Program Coordinators

The Founder of A PLUS, Tavio Hobson has served as the A PLUS Executive Director since 2009. He is responsible for managing the program coordinators and staff, maintaining and refining the A PLUS program model as well as expanding the program in order to fit the A PLUS mission. Tavio has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in Spanish. Born and raised in the inner city of Seattle, Tavio has never been a stranger to service. His mother has been in childcare for over 25 years, while his father received the prestigious Jefferson Community Service Award, recognizing his dedication to the youth of Seattle. Tavio has worked for several non-profit organizations including YES (Youth, Education, Sports) Foundation for seven years. In addition to directing A PLUS Youth Program he currently works for YouthCare, an organization that aims to end youth homelessness in Seattle, Washington. As the founder of A PLUS, Tavio aims to help provide the academic assistance, personal leadership development and athletic engagement to the youth of the greater Seattle area.

Kelan Smith

Finance Director

Kelan Smith has served as the Finance Director for A PLUS since its inception in 2009. A Seattle native, Kelan graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Sport Management with a concentration in Business Administration. Kelan has held positions with the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sonics and has also worked overseas for the National Football League as a public relations manager.

Nicholas Abraham

Mentor Director - Volunteer

Over thirty years in the professional fitness industry as a General Manager, fitness and sales manager, Nick has a passion for empowering young men and women with the knowledge and wisdom to get fit and be healthy. He has worked with various local high schools to set up strength and conditioning programs, including O’Dea, Franklin, Garfield, St. Joseph’s, Seattle Prep, the Y.E.S. Foundation and Lakeside basketball programs. Nick has also worked with various other athletes from high schools from all over the area, some of which have played professional basketball. Nick has worked with youth at the Rotary Boys & Girls Club for over ten years mentoring, teaching and empowering. Nick helped instruct a computer technology group as a teacher Mentor which included over forty youth (ages 12 to 18), some of which now work for Boeing, Microsoft and various other technology companies around the country. Nick has spent most of his adult life helping others to learn the importance of being a good person, how to work hard and how to maximize one's education, along with taking care of the body and mind.

Rick DuPree

H206 Charity Basketball Classic Committee Director - Volunteer

Rick is currently the Club Director of the Smilow Clubhouse and Teen Center at Rainier Vista. He has been with the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County organization for a total of 8 years, nearly five of which were spent as the Executive Director of the Rotary Club from 1994-1998. Rick also spent four years as the Director of Community Relations and Player Programs for the Seattle Sonics & Storm professional basketball teams prior to the Sonics move to Oklahoma City. Rick is a native Seattleite and earned his B.A. from the University of Washington in Broadcast Journalism. He also played on the 1982 Rose Bowl Champion and inaugural Aloha Bowl Champion Husky football teams.

Jordan Wheeler

Special Events/Marketing Coordinator

Jordan Wheeler is a 2010 graduate of Whitman College. Originally from Seattle, Jordan played four years of college basketball for Whitman. During the Spring of 2010, per graduate requirements, Jordan wrote his senior thesis highlighting issues of justice and real estate in cases of eminent domain in Seattle. He also served as a Politics tutor for Whitman’s Academic Resource Center. Professionally, Jordan has worked in both Seattle and New York, brokering commercial real estate transactions and has conducted market research for large-scale development projects. Beginning in July of 2010 I moved to Seoul, South Korea to teach English in a private academy. All that he experienced within the rich Korean culture validated a fulfilling and worthwhile relocation. Upon returning to the United States, he began working for A PLUS. A PLUS was a natural progression given his involvement in basketball and teaching youth in Korea. He embraces the opportunity to serve as Marketing Coordinator for A PLUS and his goals are to set a standard of marketing proficiency in the local non-profit sector. Jordan hopes to not only improve A PLUS creative components and branding, but to also highlight, via local and national media, A PLUS academic and athletic programs we offer our members. Through years of competing on the basketball floor, and adapting to new environments in New York and Seoul, Jordan hopes to bring a diverse perspective to A PLUS and looks forward to enhacing the academic, athletic, and leadership opportunities integral to youth development.

