Washington

The refugee crisis inspired Sarah to get involved locally by mentoring families in their first years of resettlement. Her husband and 4 children are involved in these family to family friendships too. Sarah’s background is in arts administration, education, and community outreach for NGOs. Sarah taught at San Jose State University, as well as in public and private schools, camps, and studios in ME, UT, CA, and was Programing Director for Emerald Ballet Theatre in WA. She also directed international service-learning projects in conjunction with the UN Special Session on Children in NY. TSOS is filled with kindred spirits and feels like coming home!

Kristen has lived in Washington State since 2002, after many years in the Boston/Rhode Island area, Southern Indiana, and Southern California. Kristen is a practicing attorney and mother of four. In 2015 she felt compelled to do something to stand up for refugees and began representing asylum seekers on a pro bono basis through the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. After being a fan of TSOS for over a year (and having purchased multiple copies of their book), Kristen began volunteering with TSOS in November 2019 and serves as TSOS’ Director of Partnerships.

Chrissy grew up in a suburb of Seattle in a diverse neighborhood with many children of immigrants and refugees. She is passionate about building communities with diversity and culture (food always improves the neighborhood). Her grandfather’s immigration from Germany is a big part of her family’s narrative, instilling a love of the American story. Since 2004 she has been a professional graphic designer and art teacher working for various clients including small art schools, preschools, ballet companies, orchestras, and a tribal college. Chrissy lives in Bellingham with her husband and 3 children.