Our Team
At FULLSTEPUP, our strength comes from a foundation that goes far beyond professional experience—it comes from lifelong connection. Our team has been built on over 35 years of friendship, shared musical journeys, and a deep understanding of how powerful music can be in shaping a life.
Led as a team, our organization is rooted in real experience. All growing up surrounded by music, discovering early on that it was more than just sound—it was focus, escape, discipline, and purpose. Like many of our team members, music provided direction during formative years and became a lasting influence that carried into adulthood. While pursuing successful careers across industries—including leadership roles in companies such as a-dec, Providence Health, Caliber Collision, GE Healthcare, Fiserv, and Columbia Sportswear—our team never lost connection to music. Many remained active in bands, live performance, and creative collaboration, reinforcing the belief that music is not only an art, but a lifelong tool for growth and connection. What unites us is a shared philosophy: music has the power to change lives.
We’ve lived it. We’ve relied on it. And now, we’re committed to passing that opportunity on.FULLSTEPUP exists because we know that not every student has access to instruments, instruction, or encouragement. Our team is driven by the desire to remove those barriers and provide today’s youth with the same life-changing outlet that shaped our own paths.Together, we bring not only experience and professionalism—but passion, authenticity, and purpose—to everything we do. Our mission is simple: to inspire, guide, and empower the next generation through music.
ONE STUDENT. ONE INSTRUMENT. ONE FULLSTEPUP!!
chad Youngman – Board Director
Growing up in Hawaii, Chad was immersed in a rich musical world that shaped his early connection to rhythm and culture. One of his most vivid childhood memories is watching his mother dance hula, moving gracefully to the uplifting island sounds of Uncle Bunny Brown and The Hilo Hawaiians.That love of music grew stronger in 6th grade when he first sat behind a drum set at his friend Alan’s house. What started as learning a few basic beats quickly turned into hours of playing along to albums, fully absorbed in the rhythm and energy—an experience that left a lasting impression and deepened his passion for music. As he grew older, Chad stayed active in the music scene, performing with bands such as Porcelain God, The Cowtrippers, and Professor Gall. Alongside his musical journey, he also built a successful corporate career, leading and managing high-performing service teams for organizations including GE Healthcare, Fiserv, and Columbia Sportswear.
Chad’s passion for music gave him focus and a powerful escape during his teenage years. It became a place where he could channel emotions, find direction, and step away from everyday pressures. Through music, he discovered discipline, creativity, and a sense of purpose that helped shape his path forward.
Today, Chad is the founder of FULLSTEPUP, a program built from his belief that every kid deserves the chance to experience that same spark. He’s dedicated to helping young people access instruments, explore their creativity, and find their voice through music—especially those who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
At his core, Chad is driven by a simple idea: one moment, one instrument, and one opportunity can change a life—just like it did for him.
Trinh Youngman – Music Director
Trinh Youngman is a composer, songwriter, performer, and teacher with over 20 years of performance experience and more than 12 years of teaching. Based in Portland, he has been a member of local bands including King Columbia and Kiki & The Dowry, and currently leads his own project, The Jack Maybe Project. His musical journey began with folk songs shared among family in West Virginia, and a growing love for the guitar in high school led him to pursue music professionally. After transferring to Portland State University, Trinh earned a Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance and a Master of Science in Music.
As an educator, Trinh has taught across a wide range of institutions throughout the Portland area. His experience includes work with Ethos Music’s Rural and Urban Outreach Program, teaching at studios such as Solomon Guitar Studio and the Milwaukee School of Guitar, and serving as an instructor at Portland Community College. He currently teaches at the Community Music Center in Southeast Portland and maintains an active private lesson studio.
Tygh Walker – Technology Director
Tygh Walker was introduced to piano at a young age by a patient, elderly lady who taught him the fundamentals. As a teenager, Tygh found another teacher who introduced him to synthesizers and a Rhodes piano. Those lessons were about jazz and blues and were delivered with a simple philosophy: “You only learn what you practice, and you only practice what you like.” From that point, music became a lifelong creative outlet.
As Technology Director for FULLSTEPUP, Tygh brings that same belief in meeting people where their interests lie. His career in healthcare IT and his background in system architecture and integration provides support for FULLSTEPUP’S digital infrastructure and operations. Tygh believes the key to getting things done is continuous incremental progress. He hopes to share that determination with the people the organization serves.
Kirk Charlton – Board Advisor
Kirk has been an artist since the age of five. While his primary focus is visual art, music has always held an equally important place in his life and creative journey.
Music runs deep in Kirk’s family. His mother was recognized as one of the world’s finest hula dancers, while his father was a pianist and singer who recorded and produced several 45 RPM records during the 1960s. Growing up surrounded by talented performers gave Kirk a lifelong appreciation for music and the arts.
