Shelby Archer, Program Registration Specialist

Shelby Archer is a musician, educator, and a soon-to-be graduate from Western Washington University. She grew up in Seattle and Bellevue, WA, and was an active musician throughout her childhood. They played Alto and Tenor Saxophone in Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble, as well as exploring several other instruments, such as Bass, Guitar, and Piano in their free time. She also joined percussion in high school, participating in ECB (Emerald City Boom - Community Drumline), Snowflake Lane (Toy Drummer), and Philharmonic Orchestra (Auxiliary percussion, Mallets, and Timpani), as well as playing the Synthesizer/Piano and Bass in the “Newport Pride” high school marching band. She continued to play music during college, participating in Vocal Jazz, Jazz Combos, and Big Band Jazz while at Western Washington University.

A passionate music educator who has worked with kids of all ages, they are dedicated to creating greater access for students to discover music and community in safe and inclusive learning environments. In her free-time, she loves to compose and produce music, learn to play new instruments and how to repair them, have long & silly deep-talks, bake bread and pastries, and research & discover new communities through music and art.

Walter Cano, Equipment Manager

Walter Cano is an award nominated jazz musician, seasoned music educator and Seattle JazzED almnus. He joins the Seattle JazzED team as the Family Support Advocate and Equipment Specialist.  

His professional career began during his musical education at Michigan State University where he directed Jazz Octet IV and taught private lessons. Upon graduation, he returned to his hometown in Washington state and taught high school jazz as well before focusing on jazz performance. He is currently lead trumpet for Ulysses Owens Jr. Big Band and The Jazz Orchestra at the Dr. Phillips Center. In his free time he teaches his cat new tricks.

Equipped with years as a musician and music educator, Walter aims to empower children in music by improving access to education, particularly in Latinx communities. His work seeks remove existing barriers by directly supporting families in need.

Natalie Chan, Development Manager

Natalie Chan graduated with a B.A. in Human Services with a minor in Education and Social Justice from Western Washington University. She has been working in nonprofit fundraising and event planning for the past two years at Denise Louie Education Center and Kin On. For the past three years, she worked as a children’s educator and advocate at the Chinese Information Service Center.

Natalie is passionate about making positive impacts in under-resourced communities. Her experience working closely with communities, as well as her personal experience with institutionalized racism, has deepened her passion for social justice. One of her biggest goals in this field of work is to provide the youth access to endless opportunities and resources that will lay the foundation for their futures. Natalie is also a music fanatic. When you look in her Spotify library you will find a diverse taste in music. In her free time, she enjoys going to concerts as well as spending time with her cats.

Michael Fowlkes, Program and Partnerships Manager

Michael Fowlkes is an experienced youth advocate with a lifelong love and passion for music and its creation. Growing up as the youngest member of a musical family, he was constantly surrounded by singing, dancing, and various instruments which cultivated his passion for music. He further developed this passion in high school by playing for his local church and forming a band with friends that performed at nearby venues. In college, he studied world music and song structure among other courses while pursuing a minor in Music at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Michael is excited to have the opportunity to support youth in building their confidence and skill in music at JazzED. 

Nicole Harvey, Interim Executive Director

Nicole Harvey is an avid music fan and jazz enthusiast, who brings a depth of knowledge in supporting community-based programs and initiatives in both domestic and international context, with a focus on education and youth development. As a non-traditional student herself, Nicole deeply believes in the power of education in helping a student reach their full potential and she is excited to bring her skills in community engagement and program development to further support the JazzED community. Originally from Alaska, Nicole is a proud Seattle transplant, with a Bachelor's Degree in Cultural Anthropology from Seattle University. 

BJ Montoya, Curriculum Manager and Lead Teacher

BJ’s passion for teaching music must have come from a family history of teachers and musicians. His grandparents were school teachers in the Philippines. And as they immigrated to North America, they were sure to bring and share their musical traditions as instrumentalists and dancers. His musical journey started as a student of Suzuki Violin Method for over 13 years at the University of Louisville School of Music Prep School. He also performed with the Louisville Youth Orchestra and other small local ensembles.

Beyond the classical foundation, the violin has afforded him an opportunity to express a wider range of styles. Since arriving in Seattle in 2001, he has been performing in a range of venues from sanctuaries to coffee shops to night clubs. He has been featured in local indie bands, gospel choirs, theater productions and his longstanding Irish party band, Whiskey Mary. His teaching builds from these experiences emphasizing social playing and creative expression through the many dialects that music has to offer whether fiddle, classical or jazz. BJ looks forward to sharing his passion for music and the joy the wonderfully versatile instrument can offer.

Tessa Pargiter-Hatem, Operations and Events Specialist

Tessa Pargiter-Hatem first worked with Seattle JazzED as the event coordinator for the annual fundraising gala, and is thrilled to be transitioning into a more prominent operations and events position. As a graduate of the University of Washington, she is eager to be returning to Seattle’s expansive music community and deepening her PNW roots. Tessa brings a diverse skill set to her work at Seattle JazzED, with experience in environmental nonprofits, film, and the food and beverage industry.

As an enthusiastic life-long learner, Tessa is motivated to help students and their families express themselves and build community through music education. When she’s not in the office, you’ll find her cycling up mountains or skiing down them, listening to anything from Pink Martini to Fred Again. 

Alyssa Seng, Communications Manager

Alyssa Seng is a second-generation Southeast Asian American and a first-generation graduate. Raised by refugees in a diverse Southern California town, her values and passion for equity and community-building are a product of the unique blend of cultures that surrounded her. 

 After receiving her Bachelors from the University of California, Santa Barbara, she began her professional career using storytelling to bring awareness to the transformative impact arts has in the community. Since moving to Seattle in 2019, she immersed herself in advocacy work from amplifying Southeast Asian American student voices to leading a COVID-19 public health campaign across Washington State while earning her Masters from the University of Washington. 

 Alyssa is elated to join Seattle JazzED, using her communications and marketing background to champion equity and increase access to arts and music education for our youth. 

Koru, Unofficial Intern

Koru is excited to be joining the team as a paw-sitive vibes specialist, with a PhD in Treat Seeking and a Master's in Melting Hearts. When he's not perfecting the art of the nap, Koru enjoys pitter pattering down the hallway, offering expert cuddle therapy, and reminding us that life is all about play, treats and the occasional behind-the-ear scratch.