Board of Directors & Management

With a 14 member volunteer board of directors, nearly 80 employees, and a $2.7 million operational budget, The Arc of King County provides a variety of services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

We inform and educate participants on relevant issues and resources, provide support that develops individual and community advocacy, conduct outreach that educates the community and identifies those without services, and provide ongoing support services for adults with disabilities to reside and participate in community living. 

Our work serves people of all ages and walks of life including those from diverse cultural backgrounds, recent immigrants, and those who have been or are at risk of being homeless.

Board of Directors

Joshua Brothers, President
Trustee since 2008

Joshua Brothers received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in 2000, and graduated from the University of San Diego Law School in 2004. He is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and King County Bar Association and is currently a partner at the Dussault Law Group. His practice focuses on special education advocacy and litigation, benefits advocacy and appeals, guardianship, estate planning, probate and special needs trusts. Joshua was one of 60 cyclists in 1999’s Push America Journey of Hope bicycle ride from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., raising money and awareness for people with disabilities. He serves on the Advisory Board for the Autism Society of Washington and as a member of the Governing Board for the Developmental Disabilities Life Opportunities Trust. Joshua is also a member of The Arc of Washington State and The Arc of King County and the Autism Society of America and of Washington.

Rick Minutoli, President Elect
Trustee since 2012

Rick Minutoli is originally from Winchester, Massachusetts. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 1980 from Westfield State College in Massachusetts. He also earned a doctorate and two master’s degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University in the City of New York. Rick has served has a teacher, coach and principal in both overseas American schools and public schools in the United States. Rick and his family have lived in Latin America, Europe and New York State before coming to Seattle. Presently, Rick works with Global Educational Systems and provides professional services to overseas American schools with special emphases on overseas American schools in Africa. Rick’s past volunteer work includes six years as the Chair of the Superintendent’s Advocacy and Advisory Council at Seattle Public Schools. Rick is married to Seattle native Karen Shu. Dr. Shu Minutoli serves as a transition specialist at Auburn High School. Both Rick and Karen are very proud Cougar parents of Nicco Minutoli. Nicco is a computational physics major and an Army ROTC Cadet at Washington State University. Nicco is multiply handicapped. Rick is very passionate about supporting and creating opportunities for individuals with special needs and their families .

Kyle Matheson, Secretary
Trustee since 2009

Kyle has been a leader in advocacy for people with disabilities. Since 1981, he has been a volunteer for People First of Washington and has served in various roles such as chapter President, contact/advisor, and Board President. He has also served on the Washington assembly, the Governor's committee on disabilities, Washington Special Education, and King County Partnership Supporting Advocacy (KSPSA). Kyle has also volunteered for The Arc of King County's auction, umpired at Black Hill Bambino League and the Ballard Little League, volunteered for the Special Olympics, and has graduated from The Arc's Advocacy for Change Together leadership development class. Kyle Matheson is currently employed with Goodwill. 

Mitch Freedman, Treasurer
Trustee since 2010

Mitch Freedman is a financial executive with over twenty years of experience in the accounting and investment industries.  Currently, he is the Corporate President and Founding Partner of Mitch Freedman PS Inc. in Bellevue, Washington providing tax preparation, retirement & estate planning, and investment consulting services for individuals, families and businesses. His prior career experiences include working as a staff accountant for Fluery & Company PS of Seattle in addition to serving as Assistant Vice President of Financial and Regulatory Reporting for Shearson Lehman Commercial Paper, Inc. in New York.  Mitch is involved with the Autism Society of Washington and has performed its treasury functions for the past two years.  He also serves on several boards as a member of the Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club.  Mitch expressed his motivation to serve as a Board Member for The Arc: “As a parent of two children with special needs, our family has been on the receiving end of services that The Arc of King County dedicates itself to through its mission and vision.  Therefore, I know how important The Arc’s work is and I’m now in a position to offer help to others.”  His hope is to offer expertise, insight and direction as a CPA, financial adviser, parent and friend.

Alisha Harmeson, Trustee
Trustee since 2012

Alisha Harmeson earned a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University in Human Nutrition and Community Health, Dietetics and Exercise Science. She received her Master’s of Science degree from Ball State University in Dietetics. She completed her dietetic internship at University of Southern California University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (USC UCEDD) at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in 2012.  While in LA, Alisha also completed the LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) interdisciplinary training program at USC UCEDD. This experience has given her advanced knowledge in the health issues facing children with special health care needs and skills to improve health care delivery systems. Alisha has also volunteered with Special Olympics Indiana and spent a summer working with individuals who have disabilities in northern California. These experiences, along with Alisha’s professional career pursues, have led her to realize her passion for helping individuals with disabilities.  She aspires to find more ways to advocate and serve individuals with disabilities.

