NW Film CAmp crew
Kanani Koster | Creative Director
Kanani Koster, a Kanaka Maoli director based in PDX/LAX, is a ‘24 American Film Institute Directing Fellow and is a finalist in the Tribeca Film Festival - AT&T Untold Stories competition for her film “Shoots”. Kanani has spoken on numerous panels about race, diversity, and representation in film. Additionally, she served as a judge for the 2022 Big Sky Documentary Film Festival. Kanani won the 2020 Oregon Made Film Grant for her docu-short "Any Oregon Sunday" and was a 2020 Portland Art Museum Re:Imagined Artist recipient. She also works with Collective Eye Film distribution as a films acquisitions manager.
Travis Koster |
Education Director
Travis is a graduate of Antioch University, an educator, and a film producer living in Pasadena, CA. Originally from Seattle, WA, Travis loves music, traveling, cooking, and spending time with his wife, son, and brindle boxer. His favorite film is “The Shining.” Travis co-founded Cherry Street Films nine years ago with his wife Kanani. Their mission is to bring equitable digital storytelling curriculum to classrooms in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Currently, Travis is working as the Executive Producer on the upcoming film "Lucky Cat," which is being produced in Taiwan.
Journey Morrison | Registrar / Manager
Journey Morrison is Cherry Street Films' Program Manager and Registrar, and hails from North Bend, Washington. He is a graduate of Western Washington University with a BA in History and a minor in Film Studies. Journey has worked as at NW Film Camp since its infancy, with a passion for inspiring youth to use creativity as a medium for change in the world. Since his university graduation he has also worked on a variety of different short film and music video projects in the greater Seattle area.
Will Voves |
Program Manager - Portland
Hi! I’m Will. I’m a graduate of Western Washington University where I worked as the head video production coordinator. I’ve been a freelance editor for over ten years and have work on national commercials and television productions. Currently I work in broadcasting for the Portland Timbers. I love every aspect of film production, but my favorite has to be editing, especially VFX and compositing. I’m so excited to foster students’ creativity and hopefully inspire the next generation of filmmakers!
Olivia Near | Program Coordinator - Seattle
Olivia will begin studying Film and Television Production at Chapman University this fall, a path she discovered after attending NW Film Camp in 2022. That experience sparked her passion for filmmaking, and she’s thrilled to return this year as an assistant instructor and program coordinator. She’s looking forward to giving back to the same community that inspired her and helping young filmmakers grow in both confidence and creativity.
Stephanie Ward-Harvey | Program Manager
Stephanie Ward-Harvey is a writer, director, artist and a 2022 graduate from Western Washington University with a BA in theatre and creative writing. Born and raised in the PNW, she currently resides in Vancouver, WA. When she isn't coming up with cool films, she is petting her cats, sipping chai tea, playing video games and doodling on her IPad. She has a passion for storytelling in all forms but her favorite films currently are "Alien" and "Everything Everywhere All At Once." Her goal is to encourage positive growth and creativity in the classroom while having tons of fun!
Kathryn Kucera | Lead
Instructor - Portland
Kathryn Kucera (she/they) is a camera operator, editor, and emerging director specializing in documentary and music video. She holds a BA in Sociology/Anthropology & Gender Studies from Lewis & Clark College, and is a recent graduate of Portland Community College's Video Production & Emerging Media program. Prior to working in film production, Kathryn has worked as a mail carrier, a community manager for an indie freeform radio station, a collective manager of a food cooperative, and many other jobs. Her eclectic work & life experience combined with an insatiable curiosity and knack for storytelling have prepared her for the many hats that a filmmaker must don. Originally hailing from California's beautiful central coast, Kathryn has called Portland, OR home for nearly 20 years. When she's not making movie magic, Kathryn loves to rock out, swing kettlebells, and host gatherings over a meal.
Natalie Scholer | Lead Teacher - Seattle
Natalie Scholer is a current student at the University of Washington pursuing her BA in Cinema & Media Studies and English. Originally from Indiana, Natalie grew up around the stage with a love for both performing and behind-the-scenes production. She has two years of experience working at a performing arts center, and has been involved in several productions which have taken place on both the screen and the stage. Natalie is often out exploring the world with friends in her free time, but spends her time alone writing and editing. Her love for filmmaking is rooted in a genuine passion for storytelling and a fascination for seeing life through so many unique perspectives. She is so excited to bring a fun, positive attitude into the classroom while helping foster creativity in the minds of our future visionaries!
Elijah Barone| Instructor - Portland PCC
Hi I'm Elijah. I graduated Cum Laude from CSU Long Beach with a BA in Film and Electronic Arts with a focus on editing. I have worked as a freelance editor for ten years, primarily with motorcycle influencers, manufacturers, and apparel brands. My personal motorcycle is actually a bicycle, so if you see a bright orange bike with a reflective pizza flag on the back, please feel free to wave.
