Educational Advocates
Working to remove and resolve barriers to school success for youth in foster care in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade across Washington state.
Working to remove and resolve barriers to school success for youth in foster care in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade across Washington state.
Treehouse Educational Advocates assist eligible students experiencing the foster care system by focusing on immediate education barriers such as enrollment, transportation, special education processes, suspensions, and exclusions.
By partnering with a team of existing supports in a student’s life—caregivers, parents, social workers, school staff, and community providers—Treehouse Educational Advocates resolve barriers and identify needed resources for the student to have access to an appropriate education.
Contact me:
425.535.2367
angela.delacruz@treehouseforkids.org
Manager: Heidi Barden
Before I joined Treehouse, I studied psychology and education at the University of Washington. I interned at the UW’s Community Engagement and Leadership Education (CELE) Center as a Dream Project mentor and mentor coordinator, where I led mentorship visits and mentored youth at Seattle Public High Schools who were currently or soon-to-be navigating post-secondary pathways. Working with students and counselors, I found joy in supporting and empowering youth as they carved out their futures, and found myself dedicated to the cause of ensuring that all youth are provided the resources and equitable support necessary for them to flourish and achieve. In my free time, I also find joy in art, with drawing being my main hobby. I love anything related to art and hold great appreciation towards those who contribute color to our world through it.
Contact me:
360.869.8714
catelynn.henion@treehouseforkids.org
Manager: Heidi Barden
I received my degree in elementary education from the University of Oregon and have two years of experience working with youth and their families both in community and educational settings. I joined Treehouse because I was inspired by the dedication to empowering youth in foster care, fostering their self-determination, and creating meaningful opportunities for their growth and success. What energizes me about working at Treehouse is the incredible expertise and dedication of our team, as well as seeing youth and families reach a point where they have the tools to feel confident and empowered to advocate for themselves. Some things that bring me joy outside of work are spending time with close friends and family, roller-skating, learning other languages, and crafting!
Contact me:
206.294.6606
christi.kessler@treehouseforkids.org
Manager: Pamela Holmes-Whyte
I have always held close the two driving forces in my life that have been at the heart of any decision I have made: seeking comfort and providing it to others. Learning how to better serve and uplift others is what motivated me to study psychology at Sonoma State University. It is what passionately propelled me on the path of human service—from initially supporting students with unique needs in schools to championing youth experiencing foster care as an Educational Advocate now. I find joy in comfy things: a good book, a hearty meal, and a warm bed. It is, I feel, only right that I spend what life I have supporting others so they will have the opportunity to seek out and enjoy the privilege that is their own comfort as well.
Contact me:
564.244.7804
crystal.cowles@treehouseforkids.org
Manager: Pamela Holmes-Whyte
I have been in the education field for about 19 years. I have been a paraprofessional in special education classrooms, taught English in China and was a 5th- and 6th-grade teacher for seven years. Before joining Treehouse, I taught in a program where adults could earn their high school diploma. I also opened my own doula business and helped birthing people welcome their babies into the world. I enjoy all genres of music and play the clarinet and tenor saxophone. Listening to and playing music is a large part of my life and brings me joy daily.
Contact me:
509.209.4675
lorig@treehouseforkids.org
Manager: Pamela Holmes-Whyte
I have been an Educational Advocate with Treehouse for over 16 years. I have continuously worked in and with school systems since graduating from Eastern Washington University with a BA in education. My previous work includes classroom teaching in grades K-12, and managing a Big Brothers Big Sisters School-Based Mentoring Program in 18 elementary schools. My hope when working with youth and their support teams is to impart knowledge, skills, and confidence so that they may become an active part in their own advocacy. What brings me joy? Listening to children laughing/playing together.
Contact me:
509.975.9505
maisha.cole@treehouseforkids.org
Manager: Pamela Holmes-Whyte
Before joining Treehouse, I worked as a co-occurring disorder specialist for a community-based mental health program. Prior to that, I earned my bachelor’s in psychology from Gonzaga University. While I was in school, I tutored and advised underrepresented students in the Spokane Public School system on track for higher education. I also worked in Gonzaga’s diversity office where I received DEI training and advocated for diverse student populations on campus. I have a passion for education and am honored to aid youth, schools, and caregivers in their fight for equitable education.
Contact me:
509.306.3579
marissa.radford@treehouseforkids.org
Manager: Heidi Barden
Prior to joining Treehouse in November of 2023, I worked for the Yakima County Juvenile Justice Center as an office specialist and program coordinator to the probation unit and Family Treatment Court, respectively. I have experience working with judges, attorneys, social workers, and other treatment providers to facilitate the completion of court-ordered plans and help young people overcome barriers to success. In March of 2023, I graduated with a master’s degree in criminal justice from Grand Canyon University. In addition to advocating for youth, I enjoy playing the piano and spending time at my family’s cabin.
