Shelby Archer, Program Registration Manager

Shelby Archer is a musician, educator, and graduate of Western Washington University with a BA in Human Services and French. Growing up in Seattle and Bellevue, Shelby has been an active musician for over 15 years, playing alto and tenor saxophone in jazz bands, jazz combos, and concert bands from middle school through college. They also performed as a percussionist in marching band, drumline, and philharmonic orchestra during high school. Outside of school, they spent the past ten years honing their skills on guitar, bass, and piano, stemming from their passion for songwriting and exploring new instruments.

A passionate music educator who has worked with students of all ages, Shelby is dedicated to creating greater access for students to discover music and community in safe and inclusive learning environments. In their free time, she enjoys composing and producing music, rock climbing, experimenting with fashion, baking treats, and exploring nature

Walter Cano, Equipment Manager and Education Lead

Walter Cano is an award nominated jazz musician, seasoned music educator and Seattle JazzED alumnus.

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. 

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 Director

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. 

Liz Riggs Meder, Executive Director

Liz is an educator and nonprofit leader with a background in guiding organizations through growth and change to expand their reach and impact. She is passionate about creating access for diverse audiences and has done that for programs ranging from science curriculum for youth to outdoor risk management for adults. Profoundly shaped by her music education experience through her school years, she is eager to return to the music world and to use her change management skills to support making rich music education more accessible to all students.  

Liz is a long-time Seattle resident and when not working can be found playing in the mountains either skiing down them or slowly running over them. 

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.

 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.