Grit City Kids
Based in Tacoma, WA
About Us.
Grit City Kids was founded in 2016 by Natalie Salo and Brian O’Bannon in order to create a free and accessible monthly STEM workshop for local Pierce County students.
Our Team
Natalie Salo was a STEM Specialist for grades K-5 at Chief Leschi Schools in Puyallup, WA and is now teaching 4th grade. She has her M. Ed from the University of Washington Tacoma and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in educational leadership.
Founder
Brian O’Bannon has been a STEM professional for more than 20 years. He has worked in the engineering, architecture and manufacturing fields. As the son of an engineer and a public school teacher, Brian brings both points of view to Grit City Kids.
Co-Founder
Michaela Salo-Ely has worked in digital and physical media for five years through her work in journalism. She has her B.A. from the University of Washington Tacoma in Writing Studies and is currently pursuing an M. Ed in order to become a middle school educator.