Kate Fitzthum is the founder of Cygnet House. She has a long career as a nurse here in western Washington working primarily in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, and has been fostering kids and teens in Snohomish County since 2019. Caring for people in their greatest times of medical and social need, when they are unable to be in their own homes for a wide variety of reasons, has been her life's focus.
Paula Michele is a long time social worker for vulnerable adults in out of home care, as well as having a degree and early career in journalism. She has dedicated her life to caring for others, assuring their needs are met, and seeking truth and transparency especially regarding human rights and needs. Paula is an extraordinary advocate and has a tremendous amount of empathy for all those she advocates for.
Melissa Cosner is an artist and an early childhood educator who has a passion for helping children learn and thrive. She also brings with her experience as a treasurer with nonprofit organization and experience in charitable startup needs to get Cygnet House off to a great start. She has experience with her children changing different school districts (even states and countries) and how to best engage kids in new unfamiliar settings
Katie Langner is a business office manager in a nonprofit healthcare facility and is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She has valuable insight and first hand experience with the receiving care process as a foster parent of new to care youths. She will help us guide and shape Cygnet House into fulfilling it's mission to serve in a truly inclusive, effective and cost-efficient way.
Lori Hill is a social worker for elderly and disabled adults in out of home care and is a member of the BIPOC community. She is a dedicated advocate and has experience growing up away from her biological family that will bring valuable insight into the experiences we address in our mission to be understanding, caring and supportive with our kids who have a stay with us at Cygnet House.
Terra Keel is a medical records specialist and brings with her experience in not just keeping highly organized complex records systems, but in parenting and caring for vulnerable residents in out of home care. She has great compassion and enthusiasm for celebrating multicultural holidays and festivities. Her Hispanic heritage also helps keep us driven towards culture of inclusion
Alejandro Verdusco is a former foster youth who has lived the experience of being inside of a care system that is not predominantly built to reflect his own cultural identity. He is an Hispanic man who has insight into the ways in which youths being placed in settings with different cultures than their own can affect them, and what really makes an impact on youths feeling accepted and supported as they are by their peers and adult caregivers.