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.
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.
Marisa Olmos
School-Age Lead Teacher
Hello, families! My name is Marisa and I’m so excited to be your child’s 2.5 Lead teacher this year. Our classroom is a place where curiosity is encouraged, effort is celebrated, and learning is full of creativity and fun. I believe in building strong relationships with students and families, and I look forward to partnering with you to make this a positive, joyful, and successful year for your child! Outside of work you may find me spending time with my cats, reading, and playing video games.
Braden Smith
School-Age Lead Teacher
Hi, my name is Braden, and I am one of your Team 2 teachers! I am studying to become a Health and Physical Education Teacher with a minor in coaching. 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, and I am a Team 4 staff member! I have worked at NEYC for 3 years. I love being here and coming into work every day knowing that I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community and the children, which really makes it worth it. Outside of work, you can find me spending time with my family. I have a 3-year-old and a newborn. In my free time, I enjoy snowboarding, playing video games, reading, and cooking for my family.
Hayden Hallenius
School-Age Lead Teacher
My name is Hayden, I’m the team 1 Lead Teacher. I graduated from Eastern Washington University and majored in Recreational Therapy. I love watching shows or movies, playing with my pets or being outdoors!
Riley Rodenbough
School-Age Assistant Teacher
Hi my name is Riley and I am one of your Team 4 teachers! Alongside working at the center, I attend Eastern Washington University where I am getting my Bachelors in Nursing. Summer is my favorite time of the year, enjoying the hot weather and outdoor activities. I love being at the lake, out on the boat, hiking, and spending time with my friends and family, especially my dogs!
Lela Smith
School-Age Lead Teacher
Hi, my name is Lela, but the kids call me Larry! I am one of your Team 4 teachers. 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 pets, 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
Ben Murphy
School-Age Aide Teacher
My name is Ben and I am one of your team 1 Assistant Teachers! I’ve worked at NEYC since April of 2025 and I love meeting new people. In my free time I enjoy being in nature and hanging out with friends. Fun fact about me, I play guitar!
Cassandra Moffitt
School-Age Aide Teacher
Hi, my name is Cassandra, and I am your team 2.5 Assistant Teacher. I am a mom of five boys and love going camping year-round. I am currently a student at Spokane Falls Community College for Addiction studies. I like spending time with my kids and dogs, and dinner nights at my mom’s house.
Blake Zigan
School-Age Aide Teacher
Hi, my name is Blake, and I am your Team 3 Lead Teacher. I have been working at NEYC since June 2023. I graduated from North Central High School in 2025. In my free time, I like to hang out with my friends.
Carter Zigan
School-Age Aide Teacher
Hi, my name is Carter, and I am your Team 2 Assistant Teacher! 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 is I am a twin!
Dirk Barnes
School-Age Driver
My name is Dirk Barnes. I am a bus driver. I have been working at NEYC since 2025. I used to live in Potlatch, Idaho, and I am a Lewis-Clark State College graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design. In my free time, I like to go to concerts, farmers markets, movies, and Broadway shows. I also like to spend time with my family, my girlfriend Elizabeth, and the cats.
Theresa Morgan
School-Age Driver
Spokane North East Youth Center
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 is our daughter was born on the 4th of July during a thunderstorm.
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