See what people are saying about KJ

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 One of the things I appreciate most about KJ is their commitment to showing up in community. The care they have for others is present in the opportunities they create: for example, for several years KJ organized free community swims for people with marginalized identities who may be uncomfortable swimming with a general audience. I was able to witness KJ's exemplary teaching skills, providing age-appropriate, trauma-informed and gentle swim lessons. I watched several small children express fear of the water, and under KJ's patient guidance, they were putting their faces in the water by the end of the lesson.   Another example of KJ's thoughtful and tender care occurred when they created a special version of doughnuts amenable to my diet, and delivered them to my home during a hard time. I share this because while KJ is an incredible professional, they are also such a loving human, a necessary trait at this moment especially.  

-  Pavini Moray 

Somatic Coach & Podcaster

KJ's top-notch professional competence, experience, and intelligence is self-evident elsewhere, so I'll speak to the subtler levels of what it's like to work and relate with them.   My nickname for them is "Pastor KJ." That's not because any of our friend group is particularly religious, but rather because KJ brings the wholesome vibe of a really good youth pastor into their seemingly constant acts of community care and soft leadership. Even when they are presenting about explicit sex education topics or speaking up about injustice, they have an ability to normalize and welcome almost any way that a person might show up to the conversation, so that even the most taboo and uncomfortable subjects don't feel so awkward.  They also organize events and create opportunities for connection in our marginalized and secular queer community, frequently serving as the head, the heart, and the glue of our "third spaces" with great forethought and intention. KJ is exceptionally attuned to the needs of others, often foreseeing things like disability accommodation needs, allergies, and other significant differences in order to ensure that community access is equitable. And they manage to hold all this space while also being refreshingly candid and honest–a truly excellent communicator. Somehow, even the harshest truths sound a bit gentler coming from KJ, and that is a very handy skill for an educator! I aspire to be as skillful as they are at weaving the psychological, emotional, and practical considerations that keep communities working and eating and learning harmoniously together.  Any impact-driven organization would be lucky to have a conscientious person like KJ watching out for their team and enacting their organizational goals and values. And if you're lucky enough to catch them when they are available to do child care or swim lessons, you can relax and trust in their attunement, protective instincts, and good judgment with your little one(s).   KJ gets my full endorsement in all the roles they are qualified to perform–especially anything that allows them to exercise their special talent of connecting and educating people of all ages. 

- Rou Cooper

 Entrepreneur, Parent, Educator 

As a first time mother to my baby, Sadie, I can't recommend KJ highly enough as a caretaker. KJ cared for Sadie in their home from the time she was 4 months old until she was 8 months, and their warmth and inclusivity made a world of difference during this time. 

KJ was incredibly engaging with Sadie, introducing her to fun activities in their garden and home with toys they already had on hand. They followed all of my instructions to ensure Sadie was well cared for—Feeding her the formula bottles I provided and making sure she got restful naps in a comfortable, safe sleeping space. 

What truly set KJ apart, though, was their understanding and support during my postpartum anxiety. Being away from Sadie was challenging at first, but KJ kept me at ease by sending thoughtful text updates about how many ounces of formula drank, the length of her naps, and any sweet photos of Sadie. 

Although Sadie eventually transitioned to daycare, I will always be grateful for the love and care KJ provided during those early months. Their presence in our lives was invaluable, and I would wholeheartedly recommend them to any parent in need of a caretaker.

-Hannah, Mom, Operations Manager & Freelance Illustrator

I am so grateful to have gotten to know you over this last year. I value your compassion, your patience, your honesty and your humor. I have enjoyed getting a little sneak peek at PE classes through the videos. It is obvious that you have the temperament to teach this age group, and I am grateful how you tie in emotional intelligence topics into your lessons. Even though she may not always be on her best behavior in PE, I know that R is gaining important life skills from your class.

I really love how often I run into you out in the community (present circumstances withstanding), and how you were the first person to regularly watch A. It will be sweet to see how our families bond over the years!

 - JP, educator and mom

G really enjoyed Monday's lesson with you. She was very nervous on the drive over, but really loved your teaching style and personality. The prize bag was a big hit. G told me that at the YMCA group lessons it was 3 teachers to a big class and they didn't teach her anything and just "tried to force her to swim." She said she felt you really listened and taught her good techniques to get more comfortable with the water.

-CW, Mom