Contact me:
360.913.4114
robbie.orr@treehouseforkids.org
Manager: Heidi Barden
I have been working with youth experiencing foster care in various capacities since 2007. I feel honored to be able to support youth who are experiencing foster care and their caregivers to ensure that they are receiving the best education possible. I believe that public education is one of the most important things that a young person goes through in life, and with the proper support, they will receive the skills that are needed to live up to their dreams, whatever they may be. When I am not working to support others, I like to spend my time skateboarding, playing disc golf, going to concerts, and spending time with my dogs and family.
Contact me:
509.268.1155
sierra.moser@treehouseforkids.org
Manager: Pamela Holmes-Whyte
After I completed grad school, I quickly joined in with community mental health, focusing specifically on cognitive behavioral therapy for individuals and groups. Through this experience, I specialized in diagnosis and symptomology, looking through a holistic approach to bettering the quality of life. When I transitioned to child welfare, this holistic approach remained, as the youth are often experiencing a wide range of transitions and change. I am passionate about youth experiencing foster care and ensuring that they face little to no barriers to receiving the education they deserve.
Contact me:
206.335.6934
steven.simpson@treehouseforkids.org
Manager: Pamela Holmes-Whyte
For the past decade, I have worked in public schools; first as a paraeducator and then, after receiving my master’s degree in teaching from Seattle University, as a high school social studies teacher. I taught in high-needs and alternative schools working with students that had many unique needs, and I valued being able to help those students achieve their goals in both life and education. Treehouse’s mission of helping youth that are often overlooked or underserved is very meaningful to me. As a teacher, it is very easy to see what it can mean to a student to have someone advocating for them, and the role of Treehouse’s Educational Advocates was an inspiring idea. Working with so many passionate and capable people is very energizing to me, and the fellow advocates in the program are wonderful colleagues and motivators. I enjoy spending time with my friends, reading a good book, and playing video games.
Director, Educational Advocacy
Contact me:
509.440.3679
amber.alvarez@treehouseforkids.org
I initially joined Treehouse in September 2019 as an Educational Advocate in the Tri-Cities area. What brought me to Treehouse was the mission to support young people experiencing the foster care system in Washington state.
Since then, I have learned a great deal about the systems our young people in foster care must navigate—often without adequate support. Gaining insight into these challenges through direct-service work fueled my passion for supporting teams and advocating for youth. I have worked within the Educational Advocacy program at every level, and it is an absolute privilege to now direct a program I truly believe in. Treehouse’s Educational Advocacy team works every day to positively impact the educational outcomes of students experiencing foster care in Washington state.
When I’m not working, I find the most joy in spending time with my family, friends, and dogs. I also enjoy thrifting, antiquing, and being near the ocean.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback you may have about our Educational Advocacy program—I’d be happy to connect.
Manager, Educational Advocacy
Contact me:
425.324.1607
heidi.barden@treehouseforkids.org
Throughout my working career, I have worked with youth in a variety of settings in some capacity. Through outdoor education, case management, and working directly with schools to support creating education opportunities, I strive to make a meaningful impact. The fresh air of being out on a hike, kayaking, or swimming in an open lake all bring me great joy.
Manager, Educational Advocacy
Contact me:
206.530.6739
pamela.holmes-whyte@treehouseforkids.org
I am from Canada, where I was a founding faculty member of the Neufeld Institute, a teaching institute forwarding a developmental, attachment-rooted approach to teaching, parenting, and treating children. In that role, I provided seminars, courses, and consulting to parents, teachers, social workers, and other professionals who work with children. I have six children, four of them grown: bio, step and adoptive, including one adopted out of foster care here in Washington state. My passion for equipping the parents and professionals who work with vulnerable youth is long-standing, leaving me well-suited for my role in the Educational Advocacy program.
Lead, Educational Advocacy
Contact me:
509.992.0632
anna.mcgree@treehouseforkids.org
Prior to starting at Treehouse, I worked with youth in various settings. I worked in a therapeutic group home for young adults ages 12–17, where I was able to help participants overcome significant trauma they had experienced. I have also worked with youth who have experienced a housing crisis, helping them find safe and stable housing. I enjoy the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.
Graduation Success Specialists work hard to help students in foster care graduate from high school with a plan for their future.
Striving to create a world where every child who has experienced foster care has the support they need to pursue their dreams and launch successfully into adulthood.