BELLINGHAM — Stephanie Kountouros, the coordinator of grass-roots group Whatcom for Obama, will seek the seat of state Sen. Harriet Spanel.

Kountouros, who turns 42 on Friday, is a community activist who has lived in the 40th District for 13 years. The Bellingham resident is a student seeking a master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington.

She has worked professionally with survivors of domestic violence, people with AIDS and those with mental health and chemical dependency issues. She also has worked in the social services field for groups such as as Womencare Domestic Violence Shelter, Northwest Youth Services and Sean Humphrey House.

Kountouros lives with her partner, Ruth Hohman.