Elizabeth has over 9 years of experience in the automotive industry – her journey started right here at University Volkswagen. She was born in Alaska and has spent most of her life in the Greater Seattle Area. Outside of work, Elizabeth prioritizes family time, often venturing into the great outdoors with her husband and daughters. Elizabeth’s commitment is to ensure that every client, whether new or returning, enjoys the full Volkswagen experience. She is dedicated to customer satisfaction and building long-lasting relationships within the Volkswagen community.
Raised in Southern California, Stephanie moved to Washington to progress her experience in the automotive industry. With 9 years of experience, Stephanie’s goal is to ensure customer satisfaction and long-term relationships. She recognizes the importance of expertise and quality when it comes to the Volkswagen brand.
Outside of work, you will find Stephanie spending time with her husband and son, or traveling around Washington in their Atlas Cross Sport.
A University Volkswagen veteran, To’atolu Sio (“T” for short) has been helping customers and building his business at UVW for well over a decade. He’s able to put clients’ minds at ease by making them laugh and sharing their love for the brand. He is waiting patiently for VW to produce a truck. American Samoan, originally from the Pacific Islands, he proudly refers to himself as the “most tropical employee”. He came to the mainland for family and school. Don’t let his stature intimidate you, his nickname T comes from him being a big teddy bear. T is an integral part of the family unit we have here at the store, and he’ll make you feel like part of our family as well. In his free time T prioritizes spending time with his loved ones, cooking some amazing meals, or striking out on bowling league nights.
Brian Kelly joined our team over 5 years ago, making a significant career change into the automotive industry coming from decades of experience in the electrical lighting and controls industry. It’s fitting enough that he came just as Volkswagen prompted their quest to switch from primarily internal combustion engines to clean energy electric vehicles. Brian looks forward to assisting his customers with any and all questions they may have as they move forward with an electric lifestyle. Brian is a Seattle native, who has endless entertaining stories about growing up locally and owning his own business. He enjoys spending his downtime with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Born and raised in Montana, Parker understood the performance and handling that Volkswagen provides in the toughest conditions. His Father, originally from Germany, made sure he knew the meaning of Fahrvergnügen (Pleasure of driving!) He moved to Seattle seeking more opportunity for him and his family, and because he prefers cloudy days over snow days! Parker says that the buying experience is just as important as the car, and strives to provide an experience that is clear, easy, and fun. Parker is a graduate of the University of Montana with a degree in Economics. He enjoys Sci-Fi and scary movies , and playing with his cat, Pip!
Like many Volkswagen enthusiasts, Sarah has been dreaming of driving a GTI MK2 since she was a little girl. Her passion for cars has brought her to University Volkswagen where she’s building relationships with her clients based on a love for the brand and the community that comes with it. A biology major, Sarah can carry on conversation on anything from outer space to the bottom of the ocean.  When she’s not at our store building relationships with customers she loves to spend time in the Snoqualmie pass snowboarding or hiking, or at home cooking. She knows that buying a car is one of the most important decisions that her clients make and she is determined to making people feel comfortable while they know she is advocating for them to get the best deal available.
Born in Tanzania , Jaelin has been shaped by the opportunities of growing up in Western Washington. Now living in Capitol Hill, Seattle, with her beloved 17-year-old pup, she brings her passion for human connection to work every day. With a background in linguistics and cultural anthropology, Jaelin is fascinated by the way people connect and celebrates the unique differences that make us all special. Growing up in a culturally diverse household with a single mom taught her that alongside hard work, and integrity, genuine human connections are what truly matter—an ethos she carries into every interaction. After years in property management, Jaelin found her home with the University Volkswagen family, where she thrives on creating meaningful relationships and ensuring every client feels valued. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her hiking, skiing, playing piano, or simply enjoying the vibrant Seattle community. Stop by and let Jaelin  help you find the perfect Volkswagen to fit your lifestyle!
Russell moved to the automotive field professionally in 2021. He has worked for numerous brands, including VW, Audi, Porsche, Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz. Russell is excited about his newer role in Volkswagen sales because of the brand’s innovation, strong values, and passion for helping customers find the perfect car. In his personal life, you can find him outdoors often. He enjoys music, being social, hiking, walking his labrador retriever, and exploring the Pacific Northwest. He enjoys almost anything with a motor and keeps up with most things vehicle-related. Russell lives in the neighborhood and likes going to events close, like the U-district farmer’s market.
