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Staff Directory

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Samantha Espinoza

Executive Director

Samantha or Sam for short (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from University of Texas San Antonio, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She has several years non-profit work and experience working with youth of all ages. She is also a home educating mom of four who loves podcasts, gardening, and hiking. Although she’s lived in several states over the years, seven years ago the beauty of the PNW called her to make Washington home. Being a new member, she is eager to work alongside the amazing TCI team and is excited to meet everyone this summer! 

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Contact Samantha: Samantha@thurstoncountyinclusion.org

Kaela Perry

Director of External Affairs

Kaela is a mom of four, who is passionate about family, wellness and the environment. She grew up in Olympia, attending Olympia High School and South Puget Sound Community College. After spending time up North to pursue her business, she came back to Thurston County to raise her children. She loves the community and support that Thurston County Inclusion provides. As a new member of the team, she is looking forward to meeting participants and being involved in creating memories for our youth!

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Contact Kaela:

kaela@thurstoncountyinclusion.org

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Kiana Koloushani

Event Staff

Kiana (she/her) is an undergraduate student at the University of Washington majoring in biology-physiology and minoring in chemistry. From taking part in the Honors Interdisciplinary program and dedicating time to several schoolwide organizations to participating in research on the rhetoric of medicine and presenting findings to the National Communication Association in Washington D.C., Kiana values a holistic education and persistent devotion to all areas of her life. As the Fundraising Chair for UW’s chapter of NMDP (the National Marrow Donor Program), she learned to lead in a team-based environment and this upcoming year, is excited to be graduating to the role of Vice President. Next fall she’s also looking forward to becoming the Fundraising Chair of AED: UW’s chapter of the premedical honor society. Outside of school, Kiana’s passions include reading fantasy and mystery novels, and teaching! In her free time, she tutors grade, middle, and high school students. Having grown up in California, Florida, and Washington, she’s learned to appreciate nature in all different environments and loves spending time outside. Whether she’s hiking or reading on the beach, the outdoors is her favorite place to be. 

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Caitlin Shaufler

Event Staff

Caitie is an educator, homesteader, and outdoor explorer. After almost 10 years teaching in a traditional classroom setting, she stepped out of the classroom to be with her little ones as they discover the world through play and exploration. This experience reshaped her understanding of learning which led her to begin an education program focused on providing learning adventures for learners of all ages and abilities. Caitie has spent many years in various roles serving diverse groups of learners. She is so excited to be welcomed into the TCI family in order to reconnect with an inclusive community and foster connections with new friends. 

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