Catherine Wehage

Research/Grants/Administrative Coordinator

Catherine Wehage serves as the Research Grants and Administrative Coordinator. Originally from the Portland area, Catherine moved to Seattle in 2009 for college. She is currently pursuing her graduate degree at Seattle University for Public Administration. Catherine has always worked in the nonprofit sector, starting her career working at Just Yell Fire as a co-founder and spokesperson of the organization.

Aaron White

Transportation Coordinator

Aaron Earl White Jr. is a native of Seattle, WA. He played high school basketball at Franklin High School where he was a four year letterman. Aaron went on to play basketball at Mesa Community College, College of Eastern Utah and one year at Highline Community College. He is also in his third year coaching at Lakeside High School as assistant varsity basketball coach. At A PLUS, Aaron is involved in many ways. He works as the Transportation Coordinator, a Mentor in the Mentor Program, and as an Assistant Basketball Coach for the 10th grade team.

ACADEMICS

Rod Smith

Education Director

Rod Smith has served as the A PLUS Education Director since 2009. An Honors graduate and four year Varsity athlete at Lake Washington High School in Kirkland, Washington, Rod completed most of his collegiate coursework at Gonzaga University and received his Bachelor of Arts from Eastern Washington University. Rod worked in the Athletic Department during his time at Gonzaga University and was a Team Manager for the Men's Basketball team at EWU. Rod previously held the Assistant Director position with the Seattle Sonics Summer Camps and Bank of America Jammin' Hoops Camps. He coaches soccer at Lake Washington H.S. in the spring and at Garfield H.S. in the fall and, in the summer of 2009, Rod was the Camp Director for the Sammamish Boys & Girls Club's Challenger Summer Sports Camps. With an Undergraduate focus of study in Elementary Education, Rod is currently working towards his Masters in Education. As the A PLUS Education Director, Rod is on-site each day working closely with members, families, staff, tutors, teachers and school officials to ensure success of A PLUS members.

Beverly Falgione

Lead Academic Coach - 8th Grade

Bev Falgione joined A PLUS in 2010 as the Lead Academic Coach for the 7th Grade Boys and has now followed them into their 8th Grade year. She has also taken on the Lead Academic Coaching responsibilities for the first A PLUS 7th Grade Girl’s program. Bev earned a B.S. in Behavioral Psychology, a CCP (Certified Coaching Practitioner) certificate, and has two publications in Child Development and Family Bonding. Bev has 15 years of corporate and nonprofit management experience and has served on the Board of Directors for a number of Seattle area nonprofit organizations. She has volunteered countless hours towards raising funds to provide uncompensated health care for children and families in Pacific NW. Bev is committed to setting consistent and clearly defined boundaries and the highest expectations possible for the A PLUS boys and girls while totally supporting the kids, their parents, and their teachers through to achieving the greatest results. She is anticipating another wonderful year academically preparing these amazing boys and girls to be our future leaders.

Tanita Terry-Tullis

Lead Academic Coach - 4th and 5th Grades

Tanita Terry-Tullis is the Lead Academic Coach for the 4th and 5th grade boys. She graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Social Science. In addition to her position at A PLUS she also works for the Renton School District as a Reading, Math and Behavior Interventionist. Tanita lives in the Renton area, and is the proud mother of four wonderful children; Deserena, Davine, Damira and Dajane. She strives to empower youth through her work as a mother, educator, Girl Scout Leader, and certainly as a dedicated member of the A PLUS Academic Team.

Ayako Igari

Lead Academic Coach - 7th Grade

Ayako is the 7th grade boys Lead Academics Coach. She grew up with the YMCA after school program and always looked forward to summer so she could attended their various summer camps. She played bball for the Kirkland Boys and Girls Club years ago but would love to be included in a pick up game if you need a feisty point guard. When Ayako is not at Vista she spends her time growing her girls/womens tee shirt line, vlv style. Her positive life and travel motto of "viva la vida!" or, "live the life!" is a part of her signature collection. Fundraising for breast cancer awareness is important to her and a portion of the proceeds goes to the cause as well. A travel enthusiast, Ayako has been to 36 countries and would love to talk to you about planning your next trip. Viva la vida!

