CLAUDIA STELLE / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Claudia joined Coyote in 2001 with the strong belief that engaging kids in work they love at a crucial age can have a life-long impact. Realizing the potential of Coyote's growing Central District campus continues to inspire her every day. Her past positions in non-profit leadership were at the Empty Space Theatre and Offshore Productions here in Seattle and at the Musical Theater Lab in New York City. In another life she was also a Music Specialist at the Library of Congress, an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland, and an editor at Oxford University Press. She holds a B.A. from Yale University and a Ph.D. in musicology from the University of Maryland.

Fun Fact:  Designing and building spaces is a passion for Claudia.  She has renovated 4 houses with her spouse, built a 2-story post-and-beam barn on Whidbey Island with her four sons, and had great fun designing structures and spaces for Coyote's expanding campus.  She was even in the driver's seat of a Bobcat operating a 5' auger to dig the foundations for the 2014 Hit the Streets installation at Washington Middle School.

MARYBETH SATTERLEE / PROGRAM DIRECTOR + CO-FOUNDER

Marybeth co-founded Coyote in 1986 so that all middle school kids could have the opportunity to discover, problem solve, and create in fields of their highest interests. She began teaching in the Philadelphia Public Schools where she immediately branched away from textbooks to inspire students to think independently and to tap into their own creativity. In Seattle she eventually left classroom teaching and with co-founder, Greg Ewert, gathered into the whirlwind of activity that drives and inspires Coyote’s participants, scores of community and corporate leaders, professionals, artists, youth advocates, teachers, and supporters so that thousands of kids can rise to great heights of creativity and self actualization.

Fun Fact:  Marybeth’s family also has a flock of chickens and is extremely fortunate to have a friend who – when a member of their flock falls ill – will provide ambulance service, late night clinic deliveries, and post oxygen chamber recuperation in her very comfortable rest home-like facility inside her home.

BRYN MOONEY / PROGRAM + OUTREACH MANAGER

Bryn joined Coyote Central in the summer of 2015. She couldn’t be happier spending her time connecting new youth to the program while fostering lasting relationships with recurring and alumni students. She is inspired by the organization's continual effort towards equity and constant drive to bring artistic opportunities into the hands of young people. Bryn received her Bachelor of Arts from Washington State University and, through her continuing work as a Teaching Artist with Youth in Focus and past work with Kirkland Arts Center, has been adamantly pursuing her passion to empower the voice and advocacy of young people ever since. She is fueled by nature and color and believes in face-to-face time, rather than screen time.  

Fun Facts: bryn’s equal love for adventure and adrenaline has lead her to complete a 1,200 mile bicycle ride from Seattle to LA yielding no flat tires and very sore quads, and astounding appreciation for the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She loves costumes, games, and zipping around town in her vintage yellow bug.

JEN SMOOSE / OPERATIONS MANAGER

Jen has been a part of the Coyote community since 2017, teaching Digital Photography.  In September she joined our team as Operations Manager.  She earned her MFA in Visual Arts from University of Chicago in 2013 and holds degrees from American University and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.  Jen has held a variety of media design and content development positions, and is an experienced photographer and photo editor, having worked for the Washingtonian Magazine and Encyclopedia Britannica.  She has been a Seattle-area Teaching Artist since 2016, and was a member of the 2016-17 TAT Lab cohort.  Her artistic practice, which encompasses photography, sculpture, and sound installation, focuses on the human relationship to the universe and our (in)ability to know.  Originally from the Philadelphia area, Jen enjoys coffee, art, and space.

JESS SCHWAB / COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Jess joined Coyote in 2009.  A true believer in the power of creativity, she takes great pride in her work with Coyote.  Jess is obsessed with all things design-related and loves telling Coyote’s story to the community through powerful images and crisp, compelling content. While communications is her primary role, engaging with youth and families at all levels will always be her favorite part of her work with Coyote. You’ll almost always find a pack of kids in Jess’ office and you’re guaranteed to spot her roaming around with her phone capturing action photos, Instagram stories, and the like! More often than not, you can find her moonlighting as Chief Chicken Whisperer or resident kid-bandager.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Western Washington University and a certificate in Non-Profit Management from the University of Washington.  

Fun Fact: Jess has her own flock of city chickens, a small, grouchy dog, and a neurotic cat that lived in the ceiling for three days.  She loves spending time with her family and is almost always knee-deep in a home improvement project. When she's not, you'll likely find her traveling, reading, or somewhere outdoors.  

MICHAEL RHEM / FACILITIES MANAGER

Michael joined the Coyote team in 2014 and is responsible for keeping our facilities top-notch.  He’s the go-to for all things building-related and makes certain Coyote is always ready for whatever the day brings. When he’s not making this place sparkle, you can find him on the basketball court, in the gym, or spending time with his son.