Meet the Team
Y.E.T.I. is powered by adults who believe in the power of time outside for young people. Our staff and volunteers bring energy, creativity, and a sense of fun to everything we do.
Staff
David Dunphy
Executive Director
After studying environmental studies and business administration, David began a career focused on connecting people to the outdoors. He has worked as a field instructor with NOLS, the REI Outdoor School, the YMCA BOLD & GOLD program, and other organizations, leading backpacking, kayaking, and rock climbing programs. David joined Y.E.T.I. in 2020 and has helped grow the organization and deepen its impact in the community. An Issaquah native, he most recently served as the Director of the Sammamish YMCA’s Teen and Outdoor Program and continues to partner with schools and community groups to increase access to public lands. Known for his ability to build strong connections and creatively solve problems, David is passionate about helping young people develop confidence, leadership skills, and a strong environmental ethic through meaningful outdoor experiences. He lives in Preston with his partner, Shawna, and volunteers with the Issaquah Alps Trails Club and Seattle Mountain Rescue when he’s not exploring the outdoors with his family & friends.
Sean McNally
Program Director
Sean McNally comes to Y.E.T.I. with over a decade in the Outdoor Education Industry. Sean is extremely passionate about getting youth outside and sharing his life long love of the outdoors. He has led trips all over the U.S. and worked for organizations such as Explore Austin, Mountain Madness, Naturalists at Large, R.E.I. Outdoor Programs and Outpost Wilderness Adventure. Sean will be supporting the expansion of our school-based outdoor clubs and volunteer development to help Y.E.T.I. provide more opportunities to explore our public lands.
Amber Curtis
Development Manager
During college, Amber discovered her knack for fundraising while running from San Francisco to Boston with a team, raising money for young adults affected by cancer. After getting her degree in Marketing and General Management, she moved to Washington. She decided to pursue her passion by volunteering with the YMCA Earth Service Corps for a year, working on environmental projects with young people instead of immediately starting her career. Later, using her college experiences, she got a job in the fundraising realm at the University of Washington Bothell. Now, as part of the Y.E.T.I. team, she’s excited to combine her marketing and fundraising skills with her love for the outdoors, making sure every young person has access to transformative outdoor experiences. Outside of work, she finds joy in exploring the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dog, going camping, hiking, snowshoeing, trail running, and bouldering.
Sam Sauerbrei
Program Coordinator
Sam transitioned from engineering to outdoor education after becoming a white water raft guide, where a passion for sharing outdoor experiences with youth developed. She began volunteering weekly with Y.E.T.I. for the “Learn How to Ride a Bike” program, and later joined the team. Favorite outdoor activities include hiking, beach time, and any water-related adventures. Sam is a certified white-water instructor and aims to take high school students down the Deschutes River during spring break. Outside of work, Sam enjoys playing music, biking, boating, canyoneering, and going on outdoor trips with friends to recharge and bring that excitement to students.
Eddy Kim
Program Coordinator
Eddy is a first-generation Korean-American who grew up in Southern California. Prior to Y.E.T.I., he worked as an outdoor educator for NOLS, REI, and a number of different organizations for over a decade. He loves backpacking, rock climbing, skiing, and losing at board games. A lifelong learner, he is currently trying to learn how not to fall in rollerblading. He’s also a hardcore dog person, but somehow has a stray cat that he adopted and no dogs. He’s passionate about bringing equitable and inclusive outdoor culture to communities and sharing his experience and knowledge with young people.
Renee Torrie
Program Coordinator
Renee has spent four years teaching environmental education in all kinds of outdoor settings like Nature’s Classroom, the High Mountain Institute, Adventure Treks, and Islandwood. She has a Masters in Teaching from the University of Washington, with a certificate in Education for Environment and Community. Before joining Y.E.T.I., she taught elementary school in Seattle for two years. Renee’s current outdoor focus is on sailing—she recently raced from San Francisco to Hawaii and is now adjusting to life on a small sailboat. She’s excited about Y.E.T.I. because it combines her love of teaching, working with students outdoors, and playing logistical tetris. When she’s not working or on the water, you’ll probably find her slacklining, reading, or enjoying some cheez-its.
Erin Kollar
Field Instructor
Erin has spent the past decade working in outdoor and arts-based education. She has facilitated programs with the Delridge Neighborhood Development Association, the Catalina Island Marine Institute, Islandwood, and Brightwater, leading activities from snorkeling and kayaking to forest restoration and stormwater education. Erin holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Washington and is passionate about making outdoor experiences accessible, joyful, and consistent. Outside of Y.E.T.I., you can usually find Erin in or on the water snorkeling, boogie boarding, kayaking, tide pooling, or sailing, or exploring Seattle by bike with her dog.
