Our Team

Elizabeth Bird, Family Biz Kids Founder and Executive Director

Elizabeth graduated from Pacific Oaks College with a Master of Arts in Human Development. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Family Biz Kids. Elizabeth has worked with families in varying capacities: family business advisor, presenter, administrator of early learning programs, trainer, author, and parent educator. She is a nationally recognized speaker and expert on family business generative programs. In addition to consulting, designing, and directing Family Biz Kids programs, she was on the faculty and taught Parent Education classes at North Seattle College for many years.

Elizabeth previously served on several Seattle College nonprofit school boards and the United Way's "Success by Six" community board that addressed early learning readiness and outreach policies. She was a founding member and instrumental in developing the Washington State early childhood staff professional development standards and State Training and Registry System (STARS).

Elizabeth grew up in a fourth-generation farming family in rural Eastern Washington state. She knows first-hand the challenges of succession in family enterprises. The inherent stewardship and vision within multi-generational family businesses align with her core values and her work with families.

Elizabeth and her husband live in the Seattle area and enjoy traveling, wine collecting, and spending time with friends and family.

Greg Brazell, Curriculum Development Director

Greg is the Workforce Coordinator for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families in Washington State. He earned a Master of Curriculum Design from Lesley University and a Bachelor of Art Degrees in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Central Washington University. Greg previously served as the Dean of the Business and Social Science department and Director of the Employee Learning and Development department at Pierce College in Lakewood, Washington.

Greg has been recognized as the Pierce County Early Childhood Teacher of the Year, National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development faculty member of the Year, Pierce County Vocational Education Teacher of the Year, and Pierce College Distinguished Alumnus. He is a lifelong learner and strives to promote quality educational experiences for all ages.

Greg has been a part of the Family Biz Kids team for the past 26 years. Family Biz Kids allows him to promote his passion for learning, relationship building, and family connections. Being an outdoor enthusiast, Greg can be found hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Shannon Boyington, Program Manager and Educator

Shannon graduated from Wheelock College with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development focused on Early Childhood Education. Shannon has been a program manager, assistant director, lead toddler teacher, camp counselor for infants to 6-year-olds, and a nanny. In addition to her enthusiasm and experience working with children and families, Shannon has considerable experience in management and administration and founded her own consulting business. Family Biz Kids combines both skill sets by allowing Shannon to plan and coordinate the program, create fun, developmentally appropriate activities for the children, and interact with the families.

Shannon holds the record for the longest Family Biz Kids tenure and just celebrated her 27th year. She enjoys sports, reading, and craft projects.

Shelly Watson, Program Director and Educator

Shelly holds a Master of Educational Technology from Lesley University, Cambridge, MA. She is also a graduate of Central Washington University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and Elementary Education. Shelly is a certified teacher in Washington state and currently teaches fourth grade for the Tacoma Public Schools. Before her current position as a classroom teacher, Shelly was the director of a preschool program that she developed for a large accredited private school in Tacoma, Washington.  

During her 12 years of tenure with Family Biz Kids, she has worked with all age groups and in administrative capacities. Shelly also serves on the executive management team of Family Biz Kids. She is well-informed on the developmental stages of children from infancy to young adults. She brings her commitment to establishing strong relational development and academic acumen to her work with Family Biz Kids.

Cassidy Gatz, Educator and Administrative Assistant

Cassidy earned an Associate of Art in Early Childhood Education from Pierce College in Lakewood, WA. She was previously the Lead Preschool Teacher at Milgard Child Development Center in Tacoma, WA. Cassidy is a frequent professional development presenter and has led workshops at various Early Childhood conferences around Washington state. This is Cassidy's fifth year with Family Biz Kids. Cassidy has varied responsibilities within the Family Biz Kids organization. She is a Lead Educator, Administrative Assistant, and executive management team member. When she is not working with young children, she loves to spend time at home, go on road trips, crochet, and spend quality time with her husband, friends, and family.

Jessica Geiger, Educator

Jessica holds a Master of Science from the University of Idaho in Adult Organizational Learning and Leadership and a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development. Currently, she is the Health Services Manager for North Idaho College Head Start, focusing on education and social work. In her spare time, Jessica volunteers as a safe sleep educator, child passenger safety technician, and as a Medical Corp Reservist with her local health district. 

In her ten years of tenure with Family Biz Kids, Jessica has directed local programs, worked with infants and toddlers, and provided parent education for the parents of children in her classes. She enjoys the outdoors and coaching her children's football teams.

