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.