Meet the Initiators
We have, with help from others, spent considerable time considering ways to support local youth as they confront the climate crisis. Our aim is to initiate a broad-based local coalition. Please join us!
Tannia Kinnear
Background: Tania is a former Montessori Teacher with the Society School for Autistic Children, London; After-School Program Director with Sequoyah School, Pasadena CA; Custodian and Union Steward with VISD (16yrs);
Local Associations: Volunteered with MacMurray: VHS and Chautauqua Green Teams. Member of “The Whole Vashon Project” and the “Choose Plastic Free” organizations on Vashon as well as a concerned climate activist and photographer.
Statement: “Over the years, I have observed a growing anxiety among young people about their future. My goal is to provide support to our youth to become agents of change, to develop knowledge, skills, behaviors and connections that will allow them to create a viable and sustainable future.”
Kenny Alton
Background: I have been a resident on Vashon since 2018 but have had connections for much longer. I have BA in Psychology and Spiritual Studies from Antioch and Masters in System Psychology from LIOS at Saybrook.
Local Associations: I am a counselor at Vashon Youth and Family Services and work for Journeymen as a circles facilitator and camp lead for the summer programs. I also started the Vashon Social Music Club at Orbit for teens and created the Creative Arts Therapy Group for teens.
Statement: "I believe that climate awareness and the changes that we as a collective should be the foundation for our work in this present moment. Creating emotional ties and connection to Nature is kin to us understanding our own souls, and develop meaning that will enhance our purpose and quality of life upon the planet. To heal the earth we must heal ourselves, to heal ourselves we must heal the earth"
Jeani George
Background: Jeani is a former International Baccalaureate High Science School Teacher. She has over 10 years of experience working in medicine as a pelvic floor physical therapist with her most recent placement at Johns Hopkins Medical Center. She is a certified mindfulness meditation teacher through the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program in conjunction with UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, Sounds True, and the Awareness Training Institute.
Local Associations: Volunteering with the Vashon Food Bank and teaching at Women Hold The Key.
Statement: “It is my desire to be a better ancestor and create a space where youth can step into a role of agency. I think we have a great deal to learn from the youth, if we are open to creating a space where we can step into the role of listener.”
Leslie Emery
Background: Vashon resident for 20 years; PhD in Psychological Mythology; Research in cultural implications of systems science and emerging naturalistic spirituality: www.nextworldview.net
Local Associations: Member of the Elder Council for Journeymen rites of passage organization, actively involved in youth rites of passage
Statement: “In my work with youth I have come to regard the climate crisis as a collective rite of passage for our entire society. Our cultural attitude toward the natural world must change radically if there is to be a survivalable future. That can only happen if we provide young people with the concepts and skills for this transformation.”
Latest News
We Need Your Support Today!