Ana Paula Leite, Trustee
Trustee since 2009

Originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, Ana Paula Leite earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the "Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing" in 1995, a post graduate degree in Communications from the same school in 1997 and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Sao Paulo in 2001.  For 13 years she worked in a variety of marketing management positions at top financial institutions such as American Express and Banco Itau.  During her career, Ana Paula developed and managed credit and debit card products, loyalty programs and strategic partnerships.  As a parent of a daughter with developmental disabilities, she understands the challenges faced by many of the families served by The Arc of King County, especially those who have moved from a different country to the United States.  In 2007, she moved to the U.S. with her husband, Alexandre, and their two daughters.  She enjoys spending time with her family, playing tennis and sewing.

Andrea Kadlec, Trustee
Trustee since 2006

Andrea Kadlec completed her undergraduate degree in Journalism and her masters in Organizational Leadership at Gonzaga University. She has worked for the past seven years with Disability Rights Washington, the designated protection and advocacy agency of Washington. As a systems advocate, she provides training, works with self-advocates, and promotes policy and laws that support the self-sufficiency and civil and human rights of people with disabilities. Andrea spends most of her time on the Self-Advocacy in Motion Project, which is built by and for youth with disabilities to promote leadership and self-determination. She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Special Education Parent & Professional Advisory Council of Northshore School District. Andrea enjoys hiking, kayaking, yoga and her two beautiful girls.

Heather Young, Trustee
Trustee since 2009

Heather Young has been with Microsoft since 2001, where she has successfully lead teams responsible for worldwide program design, marketing and communication over the last several years. She also has extensive experience in working directly with customers and business partners to address licensing and contract requirements. She is a disabled veteran of the US Army and certified as an Advanced French Linguist. One of her first jobs growing up was in the family business where she provided administrative support to three professional guardians. Heather and her husband Lloyd are the very proud parents of two young boys with special needs, and are involved in several local groups to help new arrivals learn their way around Holland.

Janet Howe, Trustee
Trustee since 2012

Bio and photo coming soon!

Marcella Young, Trustee
Trustee since 2010

Marcella Young is a 2009 graduate of The Arc of King County’s Advocating for Change Together project. One of her goals after the ACT training was to be an advocate and public speaker for developmental disabilities. She was the self-advocate speaker for the 2009 Puget Sound Buddy Walk® sponsored by the Down Syndrome Community. Marcella is part of the Inclusion Werks Northwest panel and shared her story with several school districts for Developmental Disabilities Awareness month. Since January 2007 she has worked at Goodwill in Burien. When not working four days a week, she participates in Special Olympics with the Seattle Park Sharks. About her life, Marcella expresses it best: “I live with my parents and like making art patterns; watching and going to movies; helping others; listening to my iPod; going on vacation; ushering at church; bowling; eating pizza; watching the Mariners; going to the library and love my life and who I am.  I am a good person who is 27 years old and happens to have Down syndrome."

Mark Turley, Trustee
Trustee since 2011

Mark Turley grew up in Tacoma, Washington and attended Central Washington University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and earned Bachelor’s Degrees in Accounting and Business Administration in 2005. During college, Mark worked as a tax preparer for the certified public accounting firm Moss Adams LLP in Yakima, Washington. After college, Mark became a licensed Washington State Certified Public Accountant and started working for KPMG, an international accounting firm, as a financial statement auditor. He has audited a variety of companies and presently has clients in the retail, manufacturing, and bio-tech industries and is currently an Audit Manager. Mark is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Washington State Society of CPA’s. Mark also serves on the Central Washington University Accounting Department’s Advisory Board. Mark brings accounting and finance expertise, as well as a passion for helping others to The Arc of King County’s Board of Directors. When Mark is not working or participating in the Boards he is on, he enjoys barbequing, international travel, scuba diving, spending time with his family, and playing golf and basketball. 

Shawn Andersen, Trustee
Trustee since 2010

Shawn Andersen received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Tulane University in 1985 and a Master’s degree in Social Work from University of Texas at Austin in 1989.  Since receiving her Master’s degree, Shawn has worked in a wide range of settings including mental health clinics, social service agencies, schools, pediatric hospitals.  She has seventeen years postgraduate experience working with children and families.  As the parent of a teen with a developmental disability, she has advocated for services, inclusion in community and school settings and served as a Special Education Representative on a local PTA in Seattle School District.  In 2010, Shawn participated and graduated from The Arc’s Advocating for Change Leadership Course.  This experience sparked her desire to join The Arc Board and continue to grow, learn, and contribute as an advocate.  In her leisure time, Shawn enjoys time with friends and family, hiking, reading, traveling, movies, music.

