People First of Washington Membership
People First of Washington membership means working together, participating in and supporting the community, speaking up for your rights, educating yourself and others, helping each other and having fun.
Adams County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Asotin County
– Clarkston
Click on map to show
info under "Chapter Locations"
column at right
Benton County
– Tri-Cities
Click on map to show
info under "Chapter Locations"
column at right
Chelan County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Clallam County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Clark County
– Vancouver
Click on map to show
info under "Chapter Locations"
column at right
Columbia County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Cowlitz County
– Longview
Click on map to show
info under "Chapter Locations"
column at right
Douglas County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Ferry County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Franklin County
– Tri-Cities
Click on map to show
info under "Chapter Locations"
column at right
Garfield County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Grant County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Grays Harbor County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Island County
– Oak Harbor
Click on map to show
info under "Chapter Locations"
column at right
Jefferson County
– Port Townsend
Click on map to show
info under "Chapter Locations"
column at right
King County
– Seattle
Click on map to show
info under "Chapter Locations"
column at right
Kitsap County
– Bremerton
– Poulsbo
Click on map to show
info under "Chapter Locations"
column at right
Kittitas County
– Ellensburg
Click on map to show
info under "Chapter Locations"
column at right
Klickitat County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Lewis County
– Chehalis
Click on map to show
info under "Chapter Locations"
column at right
Lincoln County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Mason County
– Shelton
Click on map to show
info under "Chapter Locations"
column at right
Okanogan County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Online Chapter
– Online
Click on map to show
info under "Chapter Locations"
column at right
Pacific County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Pend Oreille County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Pierce County
– Tacoma
Click on map to show
info under "Chapter Locations"
column at right
San Juan County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Skagit County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Skamania County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Snohomish County
– Everett
Click on map to show
info under "Chapter Locations"
column at right
Spokane County
– Spokane
Click on map to show
info under "Chapter Locations"
column at right
Stevens County
– Colville
Click on map to show
info under "Chapter Locations"
column at right
Thurston County
– Olympia
Click on map to show
info under "Chapter Locations"
column at right
Wahkiakum County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Walla Walla County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Whatcom County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Whitman County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Yakima County
Contact People First.
Click to see contact info at right.
Chapter Locations
Adams County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Asotin County
Click on listings for more info
Asotin—Clarkston People First
Advisor: Julia Lynch
Email: julialynch43@yahoo.com
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Asotin—Unstoppable People First
Advisor: Michelle Wilson
Email: shelbyzawesomer@gmail.com
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Benton County
Benton County People First
Advisor: Deanna Lamaster
Email: deannabaraby@yahoo.com
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Chelan County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Clallam County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Clark County
Southwest Washington People First
(Vancouver)
Advisor: Alex Koval
Email: alexkoval.2345@gmail.com
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Columbia County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Cowlitz County
Cowlitz County People First
(Longview)
Advisor: Tiffany Ames
Email: tiffany.ames80@gmail.com
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Douglas County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Ferry County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Franklin County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Garfield County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Grant County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Grays Harbor County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Island County
Island County People First
(Oak Harbor)
Advisor: Diane Fesler-Macaluso
Email: pete.dianemac@gmail.com
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Jefferson County
Jefferson County People First
(Port Townsend)
Advisor: Catie Morton
Email: catie@pfow.org
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
King County
King County Champions People First
President: Eric Matthes
Email: kingcountychampionschapter@gmail.com
Phone: 206-719-0910
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
King
County Champions People First
President: Eric Matthes
Email: ericmatthes1@gmail.org
Advisor:
Kyle Matheson
Email: kgmath16@gmail.com
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Kitsap County
Kitsap County People First
(Poulsbo)
Advisor: Kimberly Adams
Email: theaddamsfamily93@gmail.com
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Kittitas County
Ellensburg People First
(Ellensburg)
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Klickitat County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Lewis County
Lewis County People First
(Chehalis)
Advisor: Paula and Mike Wind
Email: paulawind14@gmail.com
P.O. Box 668, Chehalis, WA 98532
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Lincoln County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Mason County
