach, and NHL Power Skating coach. Current Assistant Vice President at Alliant Insurance.
I am honored to join the Board of Directors for the Northeast Youth Center. Serving presents a tremendous opportunity to impact the children and families in our community positively. I am excited to collaborate with fellow board members, staff, and volunteers to create programs and initiatives that support growth, development, and well-being. This role is not just a responsibility but a privilege as we contribute to the betterment of Spokane and its future leaders.
Staff Members
Sheila Geraghty
Sheila has over fourteen years of experience in non-profit operations which includes financial planning, grants, strategic planning, organizational leadership as well as experience in media and public relations.
Sheila also has Youth Program Experience which includes involvement in many different programs and interactions with youth focused on improving the lives of disadvantaged children.
In addition to her hands on experience, Sheila has a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University and a Bachelor of Arts from Washington State University.
Lora Hovland
Lora joined the team in February 2020. She has her Bachelor‘s degree in Social Welfare from CSU-Fresno, her teaching credential for grades K-8 (taught in California and Washington) and her Master’s Degree in Education (Curriculum Development) from City University. She has worked in the office setting as an Executive Assistant and Office Manager, taught grades Kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade, worked as the Life Enrichment Director at a retirement community before coming to NEYC. She is excited to be a part of the team and bring her experience to benefit the families that we serve.
Cindy Reeves
Cindy came to us in September of 2022. She has 37+ years of experience working in childcare and private/public schools. She has two AA degrees. One in Business Administration and the other in Early Childhood Education. She also has a BA in elementary education from Whitworth University. She loves children, teaching, crunching numbers, and being a mentor.
Outside of work, Cindy is the President of the Spokane Horseshoe Pitcher’s Association and loves camping, fishing, crafts, and just being outside enjoying nature.
Lisa McGoldrick
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
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.
Lydia Crowder
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.
Jocelyn Zigan
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
Keturah has been a part of the NEYC team since April of 2022. She started as a rec leader and is now currently a rec leader along with being an assistant to the School Age Program Directors. She graduated high school at 16 years old and shortly after went to an academy to be a certified Firefighter/EMT. Now certified in both she is focusing on this job while still dreaming to work on an ambulance and help people. She finds fulfillment and purpose in working with children and being someone they can trust and have fun with! In her freetime she loves spending time with family, reading, being active, and being outdoors.
Lydia Edgerton
Miss Lydia has been with our center since November of 2022. With a Bachelor’s degree in K-12 Music Education, she has been leading our children with a musical and dramatic flair that befits a professional with over 10 years of experience in band, choir, and theater production. Since September 2023 she has been part of the program office staff and has found many new and interesting opportunities to be helpful and to improve the quality of our program. She is excited to see how the program continues to develop, how the children grow, and how she personally progresses throughout this chapter of her life.
When she is not working, Miss Lydia enjoys spending time with her husband and her dog, singing, listening to music, reading, watching sci-fi shows, journaling, doing arts and crafts, snapping photos, and walking outside.
Marvin Deubel
Marvin is a licensed Mental Health Counselor providing specialized support to children enrolled in our child care programs with high-level behavioral needs. He has extensive experience working with children and adolescence, is an adjunct faculty member at Whitworth University, and has specialization in treatment of childhood ADHD. He is a registered Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator, certified in suicide assessment and treatment, has facilitated anger replacement training for adolescents, and has past experience as a mental health profession for the Washington Department of Corrections.
Russ Morgan
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.
Terresa Cudmore
April Graham
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
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.
Sherra Bayman
Kit Haley
Jonathan Hamstra
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.
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