
Administrative Staff
Founder & CEO
she / her
For the past 30+ years Jen has designed and facilitated intergenerational arts, arts for youth, and arts for older adults programs for retirement communities, schools, theatre companies, and social service organizations. Jen holds a Ph.D. in Theatre for Young Audiences from Arizona State University and an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Washington. In 2012, she was awarded a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching fellowship to travel to Singapore. She received the Joseph F. Wall Service Award from Grinnell College in 2018. Jen presents at conferences worldwide.
Operations Manager and Teaching Artist
she / her
As a working performer, director, stage manager, and teaching artist, Rachel Rene believes in the power of the arts to move, educate, and heal. She comes to SilverKite with a BA in theatre arts from Western Washington University, 25 years of administrative experience, and over 35 years in the theatre industry. In addition to being SilverKite’s new Operations Manager, Rachel Rene teaches several SilverKite workshops and has performed in three of its Intergenerational Theatre productions. Additionally, her work with Living Voices can be seen in schools and museums around the country.
Intergenerational Programs and Creative Projects Manager, Teaching Artist
she / her / they
Mckenzie is a Seattle-based artist originally from North Carolina. She is dedicated to creating innovative, inspiring, and engaging projects that bring people together. With over 10 years of directing, writing, and performance experience across the country, Mckenzie delights in exploring and uplifting the vibrant cultures, communities, and stories around her, infusing her work with a playful spirit and a sense of wonder. Their work draws on the power of innovative storytelling and devised performance, inviting curiosity and discovery, with the intention to build authentic connection. She is always happy to connect -- especially about creative pursuits, outdoor exploration, cats, and reality TV. She holds a BA in Dramatic Art and Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2018).
Creative Aging Programs Manager
she / her
Mollia has been a teaching artist for over 30 years. With roots in the theatre and wings in dance and writing, her path has engaged in leading programming with several arts, educational, community organizations and local creative classes. Mollia loves sharing moments of alchemy with others whether in a creative coaching session, in written words on the page, playing with swirling watercolors, or on the dance floor. She has an MFA in Writing from Pacific University.
Communications Manager and Teaching Artist
she / her
Ashley is a filmmaker and teaching artist who has worked in a variety of industries throughout her creative career. Originally from North Carolina, Ashley brings a passion for people and storytelling into everything she creates. She is a graduate from the School of Media and Performing Arts at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA. She has directed many short films and music videos and spent many years working as a freelance filmmaker and personal stylist (in productions and with helping individuals build a sustainable wardrobe). Ashley's work is dedicated to the exploration of the vulnerability of the human experience through visual storytelling. She loves visual journaling, watercoloring and collage. She loves all things film: and has worked as a director, casting agent, camera operator, producer and stylist and had a career working in independent film distribution. Ashley stays engaged with arts through being a teaching artist, and thrives on community building and activism.
Program Assistant and Teaching Artist
they / them
Franky has been a studying filmmaker and artist for the past few years. In 2022 they graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelors in Society, Ethics and Human behavior whilst minoring in Visual Media. Now they utilize this knowledge to create work that reflects the complexities of the human experience. In their day to day life, they are a labor activist, dancer, community organizer, photographer, and film critic. They are beyond excited to help bring SilverKite’s vision to life and apply their expertise to the organization.