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Our Staff Team
Bike Works has assembled an accomplished team to carry out its mission. Our staff is composed of a diverse group of experienced professionals and exceptional individuals who bring years of experience in not-for-profit, social justice, environmental and youth empowerment arenas as well as a dedication to service toward young people, cycling and building sustainable communities.
We are incredibly grateful to each of them for their devotion and enthusiasm and to the team as a whole for their collective strength.
We'd like to hear from you...
Jake Beattie, Executive Director
Tina Bechler, Program Director
Rose Brennan, Program Manager
Andy Day, Bicycle Mechanic
Lexi Keeler, Development Manager
Ryan Linville, Lead Mechanic
Muuqi Maxwell, Program Coordinator
Davey Oil, Adult Programs & Volunteer Coordinator
Stephen Maluk, Bike Shop Manager
Jayanthi Reddy, Outreach & Events Coordinator
Donald Villarreal, Recycling and Reuse Coordinator
Henry Jackson-Spieker, Bicycle Mechanic - Apprenticeship Program Graduate
Maya Riser-Kositsky, Bicycle Mechanic - Apprenticeship Program Graduate
Staff Bios
 Jake Beattie
Executive Director
A Little Bit About Me:
I grew up in Bellingham, and after graduating from college back east I ran away to sea and spent the next decade in the field of outdoor education, finding ways to use the experiences onbaord ships to create personal growth that my students could used back on shore. Most recently I was at The Center for Wooden Boats here in Seattle, first as Program Director then as a part of the management team. In my spare time I work to help restore shorelines and to help wing-nut performance artists create large scale theatrical joy in everyday locations.
How bicycling and inspiring young people is a part of my life:
Both of these are core ethics of mine. I started riding my bike to school when I was 7, and as I got older I wore my Cinelli hat as I pored over Bicycling magazine to read the latest on Alexi Grewal’s hill climbing technique. It ended up that I never raced, but I many weekends I’d go train on some longer solo rides that my parents were amazingly trusting to let me do. I’m fairly certain that my early obsession with bikes is the reason that I continue to ride as an adult. My miles these days are not that impressive, but I’m a car-less rider and my beach cruiser and I roll around Seattle 12 months a year.
I passionately believe that becoming technically competent in a hands-on skill creates profound self growth; both for kids and adults. In addition to just learning to fix a bike or ride safely, I believe that empowering activities create optimism and the confidence to pursue success in other aspects of life. There are few things that delight me more than watching a student take the skills they have acquired and then use that skill to create an experience of their own.
Statement of why I work at Bike Works:
Bike Works hits a sweet spot of doing good work for the community as a whole by focusing on individuals. The change we are hoping to affect on the world isn’t abstract, we want to get you on a bike and help you get the skills that you’ll need to use and maintain it. That last sentence is true if you’re an adult too.
On a societal level, bicycles are an incredible opportunity. In terms of making sustainable change at an individual level, I can’t think of another planet saving activity that simultaneously saves you money, makes you healthier, has tiny infrastructure costs compared to other transportation options, and is fun to do.
All of this is a long way of saying that I’m excited to be a part of the incredibly talented team of people around here who are working to make the world a better place in ways that are simultaneously humble and profound.
 Tina Bechler
Program Director
A Little Bit About Me:
I am a Seattle kid, born and mostly raised. The picture of me here was taken from the front yard of my childhood home near Sand Point. I had desperately wanted a geared "racing bike" and since we couldn't afford to buy a new one my dad and I took an old bike of my uncle's - a J.C. Higgins three speed coaster brake bike - and spent the winter of my 11th year rebuilding the entire thing, stripping it down so I could paint it my favorite color, navy blue, and converting it to a five speed racer!
I loved this bike for years, and as I grew into it - and rolled through my increasingly larger world on it - I realized that freedom like this tasted good and I wanted more.
I went to high school in Seattle and Palo Alto, ended up in Santa Cruz where I got a sociology degree, and became a bike messenger up and down the west coast for the next decade or so. During this time I periodically disappeared to travel extensively through Europe and Mexico/Central America by bicycle, learned advanced mechanics along the way at United Bicycle Institute in Oregon, got my Wilderness First Responder Certification, and ended up going back to school to study outdoor/experiential education for two years in Vancouver, B.C.
