This is Amber’s 13th year at Aki Kurose Middle School and her 2nd year as the Prevention and Intervention Specialist. Amber likes to think of herself as a professional aunt, which feels like the best job in the school. Amber has a degree in Early Childhood Education from North Seattle College. She is a plant lover and always loves to talk plants and gardening.

This is Jerelyn’s first year as a Prevention and Intervention Specialist at Ballard High School. Before SBIRT, Jerelyn received her BSW at Seattle University. Jerelyn has worked as a youth counselor and case manager at non-profits serving vulnerable communities. Jerelyn enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, attending concerts, and skateboarding.

Ari is new to SBIRT but has been a school social worker at CSIHS for 5 years. She earned an MSW from UW in 2019 and became a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in 2024. She helps to lead M.E.Ch.L.A, a student club celebrating Latinx culture. Outside of work, she loves her energetic two-year-old who keeps her on her toes!

Drea has been working within the SBIRT program since 2023. Drea earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington State University in 1996 and has served public education in a variety of roles ever since. As a certified Transformative Life Coach, Drea has strived to make a difference in the lives of students. In her free time, Drea enjoys cycling, hiking, yoga, travel, and spending quality time with her family.

This is Louis’ 3rd year working in SBIRT. His goal is to increase resources, parent/student engagement, and provide as much support as possible – so feel free to reach out! This is Louis’ 9th year in SPS, but he has worked in education over 20 years. He is also the Co-Athletic Coordinator for RESMS and believes that sports offer a great outlet. In his spare time, he spends as much time with his daughter as possible.

Maria Torres is passionate about helping students feel seen, supported, and connected. Now in her third year with SBIRT and twelfth year in education, she’s served in the Peace Corps in Madagascar and worked in Seattle and Bellevue supporting students and families. Maria enjoys building Legos, cooking, paddleboarding, and discovering new places around the PNW.

Jim Proctor-Mills, known by the students as Mr. J., worked at McClure for nearly three years, initially working in the Safety and Security department before transferring to Prevention and Intervention. Now at Garfield, he coaches volleyball and is very active in BSU both at GHS and collectively throughout the district, as well as in organizing GHS’s Reclaiming the Village.

Drew has been a part of the SBIRT program since 2020 and has been at Hamilton for over 10 years. In addition to coordinating the SBIRT program at Hamilton, Drew is Hamilton’s Athletic Director, coaches basketball, and hosts after-school clubs. Prior to his work with SPS, Drew worked with youth in the foster care system. To stay happy and healthy, Drew enjoys golfing, travel, and pretending to be a master baker.

Danielle is in her first year with SBIRT and SPS. She serves on Ingraham’s MTSS and 9th Grade Success Teams and volunteers with the volleyball program. She holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Harvard Extension School and is pursuing her Master’s in School Counseling. Previously, she worked as a PE teacher, assistant athletic director, and case manager in a certified peer counseling role. She enjoys coaching, podcasts, and time with her two teenagers.

Daniel has been with the SBIRT program for the past eight years and with the district for ten years, previously working as an Instructional Assistant. Daniel also runs an after-school soccer club and supports Jane Addams’ BSU. Coaching soccer, playing video games, and eating are some of the activities that help him stay happy and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

This is Valeria’s first year as a Prevention and Intervention Specialist at Lincoln High School. Prior to SBIRT, Valeria worked as a case manager at various non-profits serving vulnerable communities in King County. Valeria is a member of the MTSS team at LHS. The things that keep Valeria healthy and happy are her two cats and the pursuit of new hobbies.

Yuan enjoys working with diverse populations and believes in empowering students’ autonomy for change. She came to the U.S. for graduate school in 2004 and has worked as a mental health counselor in community mental health, Teen Health Center, and other educational settings. Yuan has been working in SPS’ SBIRT program for five years. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, cooking, learning languages, and spending time with her family.

This is Ty’s first year with SBIRT but she has worked with youth for over 15 years, including four years within SPS. Ty is the Black Student Union Club Advisor at Jane Addams Middle School (Across the street). Good food, her dog, and her family and friends all keep Ty healthy and happy.

This is Alexis’ first year working in SBIRT and second year with Seattle Public Schools. She has a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a master’s degree in clinical social work, with a specialization in youth and families. What keeps her healthy and happy is playing soccer, cooking, and taking care of plants.

This is Zeke’s first year in SBIRT and second year working at WSHS. He has worked with youth in various social work capacities for five years and has a MSW degree in Clinical Social Work. Zeke runs active bystander workshops with the sports teams, provides 1:1 student support, and facilitates mental health & wellness small groups. Zeke finds joy in soccer, watching movies, and cooking.

Molly has worked in Seattle Public Schools since 2018 with a background in Special Education and joined the SBIRT program in 2023. She is the Re-Entry Coordinator at Washington Middle School and a member of the Care Team and MTSS team. Molly earned her B.A. in Ethnic Studies and Gender & Sexuality Studies from the University of Washington and is pursuing a Master’s in School Counseling. 

Kerri has been working within the SBIRT program since 2022. As the parent of four daughters who attended Whitman, Kerri has strong ties to the community. Prior to SBIRT, Kerri worked 16 years as a substitute teacher for SPS. She has an MBA from WSU, and a teaching certificate from the UW. The things that keep Kerri healthy and happy are spending time with family, travel, and hiking.