Wesley Wakai
Field Instructor
Hailing from Wisconsin, Wesley is a Midwest transplant who was gifted early exposure to outdoor adventure by his family’s extensive cross-country road trips. Through his university’s outing club he discovered a love for sharing adventure with new friends and community, and a summer working as a trail guide for YMCA camp Menogyn crystalized a passion to provide experiences for others that instill the same childish imagination and awe. He’s been seeking training and opportunity to stoke this flame ever since and is looking forward to sharing his enthusiasm and the gift of outdoor adventure once again through Y.E.T.I.
Alex Whitney
Field Instructor
Alex brings extensive experience in leading youth outdoor programs to Y.E.T.I., having led summer backpacking trips on Bainbridge Island and guided hiking, snowshoeing, and mountaineering trips during his time at the University of Washington. His additional roles include teaching climbing at the UW climbing gym, working part-time as a ski instructor, and volunteering as a mountaineering leader for a high school youth-driven organization in North Seattle. With a degree in Environmental Science focusing on recreation and the nature-health connection, Alex holds certifications as a Wilderness First Responder and AIARE Level 1 and is working toward a PSIA Ski Instructor certification. His passion for helping young people experience the outdoors aligns with Y.E.T.I.’s mission of making outdoor recreation accessible to all. Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time with his spouse and cats, cooking, cycling, and playing board and video games.
Eric Aker
Field Instructor
Eric is an East Coast transplant that has been living and playing in the PNW outdoors for the past 20+ years. His favorite season of the year might be spring, where new growth begins and all activities are possible. He brings a multi-disciplinarian background in coaching technology professionals to learn new ways of working together and empowering people of all ages to experience outdoor adventures for the first time. His recent experience as a climbing & wilderness instructor through the YMCA Bold & Gold and professional development from AMGA & AIARE will help to unlock the Y.E.T.I. potential.
Katie Smith
Field Instructor
Katie brings a strong nonprofit background to Y.E.T.I., with a focus on outdoor programs and education. Experience includes working as a snowboard instructor and coordinating youth programs for several Seattle-area nonprofits. Passionate about outdoor recreation, Katie enjoys splitboarding for its connection to the mountains through backcountry travel, as well as backpacking and thru-hiking in warmer months. These experiences have been life-changing and inspire a commitment to helping all youth access the outdoors. Excitement for introducing young people to nature and new activities drives this work. Outside of work, Katie spends time reading, crocheting, and training for races and triathlons.
Board of Directors
Claire Heflin
President
Claire grew up in the Pacific Northwest, spending winter weekends in the mountains and long summer days in the Puget Sound! Claire found Y.E.T.I. through a family connection and was deeply moved by the mission of expanding the opportunity for young people to learn and grow in the outdoors. Motivated to listen and empower folks to reach their fullest potential, Claire is passionate about bringing her HR skills and experience to Y.E.T.I. Outside of Y.E.T.I., you can find Claire & her golden retriever, Baker, making new friends on their weekly hiking adventures!
Noah Harper
Vice President
A relatively recent addition to the state of Washington’s population, Noah called Georgia his home until employment catapulted him across the country. Armed with a love for the outdoors and a good attitude, Noah spends his working days with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Cascade Volcano Observatory – building systems that enable scientists to better monitor and understand our region’s sleeping giants. Noah‘s passion for the outdoors was stoked by a beloved summer camp in the Appalachian Mountains called Camp Mikell. There he would return throughout his life, first, as a camper, and later as a counselor and staff member – coordinating the fun and activity of hundreds of children outdoors each summer. Soon after landing in Washington, Noah found Y.E.T.I – another organization that stokes passion for the outdoors in young people! These days you can find Noah backpacking in the mighty Olympics, skiing around misty Ranier, and biking soggy Seattle!
John Millick
Treasurer
John grew up in nearby Idaho and has called Seattle home since 2015. He currently works in the Outdoor Industry as the Director of Finance at Cascade Designs and comes to Y.E.T.I. with over 10 years of experience in Accounting and Finance. In addition to helping Y.E.T.I. achieve its financial and operational goals, he is eager to join an organization that connects with our local community’s youth and provides opportunities to access and enjoy the outdoors. The benefits of the outdoors are for everyone, let’s make sure everyone can explore our public lands. Outside of Y.E.T.I., you’ll find John in the mountains with his wife and dog enjoying the great Pacific Northwest.
Sara Morales
Secretary
Sara had her first opportunity to experience outdoor programming during a college freshman orientation trip. She knows first-hand how time outdoors can build interpersonal connections and uncover individual strengths. This experience motivated her to work in the non-profit and outdoor education sector, specifically with a focus on increasing access and creating culturally responsive programming. She is excited to continue reducing barriers through Y.E.T.I. to foster more connections in nature amongst youth in Seattle! In her personal life, she embraces her Southern California roots and you can usually find Sara in and around bodies of water – swimming, playing water polo, surfing, or kayaking.