After finishing school I came back to Seattle to work at Passages Northwest as a field instructor and program assistant and finally landed here at Bike Works -where I have worked up from program coordinator to my present dream job as the program director.
How bicycling and inspiring young people is a part of my life:
I truly feel like all my paths have brought me to this place and to this part of my life here at Bike Works. Choosing this picture I thought about how the 11 year old me would have loved Bike Works, and not much has changed in that. Cycling has always been a personal passion of mine, but I felt a lack as an adult when I was riding just for me and not giving back to my community, not sharing that love of riding with others, and not taking what I had learned and giving it back in another form.
Part of going back to school for me was finding a way to integrate my love of being outdoors and seeing the world by bicycle (both locally and globally) with youth, and I always knew that if I figured out how to do this then I wanted it to be back where I had spent my own formative years riding to be free - here in the city of Seattle - back in the places where I had gone to school, and the streets I had first roamed and explored.
Statement of why I work at Bike Works:
Every day here I get to partake of a piece of what drives me and makes me happy - some days I get to ride and be outside, some days I get to dream up sweet trips to go on as bike tours and bike camps with youth, every week I learn and teach about bikes and bike repair, and most days I simply get to hang out with the youth of Seattle and talk about the world - hear their stories and share laughs with them and my co-workers about this crazy place we've created together.
This is the job that I dreamed about before I could even conceptualize of it myself, and at the end - or start - of every day I get to feel that my job gives back to the community, that I can be proud of what I do here, and that if I'm lucky I may make a difference in the lives, health, and happiness of the youth at Bike Works through a shared love of bicycles. What more can I say?
 Rose Brennan
Program Manager
A Little Bit About Me:
I am a mad lover of bikes, alternative and accessible transportation, youth empowerment, and working to undo systems of oppression through community engagement and activism. I enjoy teaching as well as learning from the youth at Bike Works. I grew up in Boise and I am happy to have moved to Seattle and to have found this house on Ferdinand Street.
How bicycling and inspiring young people is a part of my life:
Cycling has made a significant impact on my life and I only hope to inspire those around me to take part in that joy. While I have enjoyed traveling by bike in my life before Bike Works, now I get to bike tour through the gorgeous world of Washington all summer with young people - showing that travel by bicycle is not only possible but a dream turned reality. We are bringing youth into the instructor roles and inspiring others that they can do it by their own power without polluting the environment or passing by people and landscapes that typically are ignored by other travelers. On a day to day basis I simply get to impart the skills to be able to fix bikes and ride safely in the city to the youth of Seattle through this place called Bike Works. It is a huge privilege and I am proud to be a part of it.
Statement of why I work at Bike Works:
There is no other place like this! Bike Works has got the funk, heart, soul, and peculiarity that I'm absolutely in love with. The youth and families that make up this place truly make it a home. I am blessed to be here and do the work that I do everyday.
 Lexi Keeler
Development Manager
A Little Bit About Me:
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, detoured for a year after high school to live in France before heading to college at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. I ended up in Seattle for an internship with an environmental and peace organization. I’ve spent the past seven years working in community-focused, small nonprofits, committed to building a healthy, just world. I live in Columbia City with my wife. I love farmers’ markets, reading and making comics, my family and my friends.
How bicycling and inspiring young people is a part of your life:
Young people inspire me. I think they are awesome and hilarious. I love the way they get interested in things and grow as people and remind me to notice what an amazing world we live in. It is important to me to give youth the space and opportunity to see the best things about themselves, and I believe that Bike Works does that. Much like hanging out with young people, biking helps me reconnect with my world.
Statement of why I work at Bike Works:
I enjoy connecting people to their passions through fundraising. Bike Works combines my own passions for supporting youth, stewarding the environment, and building strong communities, and allows me to contribute to the vitality of my neighborhood.
Ryan Linville
Lead Mechanic
A Little Bit About Me:
I was born in Bicycle crazy Portland, Oregon long before it was bicycle crazy. I've lived in Seattle since June 2008, and I love living in a city where people ride because they want to.
How bicycling and inspiring young people is a part of my life:
Bicycling has always been a part of my life in some form. I do it mostly because its fun, but it also gives me a sense of freedom that is hard to find other ways. I ride to obtain that elusive youthful carefree feeling that many of us crave.
