About Circle of Friends' Safe Space
Our Mission
We aim to support, empower, and uplift young people affected by harassment, intimidation, bullying, and discrimination (HIBD) by creating a culture of belonging, connection, kindness, and mutual respect and fostering positive relationships, peer support, and community engagement.
About Circle of Friends' Safe Space
Circle of Friends Safe Space is a youth-centered, peer support and community-building program sponsored by the Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula Suicide Prevention Coalition.
Our mission is to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where young people can build meaningful friendships, find support, and develop a sense of belonging. We are committed to supporting students who have experienced or are experiencing HIBD by promoting kindness, respect, empathy, and connection throughout our schools and communities. We believe that every student deserves more than freedom from harassment, intimidation, bullying, and discrimination. Every student deserves friendship, belonging, encouragement, positive experiences, meaningful opportunities, and connections with caring peers and adults who help them thrive.
Through Teen Mental Health First Aid training, peer support, mentoring, service, and community engagement, Circle of Friends' Safe Space empowers young people to recognize when a friend may be struggling, encourage help-seeking, and connect peers with trusted adults and appropriate resources.
We believe that talking helps. By encouraging open and honest conversations about mental health, emotional well-being, and suicide prevention, we work to reduce stigma, increase understanding, and ensure that no young person feels alone in their struggles.
Circle of Friends Safe Space also strengthens relationships between youth and caring adults, builds bridges between schools and communities, and provides positive experiences, leadership opportunities, enrichment activities, and supportive connections that help young people thrive. Together, we are creating a community where every student feels seen, heard, valued, supported, and connected.
leadership
Thelma Brown, Founder and Director
Founder and Director of Circle of Friends Safe Space, Thelma Brown comes from a family of educators and has been in the field herself since 1968. She began her career teaching health, science, and gymnastics before earning her Pupil Personnel Services Credential in Counseling. She served six years as a middle school counselor and two years as a high school counselor in the Inglewood Unified School District, where she was honored as both Teacher of the Year and Counselor of the Year.
She later served as a guidance counselor and liaison between Santa Monica High School and Santa Monica College for four years before returning to Inglewood Unified School District as Principal of City Honors College Preparatory High School. Under her leadership, City Honors earned national recognition when U.S. News & World Report named it one of America's best high schools. Students were able to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree, expanding educational opportunities for countless young people.
Over her more than fifty-year career, Thelma's dedication to students and educational excellence has been recognized through numerous honors, including Teacher of the Year, Counselor of the Year, Principal of the Year, Inglewood Women of Vision Honoree, Educator of Distinction Award, Superintendent's Award of Excellence, and a commendation from the Inglewood Unified School District Board of Education upon her retirement.
Since moving to Gig Harbor in 2016, Thelma has devoted her time and energy to supporting youth and strengthening community connections. She is Founder of Circle of Friends Safe Space, President of the Gig Harbor–Key Peninsula Suicide Prevention Coalition, advisor to Circle of Friends clubs at Gig Harbor High School and Henderson Bay High School, and advisor to the People of Diversity Club at Gig Harbor High School. She is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Gig Harbor Midday, the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce, and Communities In Schools Peninsula.
Guided by her simple yet powerful philosophy, "Students Come First," Thelma Brown's warmth, compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to mentorship continue to inspire young people, families, educators, and community members throughout the region.
Larry Seaquist, Founding Partner
Founding Partner and Community Advisor of Circle of Friends' Safe Space,
Larry Seaquist is a retired U.S. Navy Captain, community leader, author, and advocate for youth development whose career has been dedicated to leadership, service, and strengthening communities. During his distinguished naval career, he commanded ships and military operations around the world and later served in senior defense leadership positions in Washington, D.C., helping shape national security policy and strategic planning.
Following his military service, Larry continued his commitment to public service as a member of the Washington State House of Representatives, where he worked on issues affecting education, community well-being, economic development, and the future of Washington's youth. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his ability to bring people together, build partnerships, and develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
A respected author, speaker, and civic leader, Larry has devoted much of his work to helping communities prepare young people for successful futures. His focus on collaboration, prevention, and community engagement has made him a strong advocate for ensuring that all youth have access to the support, opportunities, and relationships they need to thrive.
As Founding Partner and Community Advisor for Circle of Friends Safe Space, Larry works alongside founder Thelma Brown to strengthen partnerships among students, families, educators, employers, and community leaders. He is the architect of CoLab (Collaboration Laboratory), Circle of Friends' signature youth-led community engagement process that empowers students to identify challenges, design solutions, and work directly with community partners to create meaningful change.
Larry remains deeply involved in every aspect of Circle of Friends, helping cultivate community relationships, strategic partnerships, resource development opportunities, and long-term sustainability. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing Project 25Thrive and the organization's mission to help young people thrive in school and in life.
Through his dedication to service, collaboration, and youth empowerment, Larry Seaquist continues to inspire students and community members to work together in building stronger schools, healthier communities, and brighter futures for the next generation.
