Amity Addrisi is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who has been in a TV studio since she learned to walk. She’s been called an expert in connection, uniting people through shared and often humorous experiences. Her life and career began in her hometown of Los Angeles where she studied Literature as well as Geology at UCLA and worked for the Dr. Phil Show and Access Hollywood. Switching from celebrities to politics and government, Amity spent nearly two decades as a TV news anchor, medical health journalist, and the host of NBC Seattle’s New Day Northwest. She joined the Allen Institute in September of 2024. As the Senior Communications and Media Relations Specialist, her mission is to explore new and creative ideas that highlight the incredible work being done at the Institute every day.

Angela is a veteran TV journalist and storyteller, known for her in-depth reporting and compelling interviews. Most recently, she co-hosted the award-winning television shows "Evening" and "Take 5" on KING 5 in Seattle; but her career has taken her all over the country, from the deep south to the northeast. Angela's work in TV news earned her a National Gracie Award and previously, a Northwest Emmy Award. She has spent the last decade expanding the reach of her storytelling through diverse mediums, including film. Currently, Angela is a Playwright in Residence at Seattle Public Theatre, where she is busy developing a new musical. She is also a contributing host for KIRO Newsradio. Together, with her husband Victor, they have four children.

Jared Van, BCBA is currently a PhD candidate at The Pennsylvania State University under the supervision of Dr. Richard M. Kubina Jr. in the Special Education Department. He received his M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Jared worked as a behavior interventionist in the California Bay Area and greater Los Angeles Area for over half a decade working with a diverse population of clients with autism and other developmental disabilities. Jared’s research interests are in the areas of Precision Teaching, Behavior Science, Instructional Design, Social Justice, education, special education, and Education Policy.