Kim McKoy, Executive Director
MA, Antioch University

As Executive Director of Friends of the Children of King County Kim brings her 25 years of experience in the Seattle/King County area working on behalf of children and families, in health and human services and education to the organization. She has a long history serving in numerous volunteer capacities as well as on several local boards and councils, such as United Way of King County and BURRST for Prosperity. She has been a sought after local, regional, national trainer/consultant on topics such as diversity and non-profit management. She enjoys technology, travel, theater, playing with her 5 pound poodle, as well as card and board games.

Edgar Masmela, Program Manager
Highline Community College

Professional Experience: Edgar was born and raised in Seattle, WA, and has spent more than ten years working with children in Beacon Hill, the Central District, and Burien. Before coming to Friends in 2003, Edgar worked in several positions for the YMCA - starting as a van driver, and working his way up to the position of Program Director. Edgar brings extensive experience with the schools and families we serve having worked previously with many of them during his tenure at the YMCA. When Edgar’s not busy running after his four kids (Galen, Gabi, Gisele, & Gwendoline), he enjoys working on cars, listening to music, bowling, and playing volleyball. The most important message Edgar tries to deliver to each child is Dream Big.

Philanthropic/Volunteer Associations: Immaculate Conception, Martin Luther King Elementary

Shira Rosen, Director of Development
MSW Washington University in St. Louis

Professional Experience: Shira is thrilled to have joined Friends in the spring of 2006. She comes to Friends with years of experience in fundraising and development. Shira has raised millions of dollars in grants, planned numerous fundraising events, consulted with various nonprofits and taught workshops on fund development. She also has over 13 years of experience working with youth in prevention programs, after-school programs and summer camps. Shira loves to play soccer, read and enjoy the outdoors. She is excited to bring her talents to Friends because "this program makes so much sense. Staying active in a child´s life for their entire school career will truly change their life forever."

Philanthropic/Volunteer Associations: Shira is a Board Member of the Northwest Development Officer's Association and was the co-chair of the winter conference. She co-founded and co-directed Camp Ten Trees, a non-profit summer camp for the GLBTQ community. She is a previous board member of the National Association of Social Workers, Washington State chapter.

Sheena Fanuncial, Friend
BA, Seattle Pacific University

Professional Experience: Sheena is inspired by children's energy and loves to be around them. Her past experience includes providing childcare at the Washington Athletic Club and mentoring children at First Place School and Seattle Children's Home. She earned a BA in Psychology from Seattle Pacific University. In her spare time, Sheena likes to play sports, read, and eat! She loves adventure! Her favorite inspirational quote is by Helen Keller:

"The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart."

Upendo Jefferson, Friend
University of Washington, Seattle Central CC

Professional Experience: Upendo joined us in 2002, and was previously with the Seattle Public School District. He brings more than 20 years of experience working with children in Seattle's Central District. Upendo's education, experience, and skills are in the area of behavior modification, drug & alcohol counseling, and social/life skills. Upendo's motto is "We can all make a difference in the lives of children."

Philanthropic/Volunteer Associations: NAACP, Black Child Development Institute, Urban League, Joy Initiative, Concerned Black Men, Inc., Seattle Chapter.

Alan Loveless, Friend
BA, Occidental College

Professional Experience: Alan joined us as a Friend in 2001. Alan recently returned from Taiwan where he spent two years teaching 5 and 6 year olds English and Language Arts. Alan’s college track days and his athletic background help keep our kids in shape – leading them in every possible sporting activity you can imagine. Golf, anyone? Alan also enjoys creative writing, music and film. As he pursues these interests, he hopes to encourage his boys to develop their creative talents. Alan graduated from Occidental College with a degree in Philosophy.

Philanthropic/Volunteer Associations: Bright Morning Star Co-op

Parmah McAllister, Friend
BA, University of Colorado

Professional Experience: Parmah brings over eight years of experience advocating for children and families here in Seattle and outside of Denver, Colorado. She worked in childcare, for Washington State's Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) which included family support for low income families. In her free time, she enjoys waterfront walking, reading and watching classic films.

Volunteer Experience: Volunteer mentoring.

Kenan Oliver
BS, University of Central Missouri

Kenan recently moved to Washington from the Missouri, where he was a para-professional and substitute teacher. He originally hailed from Mobile, AL and Atlanta, GA. He spent much of his life on the basketball court, playing for University of Central Missouri during college. He has coached youth basketball at camps and after school programs for over eight years. Kenen enjoys writing poetry, chess, reading, and of course – playing basketball. He believes “life is an adventure. Enjoy the journey.”

Ja´Nae Ross, Friend
AA, A.L. Hardy Academy
Seattle Central Community College

Professional Experience: Ja´Nae started here as a Friend in 2005 and began working with children since the age of 16. Born and raised in Seattle, Ja´Nae has worked locally with kids as a basketball and track coach, and also with the school district. Her hobbies include basketball, traveling, drawing, and video games. Ja´Nae loves working with kids of all ages and shares that "it´s a great feeling knowing you can make a difference in one´s life."

Philanthropic/Volunteer Associations: Union Gospel Mission, Red Cross, Empowering Youth Families Outreach, Seattle Public Schools, Van Asselt Community Center

Matt Topping, Friend
BA, University of Washington

Professional Experience: Matt joined us as a friend in March of 2007. Prior to joining Friends of the Children, Matt worked a little over two years in the Renton School District at both the high school and elementary levels as a Paraeducator. Matt graduated in 2004 from the University of Washington with a B.A. in Comparative Religion. While at U.W. he also ran Cross Country and Track for the Huskies for four years. Matt enjoys playing guitar and singing as well as outdoors activities and hopes to use his skills and hobbies to help expand the experiences of the children he works with. Matt´s favorite quote that he tries to live his life by is: "People don´t care how much you know until they know how much you care."

Philanthropic/Volunteer Associations: Harambee Community Development Association

Alicia Uehling, Friend
BA, Boise State University

Professional Experience: Alicia became a Friend in the summer of 2005, but has previously worked with children for 10 years. She comes to us from Boise, Idaho where she was born and raised. Alicia’s previous experience includes working in summer and after school camps. In addition, she enjoys teaching dance to children of all ages, as she feels it allows them free expression and creativity. Her hobbies include reading, spending time with friends and family, and being outdoors. Alicia is pumped with lots of enthusiasm and looks forward to making a difference in a child´s life.

Philanthropic/Volunteer Associations: Supported food banks in Oregon and Idaho 2000-2005

Sue Wilkins, Friend
BA, Bethel College

Professional Experience: Sue joined the Friends team in April of 2004. She holds a bachelors degree in English Literature and Writing Bethel College in St. Paul, MN. She comes to us after a career in Landscape Design. Before being hired at Friends, Sue started program-teaching children gardening skills. Friends of the Children was one of the organizations that she offered her program to. We had fun looking at bugs and growing tomatoes and pumpkins in her backyard!

Philanthropic/Volunteer Associations: Volunteer at Hope Central, New Horizons Ministries