THE TEAM
Carolyn Cox
Founder and Director of SPARK.
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As the founder and director of SPARK, I strive to help bring youth peer support, and youth voice to the forefront of the growing peer movement. SPARK's staff is purposefully diverse as it is SPARK's goal to appropriately support youth and families from all cultures with certified peer specialists who are from those cultures.
I am always actively looking for, and open to collaboration as I believe that by working together, we can make the changes needed for a hopeful future for our young generations.
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Email: ccox@wayouth.us
Ramon Razo
BSW, Certified Peer Support Specialist, State Trainer
I lead our juvenile Justice and school-based prevention programs at SPARK. I run groups focused on gang prevention and intervention in high schools, addressing the dangers of gang involvement and drug use.​
I am working to include group sessions at Canon View group homes. I also provide intervention support to youth in group homes, serve as a state trainer, engage in extensive networking and consult with and support behavioral health agencies across Washington State.
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Email: ​rrazo@wayouth.us
Jazmaine Wong
Youth Tribal Liaison, Certified Peer Support Specialist, B.A
I am a compassionate Tribal Liaison; I focus on advocating for voice and choice. I am Proudly enrolled in the Yakama Nation where my work is deeply influenced by cultural and my personal journey. I Graduated With a bachelor's degree in psychology minor in criminal justice. My most meaningful roles have been as a mother, daughter, and partner. Raised by my parents, Pamela and Jarrett Wong, I learned the importance of resilience, empathy, and family support. As a mother of 4 beautiful children and fiancé to an amazing partner of nine and a half years, my dedication to my family fuels my drive to create a better world for future generations.
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Email: jwong@wayouth.us
Estefania Cervantes
Certified Peer Support Specialist, Greater Columbia Youth Liaison
As the Greater Columbia Youth Liaison, I work to ensure that youth voices are heard and their needs are met.​
I collaborate with Ramon to lead prevention programs in schools and juvenile detention centers, focusing on educating and mentoring students about the risks of gang involvement and drug use.​
I actively engage in various youth activities, striving to create a safer and more supportive environment for young people.​
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Email: ecervantes@wayouth.us
Cece Byrd
Certified Peer Support Specialist, 2SLGBTQIA+ Liaison
Youth Coordinator for Mobile Response Services and Stabilization
South West Washington and 2SLGBTQIA+ Liaison for WA State Behavioral Health Youth Network.
I have worked supporting youth and families since I graduated high school, first in early childhood education and then transitioning into the Behavioral Health world in 2022. My work on a WISe team introduced me to peer work and I have been passionate about this career path since. My history of mental health and embracing my identity within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community has helped turn me into the support I wish I had as a young person. My desire to see a world that is focused on growth and healing keeps me motivated and excited to stay on this journey.
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Email: cbyrd@wayouth.us
Gabriel Hamilton
WA State Behavioral Health Youth Network Director, Certified Peer Support Specialist,
As Peer specialist and Director of The youth network My job is to help enrich Washington states youth and young adults in navigating and finding spaces for them to share and express their voice alongside bridging community and state connections.​
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Email: ghamilton@wayouth.us
Pete Gonzales
Certified Peer Support Specialist, B.A. M.Ed.
Over the last 7+ years, I've been working in a Behavioral Health setting, in the WISe program, Case Management, and a Crisis Department.
Now with SPARK, as a State Trainer, I'll be co-facilitating trainings for peers who are or will be working in a Behavior Health crisis department.​
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Email: pgonzales@wayouth.us
Matthew Polley
Grays Harbor County Youth & Family Liaison, Certified Peer Support Specialist
I have been a Certified Peer Support Specialist since August 2023. I started out in Foundational Community Support, and am now working to become a certified state trainer.
My current focus is working to bring awareness of peer support to youth, families and teachers in Grays Harbor and surrounding counties.
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Email: mpolley@wayouth.us
Diane McCullum
Training Coordinator
I worked for many years with youth and families in various behavioral health positions. Now as a Training Coordinator, I organize and facilitate registration for CPC, CACPS, and other SPARK trainings. I work alongside peers and HCA staff to ensure participants have the information and resources they need before and after training.
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Email: dmccullum@wayouth.us
