How did you first get involved with the all-ages community?
Well, before I moved to Seattle in 1991, I started a program for troubled youth back in Massachusetts called Pathways. And after college, I had worked for the Toutle River Boys Ranch in southern Washington state. Then I came out here with a boyfriend in '91. [The relationship] didn't work out, but I stayed in Seattle and eventually ended up in Redmond, at the Old Firehouse.
What drives you to keep going?
I think I'm motivated by the setbacks. Also, more than anything, it's the kids. They are always around. I know this sounds corny, but ever since I was 15, I knew that when I was an adult, I was going to work with kids and treat them with the respect and acceptance that I didn't have.
So, were you trouble when you were a teenager? What kind of music did you listen to?
Oh yeah, I got myself in a lot of trouble. I had seven brothers and sisters, which was chaotic, and got kicked out of high school for never going. I went straight to college and graduated by [age] 20, with a major in filmmaking and a minor in counseling. I initially listened to a lot of David Bowie and Queen, and then totally started getting into punk rock like the Clash and the Sex Pistols.
JAMPAC has taken the city to court over the Teen Dance Ordinance. Do you think that ordinance will be struck down?
I very much hope so. David Osgood is a good attorney. Though if it is struck down, I wouldn't be surprised if city officials have something else waiting to replace it. Thankfully, though, we have very supportive council members, like Richard Conlin and Nick Licata.