Mason County People First
(Shelton)
Advisor: Patty Osier
Email: patty@pfow.org
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Okanogan County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Online Chapter
Online Chapter of People First
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Pacific County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Pend Oreille County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Pierce County
Pierce County People First
(Tacoma)
Advisor: Tanika Aden
Email: tanika@pfow.org
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
San Juan County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Skagit County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Skamania County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Snohomish County
Snohomish County People First
(Everett)
Advisor: Trish Respalie
Email: trish@arcsno.org
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Spokane County
Spokane Lilac People First
(Spokane)
Advisor: Katherine Titus
Email: awhirley@yahoo.com
253-999-7222
STUDENT GROUPS:
Rogers
Pirates Student First
For information, contact:
Email: craig@pfow.org
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
SCC
Images Student First
For information, contact:
Email: craig@pfow.org
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Project
Search Student First
For information, contact:
Email: craig@pfow.org
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Nine-Mile
Student First
For information, contact:
Email: craig@pfow.org
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
East
Valley Knights Student First
For information, contact:
Email: craig@pfow.org
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Star
Student First
For information, contact:
Email: craig@pfow.org
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Stevens County
Lake Roosevelt People First
(Colville)
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Thurston County
Thurston County People First
(Olympia)
Advisor: Cody Cohan
Email: cody@pfow.org
Or call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Wahkiakum County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Walla Walla County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Whatcom County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Whitman County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Yakima County
Call People First of Washington at:
253-999-7222
Member Gallery
Former Board President
Former Board Member
Katrina Boik
Katrina served as Interim Online Coordinator, as well as being an advisor.
Lucas Doleman
Lucas Doleman
I am in my 21st year with the DSHS Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing, where I work in an office support position. I believe in giving back by volunteering with Olympia Police Department, the Community Kitchen within the Salvation Army, and Furniture Bank of Thurston County within Olympia Christian Reform Church. The reason I volunteer is because it’s an opportunity to make a difference. September 11th, the horrible attacks on our land, were a sign in my opinion to make a difference in my community. This is the other reason why I volunteer. My heart was broken and shattered because of some thugs who decided to attack our country. The terrorists attacked our country because of what we stood for and what we believed in. Freedom is the main necessity of what keeps our country strong and why so many immigrants come to this country to become citizens.
The second reason I give is because it’s given me the reminder that it’s important to give to those who are less fortunate than I am. My parents also instilled in me the importance to demonstrate GOD’s love to those who need it. I figured the best way to demonstrate GOD’s love is to volunteer my time by giving to those who need a smile, love and support.
My story starts off with me being adopted at age four. I don’t remember a lot about my birth parents. My adopted parents, Hank and Mary Doelman adopted roughly 20 siblings with 10 countries representing the Doleman family. My parents decided to adopt because they felt it was a calling from GOD. My family and I are Christians and believe in Jesus Christ. My parents owned several different farms throughout Mason and Thurston Counties throughout Washington State. They have now decided for personal reasons to only keep one farm, which is located in Thurston County.
My interests include Toastmasters, where I am currently working towards completing the Pathways Dynamic Leadership Program in Toastmasters.
I love politics, soccer, as well as track and field events. I have a strong sense of family where I have been blessed with a large family of 23 making up the Doelman Clan. Countries that represent this family are the Netherlands (Holland), United States, Bulgaria, Jamaica, Ethiopia, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Brazil, Haiti and Colombia. I count my Toastmaster club members, workmates and long time friend and mentor, Laurie, as my external family. The reason why I love politics, soccer and track is because it all started in the fourth grade. Mr. Gordon Luecke was my social studies teacher. Mr. Luecke was teaching civics during this time and I was learning about the US Government. I guess you could say that is how my interest in politics all started.
My Faith, volunteering, and interests are a simple glimpse of who I am.
Shane Cody Fairweather
Shane served as Region 1 Representative from 2019 to 2021.
Larry Hill
Larry served as Board Historian from 2018 to 2021.
Kyle Matheson
I am Kyle Matheson and have been involved with People First for over 40 years. I have served in many roles, including Chapter Advisor, Chapter President, and State President. I live in Seattle and have been living on my own for many years. Since my return to the Seattle area from Olympia, I have been involved in my community. I currently serve as the Advisor for the King County Champions Chapter. I am a Member of Self Advocates in Leadership and an Umpire for the Northwest Little League. I also previously served on the Arc of King County Board for 10 years.
