Mike Ernst < Back Mike Ernst President Resides in Issaquah Has a daughter with developmental disabilities Long time supporter of the LEO mission Has served on the Housing and Fundraising Committees, and the Executive Board Long time LEO Board Member Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

Linda Lentgis < Back Linda Lentgis Events & Outreach Resides in North Bend Retired Oncology Registered Nurse Sibling of sister with developmental disabilities (deceased) Past board member of Encompass Northwest Grandparent to 4 active boys Enjoys outdoor activities Board member since 5/2010 Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

Alyssa Midgley < Back Alyssa Midgley Executive Director Alyssa Midgley (Executive Director) – Over 30 years of experience in supporting community-based housing and care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She has worked closely to support caregivers, residents and families to create successful and sustainable adult family homes and shared living homes. Educating families to navigate the housing system in Washington State and sharing her expertise through education and advocacy is her passion. She is excited to be part of Life Enrichment Options community.

Leo Finnegan < Back Leo Finnegan Past President Resides in Issaquah BS in Mechanical Engineering, Gonzaga Univ. MS in Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Notre Dame Parent of five children, one with developmental disabilities Retired from Puget Sound Energy –Director of the Power Plant Engineering & Construction Department Founder of the Challenge Series Races in 1980 Special Olympic coach – basketball (35 years) & softball (27 years) Chair of King County Board for Developmental Disabilities Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

Nancy Whitaker < Back Nancy Whitaker LEO Board Emeritus Resides in Snoqualmie Valley BA in Sociology from Seattle University Parent of four children, one with developmental disabilities Retired Executive Director of Encompass Northwest Member of the Snoqualmie Valley Rotary Club LEO Board member from 6/1996 to 2/2018 The fourth LEO Adult Family Home (AFH) is named “The Nancy Whitaker House” Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

Angela Dews < Back Angela Dews LEO Founder, LEO Board Emeritus Resides in North Bend Parent of a son with a developmental disability Co-Founder of Life Enrichment Options Organization (LEO) in 9/1988 Member of LEO Board of Directors for many years. Past President of the LEO Board of Directors. Over 30 Years of Advocating for those with Developmental Disabilities Guiding Light in the Creation of LEO Adult Family Homes The third LEO Adult Family Home (AFH) is named “The Angela Dews House” Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

Jane Searing < Back Jane Searing Board Advisor Resides in Issaquah Parent of two children, one with developmental disabilities Managing Director in Deloitte Tax’s Private Wealth practice, specializing in tax-exempt organizations, private foundations, and philanthropic planning. Previously at Clark Nuber PS Expertise in tax planning and compliance for not-for-profit organizations, private foundations, charitable giving strategies, and communicating with the IRS. Long time LEO supporter, speaker, seminar leader, and LEO Board advisor. Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

Peter Walters < Back Peter Walters Grant & Administrative Specialist Peter Walters (Grant & Administrative Manager) – He is passionate about work that gives back and strengthens communities where he lives, works, and plays. Peter has worked for the government at local, County, and State levels, managing contract services and grants and as an acting liaison for community stakeholders. His connection with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) started in Issaquah, where he managed recreation registration and respite programs for adults with IDD and coached Special Olympics basketball. He is excited about the opportunities LEO provides for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping people live independent and enriching lives in a vibrant community.

Jin Lee < Back Jin Lee Business Operations Jin Lee (Operations Manager) – As a lifelong resident of Issaquah, Jin is a strong supporter of local organizations, starting as a volunteer at the Issaquah Food Bank when he was in high school. He attended the University of Washington and successfully completed an MBA. With 20 years of experience in real estate, property management and owning and running businesses, Jin's hope is to help LEO lay a foundation to become a large, established nonprofit.

Jiff Searing < Back Jiff Searing Past President and current Housing Committee Member Resides in Issaquah BS in Building Construction from the College of Architecture and Urban Planning from University of Washington Parent of two children, one with developmental disabilities Retired from Sellen Construction Co., Inc. after 23 yrs. as Project Manager and Estimator for large commercial general contractor Special Olympics coach for Issaquah High School LEO Housing Committee Chair Board member since 8/2006 Ready to Help? Learn how you can make a difference! Get Involved

Get Involved You can make a difference LEO welcomes supporters to volunteer at events or join a committee (Housing, Events, Fundraising, Finance). Let us know how you’d like to help by calling, emailing, or using the form below . LEO Committees Our committees play a crucial role in planning activities and events, including: Educational presentations The Annual Salmon Days and Festival at Mt. Si parades Fenders on Front Street The Challenge Race Series Annual Picnic Committees also make recommendations to the LEO Board, ensuring we stay connected to the community's needs. Challenge Series Races Held in July, August, or September in partnership with Rotary Clubs, these gravity car races offer a fun day for participants and their families across the state, from Oak Harbor to Snoqualmie. Volunteer Roles Assist at race events Recommend responsible students (between 4’8” and 5’2” tall and up to 130 pounds) to be gravity race car drivers Identify individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities who would enjoy being co-drivers Sponsorship Opportunities Promote your company or product by sponsoring our race cars. Your name will be displayed on our cars, providing a unique way to advertise in your community. Donate Make a one-time or recurring donation through our website. Donate Get In Touch Let us know how you'd like to help First name Last name Email Write a message SUBMIT Thanks for submitting!

Events No events at the moment Past Events 2025 Annual LEO Picnic Aug 11, 2025, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Confluence Park Issaquah, 595 Rainier Blvd N, Issaquah, WA 98027, USA Details Snoqualmie Challenge Race 2025 - Co-Driver May 31, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Near Safeway, SE Douglas St, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, USA Hosted by the Rotary Club of Snoqualmie Valley! CO-DRIVER: Person with Disability or enrolled in ECEAP. No taller than 5'2'' and under 130 pounds. The Gravity Cars allow those with developmental disabilities to experience the thrill of riding a gravity car race car. Details Snoqualmie Challenge Race 2025 - Driver May 31, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Near Safeway, SE Douglas St, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, USA Hosted by the Rotary Club of Snoqualmie Valley! The Gravity Cars allow those with developmental disabilities to experience the thrill of riding a soap box derby- type race car while piloted by a trained volunteer who is 10 years old or older. Details 2024 Award Recipients – LEO Caring Community Awards May 21, 2024, 7:00 PM Issaquah, Issaquah, WA, USA A celebration of the 44th annual Community Awards in Issaquah Details Keep Up to Date Subscribe to LEO newsletters and learn about upcoming events Email SIGN UP Thanks for your interest!