At Squalicum High School, our Student Support Coordinator, Morgan, is helping put on a beautiful festival for Queer youth! The Over The Rainbow Festival will take place this Saturday, April 13th from 11am -4pm at Squalicum High School and is open to LGBTQIA+ youth and allies alike. The festival will be filled with community partners, workshops for youth, appearances from local Drag Performers, free food, and a raffle! Don't miss out on this opportunity to show up as a supportive community for our LGBTQIA+ youth!

Are you attending Healthy Kids Day? Stop by and say hello to our Student Support Coordinators at our organization's table!

This event will take place this Saturday, April 13th from 2:30pm-5:00pm at the Skagit Valley YMCA!

Meet Nicole Wolbert!

Nicole is our new Student Support Coordinator at Harriet Rowley Elementary School in MVSD. She comes to this role after spending the last few years raising her children, homeschooling them through the pandemic and continuing her own education. She obtained her Bachelor’s in Human Services-Youth & Family Services and will complete her Master’s in Educational Psychology in the summer of 2024. Professionally, Nicole has experience in human services and childcare settings as well as various positions in the Arts.



Nicole has a passion for creative expression in regards to social and emotional processing, development, and identity. In addition, she is fascinated by the mind-body connection regarding regulation and movement.

Meet Osvaldo “Oz” Camarena!

Oz is our new dedicated Student Support Coordinator at Mount Vernon High School in MVSD. Osvaldo embodies a profound dedication to human services and a deep-rooted love for his hometown of Mount Vernon, Washington. Raised in this community, Osvaldo has always felt a strong sense of connection and responsibility towards its residents, particularly the youth.

He sees this role as a chance to positively impact the lives of students, guiding them through their educational journey with empathy and support. Understanding that each student has their own unique story, Osvaldo is dedicated to creating an inclusive and nurturing environment where all students feel valued and empowered.



Meet Crystal Blanton!

Crystal began her education and early career in San Francisco, California where she studied English Literature and Secondary Education. Always having a love of reading, writing, and self expression, she knew she wanted to empower other students through teaching. After some student teaching, she took a sabbatical from education and went into the service industry. During this time, she honed her people skills, attention to detail, hustle, and multitasking abilities.

Crystal is now applying those skills towards Communities in Schools to inspire students to stay in school, uncover their strengths, and confidently thrive in their early adulthood. She believes that having intentional relationships and a safe space for learning and growing is owed to every student. Sometimes feeling SEEN and HEARD makes all the difference when it comes to success. 



Meet Austin Taute!

Austin is the new Site Coordinator at Cascade Middle School in Sedro-Woolley.

Austin is excited to begin connecting and working alongside the students at Cascade to facilitate their growth and help them achieve their goals, whatever they might be! Having grown up in Vancouver, WA, Austin’s passion for working with students and youth stems from the impact that his own teachers, coaches, and other adults had during his middle school and high school years.

Having worked various summer camps for the last decade, as well as having been a Ropes/Challenge Course Facilitator for many years, Austin brings with him a lot of experience in connecting and working with a wide array of students and youth. Having previously worked for a state-wide Student Leadership organization, Austin also brings with him experience in facilitating groups through Experiential Education as well as developing curriculum and staff training.

We are excited to announce our partnership with Puget Sound Energy through the Powerful Partnerships Program!

The PSE Powerful Partnership program engages communities on their journey to cleaner energy. With this funding, we will be able to support lower socio-economic communities with accessing affordable energy solutions.