Our Team

Before moving to Seattle from Southern California in early 2017, he was involved with many projects that included senior and affordable housing components. He has always been passionate about providing quality housing options to people all along the economic spectrum, understanding that having a safe and stable home is an integral part of improving everyone’s life.

Abdoulaye has lived in Kirkland for 8 years, but his journey began much further away. He was born and raised in Paris, France, and spent some years in The Gambia in Africa. While his roots and heart will always remain strongly connected abroad, he has fallen in love with his new hometown and appreciates giving back to it as much as it gives to him.

Housing at the Crossroads Board of Directors: Past President, Past Vice President, Expansion/Construction Coordinator; Lifetime Elder, First Presbyterian Church.

A Housing at the Crossroads board member from September 1989, Terry joined Attain Housing’s board when HAC merged with Attain Housing. He recently served as board president from 2017 through 2019. Terry’s been an aeronautical/astronautical engineer at The Boeing Company for 40 years. He did his MBA studies at Seattle University in the mid‑1980’s.

Ken brings a wealth of practical knowledge in real estate development and construction. He has personal experience with multi-family residential, retail, and office construction projects, including the 50,000 square foot Emerald Building, which houses the firm’s offices. He has also been involved in the ownership and management of a community bank, a commercial fishing vessel, a restaurant, and a ski area.

Toby Nixon is a senior program manager in the Windows group at Microsoft, and chair of the board of directors of Bluetooth Special Interest Group. He’s previously served as State Representative for the 45th district and as a fire commissioner, and on the boards of Youth Eastside Services, Nourishing Networks, and other local non-profits. He’s active in interfaith activities including Kirkland Interfaith Network (KIN) and Fostering Interfaith Relationships on the Eastside (FIRE). An outspoken advocate for ethics and transparency in government, he’s been president of Washington Coalition for Open Government since 2007. He graduated from Leadership Eastside in 2013. He and his wife Irene live in Kingsgate.

Alexis Ruhumuriza was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo before moving to Rwanda in 1995 with his uncle with six siblings. When Alexis was 17, he became very involved with his church and helping to spread gospel to the orphans of Rwanda. He helped found the Rwanda Faith Academy School, which provides education to 1500 children annually.</p> <p>Alexis studied at the Kigali Institute of Management and earned a degree in financial management in 2012.

After a rewarding career in the healthcare field, JK has focused her time and energy as a community advocate helping families and children. Her experience expands 18 years with non-profit organizations and school fundraising programs. JK has been an active member of the Attain Housing luncheon committee & a table captain for several years, and is motivated to help families provide stable housing in our community. JK lives in the Redmond area, with her husband, and is the proud mother of an adult son and high school daughter.

Mary Lue Gutow and her husband Gary own a home-based business, Colormasters Northwest, LLC, entering its 28th year. As an Attain Housing board member, she has worn every hat except that of treasurer. Some of the hats fit well, some were a little tight, but all of them were times of personal growth. Working with the board and ever-growing team of volunteers to develop housing for homeless and underfunded families has been a lesson in communication, collaboration, satisfaction, and love.

Walt Krueger is an attorney practicing in Kirkland in the areas of estate planning, probate, and trusts. Walt served on the Attain Housing board for 14 years and as President for two years. Among his volunteer activities, he serves as Secretary of Mentee Educational Foundation, which is building an early childhood education school in Kakata, Liberia, and as an ex officio member of the Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce.

Jane Petter is a driving force for communicating about Attain Housing’s vision and passion to help make a difference in the lives of those who are homeless. She has the gift of being a great project manager, leading teams successfully through some large projects and challenges. For the past 15+ years, Jane has served in many volunteer capacities. She formerly worked for Northshore School District, and she is an accomplished musician.

Mark Shinstrom is a partner at Shinstrom & Norman Insurance and long-time Attain Housing supporter. Shinstrom & Norman is independently owned and locally operated, focusing on Kirkland, but offering affordable and reliable insurance choices all across Washington. Having served on the Board of Directors, Mark continues to support Attain Housing’s mission and vision by volunteering to serve on Attain Housing’s Advisory Council.

Susan Sumeri is a past Attain Housing Board member who is enjoying her retirement from careers in education (42 years) and business. She and her husband Alex have owned a home in the Kirkland area since 1967. Her recreational activities include bicycling, traveling, hiking, and reading. She is also a long-time member of the Cascade Symphony cello section.

A longtime Kirkland resident, Peggy is devoted to service and education in her community. She served as Secretary on the Attain Housing board from 2014-2018. She has transitioned to an Advisory Board role and has hosted multiple donor appreciation events at her and her husband John's home. Since 1997, Peggy has been on the Board of Directors for Seattle Children's Hospital. As part of her Master's in Education at Seattle University, she did extensive work with designing curriculum and instructional methods for the adult learner. Peggy researched and wrote a comprehensive thesis on Parent Education which includes rationale, history, and assessment and recommendations for programs to serve general population and special needs families.

Greg joined Attain Housing in September 2016, with 5 years of experience working with vulnerable populations, providing case management and resource navigation. He has worked at a nonprofit in Seattle, providing support and assistance for individuals with criminal histories, substance abuse, mental illness, and housing issues. Greg is dedicated to assisting people in overcoming obstacles and is passionate about every individual’s capacity for change.

Megan moved from Knoxville, TN, and quickly found a place with Attain Housing in July of 2018. She has a history of working with women and children fleeing from domestic violence, those seeking transitional housing, and those who needed extra support outside office setting. For the past three and a half years Megan has spent her time trying to help those she can make positive change in their life by providing case management, resource guidance, and a helping hand. Megan hopes to continue to try and help those in need find not only temporary placement, but a place to call home!

Eric joined Attain Housing in 2018 with a background in journalism, marketing, social media, event coordination, and nonprofit management. He is very excited to use his skills for a good cause and increase awareness of Attain Housing in the local community in order to better serve families in need. Eric lives in the Ravenna area of Seattle with his wife, 3-year-old daughter, and a rascal dog named Rookie.

Nita Lindsey joined Attain Housing in February 2015. Originally from Illinois, she has 20+ years of bookkeeping experience in both non-profit and private sectors in the great Northwest.