Heather has been with Spark since April, 2022.
She was thrilled to join a brilliant team with the same goal – providing safe, fun, and enriching experiences for families in our community. She believes that even one experience at SPARK can change a child’s life. The introduction to STEAM, health and wellbeing activities, or different cultures can spark the joy of a lifelong passion. Her favorite activity as a child was drawing and creative writing, which is why the Imagination Station is her favorite place in the museum. She has two teenage daughters now, but the memories of drawing, cutting, gluing, creating, and dreaming with them when they were younger are some of her favorites.
Jeraka has been with SPARK since July, 2020.
She joined the team right before SPARK opened! She is excited to be part of an organization that is passionate about serving children and families in our community and offering them a fun space to learn and grow together. As a child (and as an adult) her favorite place to be was outside, often at the lake or in the woods playing, building, and exploring. No surprise, her favorite exhibit is our new Wonder Woods exhibit for toddlers. Outside of SPARK she enjoys camping and exploring new places by horseback with her family and friends. She is excited to see SPARK continue to grow and find new and exciting ways to continue to expand our reach in the community.
Gina has been with SPARK since June, 2022.
She is our handy “make it” person. Need a poster? She’ll make it. Need an activity sheet? She’ll make it. As well as running our social media and handling our website. With her wide range of experience in marketing and communications, she is always working to find new ways of outreach and connection in Rochester and surrounding areas. Her love of the outdoors has made her favorite SPARK exhibit: Wonder Woods! In her spare time, Gina performs in the local band, My Grandma’s Cardigan, and hangs out with a lot of puppies!
Megan has been with SPARK since October, 2024.
She is excited for the opportunity to provide fun and educational learning opportunities to SPARK explorers to enhance their visit. Megan has a background in Environmental Education and is looking forward to seeing kids (and adults) explore and grow. In her free time, she enjoys reading, bird watching, and spending time in nature. Her favorite exhibit is H2OH! Because who doesn’t like playing in water?
Julia has been with SPARK since December, 2024.
She is excited to join the SPARK team and work with Rochester and local community supporters to help SPARK grow and reach more families in the area. Julia has a background in non-profit fundraising and is looking forward to seeing what support she can bring to SPARK. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends & family, and enjoying the many lakes of Minnesota. As a child, she enjoyed swimming and playing with water, which is why H2OH! is her favorite exhibit in the museum.
Tammy has been with SPARK since January, 2021.
She starting as a Sparkologist, worked her way up to Play Manager, and was promoted to Visitor Experience Manager in 2024. She has a background in special education K-6, nursing, and business management. Tammy and her husband of 32 years have been blessed with 3 daughters, 1 son, and 5 grandchildren. When she isn’t working (playing at SPARK), Tammy likes to relax with painting, diamond pictures, and puzzles. Her favorite exhibit at SPARK is SPARK City. She loves to see the expression on the children and parents when they have fixed the leaks, cleared up the smog, relieved the traffic jams, and turned unhappy guests to happy guests. How many people can say they get paid to play all day?
Kylee has been with SPARK since August, 2024.
She assists with team management and can often be found around the museum interacting with kids and helping them learn through play! She is excited to provide kids with an interactive approach to learning. When she’s not at Spark she enjoys hiking, reading, and writing. As a young girl Kylee spent much of her time in a little fishing boat on the Mississippi River, so no one can be surprised that her favorite exhibit at Spark is the water table.
Interested in joining our team? Check out our current job openings here
CHAIR
Darcy Elmer, Associated Bank
VICE CHAIR
Claudia Tabini, Southeast Service Cooperative
SECRETARY
Melissa Brinkman, Custom Alarm
TREASURER
Andrew Forliti, Smith Schafer and Associates
FORMER CHAIR
Ken Brown, Retired Olmsted County Commissioner