There are few things we love more than shining a light on the incredible humans who call Vibe home.
Casey Tonnelly, of Beyond Thinking, is exactly the kind of member who makes this community feel like something special. Casey describes themself as a queer, non-binary coach, author and facilitator based in Kingston.
They’ve spent over two decades doing some of the most important work out there: helping individuals and organizations move past performative allyship and into real, lasting change.
Learn more about Casey’s story, their work and the book they’ve poured their lived experience into.
“I was raised to be quiet and compliant. It didn’t quite work out that way.”
Casey came to Kitsap looking for community, connection, and a place where they could fully show up as themself. They found all three at Vibe.
First things first: Who is Casey Tonnelly?
Casey grew up in New York, moved through AmeriCorps programs in South Carolina and Seattle. Along the way, Casey found their way to the PNW and built a life around service, honesty, and community.
Their path hasn’t been a straight line. It’s been shaped by a complicated family history, the courage to come out to a family with deeply traditional Catholic values and the hard, ongoing work of learning what it means to truly show up for others.
Today, Casey is the Founder of Beyond Thinking, a coaching and facilitation practice as well as the author of Striving for Antiracism: My Imperfect Journey.
We were honored to be able to celebrate the release of their book alongside them, right here at Vibe!
The book! Striving for Antiracism: my imperfect journey
Casey’s debut book is exactly what the title promises: an honest, unflinching look at what it actually means to do antiracism work as a white person. No tidy answers. No checklist. Just real stories, real stumbles and real reflection.
People often say: ‘just tell me what to do’. The answer is so much messier than that. So I wrote the book I wish I had when I began my work.
The writing process was no small undertaking. Casey spent six months in a program for new authors, nine more months working with a development coach and collaborated with four editors to shape the final manuscript.
At one memorable turning point, Casey laid index cards across the living room floor and walls, each one holding a story or lesson. That’s when the book’s structure finally came into focus.
One of the most compelling things about Casey’s perspective is how they push back against the idea of antiracism as a binary of you’re either racist or you’re not.
“There is such a wide spectrum,” Casey said, “and it’s important not to think of it as an arrival point or a finish line.”
This book (and the work it encourages) isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being willing.
Finding community at Vibe Coworks and in Kitsap
Casey found their way to Vibe early on in their time here and it’s been a genuine home base ever since. They share that the quiet spaces here have been great for deep thinking and writing, but it’s the people that have made the biggest difference.
“[Vibe Coworks founder] Alanna introduced me to six or seven people in Kitsap in my first week. The ripple effect of that is still occurring today.”
Casey has also been paying close attention to the conversations already happening in this community about race, identity, history, and belonging.
A tour in North Kitsap became an unexpected moment of clarity when Casey noticed how the stories being told centered only on the colonizer experience, with no mention of the Indigenous people who were already here.
“That was a big moment for me to notice how very little I know about the history of this area, and it’s made me curious to learn more.”
That curiosity — and that honesty — is exactly what makes Casey’s work so powerful.
A few fun things you should know about Casey
When they’re not writing or facilitating, Casey is an extroverted introvert who knows how to work a room but recharges in the quiet. They appreciate clever humor, and the fine art of sarcasm (a gift from their New York upbringing).
If their book: Striving For Antiracism had a signature drink?
It would be a whiskey and ginger with lime “strong and smooth, with a little kick at the end,” Casey shared.
That tracks.
Casey also has great taste in local spots: A couple of faves are Pretty Stick in Port Gamble for “good, quirky fun” and Over the Moon Cafe in Kingston for the sense of community they’ve cultivated in their space.
Book launch at Vibe Coworks: A night to remember
Casey’s book launch at Vibe brought together an extraordinary mix of local community members, Seattle friends, storytellers, artists, and advocates for a night full of thoughtful conversation and genuine connection.
Highlights included powerful contributions from Kyana Wheeler, Dayo Vice, Karimah Edwards, and many others who helped make the evening unforgettable.
Casey sold out of books that night (!) and donated 25% of proceeds to the Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center.
Want to support Casey and the success of their book?
Here are a few ways that genuinely help:
- Write a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or other platforms
- Post about it on social media: a quote or takeaway goes a long way
- Suggest it to a book club
- Share it in your newsletter or community spaces
- Request it at your local library and/or favorite bookstore
- Share it with organizations you’re part of
- Give it to someone who’s eager to resist hate and doesn’t know where to start
- Introduce Casey to bookstores or event organizers
- Connect Casey with podcast hosts or media opportunities
- Invite Casey to speak with your workplace or community group
- Leave it in a Free Library near you! Take a picture and share it on social media
Vibe is proud to be a home for writers, thinkers, doers, and community builders of all kinds.
As a cool perk of Vibe membership, we proudly sponsor venue space in the Summit Space for members at the Lite Level or above to host a community launch party to celebrate their new product, businesses, or a milestone professional moment.
Shoot us a note at hello@vibecoworks.com to schedule yours, or considering starting a membership with us if you’re not already!
This is what it looks like when a coworking space becomes something more than just a coworking space—it becomes community.
