LaKesha’s background and experience in working with children, youth, and families spans nearly 18 years and includes currently serving as the Middle School Success Coordinator at Washington Middle School for Seattle University via the Center for Community Engagement. She has worked as a Program Manager, Education Coordinator at a childcare facility, a preschool teacher, milieu counselor in a group home, an education advocate, and as a literacy intervention specialist. She has worked with PTAs and volunteered at a school designed to work with children and families who were experiencing homelessness. Her work has primarily been with children, youth, and families that are members of under-represented or ‘marginalized’ groups. She believes in meeting children and families where they are, capitalizing on their strengths, and helping to develop tools to address challenges. In addition, LaKesha has experience working toward the healing of historical harms and traumas. LaKesha enjoys facilitating workshops and trainings that support deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity, inclusion, and identity. She strongly believes that helping children, youth, and adults embrace themselves while developing a sincere appreciation of and for others is a vital part of our being.