Our Team

Administrative

Chud Wendle

Executive Director

Chud joined the Hutton Settlement team in July 2016. He has spent the majority of his career in the business sector with an 18 year career with Wendle Motors and the past 8 years involved in real estate. In addition, Chud served as the District Director for Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Chud is the proud father of three boys: Ben, Nick, Jack and grandbaby Chud. Chud received his B.A. in Business Administration at University of Washington and his M.B.A. at Gonzaga University.

Steffanie Sweeten

Executive Assistant

Steffanie joined the Hutton team in September 2020. She graduated from the University of Montana, Missoula in 2005 where she earned her bachelor's degree in Accounting. She enjoys traveling with her three children, spending time outdoors and going to concerts.

Jessica Laughery

Director of Community Engagement & Stewardship

Jessie joined the Hutton Settlement team in July 2018. Growing up in Clarkston, WA, she was involved in 4-H, school activities, and youth government. In 2010, she moved to Spokane to pursue an education at Gonzaga University, where she received her B.A. in Public Relations in 2014. She furthered her education by earning a Master's in Business Administration from Whitworth University in 2021.

Prior to joining Hutton, Jessie served as Director of Community and Constituent Relations for Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ congressional office. Now, she is proud to come to work every day to help fulfill Levi's original mission of giving kids not just a safe home and family, but also an opportunity to hope and heal. Sharing the story and giving our communities ways to get involved in supporting Hutton is a great honor for her.

Jessie and her husband, Alex, enjoy spending time with their toddler son, Jack, and family and friends. She is passionate about fulfilling Hutton's mission and engaging the community in this meaningful work.

Campus Staff

Krissy Williams

Campus Director

I am a born and raised North Idaho native and lucky enough to have my entire family nearby! My name is Krissy, and alongside my husband Danny, we have three very cool children who surprise and impress us everyday with their individual interests and paths.

My professional journey began in Social Work at the University of Idaho (Go Vandals!) and continued on to Lewis & Clark State College. Driven by a passion for working with children, I began my career specializing in evaluation of both children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. I am a lifelong learner and decided to continue my educational journey once again at the University of Idaho for my Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership and Adult Education. I transitioned to Chief Information Officer for a local school district, where I gained invaluable experience in education and leadership as well as solidifying my passion to work directly with kids again.

This passion led me to the role of Campus Director at Hutton Settlement, a position I consider a true honor. At Hutton, I am privileged to work closely with resilient youth who have faced challenges that most cannot imagine. Every day, I am inspired by their determination, work ethic, and optimistic spirit in the face of adversity.

Outside of my professional life, I am an avid reader, bike rider, love to cook and host family dinners every Sunday, and spend as much quality time with my family as I can while my kids are still living at home.

In all aspects of my life, whether personal or professional, my dedication to nurturing young lives and fostering a positive impact remains my priority. I am grateful for the opportunities I've had to make a difference and look forward to the journey ahead, guided by the values of compassion, resilience, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every child.

Theresa Auton

Campus Office Manager

More info to come...

Alyssa Patrick

Director of Youth & Families

Alyssa joined our team in June 2016 as the Youth Development Coordinator, bringing a passion for fostering growth and development in young people. She earned her BA in Children's Studies in 2014 from Eastern Washington University then pursued her Master's in Social Work also from Eastern Washington in 2016. After obtaining her LICSW, Alyssa transitioned into her current role as the Director of Youth Development.

In her role, Alyssa leverages her expertise to lead and enhance our youth programs, drawing on her extensive background in social work and child development. Her commitment to empowering youth is evident in her strategic approach and hands-on involvement.

Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys spending quality time with her husband CJ and their two daughters, Maya and Nori. She loves cooking, sunshine, traveling and rooting for the Seattle Mariners.

David Milliken

SALUTE & Programs Director

David has been part of the Hutton Settlement team since 1997. After serving as a case manager and campus director for years, David ventured into the development of on-site educational programs on campus in 2022. With an academic background in psychology (B.S.) and organizational leadership (M.A.), coupled with certifications as a National Geographic Educator and Master Naturalist, David leads weekly experiential education sessions and seasonal expeditions centered on cultivating social-emotional intelligence, spiritual and cultural awareness, and leadership skill development. He directs the Hutton Valley Farm, Odyssey Outdoor Adventures, Journeys Expeditions, and HOPE Youth Enterprises.

David spends his personal time gardening, walking, reading, cooking, outdoor adventuring, and traveling the globe. His international travels include leading pilgrimages to sacred sites around the world with a focus on self-discovery, deep belonging, and integrated living. David has been honored to work at Hutton with his wife Tamara who has served as a Hutton Settlement houseparent since 1999.

Kelly Thompson

Youth Development Coordinator

Since 2016, I have shifted roles at Hutton, starting as a houseparent with my husband, Gabe, to finding my dream position as a Youth Development Coordinator. My role is to focus on health, fitness, and education with our kids. As a houseparent, I returned to school to obtain my BA in Elementary Education. While student teaching, I quickly realized that being in the classroom was not my calling. Thankfully, I was still working at Hutton as a relief houseparent and was offered a position where I would help plan fun adventures and be the school liaison for our kids--it has been a blessing! I quickly found myself back in school to earn my Therapeutic Recreation certification to support our kids on a deeper level.

During our downtime, my husband and I load up our dog, Princess Maybelline, and go on our own adventures as often as we can. Fishing, hiking, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding are a few of my favorite activities. Spending time with my granddaughter running down the hill in our backyard or picking berries from our garden are some of the magical moments I take advantage of as often as possible.

I appreciate the opportunity to work at Hutton every day because I feel there is no other place like it! I have found a home here in the adults and kids I work with, and am thankful to be a part of the West Valley community.

Jason Dietzel

Youth Development Coordinator

Bio Coming

Houseparents

Houseparents are the backbone of Hutton’s model. Houseparents live in our large cottage family homes with approximately eight-ten youth, either boys or girls, providing around-the-clock care. Houseparents face a variety of challenges on a daily basis as many of the children they care for have experienced trauma throughout their lives. Houseparents must have patience, compassion and perseverance when times are challenging. To learn more about how special this role is within our organization, please visit the Careers Page.

Board of Trustees

The Hutton Settlement is governed by a Board of Trustees with the objective to improve the lives of children by instilling strong values, providing superior education, support and opportunity for success.

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