The Curiosity Crew – where imagination meets hands-on exploration

I’m the Store Manager at BIMA, where I get to combine my love of art, storytelling, and thoughtful retail experiences. Originally from Denver, Colorado, I moved to the Pacific Northwest after falling in love with the region’s natural beauty and vibrant arts community. I earned a BS in Journalism and a BA in Art History from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a study abroad trip to Paris in the summer of 2008 sealed the deal on my passion for museums, travel—and a great gift shop.

Before joining BIMA, I spent ten years working for my family’s online children’s toy store, Imagine Childhood. There, I wore many hats—from buyer and content creator to social media manager and customer support—gaining a deep appreciation for storytelling through objects and experiences.

Outside of work, I enjoy metal-smithing, fashion and visible mending, climbing mountains, horseback riding, and sailing with my family. My husband and I live on Bainbridge Island with our two adventurous young daughters.

Over two decades at Microsoft and Amazon, I’ve led innovation from concept to global deployment, in recent years focusing on AI and machine learning based products. I’ve developed and led large, multi-functional organizations distributed around the world. I’m excited to port relevant experience in strategic decision-making, goal setting and execution honed at the world’s largest tech companies to a non-profit environment, helping shape KiDiMu’s current operations, future direction, and leaders. I’ve been a Bainbridge Island resident since 2017 and I’m committed to helping KiDiMu be a vibrant, inclusive place where children and families can learn, play, and build the foundations for lifelong confidence and independence.

I am a South African immigrant and retired CPA with over 50 years’ experience, initially in public accounting and then in CFO/COO positions with several diverse mid-sized companies, participating in their growth and transition to profitability. My interest in education started many decades ago as Treasurer of the Let Each African Read Now (LEARN) fund, building schools in rural areas in the KwaZulu-Natal province. I am eager to apply this interest and my years of experience to help KiDiMu, where I have spent many happy hours with my grandson, grow and prosper. My prior board experience includes Planned Parenthood – Chicago, and Wingpoint Country Club, where I was also the Treasurer. My wife Louella and I retired to beautiful Bainbridge Island in 2018 from the Midwest and are amazed that people complain about the weather.

I’m a community volunteer, active PTO member, and parent of an elementary schooler on Bainbridge Island. I bring 25 years of experience in sales and marketing, having worked with both large corporations and startups. Over the years, I’ve helped companies grow, connect with their audiences, and bring new ideas to life — experience I’m excited to bring to KiDiMu as it continues to evolve and engage families through play-based learning.

Recently, I’ve been working as a substitute paraeducator for BISD, which has deepened my connection to local education and strengthened my belief in the importance of creative, inclusive spaces for kids.

My wife and I love raising our family here and exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and all that it offers. I’m thrilled to support KiDiMu as both a beloved community resource and a true destination for families in our region.

As a mother and educator, I care deeply about the well-being of children and am passionate about ensuring all young people have access to excellent educational opportunities. This commitment has shaped my career and now inspires my service on the KiDiMu board.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Public Communication from American University in Washington, D.C., I joined Teach For America and taught high school English Language Arts in a small town on the Texas-Mexico border. This experience left a lasting impression on me and reinforced the critical importance of high-quality education—both inside and outside the classroom. I went on to continue my teaching career in Florida and Washington.

In addition to my years in the classroom, I combined my passion for education and youth development through roles as a career counselor with Job Corps and with a workforce development nonprofit. In these positions, I supported job seekers by providing training services and helping individuals take steps toward self-sufficiency through employment.

In 2022, my husband and I relocated our family to Bainbridge Island for his Navy service. Since then, I’ve enjoyed exploring the museum with our three children, facilitating the MiniMu program, and experiencing the enrichment KiDiMu offers. I am thrilled to be part of the board and contribute to the museum’s mission of inspiring creativity and learning in our community.