Our Leadership
Kids’ Chance of Washington is governed by a group of volunteer directors from a wide variety of organizations throughout the workers compensation industry. Within the organization, various committees exist to raise funds and awareness and to administer scholarships.
Board of Directors
Mandi Horton
MS, BS, BA, CSP, CHST, WW
Director of Safety / AGC Of Washington | The Construction Association
KCWA Board President
“As a safety professional in a high hazard industry, I have seen many devastating accidents. My work with Kids’ Chance helps me give back and feel like I am making a difference for those that need us.”
Michelle M. Jensen
President & Founder / Eastside Vocational Services, Inc.
KCWA Vice President
“With over 25 years of experience in Washington State’s Workers’ Compensation industry, I can confidently say that Kids’ Chance is an organization that is truly making a significant impact. As a board member, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative effects that Kids’ Chance has on the lives of children whose parents have suffered serious injuries or fatalities due to work-related accidents. Kids’ Chance is not just a charity; it serves as a critical lifeline for these vulnerable children, providing scholarships, educational opportunities, and vital support that might otherwise remain out of reach. Being part of this organization allows me to deepen my commitment to a cause that resonates with my values and provides essential support to families in our home state of Washington. I urge everyone to explore the mission of Kids’ Chance and consider how you might contribute to this worthy endeavor. Together, we can create positive change and uplift those in need.”
Kris Tefft
Washington Self-Insurers Association
KCWA Treasurer
“I’ve spent the better part of my career in and around Washington’s workers’ comp world, so helping the families most affected by a workplace injury feels like a natural way to give something back and make a difference.”
Liz Evans
Director of Client Development & Service / Approach Management Services
KCWA Fundraising Chair & Student Outreach Chair
“Kids Chance is personal to me because I have seen how quickly a family’s world can change and how uncertain the future can feel for their kids. Being part of giving those students a path forward is something that stays with me. Every scholarship is proof that, even in the hardest moments, our community shows up and helps change what is possible for them.”
Katherine Mason
Scholarship Chair
Board Members
Marne J. Horstman
Justin Thayer
Jessica Gallardo
Heather Kurtenbach
Executive Secretary / Washington State Building and Construction Trades
KCWA Board Member
“As a board member, I’m proud to support an organization that helps students pursue their education despite significant family challenges. Kids’ Chance demonstrates the power of community, and it’s rewarding to play a small part in creating opportunities that can have a lasting impact on a student’s future.”
Chris Ross
Johna Sheperd
Sr. Sales Director, Western Division / Dane Street
KCWA Board Member
“I wanted to join the Kids’ Chance of Washington board because its mission is personal to me. My father was injured on the job, and I saw firsthand how a workplace injury can affect an entire family. Kids’ Chance did not exist when my family went through that experience, and I often think about how valuable that kind of support could have been. Being part of the board gives me an opportunity to help make sure families facing similar circumstances today know that support is there for them.”
Key Roles/Non-Board Members
Alexys Smith
Operations Systems Manager / Association of Washington Business
KCWA Treasury Support
“I have the privilege of being part of a huge-hearted team who is passionate about helping students pursue their dreams by providing opportunity through education, despite facing significant hardships. Receiving the heartfelt thank-you notes and expressions of gratitude from scholarship recipients is incredibly meaningful and serves as a powerful reminder of the impact this organization has on their lives.”
Haley Schmidlin
Chief Operating Officer / Eastside Vocational Services, Inc.
KCWA Event Marketing Support
“Kids’ Chance of Washington makes a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of injured workers and their families. By providing educational opportunities and scholarships, Kids’ Chance helps create pathways toward independence, growth, and a brighter future for families who have already experienced significant hardship. For me, being able to support this mission and play even a small role in the positive impact Kids’ Chance has on these families is incredibly meaningful and rewarding.”
MacKynzie Janssen
Workforce WellBeing Coordinator / Hoffman Construction Company
KCWA Event Support & Fundraising