About Artos
Caring for the People Who Care for Our Students
Recognizing the Work That Often Goes Unseen
Artos is on a mission to recognize teachers and school staff who quietly pour their hearts into students every day. Through simple, thoughtful acts of appreciation, we remind educators and school staff that their work matters and that they are valued.
Supporting Classrooms in Practical Ways
Teachers and staff share what they need most in their classrooms, and Artos helps make it happen. From basic supplies to special resources, we step in so educators don’t have to reach into their own pockets.
Encouragement
That Builds Real Connection
Encouragement goes beyond gifts. It’s presence, listening, and showing up. Artos encourages teachers and staff through personal connections that remind them they are more than test scores or job titles.
Built from Lived Experience
Artos was founded by people who understand the challenges educators face. The heart of our work comes from firsthand experience in schools, where burnout is real and encouragement can make all the difference in the world.
Proud Founders: Amy & Russ Roberts
Focused on the Yakima Valley
Our work is local by design. By focusing on schools in the Yakima Valley, Artos builds meaningful relationships and long-term impact where teachers and school staff need it most.
Amy • McKinley Elementary • Yakima, WA
It Started in a Classroom
Before they were founders, Amy and Russ were students shaped by teachers who believed in them. Artos was born from that gratitude and a desire to make sure today’s educators feel seen and encouraged.
Russ • North Shore Elementary • Big Bear Lake, CA
Behind the Scenes
Board of Directors
Jordan Sargent
Jordan Sargent is a real estate professional at Keller Williams Yakima Valley who moved to the Yakima area from Omak in 2012. He speaks for the Covenant Homeownership Program, partners with the Yakama Nation on educational resources, and coaches youth sports in his free time. Jordan joined the Artos board inspired by the dedication of Yakima school staff.
Cherri Kroner
Cherri Kroner is a Yakima native who has spent 24 years managing Kroner Chiropractic alongside her husband, raising two children in the valley. Her father's career as a Yakima teacher gave her a firsthand view of how underappreciated educators often are, which inspired her to join the Artos board and bring her operational leadership and local community relationships to the mission.
Dean Broersma
Dean Broersma is a third-generation carpet cleaning specialist and the owner of Valley Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning in the Yakima Valley since 2003. He is also a devoted husband, father, and former Mayor of Sunnyside, reflecting his deep ties to the local community.
Russ Roberts
Russ Roberts is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) and Commercial Director at Keller Williams Yakima Valley, ranking among the region's top producers in industrial and investment real estate. He met Amy when she was teaching fifth grade and he was a financial planner for educators. Twenty years, six kids, and years of fostering later, they co-founded Artos together.
Amy Roberts
Amy Roberts is the co-founder of Artos and a Yakima Valley native who attended McKinley, Franklin, and Davis schools growing up. Her background in education, school counseling, and ministry shapes the heart of the organization she and her husband Russ built together, alongside raising six kids and fostering children in the Yakima Valley for over twenty years.
Join the Movement
Help Teachers and School Staff Feel Seen and Supported
Our Impact
The Difference
Your Support Makes
34+
Schools Supported Across
the Yakima Valley
Artos currently supports teachers and school staff at multiple elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the Yakima Valley through monthly recognition, classroom support, and encouragement.
Teachers and Staff Cared for This Month
From full-school partnerships to individual educators, Artos provides ongoing recognition and support to teachers and staff who might otherwise go unseen in their day-to-day work.
Currently Reaching Teachers and School Staff Goal
Today, Artos supports a small percentage of the teachers and school staff we long to encourage. There are many more educators who deserve to feel seen and valued. With your support, we can grow and reach them.
Get Involved
Powered by Generosity and Community
Artos is made possible through donors and volunteers who believe caring for educators strengthens entire communities. Together, we create moments of hope, gratitude, and support throughout the school year.
