Naja Farjan Ramírez, Ph.D.

Keynote: Fundamentals of brain development: Why early experiences matter

Naja (pronouced Naya) Ferjan Ramírez, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in Linguistics at the University of Washington and holds the Distinguished Professorship in Language Acquisition and Multilingualism Endowment. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience from Brown University and her Ph.D. in Linguistics and Cognitive Science from the University of California, San Diego. She completed her post-doctoral training at the Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences at the University of Washington. Naja's research focuses on understanding the extent and origins of variability in brain growth and linguistic development among young children of diverse backgrounds. Naja is a proud mother of three young children who listen and speak three languages at home: Slovene, Spanish, and English.

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Tavish and Rebecca MacLean

Honorary Chairs 

We are thrilled to have Tavish and Rebecca MacLean as this year's Honorary Chairs of the Inspire Breakfast. Tavish is a current member of our Board of Directors, and both have volunteered with Encompass in many roles over the years. Tavish also served on the Snoqualmie Valley School District School Board, Empower Youth Network Board, as well as years of involvement with local scouts and sports clubs for their three boys. A labor and delivery nurse for more than 20 years, Rebecca is a clinical instructor at Bellevue College and is currently on the board of CarePoint  Clinic. Steadfast Encompass supporters, the MacLeans raised their family in the Snoqualmie Valley, and are dedicated to making it a thriving, healthy community. 

Chris Cashman 

Emcee

Chris Cashman will serve as our Emcee once again. Chris is a multi-Emmy-Award-winning host, producer, editor, writer, and avatar. His distinct brand of humor and creativity has earned him television hosting and acting roles for the Discovery Channel, CBS and Comedy Central, as well as on regional stations such as KSTW, KOMO, Seattle Channel, and KING 5's Evening Magazine.