Maryalice DeAngelis, Educator

Maryalice maintains multiple certificates, including a Master of Science in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Science Education from SUNY Oneonta. Maryalice currently teaches Middle School Science in Colorado. She specializes in bringing experiential education and powerful, relevant, and student-driven learning experiences to her 11- to 14-year-old students.

Throughout her summers at various summer camp settings, Maryalice has served as a head counselor, program director, athletic director, medical director, environmental educator, and garden coordinator. Last year, Maryalice added Lifeguard Certification to her First Aid Certification, NAUI Scuba Certification, volunteer firefighter, and other waterfront experience. She is also committed to ongoing professional and community development in sustainability, citizen science, and policy change.

Maryalice's hobbies include hiking, biking, traveling, brewing, and yoga. This is her sixth year with Family Biz Kids.

Grace Crowley, Educator

Grace graduated with a Master of Arts in Education and Curriculum Design and Instruction from the University of Washington and holds a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Leadership from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC. She is currently working toward a Ph.D. in Learning Sciences and Human Development from the University of Washington.

At Warren Wilson College, she completed an Outward Bound Instructor Development Course focusing on teaching backpacking, whitewater canoeing, and rock climbing. As a dedicated outdoor educator, Grace has also obtained certifications such as Wilderness First Responder, Lifeguard, Wilderness Water Safety, and Leave No Trace, in addition to conflict resolution, group process, and active communication training. Grace has also earned a Graduate Certificate in Education for the Environment and Community from IslandWood. Hoping to develop her skills in curriculum design to better suit the needs of survivors of sexual and domestic violence, people with disabilities, people of color, and other nondominant groups, she was drawn to IslandWood's commitment to social justice and student-centered education.

Grace worked as the Trail Department Director at YMCA Camp Menogyn and a Conservation Crew Leader for the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, leading groups of high school students in the backcountry maintaining trails for seven weeks at a time. Grace has spent the last six years as an educator, conservation worker, behavior therapist, and gardener. Family Biz Kids is an excellent opportunity for Grace to continue working with high school and college-aged folk through outdoor and communication-based activities. She is celebrating her fourth year with Family Biz Kids. In her free time, she can be found in the woods, reading in her garden, or caring for her one-year-old baby. 

Nicole Cantalupo, Educator

Nicole holds a Master of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from San Diego State University. She is a certified teacher, teaches high school Humanities, and serves as the department chair. As a native of San Diego, Nicole has become very involved in the local theatre community. She has ten years of experience as a teaching artist and curriculum developer. Nicole is a theatre education lecturer at San Diego State University, the Education Coordinator at MOXIE Theatre, and previously was the drama director at Clairemont High School. In 2017 she co-created T.Y.P.E. (Thornton Youth Performance Ensemble), a San Diego community theatre program for high school students. Nicole specializes in devising new work with high school students, focusing on verbatim theatre and performance for social change. 

Nicole loves to travel, play board games, and work on creative projects in her free time. This is Nicole's eighth year working with Family Biz Kids.

Annie Schott, Educator

Annie holds a Master of Education from Concordia University, emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education. She earned her BA and a teaching degree from the University of San Diego. She has taught in Hillsboro, Oregon, for over 16 years at high-needs, dual-language elementary schools. She teaches dual language (Spanish and English) upper elementary blended math classes and runs an after-school all-girls engineering club. This is Annie's 18th year with Family Biz Kids.

As a resident of Portland and a big fan of the Timbers soccer team, Annie is very involved in the Timbers Army and sits on their Board of Directors. As a board member, her duties include supporting the planning and execution of the enormous stadium displays called “tifos”.

Ashley Crosby, Educator

Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relations from the University of Idaho. She currently has a position as the Senior Administrative Assistant at the North Idaho College Children's Center. After serving many years as a preschool teacher at the Children's Center, she transitioned into her current role.

Ashley is passionate about advocating for quality early learning environments and developmentally appropriate practices throughout her community. She has served on her local National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) board, volunteers for Safe Start, and is currently a certified car seat safety technician. She enjoys engaging in fun, educational activities, and experiences with young children. Ashley loves spending time outdoors with her husband and two children during her free time. This is Ashley's seventh year with Family Biz Kids.

Austin Ohm, Educator

Austin is a Washington certified teacher and has been teaching for over 10 years.  He holds a Master of Arts in Creativity Studies with a focus on the connection between creativity and wellbeing from Union Institute and University, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Peck School of the Arts at UW-Milwaukee, and a PK-12 Art Education Certificate from UW-Madison. Creative, confident, and in control - Austin enjoys working with people of all ages and ability levels.  Austin is particularly interested in the power of art for healing; healing yourself, our community, and the planet. Austin is an active member in the art community, continuing his own professional art career creating both painting and sculptures and has consistently exhibited his work for over 14 years.