John Nelson
Founder & Director
John founded Y.E.T.I. to ensure his own children and their peers participated in rich outdoor experiences. As a professional guide (mountains, rivers, sea) for over 30 years, he has experienced the magic that outdoor adventures can play on empowering adults; helping them discover a new version of themselves. He now enjoys leveraging what he’s learned into empowering the next generation. When he’s not engaged on wild adventures, he works as a Research Engineer for Adobe.
Alex Farrell
Director
Alex grew up in the suburbs of New York City but has called Seattle home for more than a decade. Shortly after moving to Washington, she embarked on her first backpacking trip on the Olympic Peninsula which sparked a deep passion for the outdoors. That experience revealed how powerful time in nature can be, and it inspired her commitment to helping others access similar opportunities.
Alex has worked in operations for both non-profit and for-profit organizations, specializing in events—a skill she is excited to bring to Y.E.T.I.! When she’s not planning travel and events in her day job, Alex is an avid explorer herself – road tripping to our National Parks, rafting rivers in Zimbabwe and Costa Rica, kayaking and canyoneering in Vietnam, and trekking through the Himalayas of Nepal. She lives for new experiences and is grateful for the chance to help nurture the next generation of outdoor leaders alongside the Y.E.T.I. community.
Britany Renz
Director
Having lived in Washington and South King County for most of their life, Britany Renz considers the local state their spiritual sanctuary and retreat. With hundreds of miles hiked and months spent in the backcountry, Britany has had the privilege of experiencing the best that Washington has to offer.
Britany is trained in business administration with a focus on organizational growth and development. Currently, they serve as a specialized accounting consultant and advisor, concentrating on non-profit organization management and accounting practices for grants and contracts from public funders. Britany’s expertise and passion for the outdoors align perfectly with Y.E.T.I’s mission to promote emotional and physical well-being, personal growth, and a lifelong connection with nature for the youth of today. They are excited to leverage their expertise and see Y.E.T.I. extend its reach to more and more of the community!
Connor McCune
Director
Connor lives for the endless pursuit of that perfect turn, be that in early morning dawn patrols arcing through snow and air at Snoqualmie pass, or dropping his heels while accelerating through wet roots and rocks in the amazing mountain bike trails of WA and BC. Connor always knew his calling was in the outdoors, and is excited to become part of the YETI Board to help share that stoke with others and help them to find that endless source of energy that will enable them to accomplish their dreams. Connor brings legal knowledge and expertise to YETI, to help guide the organization in this next stage of growth. While he normal occupies his time trying to understand inventions in the electrical and software arts, he is excited to apply his problem solving skills to the new and interesting challenges presented to YETI.
Isaac Prieto
Director
Isaac moved to the Northwest from Long Beach California where he works at at Clark Nuber as an Account manager . When he isn’t helping Y.E.T.I. manage its resources to maximizing our impacts for young people in our community he is spends his time with his wife and son enjoying all the Nature in our backyard. Isaac is passionate that young people will have the opportunity to enjoy their public lands the same way he is introducing his son to outdoor adventure.
John Olivera
Director
John works to support underrepresented, first generation, low-income college students as the Assistant Director of the Educational Opportunity Program at the University of Washington. He developed his work ethic, communication skills, and love for helping others while guiding river trips in the Grand Canyon. His passion for the outdoors is matched by his desire to always be connected to youth. Jon’s goal is to connect diverse undergraduates at UW to amazing opportunities that Y.E.T.I. provides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Kim Nguyen
Director
Kim Nguyen, who hails from Vietnam, found herself captivated by the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest and decided to make Seattle her second home. Recognizing the significance and allure of outdoor experiences, she embraced Y.E.T.I and its mission to expand opportunities for youth beyond traditional classroom settings. When not tethered to her computer as a Software Engineer, she delights in aquatic adventures, performing wheelies on her paddleboard, roller skating, and honing her skills in Vovinam (Vietnamese martial arts).
Tonya Seaberry
Director
Tonya is a Community Service Officer for the Des Moines Police Department. Her job involves community outreach, crime prevention and problem solving, and she has been at it for over 25 years! She is also active in many other safety and crime prevention endeavors in South King County. A lifelong Western Washingtonian, she is mom to a wonderful son, and is very excited to make a difference in the lives of our youth through Y.E.T.I. programs. They just need to be shown the way!
Betsy Boyer
Director Emeritus
Betsy is a Tennessee hillbilly who after over a decade career in the maritime industry, came to roost as a video producer in the Pacific Northwest. Growing up in a hiking family, she learned the power of natural settings as a youngster and still craves them today. She is the owner of True Bearing Productions, a full service video production business in Seattle. Her interest in Y.E.T.I . was ignited as she watched her son grow up experiencing Y.E.T.I. programs. She is proud to be a part of this magnetic organization!
