Meet our team
Richard Maltby
LEAP Director
Richard has lived all but two years of his life in the Seattle area. Graduating from Cleveland High School, he attended Western Washington University and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Richard went on to teach in the Kent and Seattle School Districts before taking the reins at a GED learning center at a non-profit agency in South Central Seattle. He joined Sea Mar 2011 and managed their At-Risk Youth Programs until August of 2022, when he was appointed the position of LEAP Director
Ary Colin Esparza
LEAP Coordinator ⁄ Toppenish SD
Ary was born in Mexico City before moving to the Tri-Cities where she attended Kennewick High School. Though being undocumented and a first-generation college student was challenging, in 2021, after five years at the University of Washington she obtained a BA in Public Health. After graduation, she spent a year in the Yakima School District as a 6th-grade math and substitute teacher. In her free time she enjoys baking pan dulce, crocheting new projects, and practicing cumbias on her accordion.
Antonio Garcia
LEAP Coordinator ⁄ Granger SD
After graduating from Grandview HS in 2017, Antonio moved to Seattle for college. The motivation from his parents and family helped pave the way throughout his journey at the University of Washington, where he obtained a BA in English. While being involved with various different organizations throughout high school and college, he found that he loved to give back to his community and see the growth blossoming. He thrives to ignite the spark of possibility and commitment that dwell within his students’ hopes and dreams.
Elsy Olivares Rodea
LEAP Coordinator ⁄ Franklin-Pierce SD
Elsy was raised in Puyallup, Washington, where she attended Gov. Rogers High School. After High school, Elsy went on to Pacific Lutheran University where she majored in Hispanic Studies and minored in sociology, criminal justice, and Latino studies. Elsy’s passion includes helping her community wherever she can. Elsy’s motivation and passion comes from family, friends, and teachers who pushed her to believe in herself.