Aden is a graduate of the University of Kansas (BA) and Emerson College (MA), where he gained a passion for experiential learning and progressive forms of education. Through previous work of community education and organizing, arts venue management, program development, and working with individuals who are neurodiverse and/or with disability, Aden has experienced firsthand the various ways people learn and the power of education as a tool to connect and grow; both as individuals and as communities. When not working with youth and young adults, Aden enjoys fishing (not catching) and keeping busy with all sorts of tasks.

Gabi is a graduate of Wesleyan University (BA) and University of Washington (MSW), and hates writing bios but acknowledges the necessity of them. With a background in art, outdoor guiding, and experiential learning, Gabi found her way to Aspiring Youth in 2017 where she became passionate about working with neurodiverse youth and learning more about her own neurodivergent brain. Throughout her time at Aspiring Youth, she has continued to deepen her appreciation for experiential and play-based approaches, and she always loves learning from the kids! Outside of work, Gabi enjoys trying out different creative projects, rock climbing, and spending time with her cats (and her human friends too).

Ajay is a graduate of the University of Washington, where she earned her BA and MCCN. She has a broad background that includes community mental health, youth and young adult programming, tech research, game development, and community outreach. Her work is guided by a commitment to accessibility, equity, and strengths-based support for neurodivergent youth and young adults, along with a strong dedication to families and community connection. Outside of work, Ajay enjoys fiber arts, photography, technology, and gaming.

Jill holds a BS in Psychology from Bastyr University and an MA in Counseling with a specialization in Drama Therapy from Antioch University Seattle. She has been a part of Aspiring Youth since May 2020, where she has worn many hats including facilitator, supervisor, and enrollment meeting specialist. As a neurodivergent human herself, Jill is dedicated to creating spaces where the folx she works with feel seen, respected, celebrated, and genuinely supported. Outside of Aspiring Youth, she runs a private practice as a licensed mental health therapist where she supports neurodiverse adults. In her free time, Jill enjoys playing The Sims 4, rewatching the second campaign of Critical Role, road-tripping around the PNW, and spending time with the fish, shrimp, and snails who share her home office.

Peter Jung M.Ed. Is an autistic self-advocate and disability educator. Passionate about building neurodivergent centered community, he has spoken nationally about how to reframe social skills groups to build meaningful neurodivergent friendships and healthy social networks. With 12 years of teaching social skills groups through Ryther's Aspiring Youth program through tabletop and videogaming groups, Peter has developed a number of frameworks and tools that build a sense of self agency and advocacy skills that empower autistic youth and young adults to build community that works for them, rooted in principles of disability justice. In his spare time, Peter is an avid cinephile and poet and enjoys playing tabletop games.