Having youth around is invigorating in the obvious ways. I mostly see myself at their ages and envy this organization as a resource. Bike Works also benefits greatly from their energy, laughter, and positive nature.
Statement of why I work at Bike Works:
I want to work at Bike Works because it's important. It's important that youth have a place where their voices can be heard, where they are a part of the decision making process, and where they create a sustainable environment that is their own.
It's important because we promote bicycling; a healthy, fun, and sustainable transportation option.
Everyone here is loving, smart, and passionate about making a difference in their communities, and that makes this an amazing place to be.
Steve Maluk
Shop Manager
A Little Bit About Me:
I’m from the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts, but I come to Seattle from Southern Oregon. Cycling has been a huge part of my life for about a decade. I’m a profoundly lucky guy to have my partner Robin, her service-dog Nugget, and our cat Edie as family. Aside from bikes, I’m mad about cricket (the sport). And I make pierogi from scratch.
How bicycling and inspiring young people is a part of my life:
Cycling to me has meant bike touring, racing, and purely utilitarian transportation too. But it’s also given me a sense of self. If I can share with young people that cycling can be a means to a sense of identity, then I’ll feel successful.
Statement of why I work at Bike Works:
I’ve worked at bike shops because I love bikes, I love working with people, and because bike shops tend to be a great work enviroment. The opportunity to ply this trade and bring leadership to a mission-driven community bike shop like Bike Works was too good to pass up.
 Qamuuqin "Muuqi" Maxwell
Program Coordinator
A Little Bit About Me:
I was born in Salem, Oregon and lived my first 20 years in the Southern town of Ashland. Learning to ride a bike at an early age, I was fortunate to grow up in a town with a very diverse bicycle scene. I "cut my teeth" on two wheels by riding around the local university and hucking myself down stairs and off curbs. After high school I attended the local United Bicycle Institute and was officially certified as a bicycle mechanic, and thus started my career in the bike industry. Since then I have worked at Cycle Sport in Ashland and Medford, Oregon, Gregg's Greenlake here in Seattle, and now at Bike Works. When I am not trying to save the world through bicycles (and getting paid to do it) I can be found riding bikes, playing frisbee, running, hiking, reading, writing, and generally trying to enjoy life. Things that I live for include moments of wind in my hair, sun on my face, rain on my skin, music or laughter in my ears and good company.
How bicycling and inspiring young people is a part of my life:
Bicycling has been a part of my life, literally, for as long as I can remember. It was one of the first sports that I picked up, and while I have dabbled in and participated in many other sports (including, but not limited to soccer, basketball, cross-country, track and field, football, and snowboarding), cycling has always been the one that I always came back to. As for inspiring youth, I was lucky to have plenty of older, bicycle riding role models to look up to while I was growing up, and after experiencing first hand how that helped me learn about my self and grow, I have sought to provide the same experience to others.
Statement of why I work at Bike Works:
I am excited to be a part of Bike Works because it provides me with the opportunity to help other kids experience how bikes can play a huge role in shaping how you view yourself and how you view the world around you.
 Davey Oil
Adult Programs & Volunteer Coordinator
A Little Bit About Me:
I am a lifelong cyclist for transportation and adventure. My bike is my instrument of liberation. It has always been the key to my independence. I have worked as a cycling educator with the League of American Bicyclists, Cascade Bicycle Club and the Bikery. I ride bikes regularly with big ole crowds of friends in Critical Mass, Slow Sunday and the Seattle Cargo Bike Rides. I ride on a red folding cargo bike of my own devisement. It has a sweet brass bell.
How bicycling and inspiring young people is a part of my life:
Too much in our world conspires to limit the mobility of young people and our job in bike education is to provide tools our students need to break out!
Statement of why I work at Bike Works:
I see my job at Bike Works as an opportunity to support the self-liberation of an amazing gang of young people. As Adult Programs & Volunteer Coordinator I am lucky to work with an amazing cast of adult volunteers who really help keep Bike Works going!
 Jayanthi Reddy
Outreach & Events Coordinator
A Little Bit About Me:
Hey! I love to eat cereal, spend time with my family and friends, and read books when I'm not riding my bike around Seattle.