When out of the classroom, Austin enjoys outdoor activities, gardening, cooking, and eating delicious food with friends and family. Austin lives in Seattle with his wife Emily, Frida the dog, and Sevilla the cat. This is Austin's fifth year with Family Biz Kids.

Shanna Crookes, Educator

Shanna earned her M.Ed. in School Counseling at Central Washington University and a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies at Portland State University. She is a Graduation Support Specialist at Arlington High School in Arlington, Washington, and has extensive experience working with adolescents in social service and educational environments. A Washington State Certified school counselor, Shanna has made summer camp an extension of her career in education, working at different summer camps throughout the country for the past 10 years. This is her seventh year with Family Biz Kids. Shanna's favorite pastime is traveling around the world. 

Victor Chandler-Cremades, Educator

Victor graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. He has 10 years of experience as an educator in the outdoor industry, focusing primarily on youth leadership development.  He has instructed students ages 6-13 on ecology, gardening, and team cooperation while encouraging healthy conflict resolution habits. Presently, Victor works for a conservation corps where he develops and implements training and facilitates team-building exercises for participants ages 18-25.

He enjoys cooking, hiking, time with friends and family, and making things out of wood when not at work. This is Victor’s fourth year with Family Biz Kids.   

Katie Brown, Educator

Katie holds a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. She is currently an Early Childhood Professional serving families across Northern Idaho. Katie began working with children at an early age through 4-H. She developed an enthusiasm for education as she transitioned into teaching in early childhood educational settings and working with the families of very young children within her community. Katie is passionate about early learning, high-quality education, and community involvement. She advocates for these causes through her volunteer work with Safe Start and the Northwest Infant Survival and SIDS Alliance, where she served five years as the President of the Board of Directors. Katie also volunteers her time and expertise as a Safe Sleep Educator and Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor. This is Katie’s seventh year working with Family Biz Kids. 

EmilyRose Sherman, Educator

EmilyRose is a Central Washington University graduate and holds a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on middle-level mathematics. She previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a Reading Literacy Endorsement. Currently, EmilyRose is a certified teacher in Washington State and works in the Clover Park School District. She has experience in fifth through ninth grades teaching middle school mathematics and science. She also works as an adjunct professor for Central Washington University in their Education department.

As a life-long learner, EmilyRose enjoys gaining new knowledge and experiences through teaching, reading, traveling, and working with others. This is EmilyRose's fifth year with Family Biz Kids. 

Roxy Magno, Educator

Roxy holds a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Washington. She works as a Family Support Specialist at Multicultural Child & Hope Center, a nonprofit human service agency. Her work focuses on engaging with youth and families highly impacted by low-income, homelessness, and other traumas. She is driven by her passion for seeing families and individuals succeed and experience personal growth. Roxy is also the co-founder and Program Director of Krownless Kings, a free art, music, and entertainment after-school and community program. This is Roxy's fifth year with Family Biz Kids.

In the little free time that she has, Roxy loves to be with her family. She is a foster mom and spends as much time with extended family as possible. Her favorite hobby is cooking, trying new foods, and of course eating!

Steve Swortz, Educator

Steve Swortz has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and K-8 Elementary School Education from Central Washington University. He also has a Special Education Endorsement from Pacific Lutheran University. He has been working with children for 12 years. Currently, Steve is a certified teacher in Washington State and works in the Clover Park School District. He has taught Kindergarten, Middle School Language Arts and Social Studies, and Special Education, worked as a reading and writing interventionist, and is currently a high school special education teacher at Clover Park High School in Lakewood, Washington. Steve is a soccer and tennis coach at the middle school level and a certified Professional Ski Instructor at Crystal Mountain in Washington State.

Steve has been married to his wife Brandi for 24 years and has two children, Riley and Reagan. In his spare time, he likes to spend time outdoors gardening and camping. This is Steve's fifth year with Family Biz Kids.