Over the years, Kirk has developed his own musical abilities, writing songs and recording original music. He has performed vocals and played drums on his recordings, allowing him to express his creativity through multiple artistic mediums. Several members of his family are accomplished professional musicians who continue to perform successfully today.
As both a child and an adult, Kirk has always enjoyed listening to his favorite songs, playing air guitar, drumming, and singing along to the music that inspires him. He remains deeply grateful for the genuine musical influence of his family. Their passion, talent, and encouragement helped shape his artistic vision, fuel his creativity, and contribute to the person and artist he is today.
Alan Grobey – Board Member
Alan’s Musical JourneyGrowing up in a family of six, Alan was immersed in music from an early age. Whether singing along to popular albums or listening to classical compositions, music was a constant presence in his home. Following in his sister’s footsteps, he began studying the viola in grade school before discovering a passion for percussion. His favorite instrument was the timpani, which he later continued to play as an adult in a community band.
Alan was also deeply involved in vocal music. He began singing in church and school choirs at a young age and continued through college. While attending Western Oregon University, he served as president of both the Concert Choir and Chamber Choir, touring throughout the United States and Canada. His love for singing remains strong today as an active member of his church choir.
Beyond classical music, Alan enjoyed performing in rock and pop bands with friends throughout high school and college. These experiences broadened his appreciation for music’s ability to inspire creativity, build confidence, and develop critical thinking skills. He firmly believes that music education strengthens pattern recognition, mathematical thinking, communication, and emotional well-being, helping young people become more well-rounded and successful in all areas of life.
Alan credits much of his professional success to the discipline and skills he gained through music. He built a successful career in the dental industry, leading global sales organizations, developing innovative technologies, and bringing new products to market.
Today, music remains one of Alan’s greatest passions. His lifelong experiences as a musician, vocalist, performer, and leader fuel his commitment to helping others discover the transformative power of music. This passion is one of the reasons he is proud to support the mission of FULLSTEPUP and its efforts to expand music education opportunities for young people.
Billy McPnee – Board Member
Billy will never forget the first time he became truly excited about music. It was sometime in the mid-to-late 1970s when he was about seven or eight years old. During a gathering at his family home, a guest arrived carrying a guitar. The moment he saw the instrument, he was completely captivated.
Later, as the man played guitar in the backyard, he sat and listened intently, remaining by his side until he left. Inspired by the experience, he immediately begged his mother for a guitar. Unfortunately, she explained that the family could not afford one. Although there was a piano in the house, his sister was the one receiving lessons.
A month or two later, the same man returned and showed him a chord or two. Once again, he pleaded for a guitar, and once again, his mother had to tell him no. Looking back, he considers those moments to be the spark that ignited his lifelong pursuit of music and creativity.
Over the years, he developed into a talented vocalist and taught himself to play guitar, bass, and drums. His passion for music extends beyond performance, as he has always been interested in discovering new talent and supporting emerging bands. Music has remained a driving force throughout his life and creative journey.
His musical career has included performances with several bands and projects, including JonZin, Will, Porcelain God, The Cow Trippers, Abort! Abort!, and his current project, Dark Matter.
Craig Lauinger – Board Advisor
Kevin Tokstad – Board Advisor
Tod Grobey – Board Member
Kris Deelane – Board Member
Ross Youngman – Board Advisor
Ross has been immersed in music for as long as he can remember. His musical journey began at the age of five when he would eagerly join in with his older brother’s high school band as they rehearsed in the basement of their family home in Oregon. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong connection to music that continues to shape who he is today.
Some of Ross’s fondest musical memories come from his childhood—listening to his mother play Hawaiian records while cooking and cleaning, hearing his older siblings share their favorite albums on the family stereo, and eventually discovering his own unique and ever-evolving musical tastes. These experiences fostered a deep appreciation for the power of music to inspire, connect, and tell stories.
Education has also played a significant role in Ross’s life, though not always in traditional ways. He is grateful for the teachers and mentors who encouraged him not only to learn the lessons they taught, but also to seek knowledge beyond the classroom. Through those experiences, Ross developed a strong belief in the value of education and the importance of creating opportunities for all students to succeed. He recognizes that many young people face barriers to accessing the resources they need and believes more can be done to support their growth and potential.
Ross is passionate about the connection between arts and education. He believes that when creative expression is combined with learning, students become more confident, capable, and well-rounded individuals. Through music and the arts, young people are empowered to discover their own voices, develop their own unique perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
Ross believes that every student has a sound worth sharing. By helping young people explore their creativity and uncover their talents, we create a richer, more vibrant world, one that becomes a symphony of diverse voices, ideas, and possibilities.