Board of Directors

Who we are...

Founder and President: Curtis Betzler

For several years Curtis has headed up the annual humanitarian project at Beaver Lake Middle School, and has seen first hand how students in our community are eager to share resources with children in South Africa. He is committed to empowering young people locally and globally to shape their world through education, sharing, and leadership. Curtis received his degree from Seattle University, and teaches 8th grade Science at BLMS. He travels to South Africa every summer with fellow teachers, students and parents to visit schools and distribute items collected by kids in Issaquah and surrounding areas.

Vice-President: Barb Steeves

Barb brings a background of business leadership as well as a passion for community. She is currently the Director of Risk Management for Microsoft's Online Services Division and prior was an Assistant Vice President for Safeco Insurance. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a minor in Accounting at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington in 1985 and remains a rabid Zag supporter.

Secretary: Ellen Betzler

As an educator for over two decades, Ellen has helped thousands of students grow as human beings while building skills for the future. Her teaching experience canvasses Special Education, Middle School, High School and leadership roles, providing her with a broad prospective of how to assist students. Ellen earned her undergraduate and graduate degree at Gonzaga University in SpokaneWashington, and is currently a mathematics teacher at Skyline High School in Issaquah, Washington.

Treasurer: Annette Strand

Annette brings a background of business leadership and a passion for helping children. She is a senior consultant and the Seattle retirement line of business leader for Towers Watson - a global actuarial and benefits consulting firm. Annette holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and mathematics from St. Olaf College. She is also a fellow of the Society of Actuaries and an enrolled actuary.

Development Director: Austin King

Austin is a long time volunteer with multiple children’s charities in Tampa, Atlanta, and Chicago. He is a former professional football player, with a passion for children and non - profits. Currently, he works at the National MS Society, and also as a program assistant in the after school program at Cougar Ridge Elementary School in the ISD. He has a BS in Secondary Education from Northwestern University, and is in the UW Professional Certification School for Fundraising Management.

Director: Jennifer Deger

Jennifer brings a background of both business and nonprofit organization experience to the board. She is currently the Controller at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Prior to joining the foundation in 2006, Jennifer worked in various roles including public accounting where she specialized in tax exempt organizations and in local government managing the operations of the treasury and tax functions. Jennifer received her MBA from Seattle University and her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Gonzaga University. She is also a CPA. Jennifer volunteers with two local charities.

Director: Paula Frederick

Paula has been working in the field of Mental Health and Substance Abuse clinical Management for over 25 years. She is licensed in both mental health and Substance Dependency counseling- and currently is the Director of the Youth and Family Service programs for Friends of Youth for the past 9 years. She earned her two Master’s degrees (M.S., and MEd.)at Portland State University, Portland Oregon. Paula also teaches classes in the Health Sciences (ALDAC) department for Bellevue College for the past 13 years. She is a very strong advocate for mental health and holistic, care particularly for youth and their families. She loves to travel and has traveled extensively throughout Europe, Mexico and the US- what has a particular interest in working with developing countries.

Director: Linda Guard

An active volunteer in the Issaquah School District for many years, Linda serves on the Generation Joy board of directors because she believes that our children have a great deal of compassion and resourcefulness that goes mostly unrecognized, and enjoys nurturing that potential. A graduate of Indiana University, Linda has been a Neonatal nurse for more than 20 years, and also volunteers at Echo Glen Juvenile Detention Center.