Tiras Javan Smith
My name is Tiras Javan Smith, but I go by Javan. I served as Board President and Past President from 2015 to 2021. I am from Spokane, Washington, where I grew up in a loving family wrought with issues that involved the legal system. I didn't get to meet my father until he got out of jail when I was 19.
School was difficult for me. I felt really judged and couldn't do the work in the classrooms, but when I was put into special education classes, I didn't learn anything. I struggled with wanting to drop out but stayed in and graduated.
As a person who identifies as black but has a condition of albinism, people don't always understand or respect my identity. My racial and disability status are a part of me but not acknowledged by others.
I got hired by People First of Washington based on my leadership skills within their Student First program. I became a Student First Trainer in high schools for two years. I am the youngest State Board President in People First of Washington history, elected when I was 23 years old. I am a devoted dad of three. In 2020, I received the Lifetime Advocacy Award which was presented with the following quote from me, "Don't let people tell you that you can't do it, cause look at me, I proved them wrong."
Leigh Spruce
Leigh served as Board Secretary from 2018 to 2021.
Aaron Brammer
Hi! I’m Aaron, and I'm excited to be on the board as the new Student First representative. I am in my second year with Student First, and also serve as the Vice President of the People First Lilac Chapter. I enjoyed attending the convention in Ocean Shores last year.
I ran for Student First representative because I’ve been told that I work well with other students, and that others look to me for taking action on things. I feel people with disabilities often don’t have a real voice, and it’s my desire to help them get their voices heard more loudly and more often. I live with my sister and our four dogs in Cheney, and enjoy taking walks and playing video games. I am a communicative person and want students to know they can come to me if they have any problems or if they need someone to talk to.
You can reach me at:
Memorial Wall
Robert Morrison
We are sad to announce the passing of Rob. He was a beloved People First Member. Click on the link below to read his obituary.
Bubba Parker
In early March of 2024, we lost Bubba—a long time member—who was kind, funny and tenacious.
You will be missed beyond words.
—Your People First of Washington Family
Lee Bliesner
More info to come
Jay Fazekas
A beloved friend and committed People First community member, Jay passed away suddenly on Friday, March 17, 2023. As a member of the Everett chapter, Jay had served for People First of Washington in multiple ways, including as Board Treasurer from 2018 to 2021, and as an interim Region 3 representative. He loved Special Olympics and worked for AquaSox baseball. He is survived by his wife and parents. He was strongly attached to his People First family, and his light heart and frequent laughter will be sorely missed by those who knew him. Check back for information on details about a service.
Tony Hall
Tony Hall was a Region 4 representative. He was an amazing friend and awesome self-advocate and will be sorely missed.
Tony's Memorial Facebook Page:
PBS video:
(After play, hit “F” for full screen)
Kathryn Chadbourne
Kathryn Chadbourne of Vancouver, Washington passed away in November of 2020. She was loving and caring with a soft-spoken spirit. Read more about her here:
Kathryn Chadbourne
Shannon Benjamin
Shannon was elected Region 2 representative last year and unexpectedly passed away in late March of 2020. Her death is a huge loss to our community. She considered People First members her family. She'll be missed and never forgotten.
Shannon's Memorial Facebook Page:
Shannon Benjamin
Howard Applington
Howard Applington of Clarkston passed away on September 24, 2020. Read his obituary here:
Warren Holmes
Warren Holmes was placed into the community when Interlake closed down. He worked at Arby's for 8 years. He was passionate about old music, specifically 45’s vinyl records. He owned thousands of records, which he knew everything about, when it was recorded, who recorded it when it was a hit and for how long.
Warren remembers coming into the community. He says how scared he was, he had no life skills, and it was a hard journey, but it was all worth it. He says of all the things that was the greatest event. He said “it was like being released from prison, it was awful.” He says “I never did anything wrong but they locked me up anyway.”
People First of Washington
P.O. Box 11953
Olympia, WA 98508
Access the People First
Zoom Room here:
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