Rachel Hoey, Educator

Rachel holds a Master of Arts in Theatre from San Diego State University, where she has taught Creative Drama and Theatre for Young Audiences as a lecturer. Rachel earned her Master of Fine Arts in Directing from Indiana University, where she serves as an adjunct professor of acting and directing. She has trained at Second City West Hollywood, Steppenwolf West, and the British American Drama Academy. Rachel also has years of experience working as a K-12 performing teacher, directing musicals/plays, and developing arts-integrated STEAM lessons for companies like La Jolla Playhouse, Playwrights Project, and Arts for Lawrence. Rachel loves to bring those creative activities to the surface and teach kids to create strong community bonds through experiential activities! Rachel has used her theater background and experience with children in varying roles within Family Biz Kids programs for the past seven years. 

Lizz Zitron, Educator

Lizz holds a Master in Library Science (MLIS) from the University of Illinois and a Master of Art in Journalism from the University of Missouri. She loves working with youth, and much of her career has focused on this passion and purpose. Lizz was a librarian for ten years focused on instruction, children's and young adult literature, and creative programming for ages 0-18. She has lived all over the US and held various jobs ranging from zoo educator to ropes course facilitator to cookbook publicist to dancer to others (just ask!) Lizz decided exploration would be her life's path when she was six years old and inspired by the greater world she saw in books. She is now happily settled as a professor in the higher education world, focused on helping students transition to college and explore their passions and purpose.

Lizz is a single mom to a young child who keeps her on her toes. In her free time, Lizz loves laughing with her son, backpacking, hiking, taking her Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) out on the water, reading, and traveling.  Lizz challenges herself to grow and learn from all she does. She loves helping youth find their passions and purpose through play, discovery, and community-building.

Briana Bremer, Educator 

Briana earned a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relations from the University of Idaho. She has over 22 years of experience with several age groups and finds joy working with children from infancy through preschool. Briana has been a team coordinator, lead teacher at Head Start, and a classroom teacher at the local high school childcare, where she supported teen moms as they finished school. Presently, Briana is a lead teacher at North Idaho College Children's Center. She has also volunteered for the Inland Northwest SIDS foundation.

Briana believes early childhood education sets the groundwork for children's growth and development. She embraces the crucial role of play, the lens through which children are constantly learning, asking questions, experimenting, and being hands-on in their environment. During her free time, Briana enjoys being with her children and enjoying the outdoors by the water. She also loves golfing and watching football and college basketball. This is Briana's seventh year with Family Biz Kids.

Tracy Melger, Educator

Tracy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Academy of Art in Chicago, IL. and an Education Certificate from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, WI. She has over ten years of experience teaching in the Arts Education Department within the Milwaukee Public Schools. Tracy is a certified teacher in Washington state, currently teaching in the Renton School District for the past three years. Tracy is also a part of the school district's social, emotional learning team, working primarily on art intervention. She believes that the arts are invaluable in child development and a huge part of helping students build relationships with their peers and community. With passions in nature, gardening, and floral design, Tracy can spend time teaching floral design classes and working on wedding and special events out of her home studio. In addition to floral design, Tracy loves traveling, camping, knitting, and spending time with her husband Eric & their three cats, Ebi, Mika & Rex. This is Tracy’s fourth year with Family Biz Kids.

Kathy Schott, Educator 

Kathy is a certified teacher and a graduate of the University of Washington, where she earned degrees in speech pathology and elementary education. Until recently, Kathy served on the administrative team of an independent school on Bainbridge Island, where she taught their nationally acclaimed kindergarten. Developing curriculum, supervising staff, community outreach, and serving on accreditation teams for the Northwest Association of Independent Schools contributed to her ongoing professional growth. Kathy is well informed on the developmental stages of children from infancy to young adults. She brings her commitment to establishing strong relational development to her work with Family Biz Kids. For over 25 years, Kathy has worked with Family Biz Kids and the multi-generational Family Businesses they serve. During her tenure, she has worked with teens, 3 to 5 year-olds, infants, and administrative capacities. Kathy’s established leadership builds relationships of cooperation and trust between staff, parents, and the children as they learn, work and play together.

Sarah Twardy, Educator

Sarah Twardy is a graduate of the University at Albany in NY, where she was a Division I track and field athlete and holds an M.A. in United States History and a B.A. in Social Studies Education. She has been a high school teacher of United States History, Government, and Economics for 13 years and recently moved to Florida. She has also been teaching Advanced Placement classes at her local high school. In 2006, Sarah was among 26 educators from around the country chosen to participate in a three-week Holocaust Studies trip, led by the Museum of Jewish Heritage in NYC and Holocaust survivors, that traveled to Poland, the Czech Republic, and Austria to study at Holocaust sites and learn from world-renowned scholars.