Stacia Irons, Trustee
Trustee since 2012

As a parent of a daughter with developmental disabilities, Stacia Irons has over 15 years of experience advocating for individuals with disabilities and their rights within the educational and healthcare systems. Stacia is currently the Co-President of the Special Education Advisory Committee in Kent and has made inclusion in school and the community a priority, directing the film Faces of Inclusion in 2010 spotlighting inclusion and the successes and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. She is a member of the Seattle Sensory Garden’s steering committee, a HOPE Mentor for the Epilepsy Foundation Northwest, and a founding member of the region’s Special Education Parent Council Network and Autism Initiative Group in Kent. Stacia completed The Arc’s Advocating for Change Together Leadership Course in 2010, and wanted to take the next step as a board member. She continues to share resources and knowledge gained from these experiences with families in the region to assist them with their advocacy. Originally from Wisconsin, Stacia received a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an AAS in Apparel Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. While in the industry, Stacia designed skiwear, sportswear and sweaters and started an aerobicwear company.

Steve Ferreira, Trustee
Trustee since 2012

Steve Ferreira was born with cerebral palsy in Taipei, Taiwan in 1988. Steve is currently a student at Bellevue College and is pursuing a degree in Communications and Exercise Science. When he was 15 years old, he decided he wanted to try to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. He started speaking to local high schools about what it is like to live with a disability. To this date, he has spoken over 150 times at more than 20 different regional high schools. In addition, he has spoken to high schools and a college in Taipei, Taiwan, local colleges, and Kiwanis and Rotary events. As a motivational speaker, Steve aims to raise disability awareness within each and every community he addresses. In November of 2011, he started a non-profit called Beyond Disabilities to further his goal of disability awareness. In addition, to his motivation speaking, Steve has been involved in athletics and has competed in International Competitions both in the United States and Europe earning the bronze medal in shot put in 2008 and the gold medal in discus in 2010. Steve is excited to be a part of The Arc of King County.

Management at The Arc

Sylvia Fuerstenberg
Executive Director

Sylvia Fuerstenberg, MSW, was appointed Executive Director of The Arc of King County in March 2008. Throughout her career, Sylvia has demonstrated a passion for disability rights, a strong understanding of the issues, a great reputation with a wide range of advocacy and interest groups, and a demonstrated history of leadership excellence. Sylvia previously worked at S.L.Start where she was the Vice President New Business Development / Legislative Liaison and previously their Director of Supported Living in King County. She was formerly the E. D of Residence East. Sylvia has stated, “I have a vision for the future of people with disabilities. I believe that people of all abilities have a place and will contribute to our collective communities. In return, our communities should recognize each person’s unique value and be inclusive and responsive to all people with developmental disabilities and their families as they navigate their lives. The Arc has a critical role to play in advocating and assuring that all people are included, valued and an active participant in their community.”

Joane Epting
Director of Operations

After a 30 year career as a district manager for a nationally known photography company, Joane transitioned into the non-profit sector. Her decision to slow down and add more meaning to her life was realized on her first day at The Arc. Now, years later, the slow down has turned into the wearing of many hats and many roles in managing the operations of The Arc, and the joy of doing something she loves. Joane has been married for 28 years and has two beautiful grown daughters.

Wendy Harnos
Director of Finance

Wendy Harnos received a BA in English and a programming certificate from the Chubb Institute. She worked for six years in New York as a programmer analyst specializing in database applications. In 1989, she moved to Washington State, where she applied her computer skills to automated bookkeeping and office management functions in a variety of business settings. Along the way, she has volunteered her skills to the public schools, her children’s athletic teams and the Girl Scouts of Western Washington.

Tom Haupt
Director of Supported Living

Tom Haupt attended Seattle University and Central Washington University and received a Bachelor of Science in Gerontology in 1986. He has been working in the disability field for the past 25 years and has worked at The Arc of King County since 1995. He has worked as an advocate, primarily in fair housing practices, accessibility in the court room and legal system, and has supports others in understanding the legislative process. He believes that the most powerful voice in the field of disabilities is that of the self advocate, and that individuals should self direct their own lives and services. He enjoys studying and performing music, hiking and writing.

Hye Kyong Jeong
Director of Outreach And Advocacy

For the last four years, Hye Kyong has worked to build our Outreach Department. She was instrumental in writing and receiving the Family Support 360 Program (FS360°) grant, further developed the senior family care giving project, managed the person centered planning program. She has been involved in various programs over this period, including reviving the Latino family support program in its early stages which eventually was merged into FS360°. She is a sibling of a person with a disability, and also developed and launched the practicum training program in partnership with University of Washington and other colleges and university. Hye Kyong received her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Washington and while there did training in the fields of disability and aging, including clinical, community organization and public policy.