Katie Simons is the Executive Director at Talaris Institute. As Executive Director, Katie reports directly to the Board and leads the Talaris team. She directs all aspects of strategic planning, research, general operations, product development, distribution and evaluation.

Katie has a BA in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard’s School of Government. Prior to joining Talaris, she was Director of Brewed Coffee for Starbucks, where she had innovation and P&L responsibility for the brewed coffee business in Starbucks stores nationwide. Previously, she was a Project Leader for Boston Consulting Group in New York and Korea, where she led teams and provided strategic management consulting to Fortune 500 companies. Katie was also an Account Director for the online marketing company Avenue A Razorfish and was a Fulbright scholar in Africa.

Katie and her husband, Steve, have two young daughters ages 1 and 3.

Carolyn Bardon is the Director of Finance and Operations at Talaris Institute, reporting to the Executive Director. As Director of Finance and Operations, Carolyn is responsible for business planning, financial oversight & reporting, operations support and team leadership.

Carolyn joined Talaris from the Global Development Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where she recommended systems improvements, and implemented policies and procedures related to finance, financial planning & analysis, IT, HR and facilities. Previously, she was the Co-founder and CEO of a small business and Director of Business Planning for an internet start-up. She also has financial experience working at the investment bank Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette and in private equity. Carolyn has a BS in business administration from the University of California, Berkeley and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Carolyn and her husband Max are the proud parents of a two year old daughter named Ava. In addition to spending time with family, Carolyn’s interests include yoga, running, tennis and community service.

Mary Braseth joined Talaris in December of 2008 as the administrative assistant to Executive Director, Katie Simons.  As well as being an executive assistant, Mary is also responsible for office management, customer service and board communication.  

Most recently, Mary was the lead administrative assistant to the Vice President of Licensed Stores at Starbucks as well as the Vice President of Global Beverage.

 Mary enjoys horseback riding, reading, walking her dogs and spending time with her family. 

Janice Brinschwitz joined the Talaris team in February, 2010 and reports directly to the Director of Finance and Operations.  In addition to performing accounting and financial reporting duties, Janice works closely with the Dir. of Finance and Operations to develop and assure compliance with financial controls and systems. 

Janice’s experience includes her role as Controller at Envision Response, Inc., a Seattle based TV production and marketing company where she managed the Accounting and Human Resources department.  She became a QuickBooks expert as the founder of her own bookkeeping and consulting business,  JLB Bookkeeping, focusing on QB training and troubleshooting.  Janice also worked as an auditor for Arthur Andersen LLP, Seattle, after graduating magna cum laude from the University of Washington with a BA in Business Administration.

Having lived in Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Australia, Janice now calls beautiful Edmonds, WA her home, which she shares with husband Thomas, and daughters Katharina and Gabriela.  Janice loves reading and dancing Argentine Tango.

Calvin L. Lyons is the Director of Partnerships at Talaris Institute, reporting to the Executive Director. As Director of Partnerships, Calvin contributes to the Talaris mission by providing team leadership, partnerships vision and strategy.

Calvin joins the Talaris team from Rainier Scholars where he directed all aspects of the educational non-profit including general business operations, fundraising, marketing and program operations. Calvin has a BS in Organizational Leadership and Supervision from Purdue University, an MBA from Pepperdine University and recently completed the Executive Leadership Program at Seattle University.

When not at the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, traveling, chess (collects chess sets from around the world), and exercising.