STAFF

Lake City Seniors has a tight knit, small but mighty team. We are comprised of three full time and one part time staff member with many instructors, volunteers and community partners helping make our senior center run smoothly.

Kate Cornelius (she/her)
Program Manager

Kate Cornelius is the Program Manager for Lake City Senior Center. Prior to joining the team, she worked on the economic justice program at Open Society Foundations. Kate also brings several years of experience working for smaller nonprofit organizations serving immigrant and refugee communities in New York City and Washington, DC. She is passionate about human rights and social justice and is excited to leverage her program management expertise to advance antiracism and enhance accountability to the community we serve. Kate holds a Master of Arts in International Educational Development from Teachers College and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from American University. She recently relocated back to the Pacific Northwest to be closer to friends and family. Outside of work, Kate enjoys hiking, baking, and playing board games with friends.

Akira Ohiso (he/him)
Social Worker

Akira has worked with older adults for the past fifteen years. His past experience includes Holocaust survivors, older adults living with HIV/AIDS, seniors experiencing homelessness and low-income residents of a New York City Housing Authority building. The common thread is that each of these populations was impacted by systemic inequity at the intersection of racism, ageism, gender-inequality and homophobia. Trauma-informed work is always an integral component to his work. In his personal life, he is a working artist. Creativity is important to him not only in the arts, but in his work life. He coordinates arts programming at the Lake City Community Center. He believes that creativity can help foster confidence, improve mental health, decreases isolation and inspires greater change with clients, colleagues and society.

Justin Ferguson (he/him)
Program and Volunteer Coordinator

Justin joined the Lake City Senior Center in May of 2022. Justin is originally from Texas, moving to Seattle in March of 2021. He has an academic background in communications and a deep passion for working with the community. He enjoys writing in his free time and can often be found at the theater watching the latest superhero movie. As a former barista, he can also make a mean cup of coffee.

John Feuerstein (he/him)
Digital Equity Coordinator

John is joining the team to assist community members with technology resources and help troubleshoot technology issues. He studied Electrical Engineering and is experienced in solving all sorts of problems with computers, phones, and other devices. He knows tech can be frustrating and wants to help others feel more comfortable using their devices to connect with their community. John loves a good card game with friends and playing trumpet with the North Seattle jazz ensemble. He looks forward to learning how he can help you use tech to connect to the things that you love.

VOLUNTEERS AND INSTRUCTORS

Cindy – Zumba and Latin Dance instructor

Kate – Music and Mindfulness instructor

Annie – Gentle Chair Yoga instructor

Daniel – Tai Chi instructor

Mish Mish – Rock n’ Roll Aerobics instructor