Staff Directory
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.
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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 and enjoys working with our youth and families!
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Contact Kaela:
Pam Stoutenburg
Community Connections Coordinator
Pam has lived in our area for many years. While raising her family, she volunteered and worked at NTPS when her children were young. More recently, Pam worked for non-profit agencies in Thurston County, providing and advocating for disability services. She was lucky enough to support both adults and teens during those years and is very excited to help bring more fun and inclusive opportunities to our local youth. Pam enjoys gardening, painting, nature and sunshine!
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Contact Pam:
Ashley Martino
Event Support
Ashley has worked as a pediatric Registered Nurse and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Illinois Chicago with her Bachalors. She is a military spouse and a homeschooling mom who also functions as a resource connection in Thurston and Mason counties for families and individuals living with disabilities. She has a love for nature and a strong passion for promoting community health and equality.
Katie Stemmene
Event Support
Katie has lived in the Pacific Northwest her entire life and brings years of experience in business, nonprofit coordination, and youth programming. She’s passionate about creating inclusive spaces where all kids feel welcome and supported. As a homeschooling mom, Katie spends a lot of time exploring new playgrounds, visiting local museums, and finding hands-on learning opportunities for her children. Through her work with Thurston County Inclusion, she’s excited to help build programs that are fun, accessible, and community-focused.
Kiana Koloushani
Event Support
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.