Meet the Team
James Layman, AWSL Director
E-mail James
James Layman (He/Him) joined the AWSL staff in the summer of 2017 and currently serves as the Director of the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL). James has been involved in student leadership with AWSL since 2001, having attended Mt. Baker Leadership Camp and serving as a Junior Counselor at Mt. Triumph Leadership for three summers. James has served as a senior counselor at multiple camps: Mt. Triumph and Chewelah Peak High School Leadership Camp. James currently serves as Director of Mission Peak Leadership Camp. James is a graduate of Central Valley High School and attended Eastern Washington University, focusing on Music Education, Psychology, and African-American History. James taught band and marching band throughout the Spokane area before joining the AWSL Team. James currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association for Student Activities (NA4SA).
Through AWSL, James is a sought-after keynote speaker, curriculum writer, equity consultant, and program facilitator throughout Washington State and beyond. James has been a presenter at the Washington Activity Coordinators Association, National Conference for Student Activities, and the NatStuCo National Conference and NatStuCo Lead Conferences. James lives and works out of Spokane, WA.
Responsibilities:
Directs AWSL.
Oversees and directs student voice initiatives and programs.
AWSL professional learning, curriculum writing, program facilitator, equity facilitator, and keynote speaker.
Coordinates and collaborates with AWSP Directors, and Cispus Learning Center Director.
Travis Ruhter. AWSL Associate Director (Education & Engagement)
E-mail Travis
Travis Ruhter (He/Him) joined the AWSL staff in July 2023 as the Associate Director of the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL). He has worked with students for over twenty-seven years in a variety of roles including Spanish teacher, AVID elective teacher, ASB adviser, leadership teacher, youth pastor, international student exchange coordinator, and drama director.
Travis’ involvement with AWSL began in the summer of 2000, when he was recruited by Sandy Stonebreaker to serve as a senior counselor at Mt. Baker Leadership Camp. After three summers working at Mt. Baker, he collaborated with Greg Barker and Leanne Donley to create Mt. Triumph Leadership Camp and served as the Junior Counselor Coordinator for eighteen summers. Travis has also served as one of the Tri-Directors for La Cima Bilingual Leadership Camp and as the Junior Counselor Coordinator for Western Leaders Summit. In October 2016, he cosponsored the Fall Conference at Mark Morris High School along with RA Long, Wahkiakum, and Kalama High Schools.
Travis is a first-generation college student, and has attended Idaho State University, Convergence Bible School, Concordia University, and University of Washington Tacoma. He now holds three degrees and two certificates: BA in History/Political Science, BA in Secondary Education/Spanish, Certificate in Biblical Studies/Church Leadership, MA in Curriculum and Instruction/Teacher Leadership, and Certificate in Educational Administration. He is also a National Board Certified Teacher in Spanish.
Travis firmly believes anyone can choose to lead and the importance of student voice to shape education and communities. Travis enjoys time with his family, especially his five grandchildren. Coffee, travel, and rhythmic cycling are his favorite ways to recharge and connect with others. Travis lives in Longview, WA.
Responsibilities:
Support in AWSL program expansion, development, facilitation, and implementation.
Directs and oversees AWSL Latino and Migrant Programs.
Collaborate with the Managing Director of the Washington School Principals Education Foundation, AWSL Director, AWSL Operations Director, AWSL and Cispus Learning Center Staff, AWSP Staff, and key external education partnerships.
Serve and support Western Washington.
Dianne Sympson, WSPEF/AWSL Administrative Assistant
E-Mail Dianne
Dianne Sympson (She/Her) joined the AWSL/WSPEF Team in November of 2022. Dianne's passion for organization, attention to detail, and exceptional interpersonal skills made her an invaluable asset to the WSPEF team. Dianne's ability to multitask and adapt to the dynamic demands of her role earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues.
Dianne has worked as a personal assistant and care provider, is a certified fitness instructor (REFIT, Athletic Fitness Association of America, Fun2Be Fit Program), and as a physical education educator.
Dianne loves to serve in her community as she lent her efforts and talents to the Randle Fire Department, Morton Area Homeschool PE, and the Onstage Children's Theater Program in Morton. Dianne currently serves on the school board for the White Pass School District.
In addition to her professional achievements, Dianne is a devoted mother who exemplifies the importance of work-life balance. Her dedication to her family and career is a cornerstone of who she is! Her exceptional organizational skills, dedication, and passion for empowering the next generation of leaders make her an invaluable WSPEF/AWSL team member.
Responsibilities:
Member Support
Data and Record keeping for the WSPEF Team
Program Support.
Communication Support.
Chase Buffington (He/Him) has worked in the outdoor profession for over 17 years in various roles throughout his career. His educational focus has been in outdoor recreation with a passion for challenge course facilitation, construction, and training implementations. Chase first joined the Cispus Learning Center in 2009, serving for two years as its Challenge Course Manager. In 2014, he accepted the position of General Manager, a role in which he helps to staff programs with the right people so all can share in the great outdoors. Chase is an alumnus of Eastern Washington University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Recreation.