Brenda Kvietkus

High School Lead Academic Coach/Lead Academic Coach - 6th Grade

Brenda Kvietkus is new to the Seattle area. She moved from Kentucky, where she taught College Preparation, Math, Computer Applications, and Continuing Adult Education classes at Hopkinsville Community College and Brown Mackie College. She earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees in Engineering Management from the Missouri University of Science and Technology. Brenda has twelve years of management experience in manufacturing. She has worked for Weyerhaeuser, Pillsbury, Kal Kan Foods, and Procter & Gamble. Her volunteer experience includes: Kids and the Power of Work, United Way, Hopkinsville High School (HHS) Booster Club, HHS Discipline Committee, and the March of Dimes. Brenda is excited to be part of sixth grade academics and the high school program. She looks forward to meeting your family.

TBD

Lead Academic Coach

Bio Coming Soon...

ATHLETICS

Jerry Petty

High School Basketball Director/President of Basketball Operations

Jerry has been with A PLUS since its inception in 2009. Jerry attended Garfield High School where he earned many accolades, including: MVP of 4A Kingco division ; State Tournament MVP; State Final Game MVP; 1st Team All-Kingco; Team Captain; Lead team to the 1997-98 Kingco 4A State Championship; College: North Idaho College (Coeur d’ Alene, ID.); 2nd Team All-Swac 98-99; Team Captain; 1st Team All-Conference 99-00; 1st Team All-Defensive 99-00; Team Captain and MVP; Graduated from Seattle Central Community College Associates Arts Degree; Transferred to University of Nevada 2001-03; Team Captain and MVP 2003; 1st team WAC All-defensive team 2003; WAC Defensive player of the Year; Worked at the Truckee Meadows Boys and Girls Club in Reno, NV. As a teen director, Jerry has been coaching and training youth for over ten years. Jerry resides in Seattle, Washington and enjoys spending time with his two daughters (Nirae and Nyshae) and two sons (Jerry Jr. and Jaylen).

Glenn Turner

Director of Basketball Coaching & Head Boys Basketbll Coach - 7th Grade

Glenn served as co-founder and Executive Director of the Youth Educational & Sports Foundation. Glenn was responsible for managing the program coaches, volunteer staff, development and maintaining the YES program model as well as expanding the program to fit the YES mission. Glenn has an Advance Technical Certification in Automotive Emissions and an A.A. in Business Administration. Born and raised in Seattle, as a teenager Glenn was recognized by KCBGC as youth of the year and King County Volunteer of the year as an adult. Glenn has been part of the Seattle volunteer community for more than 25 years, while serving as Program Development Manager at South Seattle Community College. Glenn was responsible for high school automotive programs and has been recognized for his dedication to the automotive programs for Seattle Public Schools. As co-founder of the YES program, Glenn’s goals were to help provide the academic assistance, mentorship and personal development to the youth of Seattle and the surrounding area.

Ryan Webb

Head Boys Basketball Coach - 8th Grade

A north end native, Ryan attended Mountlake Terrace high school playing 3 years of varsity for the Hawks. He was awarded a full scholarship to Seattle Universty where he was a varstiy starter all 4 years he played. During his senior year, the Redhawks took first place in thier conference and Ryan was awarded Seattle University's Male Athlete of the Year. He was named 2nd team All-GNAC, and was awarded GNAC Player of the Week 3 different times. He also finished his career second all time in assists from the point guard position. Being away from the game has proven to be quite difficult, so he currently coaches boys basketball at Lakeside high school. Ryan has a very strong passion for youth development through sports, he believes in patience, persistence and postive attitude for youth development on and off the court. Ryan is extremely excited to be involved with A PLUS and looks forward to being a positive influence in kids lives.

