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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...
Deb Salls, Executive Director
Tina Bechler, Program Director
Karl Chapman, Recycle & Reuse Assistant
Lei Doley, AmeriCorps Recycle & Reuse Assistant
Leland Gipson, Program Coordinator
Ellie Kaszniak, Lead Mechanic
Lexi Keeler, Development Director
Stephen Maluk, Bike Shop Director
Liz Nixon, Development & Office Coordinator
Davey Oil, Adult Programs & Volunteer Coordinator
Homer O'Neil, Shop Mechanic
Sterling Quinn, AmeriCorps Youth Program Assistant
Naomi Salinas-Burton, Youth Outreach Coordinator
Donald Villarreal, Recycle & Reuse Coordinator
Staff Bios
 Deb Salls
Executive Director
A Little Bit About Me:
I grew up in Minneapolis and have lived in St Louis and Chicago. I like to write, sing and play the guitar. I moved to Seattle for my position at Bike Works and I have been having a great time enjoying the beautiful Pacific Northwest and exploring Seattle.
I have an undergraduate degree in Anthropology from the U of MN and a Masters of Education in Youth Development Leadership from there as well. I also have a Masters degree in Non-profit Management from Washington University in St Louis. I have worked in nonprofits my whole career focuing on youth development and young adult leadership.
How bicycling and inspiring young people is a part of my life:
Helping young people to become better leaders, explore their communities and expand their world view has been a theme in my life and career. I have spent the past 18 years in youth development work and nonprofit management. Bike Works ’ vision to inspire and empower young people to explore their world utilizing bikes as a vehicle of change resonates with what has been important to me throughout my career.
Bikes = recreation, transportation, education and transformation.
Statement of why I work at Bike Works:
Bikes have long been part of my life as recreation and often as transportation. I think that Bike Works innovatively elevates the bicycle to a tool for education and transformation. This inspires and motivates me everyday at Bike Works.
I am passionate about social justice issues facing our communities, youth and young adult empowerment, leadership development, civic engagement, our environment and social innovation. I feel like Bike Works programs and staff embodies the very best of all these things in one wonderful organization that is positively impacting our community every day.
I am excited to be continuing this work, alongside the Bike Works team, as Bike Works new Executive Director.
 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?
 Karl Chapman
Recycle & Reuse Assistant
A Little Bit About Me:
I grew up in San Diego, moved to Santa Barbara, then to Vancouver (WA) and have been living in Seattle for the past 6 years. I have put in a lot of work as a core member of the Bikery, have worked in a couple of bike shops, and have been a bicycle ambassador among other things. I also like to play drums and guitar, draw, silkscreen, go to shows, listen to records, cook and eat shared meals, and hang out with buddies.
I've always rode my bike as my primary form of transportation. I love the freedom of being able to just hop on my bike and go wherever I want or need to go. Bikes are fairly cheap transportation and are super fun. I've had the privilege of working in spaces where cycling can be an avenue for building community, empowerment, social justice, recycling and conservation of resources, and skill building. I am excited to work at a place that attempts to make biking more accessible to youth and everyone. I wish there were places like Bike Works around when I was growing up.
Also, at Bike Works I get to wrench on bikes, work with great people, hang out with youth, refurbish bikes, and hopefully help transform bike culture... It’s pretty amazing.
Lei Doley
AmeriCorps Recycle & Reuse Assistant
 Leland Gipson
Program Coordinator
A Little Bit About Me:
First and foremost, I have a beautiful family, a beautiful wife Amy, and we have two crazy little ones, Addie and Mars. At one point in time I was a bicycle messenger here in Seattle and in N.Y.C. Can you really call 14+years “at one point?” Yeah, a big ol’ point.
How bicycling and inspiring young people is a part of your life:
Bicycling been a part of my life since I was a kid. I grew up in the C.D. For those that don’t know, C.D. stands for the Central District.
From a kid on a BMX bike, to an adult on a BMX, I knew I was supposed to be in the saddle. That’s why I think I became a messenger.
I really didn’t think I was an inspiration until one day this kid ran up to me downtown and asked, Do you live in the C.D.? ‘Cause I see you all the time.” It was pretty cool. I knew that there were kids out there that loved to ride bikes as much as me from my neighborhood. Or there was the time when my little girl wanted to take me for show and share, because she tells her friends how her daddy rides his bike all day. I think that’s a glimpse of inspiration.
Statement of why I work at Bike Works:
Community. When I was a kid a long time ago, there wasn’t a place where a kid could go in the community to build lasting friendships with other kids who shared the passion of the pedal. Bike Works embodies community, and I feel like that’s what the world is missing.