I am a proud older brother to five siblings, and have always had an interest in working with kids. In my free time I can be found at one of Portland's many pinball arcades or independent theaters. My favorite film is "Hausu."
Leigha Witecki | Instructor - Seattle / Tacoma
Leigha is a filmmaker and photographer with a passion for visual storytelling and a deep commitment to empowering young people through the arts. She is graduating in June with an AA in Visual Media, and her creative practice spans film, digital art, and photography.
Based in Seattle, Leigha also works with children at Spruce Street School, where she nurtures imagination and encourages artistic exploration in everyday learning. Outside of work and school, she creates digital art, writes and performs folk music, and plays the flute—drawing inspiration from nature, community, and the stories around her.
Leigha is especially dedicated to supporting youth in discovering their voices through creative expression. Whether behind the camera or in the classroom, she believes in the transformative power of the arts to foster confidence, connection, and lasting impact.
Bryan Waters |
Instructor - Portland WFC
With over 20 years of experience in film production, Bryan brings a mix of industry knowledge, creative insight, and hands-on expertise to the classroom. A former student of art at UMD, he has worked across a range of productions, from independent films to large-scale studio and commercial projects. Before stepping fully into the world of film, Bryan spent several years coaching at snowboard camp on Mt. Hood, where he honed a unique teaching style that’s both energetic and supportive. This blend of artistic training and leadership has shaped his ability to mentor students with clarity, patience, and enthusiasm.
He is passionate about helping young creators find their voice, master the tools of the trade, and bring their stories to life on screen.
Mia Cullivan | Instructor - Portland
Mia Cullivan is a filmmaker from Portland, OR and a recent graduate of the Motion Picture Arts Program at Capilano University. Inspired by the imaginative worlds of Star Wars and DreamWorks, she strives to create stories that blend emotional depth with a sense of wonder. She focuses on directing short narrative films and documentaries, and has also worked as a grip and production assistant on various productions throughout the Pacific Northwest. Her most recent short documentary, Kindred Spirits, premiered at NFFTY 2025 in Seattle, where she had the opportunity to showcase her work among other emerging filmmakers.
Now based in Portland, Mia is passionate about sharing her love of filmmaking with the local creative community. She’s especially committed to supporting youth and up-and-coming filmmakers, offering insight, mentorship, and encouragement as they develop their voices and vision. Whether on set or in conversation, Mia values collaboration, curiosity, and the power of storytelling to connect people and spark inspiration.
Audri Cooke | Instructor - Seattle
Audri is excited to return to the NW Film Camp family this summer! After attending the camp twice in 2022 and interning in 2023, she’s thrilled to step into a new role as an instructor. A lover of old movies, vintage fashion, and classic TV—especially I Love Lucy—Audri brings a vibrant creative spirit to everything she does. She’s currently a part-time nanny and heading into her second year at Seattle Central College, where she’s studying Apparel Design while also beginning her journey into Elementary Education.
Audri is passionate about using her creativity to inspire and support others, especially young artists. She believes in the power of storytelling, collaboration, and dreaming big—and can’t wait to help campers bring their ideas to life on screen. Whether it’s crafting costumes, shaping characters, or cheering on a film set, she’s ready to help young filmmakers have fun and create something they’re proud of this summer.
Claire Woodruff | Teaching Artist - Portland
Claire is set to study screenwriting at Sarah Lawrence College, with prior college credits in dramatic writing from NYU. A former camper herself, Claire first discovered her passion for filmmaking through this very program, where she learned being on a film set was where she belonged. Since then, she's been working toward her dream of becoming a writer and director for films. When she’s not developing screenplays or working on her debut novel, Claire enjoys digital art, Dungeons & Dragons, horseback riding, acting in plays, rock climbing, and replaying The Last of Us. She’s passionate about helping young creatives find their voice and believes that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have to connect, reflect, and imagine something better.
Sophie Vernon | Teaching Artist - Seattle
Sophie Vernon is a rising sophomore at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, studying Film and Television Production. She loves writing, directing, producing, and editing, with a special passion for comedy and character-driven storytelling. Her work blends humor with heart, and she approaches every project with creativity and curiosity. Raised in Seattle, she draws inspiration from the outdoors and can often be found exploring nature with an iced coffee in hand.
Sophie’s journey in film began early, including an internship at the National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY), where she discovered the power of youth storytelling and the importance of building creative communities. That experience helped shape her commitment to not only filmmaking but also supporting other young artists. She is passionate about creating opportunities for emerging voices in film and remains dedicated to making space for youth-driven stories to thrive.