About Us
Our Story
Kids’ Carpentry was established in 1982 in Berkeley, CA. Since then, the program has engaged thousands of kids in hundreds of schools in the fun of wood working. It remains very popular among parents, educators, administrators and most importantly, kids.
Kids’ Carpentry Seattle continues the tradition of building confidence and teaching with respect and humor in a safe and happy environment. In a world of screens and consoles, we are committed to capturing children’s attention by providing quality programming through hands-on learning and engaging experiences.
Our Teachers
Loren Kite (he/him) — Director
Loren grew up picking through his father’s garage for his next big adventure. He has very fond memories of carrying around his first hammer and all of the work they did together. Their glory eventually lead him to a BFA in Production Management from the Theatre School at DePaul University and an AAS in Carpentry from Seattle Central’s Center for Wood Construction. Loren has worked for youth and children’s theatres in Chicago and Seattle. In his free time, Loren builds cat and human furniture and dreams up new and exciting Kids’ Carpentry Seattle projects.
Loren has been teaching Kids’ Carpentry since 2009 and is thrilled to be leading the Seattle branch of this exciting program. Loren has great relationships with kids and knows from experience how patience and positive attention can make a big impact. He is excited to share his enthusiasm with a new generation of eager carpenters.
Jessica Long (she/her) — Educational Programming Coordinator
Jessica is an educator with nearly 15 years of experience working with kids both in and out of the classroom. Whether teaching gymnastics, science, reading or carpentry, she values strong relationships with kids, learning together and opportunities to witness that moment when a kid achieves something they didn’t know they could do before. As an elementary and classroom teacher, Jessica has built her skills in collaboration to design projects that engage and inspire. Jessica teaches classes in Columbia and Hillman City.
Nicole Dillman (she/her) — Teacher
Nicole Dillman is a Washington state certified teacher with a Masters in education. Her background is in Special education supporting students with complex social- emotional, behavior and sensory processing needs. After noticing how hands-on projects positively impacted her students’ learning she was inspired to join Kids’ Carpentry. She believes that Kids’ Carpentry fills an important gap in education, providing opportunities for students to develop perseverance, fine and gross motor skills, math reasoning and work ethic. She believes all children deserve a chance to see themselves as makers.
In addition to teaching, Nicole is an artist and community activist developing curriculum for youth programs in Lake City with her partner and co-owner of Hellbent Brewing Company. Nicole is grateful to be part of such a unique program and enjoys seeing young carpenters work together. You can find her teaching at a variety of schools in North Seattle and Queen Anne.
Caitlin Elhers (she/her) — Teacher
Caitlin’s first real experience with loving carpentry was through her first weeks as a Kids’ Carpentry teachers and she’s taken off running! Carpentry and hands on crafting makes her heart sing, and her enthusiasm for this work shows in how she teaches. In all of her classes she brings an attitude of excitement, attentiveness, care, and patience. She believes deeply in the importance of hands on education and fostering the independence, creativity, and confidence of young people. The supportive, fun, skill building environment of Kids Carpentry is such a great gift to bring to kids, and she only wishes she could have gone as a kid! When she’s not teaching, Caitlin is busy with her organic vegetable farm – Sweet Hollow Farm in Woodinville – or writing, hiking, and cuddling her cats. Catch her in Lake Forest Park and all over the Eastside.
Quinn Wyatt (he/him) — Teacher
As a kid, Quinn loved to read, draw, and build things out of paper, scissors, and tape. A long-time bookseller, he had no experience with woodworking until recently, and felt intimidated at where to start, but found Kids Carpentry to be a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Now, he loves working with kids to build their confidence and carpentry skills. He appreciates the smaller classroom setting, engaging with kids of various skills one on one and working with hand tools. An aspiring children’s librarian, you’ll find Quinn sporting various t-shirts of his favorite kid’s books, and the Muppets.
In his spare time Quinn likes to read, watch movies, swing dance, and
hang out with his dog.
Work For Kids’ Carpentry Seattle!
We are always looking for awesome people to join our teaching team. If afternoons building race cars and bird houses speaks to you?
Get in touch with us right now!
Locations
The Kids Carpentry Workshop in Columbia City 4739 Rainier Ave S. Seattle, WA 98118.