 Ellie Kaszniak
Lead Mechanic
A Little Bit About Me:
I grew up in the deserts of Arizona before moving to the Northwest. Over the past decade I have primarily split my time between Arizona, Washington, the Netherlands, and Guatemala where I have lived, studied, worked, ridden bikes, climbed volcanoes, and listened to many people’s stories of life, struggle, and inspiration. My career as a mechanic began with backyard tool and skill-sharing projects before I officially began working with a collectively run bicycle education center and community project in Arizona. Three years ago I found myself back in Seattle where I continued working with two volunteer run community bicycle projects as well as wrenching in a local bike shop that specialized in repairs and refurbishments. Recently having returned from two years spent in Guatemala following other passions, I am excited to once again get my hands greasy!
How bicycling and inspiring young people is a part of your life:
Bicycling and bicycles have proven to me to be the most magnificent tools for realizing just about all my greater goals; community building, confidence and skill development, environmental awareness, sustainable practices, social justice, and freedom of movement. Bicycles have accompanied me throughout my life in a process of self discovery, and it is a privilege to be able to accompany youth through their own processes of identity building in which the bicycle can be used as a “vehicle” for developing both a sense of self sufficiency as well as belonging to a diverse community of bicycle lovers.
Statement of why I work at Bike Works:
BikeWorks offers me the perfect opportunity to combine many of my interests under one focused project, work with an inspiring team of organizers, educators, fundraisers and mechanics, learn from local youth, participate in a diverse community, and get my hands dirty!
 Lexi Keeler
Development Director
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.
Steve Maluk
Shop Director
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.
 Liz Nixon
Development & Office Coordinator
A Little Bit About Me:
A Washingtonian born and raised, I grew up on the Peninsula and moved to Seattle to study architecture at the University of Washington. After bicycling down the coast with a group called Ride Green Build Green, I hooked up with Habitat for Humanity of East King County and worked as an AmeriCorps for them from 2008-2010. It was at Habitat that I learned how crucial fundraising and development is to a non profit and I am excited to help Bike Works in this capacity.
Aside from non profits and bicycles, I like passionate conversations. I like supporting my friends and their creative endeavors, and I like a good dance party.
How bicycling and inspiring young people is a part of my life:
I think a bicycle is the absolute best way to get around town. I feel more connected to my community, healthier and empowered when I travel by bicycle. I want everyone on the planet, especially today’s youth, to experience that. I’m an advocate for walkable, bikable communities where transportation is used to promote health and have fun!
Statement of why I work Bike Works:
Bike Works is full of wonderful and passionate people who equip young people with the skills to lead empowered, healthy fun-filled lives. It’s hard not to want to be a part of that.
 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!
 Sterling Quinn
AmeriCorps Youth Program Assistant
A Little Bit About Me:
I’ve been coming to Bike Works for 9 years. I graduated high school this last year and decided to spend a leap year before jumping into college. Working at BikeWorks through Americorp seemed like the perfect thing.
How bicycling and inspiring young people is a part of my life:
Bikes are huge to me, as both transportation and recreation. I rarely(never?) leave my house without a bike and I play bike polo nearly every day. I hope I can share my passion for bikes with young people.
Statement of why I work at Bike Works:
Bike Works introduced me to the bicycling world. It’s become my life and I hope I can bring more kids to love bikes like I do.
Naomi Salinas-Burton
Youth Outreach Coordinator
A Little Bit About Me:
I was born and raised right here in Seattle, and graduated from Garfield High School. I moved to Vancouver, BC where I studied Sociology and fell in love with riding bikes, before moving back to work at the Seattle International Film Festival and then at Youthcare’s Orion Center (and finally at Bike Works). I still love bikes, movies, cooking and loud music.
How bicycling and inspiring young people is a part of my life:
As a little kid, I remember being forced to ride bikes in PE class and hating it. It wasn’t until I was in college that I really learned to ride and appreciate bikes. It is such an empowering process to ride and fix up your very own bicycle. I wish that I had started a decade earlier, and I feel super lucky that I can now help give youth that opportunity through Earn-A-Bike and other programs.
Statement of why I work at Bike Works:
I am passionate about bicycling and social change and I had experience in outreach and youth work so it seemed like a pretty perfect match! Through my position as Youth Outreach Coordinator, I aim to increase access and awareness of Bike Works so that youth from all communities and backgrounds in Seattle can ride bikes, learn about sustainability, and gain valuable skills through our programs.
 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, where 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 we're all gonna eat cookies and laugh about it later.
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