Friends of Sequoia Therapeutic Recreation (DBA Sequoia Therapeutic Recreation) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization providing inclusive community based therapeutic recreation activities one on one and in small groups for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families

Our Mission: Cultivating confidence, friendships, joy, and respect.

Vision: To be well-respected and trusted

Values: Sincerity, Honesty, Long-term relationships, Mutual Respect, Inclusive Community

Join Our Team

Sequoia TR is recruiting a full time Recreation and Community Inclusion Specialist

The Recreation & Community Inclusion Specialist designs and leads inclusive, community-based activities that inspire connection, build life skills, and support independence for individuals with I/DD. This position calls for creativity, strong communication, and a genuine commitment to belonging and empowerment.

Applicants, please submit resume and cover letter explaining your specific experience working in the I/DD community. We look forward to welcoming a new team member to our small team.

At Sequoia TR, every team member plays a vital role in our small organization. If you prefer part time, please inquire

Apply Rec & CI Specialist

Board of Directors

Leandra Shelton - President

Greg Chow - Vice President

Melissa McGinnis

Jon Ketler

Amy Johnson - Treasurer

Paula Larson - Secretary

Jody Bratton

Alan Gill

Become a Board Member

If you would like to see a copy of STR’s original 1023 form, Governing Documents, Conflict of Interest Policy, or Financial Statements please email the ED

We Love Our

Volunteers!

We are looking for fun folks to join our team! Choose to volunteer for one time events, or ongoing programs and activities!

Apply here
Recreational Specialist and Participant Lawn Bowling

Meet the Team

Kodi Smith Doty, CTRS, Executive Director of Sequoia Therapeutic Recreation

  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Kodi started Sequoia TR in April 2021 to provide recreation activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities after dedicating 20 years of service at a local park district.

    She enjoys cooking, camping, hiking, gardening, and doodling. She cherishes the connections and community STR fosters, and she looks forward to getting to know you through programs!

  • RECREATION LEADER and COMMUNITY INCLUSION ASSISTANT

    Peggy is excited to continue working recreation programs like socials, outings, camping trips and sports serving the same participants and families she worked with as a Recreation Leader for 17yrs at a local park district.

    She also retired after dedicating 35 years as a Speech Therapy Assistant with Tacoma Public Schools.

    During my time off, she loves reading, exercising, taking rides to the ocean and the mountains. And of course she’s always rooting for the home teams: Mariners and Seahawks!

  • OFFICE MANAGER

    Amy is an amazing Mom to one of Sequoia’s youngest participants. She is a data geek and avid supporter of accessible programs in the community. Amy is excited to be a part of Sequoia TR by providing invaluable administrative support behind the scenes to help keep things running smoothly.

    Amy enjoys spending time with her family in Tacoma and loves cuddles from her dogs and cats.

  • RECREATION & COMMUNITY INCLUSION SPECIALIST

    Swana comes to Sequoia after nearly a decade of providing in-home care services and recreational opportunities to adults with and without intellectual and physical disabilities. They have a yearning to grow both in their career and in their personal life.

    Swana describes themself as a lifelong learner and they’re always enrolling in community classes or watching tutorials online. They also enjoy outdoor activities like travel, camping, and music festivals, they enjoy second-hand shopping, and all kinds of DIY projects and arts and crafts.

    Swana loves exotic pets and has 3 Cats, 2 Snakes, a bearded dragon and a tarantula. They are also a proud parent of 3 adult children and 1 very active grandson!

  • Kelly Lynch brings 20 years of experience creating inclusive spaces through recreation, movement, and visual arts. An interdisciplinary artist and educator, she has taught adaptive dance, physical education, and visual arts at organizations including the Denver Art Museum, YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties, The Seabury School, and numerous public schools and dance studios across Colorado and Washington.

    Outside of teaching, Kelly enjoys gardening, costume design, spending time with loved ones, and swimming. She believes deeply in the power of the arts to foster connection and community, and is excited to be part of Sequoia.

  • RECREATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

    Danielle has a background in both healthcare and community support. Before entering the recreation field, she served in the U.S. Army as a combat medic, where she developed a passion for helping others, supporting people through challenges, and building confidence. She is a certified EMT and CMA.

    She is currently in school pursuing a degree in Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in Counseling. She loves creating fun and meaningful experiences for people of all abilities to learn and grow. Danielle especially enjoys helping individuals build confidence, try new things, and learn more about themselves.

    Outside of work and school, Danielle enjoys fitness, coffee shops, craft projects, being outdoors, and spending time with animals. She has two guinea pigs and enjoys feeding the backyard wildlife.

  • INTERIUM PROGRAM MANAGER

  • COMMUNITY INCLUSION SPECIALIST II

    Prior to working for Sequoia TR, Emily taught special education for five years in Provo, Utah. Her favorite part about teaching is finding unique ways to connect with diverse learners, celebrating all successes, no matter how big or small, and continually learning new things.

    Emily and her husband enjoy traveling to national parks and have visited 13 parks together so far. She also enjoys biking, camping, thrifting, learning about the history of medicine, reading, and sewing matching clothes for herself and her daughter.

  • Tasia Thompson

    Tasia has 10+ years of experience planning inclusive and engaging activities for individuals of all ages and abilities. She is a passionate advocate for families and the neurodiverse population. 


    She and her husband have four fabulous neurodivergent children who challenge and bless them on a daily basis. Together they love to kayak, play board games, and watch movies. 


    Tasia loves LEGOS, learning, making music, art, and alliterations.

    Her favorite quote is from Ghandi, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world."


  • RECREATION & COMMUNITY INCLUSION SPECIALIST

  • MARKETING ASSISTANT

    Kay has been a volunteer with Sequoia TR since the very beginning. They are now expanding their role into marketing. Kay is a recent grad from the Tacoma Community College with their associate’s degree in Art and will start attending Oregon State University for botany and art as an honor’s student in the fall.

    Kay is an avid outdoorsman and deeply enjoys hiking, backpacking, camping, and loves all things nature, especially the local PNW! Their experience includes leading nature education camps with The Tacoma Nature Center and Tahoma Bird Alliance. They have also worked with Elements of Education providing inclusive arts and STEM programs, and painted over 5 murals since graduating TCC.

  • Sequoia TR is seeking an individual services provider to be a part of our growing team to lead group activities and provide 1:1 services in the community. If you are interested submit a resume and cover letter explaining your specific experience working with folks with I/DD to kodi@sequoiatr.org

  • Sequoia TR is seeking an individual services provider to be a part of our growing team to provide 1:1 services in the community. If you are interested submit a resume and cover letter explaining your specific experience working with folks with I/DD to kodi@sequoiatr.org

  • Marketing Assistant

  • Colin joined as the organization’s first summer intern. He is currently a junior majoring in Finance at UW Tacoma . He is excited to be a part of Sequoia TR by supporting the organization’s financial operations, analysis, and reporting.

    Outside of work, Colin is a talented classical pianist with over 15 years of experience. He is actively involved in his church, enjoys playing and watching sports, and has a passion for traveling and trying new things. At home, he enjoys playing with his two dogs, Wrigley and Rizzo.