Staff

Era Schrepfer, Executive Director

Era joined FIUTS in 2006, and brings many years of nonprofit and international experience to her role. She has worked and volunteered at many area nonprofit organizations, including the American Institute of Architects, Northwest Bookfest, Page Ahead, and Pacific Science Center. Era has traveled extensively in Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean and served with the US Peace Corps as a Community Agriculture Volunteer in the Dominican Republic. Her interests include cross-cultural leadership development, nonprofit strategy and planning, and the use of social media for social change.

Era is a Minnesota native who was raised in Seattle and graduated from the University of Washington. Era lives with her husband and daughter in South Seattle and loves Latin music, Thai food, dark chocolate, and fiction from around the world.

Other Languages Spoken: Spanish
Favorite Place on Earth: Palenque, Mexico
Next place I’d like to go: India
Favorite dish: Asopao de Pollo con Guandules

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Alison Kilkenny, Manager of Education Programs

Alison grew up on American military bases in Europe and Japan, living mostly in Okinawa.  She has been working and volunteering with students and Seattle communities at various non-profit organizations for ten years.  A UW alumnus, Alison graduated with degrees in Sociology and Political Science in 2005.  After college, Alison has lived in Vietnam, managed a tour boat and worked as an Americorps volunteer, teaching arts empowerment and health education at SeaMar’s drug treatment center.

Her professional passions include strengthening non-profits, encouraging a safe exchange of ideas and promoting tolerance and understanding. When she is not working, Alison loves to daydream about traveling around the world, watch Glee, sing in the Seattle Peace Chorus and go to outdoor Seattle festivals.

Favorite Place on Earth: My cabin in New Mexico and anywhere with a beach!
Next place I’d like to go: Malaysia, South Africa, India....everywhere!
Favorite dish: Japanese ramen

John Charlton, Manager of Community Programs

A dual national with study and work experience in Europe, East Asia and the US, John embodies the international outlook of FIUTS. Born and raised in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, John holds Bachelors degrees in Business Management and Japanese from the University of Durham and a Masters degree in International Affairs from the University of Washington. John brings seven years of experience in public service to the FIUTS office, and is dedicated to community service, program improvement, and the adoption of new technology.

Other Languages Spoken: Japanese, Swedish, French
Favorite Place on Earth: Back home - Newcastle.
Next place I’d like to go: Australia & New Zealand
Favorite dish: Pore Pore Chicken Kara-age

Brianna Mercker, Manager of Student Programs

A life-long explorer, Brianna has traveled to more than 25 countries across five continents. She has been working with students, organizing events and cross-cultural programming for as long as she has been a Husky. Brianna studied Business Administration at the University of Washington and received a Masters in International Education from the SIT Graduate Institute. Following graduate school, Brianna spent five years leading international programs and initiatives at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. Brianna is passionate about intercultural exchange, student empowerment and leadership development.

A Seattle native, Brianna is proud to call the beautiful Pacific Northwest home and enjoys beach combing, swimming, hiking, enjoying local eats, and traveling.

Other Languages Spoken: Spanish and German
Favorite Place on Earth: Decatur Island in the San Juan Islands, WA
Next place I’d like to go: Thailand & Argentina
Favorite international dish: Impossible to pick just one! Panang Curry, Cheese Fondue, Sushi, Mofungo, Shawarma, etc…

Tamara Brown, Education Outreach Coordinator

Americorps Intern

Tamara was born and raised in Newburgh, NY. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Gender Studies and Sociology from SUNY Purchase. Tamara moved to Seattle in September 2011 to volunteer at FIUTS as a participant of the QuEST (Quaker Experiential Service and Training) program through Americorps. Tamara has spent the last 7 years balancing her love for student affairs and public health by working in various departments such as Planned Parenthood, Residence Life, and Supported Education. When not at the office, Tamara lives with 5 other QuEST volunteers and explores Seattle.

Other Languages Spoken: French
Favorite Place on Earth: Shawangunk Ridge in New Paltz, NY
Next place I’d like to go: California coast
Favorite international dish: Chicken Korma and Onion Pakora

Crystal Smith, Homestay Program Assistant

A Washington native, Crystal grew up in Tacoma and is currently attending the University of Washington to pursue her Masters degree in Public Administration through the Evans School of Public Affairs. Crystal holds a Bachelors degree in History, and enjoys spending her spare time with her family.

Favorite Place on Earth: Home
Next place I’d like to go: India
Favorite dish: Spaghetti

Stephanie Watson, Events & Activities Assistant

Stephanie is in her fourth year of studies at the University of Washington where she is majoring in Comparative History of Ideas and Political Science with an emphasis in International Security. As a student of international conflict, Stephanie focuses on peaceful resolutions as a way to create change in our world, and is eager for her next opportunity to travel. Stephanie loves reading about revolutions, walking around Greenlake, and going on roadtrips.

Other Languages Spoken: Italian
Favorite Place on Earth:The Oregon coast
Next place I’d like to go: Egypt
Favorite dish: Greek Salad

Tom Lang, Education Outreach Assistant

Tom has recently returned from two years of Peace Corps service in the Republic of Georgia. He is now continuing his international experiences by working with FIUTS. Tom also studied for one year in Austria and has traveled extensively throughout Europe. He is now finishing his Master’s degree in Public Administration at the University of Washington and looking to pursue a career in environmental management. When not in the office, you can find Tom out hiking or playing Ultimate Frisbee.

Other Languages Spoken: Spanish, German, Serbo-Croatian, Georgian
Favorite Place on Earth:The Chuckanut hills near Bellingham, WA
Next place I’d like to go: Alaska

Tracy Montes, Office and Marketing Assistant

Tracy is majoring in Interdisciplinary Visual Arts and Women's Studies. Tracy has been worked with organizations focusing on activism and art education such as MUZAK, Casa Latina, the Seattle Center, and the Form/Space/Atelier Gallery.

Tracy's interests are women’s empowerment through education and equal opportunities, activism and helping others. Tracy grew up in Mexico in three different cities: Mazatlan, Cancun and Merida. When not in school, Tracy works on creating new projects, volunteering, taking courses, and traveling.

Other Languages Spoken: Spanish
Favorite Place on Earth: Merida, Yucatan
Next place I’d like to go: Brazil
Favorite international dish: Aguachile

Aileen Huang, Office Assistant

Aileen is a born and raised Washingtonian, currently living in Shoreline. Currently in her junior year at the University of Washington, Aileen is pursuing a degree in Business Administration with additional foci in marketing and international studies. Aileen is also a public relations officer for the Chinese student association at the University of Washington.

Out of the office, Aileen enjoys playing tennis. A perfect day would consist of lots of good homemade food, good company, and good TV.

Other Languages Spoken: Cantonese, Mandarin
Favorite Place on Earth: California
Next place I’d like to go: Shanghai
Favorite international dish: Sushi