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UW Youth & Teen Programs

Meet the Staff

Leslie Rome — Director

Leslie Rome The director of Youth & Teen Programs since 2005, Leslie strives to tap the vast resources of the UW to create unique learning opportunities where children and teens can explore new interests, take risks and grow. She earned a master's in education with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction at Northeastern University, and has more than 20 years of experience helping nonprofits such as KCTS 9 and Seattle Children's Museum extend the reach of their resources to the K–12 community. Under Leslie’s leadership, UW Youth & Teen Programs has grown substantially, serving students near and far with in-person and remote learning opportunities.


Chad Hammond — Program Administrator

Chad Hammond Chad is responsible for all the operational needs of Youth & Teen Programs. He has a recreation management degree from Eastern Washington University, as well as a certification in early childhood education. Chad brings more than 20 years of youth development experience to his role. Before coming to the UW, he worked as director of programming and operations for i9 Sports Puget Sound and as branch director of a Boys & Girls Club in Spokane. 


Diana Ratsamee — Program Administrator

Diana Ratsamee Diana was born and raised in Seattle and graduated from the UW Foster School of Business with a focus in information systems. From there, she worked as a technology consultant for five years before pursuing her passions in travel and teaching. Diana returned to the UW in 2021, working with the UW wellness program before joining UW Continuum College.


Lindsay Huse Kestin — Program Manager

Lindsay Huse Kestin Lindsay has over a decade of experience creating educational experiences for young people in Seattle and works to create enriching programs for students at the UW. Lindsay previously worked at the Seattle Art Museum, where she was the manager of teen and family programs. She’s held positions in the nonprofit world and at museums in the U.K. Lindsay earned a master’s degree in art history from the Courtauld Institute of Art in London and a bachelor’s degree in art history and English from Boston College. In her spare time, she can be found plotting her next travel adventure, spending time outdoors with her dog Charlie and son Henry and cooking meals with her husband.