Our Team
Maurice Leary is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of StepItUp Camp, bringing more than 40 years of experience mentoring, educating, and supporting youth. His passion for youth development began at age 16 as a camp counselor and has continued through leadership roles with the YMCA, youth ministry, substitute teaching, and coaching. Maurice has spent years working alongside educators supporting autistic students and youth facing academic, emotional, and economic challenges. Inspired by the mentors who shaped his own life, he founded StepItUp Camp to provide safe, inclusive spaces where young people can build confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging. He remains committed to creating opportunities that empower every student to reach their full potential.
Maurice Leary
John Agyapong
I graduated in Spring 2025 from the University of Washington Bothell with my bachelors degree in Educational studies with a concentration in Curriculum, Instruction, and Equity. I joined Step It Up Camp in March of 2025. Through Step It Up, I hope to continue to create a safe and inclusive space where we are able to give marginalized kids a platform to achieve their goals. I want to be able to assist the kids in leadership development, academic growth and connecting them to their community. These skills will help them become the change they want to see in their community, and make them feel empowered.
Vanessa Spencer
Ron Pearson, recently retired from over 30 years in education, including experiences as classroom teacher, principal and Superintendent in both public and private Christian Schools. He has had several rewarding experiences working with students through out his career; one highlight for Ron was traveling to NASA to train as an astronaut, to enrich his classroom teaching and motivate students to seek a career in science. Ron has two grown children who are involved in their own careers in the Puget Sound area. Together, they spend summer days hiking and biking on local trails in the Puget Sound. They attend local churches in the Seattle area.
Ron Pearson
Xeindria Chandran is a Junior Board Member at StepItUp Camp and recently earned her master's degree in Sport Psychology from the University of Western States. Having been involved with StepItUp Camp for nearly 10 years, she is passionate about creating spaces where everyone feels accepted, included, and empowered. As an aspiring mental performance consultant, Xeindria uses evidence-based techniques such as self-talk, imagery, and emotional regulation to help individuals build confidence and reach their full potential. She is committed to using her voice and skills to create meaningful change and help others thrive both in life and in performance.
Xeindria Chandran
Josie Rosemond is a student at Inglemoor High School and a Junior Board Member at StepItUp Camp. She joined StepItUp to support students’ academic and social growth while developing her own leadership skills and community involvement. Passionate about technology and helping others, Josie hopes to become a software engineer and design solutions that meet the needs of people. Through experiences like the Kenmore Bake Sale and Kenmore Play Day, she has gained valuable teamwork, communication, and leadership skills while creating meaningful connections within her community.
Josie Rosemond
Monir Zandghoreishi is a longtime member of the StepItUp Camp community and has been inspiring creativity, confidence, and mentorship since the program’s founding. With an extensive background in the fashion industry, including serving as the Regional Director of Fashion Group International (FGI-Seattle), Monir has dedicated her career to supporting emerging designers and creating opportunities for young people to explore their creativity. Through StepItUp’s fashion program, she has shared her expertise by teaching students basic sewing skills, the fundamentals of sewing equipment, and the process of designing and creating garments. Her passion for mentorship and empowering the next generation reflects her belief that creativity can build confidence, encourage self-expression, and open doors to new possibilities.
Monir Zanghoreishi
Chehayle Chandran is a Junior Board Member at StepItUp Camp and a creative professional specializing in social media strategy, web design, and digital storytelling. A graduate of Washington State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Strategic Communication, they are passionate about using creativity to foster connection, inclusion, and meaningful impact. Having been involved with StepItUp Camp since their early teens, they continue to apply those values by helping organizations and individuals share their stories through thoughtful design and intentional communication.
Chehayle Chandran
Stephanie Aparicio is a Junior Board Member at StepItUp Camp and a first-year Running Start student at Cascadia College. She has been involved with StepItUp for 4 years, beginning as a volunteer supporting students’ cognitive development and later helping organize and participate in community events. As a Hispanic student who experienced language barriers and challenges accessing academic support, Stephanie is passionate about creating opportunities for students facing similar obstacles. She is committed to fostering a safe and encouraging environment where students feel comfortable learning, making mistakes, and growing toward their future goals.
