The Board
Meet the Board and Directors
Jeff Passey
Jeff serves as the Board President of Left Behind and Without. With extensive experience in community service, Jeff has contributed in roles such as Youth Sports Coach, Trainer, and Teacher, School Programs Coordinator, Outdoor Programs Director, and Adult Volunteer Trainer. He has also been involved in community safety as an Emergency Responder and has planned and supervised numerous service projects through Church and Scouting organizations. Jeff is passionate about working with others to strengthen individuals and build resilient communities.
Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Brigham Young University, focusing on broadcast sales and management. He has worked professionally in media sales, media buying, marketing, communications, logistics, and operations management. For 21 years, Jeff ran a distribution center, where his expertise in streamlining processes and improving efficiency helped drive success. His ability to see the big picture and the actionable steps to get there makes him a valuable leader in his career and community endeavors.
Jordyn Urban-Seymore
Jordyn is the board’s Vice President for Left Behind and Without, bringing knowledge to the community we aim to serve. As a graduate of the University of Washington, Jordyn plans on building upon her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in pursuit of her PhD. in clinical psychology with a focus on forensics. She is deeply passionate about rehabilitative justice and believes in social reform, community involvement, and education to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline. Active in her community, Jordyn volunteers at a local women’s shelter and provides care to high-needs children. She believes that the change she wishes to see starts with herself. As a former mortician, Jordyn was a front-line worker during the COVID-19 Pandemic, providing care and compassion to many families during their grief.
In her free time, Jordyn enjoys reading, baking unique cookie flavors, learning to cook traditional cuisines of the countries she visited and plans to see, and building Lego sets. She is a mom of one and a beloved “Auntie” to many. She also enjoys hiking with her husband and their German Shepherds, Nimbus, and Indie.
Rachel Groves
Rachel is a dedicated board member of Left Behind and Without, with a strong background in early childhood special education and mental health support. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Boise State University, which laid the foundation for her lifelong passion for helping others. With six years of experience in mental health billing, Rachel has developed valuable insights into supporting individuals and families through challenging circumstances.
Rachel is an active volunteer, contributing to various charitable efforts through her church and local organizations. Her deep commitment to service shines through in her work, whether uplifting those in need or engaging in community initiatives. In both her professional and volunteer roles, Rachel is driven by compassion and a desire to make a positive impact.
Outside of her service, Rachel enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, participating in hiking, fishing, and camping activities. She is married with three children and values the time spent with her extended family, who share her passion for giving back to the community.
Marie Johnatakis
Marie is the Executive Director of Left Behind and Without. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from Brigham Young University–Idaho, with a focus on early childhood special education. Marie’s personal connection to the challenges faced by families impacted by the prison system, having experienced these hardships firsthand, fuels her commitment to the organization’s mission.
For over eight years, Marie has served on the board of a New Commonwealth School, where she held roles as President, Principal Mentor, and Parent Representative. She has taught Leadership, Writing, and History to high school students and has taken on leadership positions in various Boy Scout troops and church organizations.
Marie also served a year-and-a-half mission in Brazil, where she developed a deep appreciation for its people and culture. As a mother of six children—one of whom she tragically lost in infancy—her life experiences inspire her passion for helping those who are often overlooked. In her personal time, Marie enjoys being by the ocean and cherishes moments spent with loved ones and the new connections she makes along the way.
Flora Passey
Flora is the Operations Director at Left Behind and Without. With over 25 years of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and community service, Flora plays a pivotal role in working directly with families, ensuring children receive the support and opportunities they need.
Flora manages the intake process, guiding families through program enrollment and connecting them with resources tailored to their children’s interests. Her commitment to personalized support ensures each child can access programs that inspire and excite them.
A dedicated community volunteer, Flora has served as a board member for several youth organizations, holding positions such as President, Secretary, and Treasurer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in K-8 Education from Western Governors University and a Washington State Teaching Certificate.