Nick Romero

Title: Acting VICE President

Nick Romero is a Yakima Valley Native, born in Toppenish, now residing in Zillah with his wife and 4 children. Mr. Romero has worked in various industries ranging from aviation, agriculture and also developed the current Agricultural Equipment Mechanic program at Perry Tech. Nick is currently the proprietor of Thrive Industries LLC, a safety and operator training company that specializes in the agricultural and construction industries.

Mr. Romero has done many projects throughout the community for local businesses, in both business development as well as utilizing the YMS tools to create menu boards,plaques,seating,and various other projects for local coffee shops and breweries around the valley.

Nick is an avid outdoors-man spending time hunting,fishing and shooting in local competitions.

DeAnn Welch

Title: Treasurer

Born and raised in Yakima, Ms. Welch is a graduate of West Valley High School. She went on to take accounting courses at ETON Technical Institute in Port Townsend, then took a job for Interocean Steamship Corporation in Seattle. She moved back to Yakima in 1992 and has stayed ever since. She has held various jobs over the years each adding to her skills as a Full-Charge Bookkeeper and Finance Manager. DeAnn returned to college in 2011 to work through her Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and Management, then onto CWU, to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. She opened her own business Welch's Business Services in May 2017 with a mission to help small businesses succeed!

DeAnn has enjoyed craft projects her entire life with a favorite in beading. However, she always has a myriad of projects going at once. Her love of family and young granddaughter keeps her engaged in new projects almost daily. “She loves doing art and crafting – to see her creativity and nurture it is a wonderful experience.”  

David Geho

Title: Board Member

Mr. Geho was born in raised right here in the Yakima Valley where he graduated from Davis High School. "The Yakima area has so many great things to offer, and I enjoy calling it home. I've lived other places but am always drawn back." - David.

David's careers spans audio engineering, broadcasting and software development.  After a decision to make a career change, he attended college at YVCC and CWU and started his latest adventure as a marketing consultant and web designer.  David has always been into tinkering, fixing and creating. A majority of his skills and hobbies revolve around a mix of creative and technical. Which can be seen by his investment in the YMS IT infrastructure as well as his 3D printing, vinyl cutting, laser engraving and woodworking projects he has created at YMS.

David is a lover of the outdoors with hobbies including biking, hiking, camping and road trips, as well as more cosmopolitan pursuits such as wine / beer tasting and cooking. While David is an electric car and alternative energy enthusiast he also has a thing for the old technologies which can be seen by his investment as board member of The Olde Yakima Letterpress Museum, and his volunteering for the Central Washington Ag Museum.

"I am honored to be surrounded by the creative energy and helpful spirit of the members and the Board at YMS.  I am looking forward to seeing YMS not just exist, but thrive." -Dave Geho

Sonny LaForm

Title: Board Member

As a Master’s level Social Worker/Counselor for over 20 yrs. in social services (Currently a social worker with Casey Family Programs), I’ve had a continued focus on Legal/Relational Permanency with an emphasis on Trauma Informed Care. I’m certification in Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) and have worked collaboratively in the development and implementation of Trauma Healing Informed Care trainings for jurisdictions in New York, Hawaii and Washington State and at a National Conference. I also serve on the (YWCA) Social Justice Committee as well as the Coordinator on an Interagency (Casey Family Programs) Diversity Committee.

As a new Yakima Maker Space Board Member, I’m honored to contribute this professional perspective towards the growth of (YMS) and be directly involved in the vast opportunities to impact our community in positive ways.  It is my belief that YMS is and can continue to be a significant resource in providing amazing opportunities for youth and families’ artistic exploration, creativity and healing while strengthening our community connectedness and unity.   

My unique perspective also include my personal life experiences including as an YMS Member embarking on an ambitious journey in the YMS Kayak/Boat build and successful completing of a (sea-worthy) Shearwater Sport Hybrid Kayak.  This YMS Class provided me an incredible opportunity for new learning in woodworking that included use of new tools and machines/technology and most importantly a chance to interact/learn with other YMS members. The hundreds of hours of time spent at the YMS and engaging with others as they completed their respective projects were impactful. 

Having grown up in Hawaii, I’ve also enjoyed mindfulness/regulating activities and an outdoor enthusiast (well-fitted) for the Pacific Northwest as an avid trail (ultra) runner, hiker, and kayaker.

Jack  mcentire

Title: Board Member

Jack McEntire, aka Chainsaw Jack, was born in Arizona and has lived most of his life in the Great Northwest.  He currently resides in Selah, Washington with his wife and daughter.  Jack has an educational background in Micro Biology, for which he holds a Degree, but his true love is the chainsaw!  Since he started carving he has appeared on ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition, and Saw Dogs and has sold pieces to people all over the world.

Additionally, he has been featured on broadcast news, newspaper articles and has done many art shows for which he holds awards for his work.  Jack has worked with several other mediums such as stone, metal, snow and even polystyrene.  Jack has won awards for competing in many competitions such as the Westport International Chainsaw Carving Championship.  Another competition Jack competed in was Reno Little Joe's Carving for Kids that benefited the Make a Wish Foundation.

John Storlie

Title: Board Member & Founder

John is the owner of Yakima Networking which is a locally owned and operated business offering computer repair in central Washington. He has built a business that is grounded in supplying solutions using the latest technology and the highest standards of quality, performance.

John has brought these skills and his vision of  YMS to the community at large since YMS's inception. John is a passionate maker and hacker that believes strongly in the Maker movement.

Betsy BloomfIEld

Title: Advisor to the Board of Directors

Yakima Maker Space is delighted to have Ms. Bloomfeild as an Advisor to the Board of Directors. As we navigate these challenging times of COVID-19 Betsy’s skill sets will be of great assistance. Betsy comes to YMS with a plethora of skills from years of working in the nonprofit world. While at the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy she was a vital part of their success; including business functions, conservation strategies, recreation and education programs, as well as fundraising activities. Her skills with strategic planning, grant proposals, and community outreach will be a great assist to the Board of YMS as we travel uncharted waters. 

Thoralf (Ted) Gamlem 

Title: Executive Director

Ted’s working life started with The Boeing Company in Engineering and he later moved to management jobs in the Finance Department.  He left Boeing after sixteen years to pursue an education at WSU in Veterinary Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine became his career for the next 25 years. For most of that time, he was the owner and operator of The Animal Medical Center Veterinary Hospital in Selah.

When he retired from practice he pursued several volunteer opportunities, and also developed many new interests. He has spent a great deal of time in his shop experimenting with both sculptural and functional forms in metal, wood, stone, and glass, along with sketching, painting and technical drawing. 

He has been an active hiker, skier, and bicyclist which naturally led him to the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy where he served on their board and eventually served as Board President.  During his tenure he served their mission by developing and establishing administrative policies and operating procedures. Ted comes to Yakima Maker Space with a fresh perspective and years of experience to help us in our mission to; Create, Educate and Collaborate.