How bicycling and inspiring young people is a part of my life:
While bicycles haven't always been a big part of my life, I've had a lot of fun learning more about all sorts of bicycle related stuff. It's really great to see young people exploring their passion and love for bicycles, and sharing that experience with other people. It helps me remember how much we can all learn from each other, and how much fun it is to ride bikes together!
Statement of why I work Bike Works:
Being at Bike Works is great because there are lot's of great people around that are always inspiring you in different ways. I'm always learning from the people around me, and everyone is really sweet and lot's of fun.
 Donald Villarreal
Recycling and Reuse Coordinator
How bicycling and inspiring young people is a part of your life:
Well, considering I am from North Dakota, were there really wasn't a bicycle culture, it's super inspiring to see the youth hopping on bikes everyday. I believe it's important to show the young people of the world that it's possible to use bicycles as a positive form of transportation. It means a lot to me to be that person in a young person's life.
Statement of why you want to work at Bike Works:
Why? Why not? It's a blast! Even when there's a shop full a people and It seems like I'll never get to eat my lunch. I know that I am working with one of the best teams of bicycle thinkers, educators, and straight up bike lovers and where all gonna eat cookies and laugh about it later.
 Henry Jackson-Spieker
Bicycle Mechanic - Apprenticeship Program Graduate
A Little Bit About Me:
Lets see, I came to Bike Works when I was 13, in 2003, taking the beginning mechanics class. Back then Bike Works was a lot different and I've been very fortunate to see it grow into the great organization that it is today as well as be apart of shaping its future. I've taken basically every course Bike Works has offered except for a few now that I'm too old to be in EAB unfortunately. Outside of Bike Works I'm in college and do sculptural artwork down at Pratt Fine Arts Center.
How bicycling and inspiring young people is a part of my life:
As for bicycling the amount of time and effort I've put into it surprises me when I look back on it. I wasn't always interested in bikes until I came here, now I cant imagine what I would have done with all that time that I wasn't dealing with bikes in some form or another. As for inspiring youth at Bike Works its nice because I used to be one and still know a lot of the other people in EAB. Its been really fun and a great learning process becoming a volunteer for Bike Works help being a mentor for the young people that are apart of this community.
Statement of why I work at Bike Works:
Why I want to work at Bike Works is simple, I've done everything else with Bike Works now I finally get to come full circle and be a staff member here. Plus the people and atmosphere here are unique in that they're so inviting and accepting that it is hard to stay away.
 Maya Riser-Kositsky
Bicycle Mechanic - Apprenticeship Program Graduate
A Little Bit About Me:
I'm a born-and-raised Seattlite. I attended Kimball Elementary, Lake Washington Girls School, and Garfield High School (class of 2010). When biking from our tent to the beach on a camping trip at age 9, I first realized that bicycling could be more than riding on the loop around Seward Park, transportation. I started a mechanics class at Bike Works when I was in 8th grade; I was the only girl in my class. I found that I love fixing things, finding how they work and how I can make them work better. For the first few months I was all about the mechanics. I knew that a summer bike trip was being planned, but I wanted no part of it; I wasn't a bicyclist, I thought. But then Tina asked me to go on the ride. So I did it. And it was very fun. Parts were very challenging, but it helped me realize that I can do so much more than I think I can. Since then I've gone on three more bike trips with Bike Works and hundreds of hours fixing bikes, assuming the role of youth leader and advanced mechanic on the way. Besides fixing and riding bikes I enjoy reading, photography, knitting, and cooking.
How bicycling and inspiring young people is a part of your life:
After signing onto that first ride with Bike Works I starting riding my bike to school most days. I now use my bike as a way of finding my own way around the city and feeling the same independence most kids feel when they first get their driver's license. I love the freedom and self-reliance bicycling and bike mechanics give me. I've helped younger kids to try to find those feelings through being a mentor in the mechanics programs and on summer bike camps.
Statement of why you want to work at Bike Works:
I'm so excited to work at Bike Works because it is the culmination of all my years here, rising through each level of the organization. I love being able to use what I've learned to help disseminate my love of bicycling. Bike Works is making a difference on all levels: with young and old, here in Seattle and around the world.
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