Stephanie Aparicio
Junior Board
John Agyapong was born in the West African country of Ghana. He immigrated to the United States of America at the age of 16 to further his education. John has a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the University of Washington, and an MBA from Seattle University.
John worked in the financial services industry for over 10 years, but the past 15 have been spent in the Aerospace industry. After several years at Microsoft and AT&T Wireless, he joined Boeing in 2001 as a financial analyst, and has worked with many suppliers around the world procuring parts for production of commercial aircraft.
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Campbell Griner is a Junior Board Member at StepItUp Camp and a student at Inglemoor High School. Since joining the organization in 2022, Campbell has been passionate about helping students build confidence, develop academically and socially, and discover their potential. With a strong interest in marketing, film, and the entertainment industry, she enjoys using storytelling and media to foster connection and community. She is committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment where every young person feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Campbell Griner
Mike Ramirez
Zoë Lee is a Junior Board Member at StepItUp Camp and a student at Inglemoor High School. She has been involved with StepItUp since 2022 and is passionate about creating supportive spaces where young students feel encouraged to learn and grow. Through her experiences with StepItUp, Zoë has strengthened her leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills while developing a deeper commitment to helping others. Inspired by her goal of becoming a pharmacist, she hopes to make a positive impact by ensuring people feel heard, understood, and supported.
Zoe Lee
Katherin is a Junior Board Member at StepItUp Camp and a student at Inglemoor High School. She has been involved with StepItUp for four years, joining the program in eighth grade and discovering a passion for supporting and encouraging younger students. Through her experiences with StepItUp, Katherin has grown her communication, teamwork, and leadership skills while building meaningful connections with the students and community. Inspired by her family’s journey and sacrifices, she hopes to attend law school and pursue her dream of becoming an immigration lawyer while continuing to advocate for and support others.
Katherin Chavez
Giovanna is a Junior Board Member at StepItUp Camp and a student at Inglemoor High School. She has been involved with StepItUp since 2023 and is passionate about creating opportunities that help students discover their strengths, interests, and potential. With a love for sports and marketing, Giovanna hopes to contribute to the growth and visibility of women’s sports while using her skills to support others. Through StepItUp, she is committed to helping students and families access resources, build confidence, and develop skills that will benefit them for years to come.
Giovanna Robinson
Other Members of StepItUp
Duane started his career with as a Thermal Protection Technician for United Space Alliance at Kennedy Space Center for a total of ten years. He worked on multiple Orbiters for two and a half years installing tiles, shims, and blankets on the forward, mid-body, and aft of the Orbiters. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational management from Warner Southern College and transferred to the Configuration Management until the Space Shuttle Program ended in 2011. He ensured that customer requirements were implemented and reviewed change accounting activity to ensure compliance with configuration management policies. He earned his Masters of Business Administration in 2005 from America Inter-Continental University. Duane participated in the SEARH Mentoring Program from 2004 to 2008. Duane earned mentor of the year in 2008 of the year in 20Duane joined the United States Army Reserves in 2008. While in the reserves he was an Information Technology Specialist supporting the southeast portion of the United States traveling to various states setting up networks getting soldiers ready for deployment. He designed, developed and maintained computer databases, using both stand-alone and networked, commercial and custom-designed database application to record and manage transaction and institutional data. Promoted to Sergeant in 2010 joined the 4th Joint Communications Support Element where he managed the tactical internet; administer the local area network and radio systems in tactical operation center. Supervise, plan, manage, integrate, secure and troubleshoot the Army Battle Command System and local area networks. Responsible for eight junior enlisted soldiers; accounted for battalion automation equipment worth in excess $1,200,000. In 2012 promoted to Warrant Officer. He supervised and managed information system assets associated with Automated Information Systems and Internet Protocol Local Area Networks Responsible for the moral, welfare, and professional development of twenty junior enlisted soldiers; accounted for battalion automation equipment worth in excess $10,900,000. Honorable discharged in 2015, served seven years. He join Boeing in 2011 as a Manufacturing Planner worked in Technical Services Freighter Conversion in Bellevue for two in a half years. Transferred to the Kiting Group in Renton for six months and currently in Everett Airplane on Ground Incident Repair.