Kelly Jeannotte, Interim Executive Director

Bio: Bainbridge Youth Services is led by Kelly Jeannotte, Interim Executive Director, who brings a background in human development, psychology, education, program development and evaluation. Kelly holds master’s degrees in Human Development and Psychology and is currently a PhD Fellow in Positive Developmental Psychology at Claremont Graduate University.

Kelly’s work focuses on positive youth development, belonging, resilience, and prevention-focused approaches that support youth mental health and well-being. Through community partnerships and evidence-informed programming, Kelly is committed to helping youth feel connected, supported, and empowered within the Bainbridge Island community.

Advice for my teenage self: Pay attention to what energizes you & what concerns you about the world; those are clues to your purpose in life and work. It grows where what you care about meets how you help others. Youth is a time for exploration and discovery, so stay curious and trust the process.

Favorite quote: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Mahatma Gandhi

What makes me happy to be alive: Being a lifelong learner and growing alongside the young people and community I support.

Director Of Development & Marketing

Bio: Stephanie’s deep commitment to mission-driven work is woven throughout 25 years of experience in marketing, storytelling, community engagement, and nonprofit fundraising.

She began her career in technology, producing digital content and campaigns for large, complex organizations. That early experience shaped her ability to bring people together, translate ideas clearly, and transform strategy into action. Since then, she has built businesses, developed comprehensive communications programs, created community partnerships, and guided full-spectrum media strategies. She also founded and ran a multidisciplinary wellness studio, pioneering a whole-health approach to wellbeing.

Stephanie’s nonprofit work includes six years on the BYS Board, where she supported fundraising, events, and donor engagement, including three years chairing the BYS Breakfast. She has championed fundraising efforts and community connections for many local and regional organizations.

Warm, collaborative, and deeply relationship-centered, Stephanie is passionate about connecting people to causes that matter and strengthening the community she calls home.

Advice for my teenage self: Find a way to love yourself now. Even if it’s just one single thing. It doesn’t matter what it is, but cherish it, feel gratitude for it every day

Quote: Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Mary Oliver

What makes me happy to be alive: My children and husband are #1, but my dog is up there, too.  I love hiking and being in nature. Swimming in the ocean. Books and music. Deep, meaningful conversations.

Rosemarie Armstrong

Bio:
I am a trauma-informed LMHCA who supports teens and young adults with compassion, steadiness, and a deep respect for their lived experiences. I chose to work at Bainbridge Youth Services because I am committed to supporting my community and offering the kind of connection I wish I’d had as a teenager; my academic achievements, ongoing doctoral studies, and dedication to expanding accessible mental health care reflect my belief that emotional
connection is a strength and that we are wired to heal through relationship.

Advice for My Teenage Self:
I would remind my teenage self that her resilience is real, her voice matters, and the challenges she faces now will one day become the foundation of her strength. I would reassure her that
she is worthy of stability, connection, and a future far brighter than she can yet imagine.

Favorite quote: 
“You can’t control what is happening around you, but you can control how you respond to it.”
― Mel Robbins, The Let Them Theory

What Makes Me Happy to Be Alive:
Spending time with my family, traveling, collecting meaningful tattoos as personal art, and caring for my small tarantula collection remind me that life is full of curiosity, connection, and moments worth savoring.

John Carleton, LMHC, Therapist

Advice for my teenage self: You’re not alone and you don’t have to do it all by yourself. It’s okay to talk to someone about how difficult things are. Talking about what’s going on will help you know what you’re feeling and let you know that you’re not alone in feeling that way. Also, you don’t have to have the right answer all the time; you don’t have to be perfect. It’s quite impossible! Making mistakes is not only okay, it’s how you learn and grow!
Favorite quote: “Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a covenant between equals.” ~ Fr. Gregory Boyle
What makes me happy to be alive: Sunrises, sunsets, starry skies, cold mountain rivers and lakes, laughter, jumping on a trampoline, and riding my bike.

John joined BYS in August 2020 as a counseling intern.

I chose to work at BYS because I want to support my community, and I wish I’d had someone to talk to when I was a teenager. Many boys in America are socialized to disconnect from their emotions and to think that they shouldn’t need other people. I’d like to disrupt that narrative and help teens, especially boys, understand that our brains are wired for social connection and emotional engagement.

Chase Myers, LMHCA, Therapist

Advice for my teenage self: Be kind to yourself, take your time, and learn to embrace the moments that matter.
Favorite quote: “Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.” – Soren Kierkegaard
What makes me happy to be alive: Spending quality time with family and friends, getting lost in a good story, opportunities to connect with others, learning something new.

Chase joined BYS in January of 2022 as a counseling intern. He grew up in Kenai, Alaska and has received a B.A. in History from the University of Alaska Anchorage. He loves how much Bainbridge reminds him of his tight-knit community roots.

I am excited to do my part in supporting teenagers as they traverse such a unique time in their lives.

Megan Bradley, LMHCA, Therapist

Advice for my teenage self: You are enough just as you are.
Favorite quote: “Knowing oneself comes from attending with compassionate curiosity to what is happening within.” – Gabor Maté
What makes me happy to be alive: Adventuring–seeing new places and meeting new people. Being outside and moving my body. Cooking a delicious meal, starting and finishing a really good fantasy book, and spending time with family, friends and my partner.

I am very excited to be a part of the BYS team. I look forward to helping provide a space where teens and young adults feel like they can show-up as their most authentic selves!

Megan Leanderson, LMHCA

Advice for my teenage self: Pay attention to the things that light you up with joy, don’t let perfect be the enemy of good and think twice about what you wear to prom!

Favorite quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

What makes me happy to be alive: Painting, time by the water and traveling with my family are some of my greatest joys. However, my strongest gratitude nerve is hit when the following are involved: a good playlist, time in the kitchen cooking delicious food and a table full of people I love — and not necessarily in that order!

Megan and her family moved to Bainbridge in 2017 and fell in love with the community. After getting her Master’s Degree from The George Washington University and working within schools and community mental health in D.C., she transitioned to the corporate space.  Megan spent over a decade partnering with professionals through career transitions, job searches, and personal development. Those experiences shape her approaches to working with youth and their families to navigate challenges and live value-driven lives.

I am excited to be part of a team that provides support locally!