Email Rita- Executive Director

Rita is our fearless leader here at SYM. You can find her in the office, in Drop-In, running errands for DI meals, catching up with clients, and making pots of coffee throughout the day to keep everyone going. She loves coffee, and her go-to order is a simple and strong 2 shots of espresso. She loves working with the clients and having them feel deeply known by herself and her staff. She enjoys walking around Green Lake and isn’t fazed by a classic Seattle rain. 

Daniel Coggins- DI staff and Art/Music Room Coordinator

Daniel is a true PNW dude. You can find him on walking or biking trails in the mountains, eating Tacos Chukis in Capitol Hill, or showcasing his artistic side with his focus on street art. Before joining SYM staff he designed and painted the mural in Drop-in. Stop by and check out Dan’s work!

Email Mike- Program Coordinator/Chaplain/Tech

Mike has a heart passionate about the powerful pursuit of individuals as being crucial to any hope of recovery and growth in life. He has a discipleship-oriented spirit that comes from his own experiences of people pursuing him in Jesus’ name. He’s a hard-core music style lover and can be found at skateparks hangin with his homies. He, like all of us on SYM’s staff, is a big fan of coffee and especially enjoys being at Poindexter. Another U District favorite of his is Cedars of Lebanon. Mike has many connections to churches around the U District and has worked to expand our community here by getting to know who is around us! He believes for a unification of people of faith around the U District.

Email Antonio- Drop-in Staff

Antonio finds enjoyment in the little things of life. He is passionate about the power of community and connection, especially for youth who are going through a tough time, as he has experienced his own struggles as a kid. Antonio hopes to inspire young people to seek out communities that resonate with their interest, values, or goals, through the community of SYM.

Email Alyssa- Operations Assistant

Alyssa is a class of 2024 grad from the University of Washington, where she acquired her BA in Spanish and a minor in Dance. She is passionate about social services and using language as a way to foster connection between people. She enjoys sitting on the Ave and drinking a coffee. You can find her most frequently in the SYM offices, doing admin work and planning fundraisers!

Email Grace- Case Manager

Grace is also a class of 2024 grad from the University of Washington, where she earned her BA in Public Health-Global Health with a minor in Data Science. She interned with SYM for two quarters during her fourth year of university where she exuded compassion, dedication, and proactive effort and is now joining our team as a staff member! She loves spending time at Cafe Allegro and looking for new books to read at Magus Books. She is looking forward to stepping into her staff role here.

Program Leads:

Amirah Chatman- Art Room Lead

Amirah is an Interdisciplinary Artist based in the Pacific Northwest, originally from Phoenix, Arizona. Her artwork thematically centers on creating imagery that evokes feelings of wonder, joy, and curiosity. Utilizing visuals composed of elements found in nature, weather, and space, she seeks to create dynamic scenes meant to intrigue the viewer. These scenes are rooted in her own curiosity of what the afterlife may look like, after experiencing several familial losses over the past few years. A lack of representation within traditional depictions of Heaven drove a need in her to see a place that was dynamic, colorful, vibrant, and reflective of her loved ones. Notable recent projects include a large site-specific mural located on the first floor of the brand-new Behavioral Health Resource Center located in downtown Portland, and a mural for Imagine Black Futures. She has shown work in multiple galleries within the United States, and currently spends her time facilitating art workshops for houseless youth.

Jack Roedel- Coffee Run Lead

Doggos!

Charlie Buyco: The resident office dog, Charlie, is in the office whenever Rita is in the office- so all the time. But Charlie’s on a half-day schedule, so he can mostly be found in the mornings. He is a sweet boy who loves to be pet.

Obi Coggins: Obi is SUCH a good boy. He loves to be active and play tug of war with anyone. He’s got a big bark and protects people well, and he has such a gentle heart. Get to know this doggo, and you will be in love with his spirit.

Preta Riser: Preta is a joy to be around. She loves to be loved. Preta isn’t found at SYM all the time, but some days her mom, volunteer/board member Tracy Riser, will bring her in, and it is always a treat.