Favorite activity or hobby as a kid? 

As a kid, Kate loved going on bike rides, swimming in lakes while picking seaweed with her dad. Kate also enjoyed playing kick the can with the neighborhood kids—so many great memories of being outside and connecting with others.  

Fun or unusual talent or skill?

Kate is surprisingly good at peeling oranges—her speed and precision are unmatched!  

What inspired you to start working in this role?  

Kate has been connected to this organization for a long time, first working for RCYO 14 years ago and then serving as a board member for a three-year term 10 years ago. Kate loves this organization and the work it does with youth. Working with young people gives Kate energy and the feeling that she is truly making a difference in their lives.  

What’s one goal or dream for the organization in the future?  

Kate envision’s a community center for youth where all organizations working with young people have a shared space. This would be a safe and supportive place for youth of all ages to find resources, programming, and a sense of belonging.  

Favorite quote or motto you live by?  

“Change is the only constant.”  

What’s your passion project outside of River City Youth Ops?

When Chelsea isn't working with River City Youth Ops, she’s out exploring the outdoors, spending time with loved ones or diving into her longest standing hobby/passion— specialty coffee.

What was your favorite activity or hobby as a kid?

As a kid, Chelsea loved spending time outdoors—camping, gardening, and riding bikes with her older brother and friends. Her sense of adventure and love for nature continues to inspire her work with youth today.

What’s a fun or unusual talent or skill you have?

Chelsea has an unexpected and sometimes polarizing talent for whistling. For Chelsea, whistling is a way of channeling excess energy and expressing joy.

What inspired you to join River City Youth Ops?

Chelsea was drawn to RCYO because of the organization’s strong history and its exciting new direction. She’s passionate about empowering youth and fostering community, and she’s thrilled to be part of an organization that helps young people grow and thrive.

What’s one goal or vision you have for the organization in the future?

Chelsea’s vision for RCYO is to expand its programs and deepen youth leadership opportunities within the Spokane area.

Favorite quote or Motto you live by?

A favorite quote of Chelsea’s is, “We’re all just walking each other home.” — Ram Dass. It serves as a reminder that, while we each have our own journey, we are all connected, encouraging us to approach those connections with compassion.

What’s your passion project outside of River City Youth Ops?

When Wilson isn’t with River City Youth Ops, he’s experimenting in the kitchen—whether it’s perfecting his chicken-and-dumplings with dark soy and shiitakes or creating a hearty squash stew with hatch chiles. Cooking is his way of bringing new flavors to life.

What was your favorite activity or hobby as a kid? 

As a kid, Wilson was all about exploring the outdoors, dreaming of being a paleontologist or biologist. His love for nature led him to youth programs focused on hiking and camping, a passion he continues to share with young people today.

What’s a fun or unusual talent or skill you have? 

Wilson’s secret talent? Karaoke! He’s known for his go-to performances of Tom Petty’s "Won’t Back Down" and Neil Diamond’s "Sweet Caroline".

What inspired you to join River City Youth Ops? 

Having worked with youth and families in West Central for seven years, Wilson is inspired by the power of helping young people discover how their interests can shape their futures. He’s excited to be part of RCYO, where youth growth and community-building come first.

What’s one goal or dream you have for the organization in the future?

Wilson’s dream for RCYO is to empower youth to take a greater role in shaping the organization and to see new initiatives that start with youth ideas—whether inspired by conversations on bikes or at the farmer’s market.

Favorite quote or motto you live by?

"Don’t make the perfect the enemy of the good." – A reminder to keep moving forward, even if things aren’t perfect!

Hailey first joined RCYO as a volunteer with the Bike Bus program, bringing her passion for fostering communities rooted in care and kindness. As a student of public health, she applies her understanding of how social and environmental factors shape health outcomes to better support youth in Spokane. Hailey is dedicated to uplifting youth voices, empowering young people to thrive, and helping build a more connected, caring community in the Inland Northwest.

Guided by a deep sense of community and a hopeful vision for the future, Hailey finds inspiration in the words of Mariame Kaba: "Hope is a discipline."

Willow joined the RCYO team because of its mission to empower youth in their communities. A senior at Whitworth University, she is finishing her degree in psychology with four years of experience working with youth. Having lacked similar opportunities growing up, she values RCYO’s impact in connecting kids to the outdoors and their communities. Willow hopes to support their growth while learning from them during her time here.

Favorite Quote: "If I can make it, so can you." – A reminder from her professor that even in tough times, strength and resilience will carry you through.