Jeff Day

Head Boys Basketball Coach - 4th Grade

Bio coming soon...

Zachary Townsend

Head Boys Basketball Coach - 5th Grade

Zac comes to the city from Bainbridge Island, WA. During his time at Bainbridge High School, Zac played basketball and football in the ultra-competitive Metro League in Seattle. Post high school, Zac took time to travel and pursue coaching opportunities. Along the way he served as Director of the Josh Childress Basketball Camp, camp counselor at the Swiss All-Star Camp in Switzerland and took part in NBA madness in Hong Kong. In 2009, he enrolled at Seattle Central Community College and returned to Bainbridge High School to coach the C-Team. After one season at the C-Team level, he was promoted to JV head coach/varsity assistant where he held post for two years. Most recently he served as a coach at the Northwest School’s Summer Camp in Seattle, teaching sports to international students from over 30 countries. In addition to working at A PLUS, Zac serves as a Para educator in the Bainbridge Island School District as a transition program for students with disabilities ages 18-21. Zac is passionate about teaching, basketball and mentorship and believes that A PLUS will give a wide range of youth an opportunity to grow and be successful in the classroom and on the court.

Will Petty

Head Boys Basketball Coach - 6th Grade

William Petty was born and raised in Seattle’s Central District. He attended local schools and graduated from Garfield High School, where he played varsity football. He has also been a mentor to Seattle’s youth in many capacities, including working as a late night counselor and basketball coach. His first year with A PLUS was in 2010 where he coached the fifth grade boy’s basketball team to a number of seasonal league championships. Last year was successful for Coach Will and he hopes to duplicate and exceed that success in 2011 and beyond.

Marques Williams

Assistant Boys Basketball Coach - Various Grades

Marques Williams was born and raised in the inner city of Seattle, Washington. Attending Garfield High School, Marques played 2 years of varsity ball, including the first state appearance by the Bulldogs since 2002. Marques then enrolled at Pierce College in Lakewood, Washington where he completed a year of basketball. Marques has heavily been a part of the community for the past couple years, working as a counselor at various community centers around the area. This being his first year with the A PLUS program, he is very excited to share his basketball knowledge ad leadership skills with the kids, to better them as players as well as young adults.

Ricky Bell, Jr.

Assistant Boys Basketball Coach - Various Grades

Bio coming soon...

Michelle Dumas

Head Girls Basketball Coach - 7th Grade

Michelle comes to A PLUS from British Columbia, Canada, where she was Captain of the Varsity Girls Volleyball, Softball and Basketball teams, in addition to playing varsity basketball on the Boys team. Michelle was an honors graduate attending UBC on three academic scholarships including the prestigious Nancy Green Scholarship awarded by Canada's Female Athlete of the 20th Century. Michelle has been coaching and mentoring youth for 20 years. Her commitment to girls athletics brought her to A PLUS after coaching girls teams in local community centers for the past three years. Michelle is excited to continue to develop girls on the court, but is thrilled that A PLUS has now extended their unique academic opportunity to girls this year. Michelle lives in Seattle raising her three wonderful children (Kaya, Xavier and Ysabella).

Eric Bakke

Assistant Girls Basketball Coach - 7th Grade

Eric Bakke is a graduate from Central Washington University and Puyallup High School from the class of 1995 and was the starting shooting guard of the 3 time SPSL champions and state tournament qualifying Vikings. In addition to being a defensive stopper, Eric is currently in the record books for 3-point percentage (48%, #1 all-time), 3-point field goals, free throw percentage, field goal percentage, and steals. Eric has enjoyed many successful years of coaching at NBC Camps (1995-2001), AAU boy’s basketball (1995-2000), Roosevelt High School boy’s basketball JVC head coach and assistant varsity coach (2005-2007), and has recently volunteered coaching girls youth basketball (2008-2011).

Staff

Staff

A PLUS Youth Program