When he isn’t chasing the laser, or finding the warm spot on the couch, Neil can be found sleeping. Just about anywhere. Give him a flat surface, and he’ll sleep about 20 hours a day. A lover of all people, and all dogs, Neil loves to meander around the dealership, making friends and looking for crumbs. He just wants to be included. Feel free to say hello if you see him around!
Ian has a deep-rooted connection with Volkswagen and a passion for travel that has shaped much of his life. With his extensive experience in the automotive world and love for exploring new places with family, he’s certainly built a fascinating story. His journey from attending VW Academy to working as a technician and moving into management has shown dedication and expertise in the industry.
Family road trips and adventures are the perfect way to unwind and make memories together. It seems like Ian’s love for Volkswagens and travel complement each other seamlessly—whether it’s the reliability and love of the cars or the thrill of discovering new destinations.
Tyler began his journey with us back in 1997, starting out by washing cars and running parts. Through hard work and dedication, he steadily worked his way through various roles, including detailing and the parts counter, eventually earning the title of Parts Manager in 2009. His commitment to excellence and deep understanding of the industry have made him an integral part of our team. A lifelong vintage Volkswagen enthusiast, Tyler has a particular passion for the iconic Scirocco and the Vanagon. His appreciation for these classics goes beyond mere admiration—it’s a reflection of his deep-rooted love for craftsmanship and automotive history. When Tyler isn’t at work, he enjoys exploring the great outdoors and embarking on adventures with his family. An accomplished musician, he expresses his creativity through drumming and playing bass guitar, bringing the same energy and dedication to his music as he does to his role here.
My passion for German cars started with my first car a MK4 GTI. Working on and modifying it then later upgrading to a MK6 GTI lead me down my automotive path. From being a technician for BMW into being a service advisor. Gives me the versatility to be able to talk to people about their cars on a more personal level while drawing from that hands-on experience helping people make informed decisions on their service needs. It’s a perfect blend of practical know-how and customer service.
I’ve been in the automotive industry for 7 years, with 5 of those years spent working at Volkswagen. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the most iconic vehicles on the market. My love for cars started early, and my dream car in high school was a 2-door GTI, which still holds a special place in my heart. I currently drive a mk8 GTI that I’m in love with. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and spending time with my dog, often taking long walks together. I’m always excited about the future of the automotive world and the innovations that continue to shape it.
Summer has over eight years of experience in the automotive industry, six of which have been spent specializing in Volkswagen vehicles. She has always dreamed of owning a MK3 Ginster Yellow GTI or a MK3 Harlequin GTI, and she’s fortunate to have recently found a Spektrum Golf R in 91 Blue. Outside of work, Summer loves spending time outdoors—whether adventuring in nature or unwinding with a good book. She’s passionate about continuous learning, building meaningful connections, and growing both personally and professionally.
Stephanita is a licensed cosmetologist with a love for creativity and self-expression, but her true passion lies in all things Volkswagen. A longtime enthusiast of vintage style and road trips, she finds inspiration in the timeless craftsmanship of classic cars and the sense of adventure they bring. When not exploring the open road, she enjoys relaxing with her two cats, savoring a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, and embracing life’s cozy moments. She believes life is better with great hair, cozy vibes, and a little adventure on the road.
Mirabai thrives on variety and new experiences, always embracing what excites her. As a passionate Volkswagen enthusiast, she is drawn to the classic and contemporary designs, deeply admiring the engineering and spirit of adventure each car embodies. Dance is another love of hers, providing a unique outlet for freedom and expression with every move. When not dancing, she can be found on the golf course, relishing both the challenge and the calm it brings. From driving to dancing to golfing, she is constantly seeking new ways to stay active and immerse herself in the things she enjoys.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Jace has always had a deep connection to the Volkswagen brand; one that goes back generations. Her great grandparents owned two VW Buses, and her grandma drove a beloved Beetle, so it felt only natural that her first car would be a Volkswagen too. Over the years, her passion for the brand has only grown, and landed her a career in the automotive industry right here at University Volkswagen. As someone who grew up in Washington, she has a deep appreciation for the gorgeous greenery in the surrounding area. When Jace is not working you can find her adventuring with her two Siberian cats Anatoly and Anastasia.
Sierra and her family are true Volkswagen lovers. Her boyfriend is a total Volkswagen enthusiast and her future father in law was a Volkswagen shop foreman for 7 years. She dreams of owning a Phaeton W12 in the future alongside her 2.5L Jetta that she loves dearly. She strives to make the extra effort with our customers to ensure they feel comfortable and cared for here at University Volkswagen. When not at work, she can be found spending time with her boyfriend either exploring Washington on a fun night drive or watching scary movies at home.