Sarah enjoys traveling, running, and coaching track and field and her sons’ baseball teams in her personal time. Born and raised in rural Vermont, she loves the outdoors – hiking, exploring, paddle-boarding, and playing. This will be Sarah’s fourth year working with Family Biz Kids.

Sean Carmichael, Educator

Sean attended John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and Psychology. He currently teaches AP Psychology and a senior elective called Examining Race.  He has organized and hosted several school events, including the Presidential Debate Series and the Hudson High School Race Summit, where neighboring schools are invited for a night of discussion on hot-button social issues. He founded the Lighthouse Society, a group of passionate teens and teachers interested in ending our national political divide. A frequent presenter at Hudson High School’s Leadership Conference, his sessions have included matching values and actions, navigating the world of love and marriage, exploring gender differences, and improving our emotional IQ. 

This is Sean's third year working with Family Biz Kids. With a hectic schedule, Sean relishes any time he can spend with his lovely wife, Nicole, and their two children, Olivia and Patrick.  

Chelsea Wilson, Educator

Chelsea is a graduate of Texas A&M and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences and Accelerated Teacher certification. She currently teaches aerobics, dance, and nutrition classes for the Hotel Del Coronado, in Coronado, CA. Chelsea enjoys teaching, and especially her experiences as a camp counselor. She has worked with Family Biz Kids for the past 12 years. Family Biz Kids allows her to utilize her nutrition, education, dance, and fitness background to motivate kids to seek an increased quality of living in a fun and safe environment! Chelsea’s interests include fitness, yoga, nutrition, authoring children’s cookbooks, health promotion, reading, surfing, and meeting new people!

Kristen Rau, Educator

Kristen holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in theatre from Southern Oregon University. She is a writer, producer, improviser, teaching artist, and actor living in Chicago. Currently, Kristen teaches drama and improvisation in Chicago public schools with Lil’ Buds Theatre, The Emerald City Children’s Theatre, and The McKaw Theatre. Kristen Additionally participates in the community outreach program called Funny Bones Improv for young inpatient audiences in Chicago area hospitals. For several years she taught preschool children in Seattle and spent two years touring Italy with the Children’s Theatre Company Theatrino, teaching the English language through theatre. Kristen is dedicated to using theatre to foster self-esteem and independence in young children. Kristen's favorite color is turquoise, and she enjoys playing the ukulele. This is Kristen's fourth year with Family Biz Kids. 

Jan Dillingham, Educator

Jan is a certified teacher in the state of New Mexico. She holds a Ph.D. and Master of Science in Physical Education and Education/Athletic Administration from the University of New Mexico. Jan also earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Colorado State University. Jan taught science and health at the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center for the Albuquerque Public Schools. During her teaching career, she was fortunate to work with students from elementary to young adults. Jan has been involved with several programs to improve science education in the state. She started a program where students grow food throughout the year to improve their nutritional awareness, experience and appreciate nature, the science of growing food, and gain life skills to improve their families and communities. This is Jan's 20th year with Family Biz Kids.

Christi Cruz, Educator

Christi graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Education and a minor in Spanish. She is the Founder and Co-Director of Wedgwood Drama Studio in Seattle, WA. She has over 15 years of experience working as an Art Educator and Actor, working in theater, voiceovers, films, and TV. Christi has worked with and performed with organizations like Seattle Children's Theater, Living Voices, 14/48, A Contemporary Theater, Ese Teatro, SIS Productions, and is currently producing her own work. Christi has taught both parent education and cooperative preschool classes at North Seattle College since 2008. She also holds a Positive Discipline Parenting certification. In her spare time, she is a mother of three. This is Christi's tenth year working with Family Biz Kids.

Michael Cruz, Educator

Michael holds a Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Arts from the University of San Diego. With over 15 years of experience working with young people, Michael has taught in public, private and independent schools, designed and implemented teacher training programs, art residencies, summer programs for youth, and most recently, established a 5^th-12^th grade Theatre program for a Seattle area independent school.  Michael is the founder and co-director of Wedgwood Drama Studio that offers after-school drama programs, community classes, and summer camps in northeast Seattle. Michael lives in Kenmore, WA, with his husband Jason and 12-year-old son Riley.

Duane DeStefani, Educator

Duane holds a Master of Science in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in Physical Education from the University of La Verne. Duane was a High School Career and Guidance Counselor in the Poway California School District for many years. He has experience working at summer camps as well as teaching and coaching several sports. Recently, Duane was the waterfront director and lifeguard for several San Diego summer camps and surf and swim team coach at Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad. This is Duane’s seventh year with Family Biz Kids.