Karen Hery – Swap Shop Facilitator / Coordinator
Karen has a BA in Communication and several decades of experience as a community builder and program director, directing summer camps, youth groups and Girl Scout and Camp Fire Boys and Girls events. In California, Karen performed as a spoken word artist for Maiko, a multicultural drum and poetry group funded by the San Jose Multicultural Artist Guild.
Rachel Bloom
is the Director of Portland Supported Employment, an arts oriented day program for developmentally disabled adults. Her staff in conjunction with local musicians and artists, develop, produce, and perform unique and inclusive musicals for the stage. Rachel has wanted a community center space for our youngest children for many years now and has hosted young family hours with live entertainment at local businesses in our neighborhood.
Ann Elkins – Indoor Playground Design Coordinator
Our Indoor playground design coordinator, Ann has a BFA in Museum Studies and 10 years of experience as an early childhood educator and program manager. Ann was the lead R & D and project coordinator for the creation of OMSI’s 7,000 sq. ft. early childhood hall Science Playground and managed the Early Childhood Education program at OMSI until the end of 2008 . She is currently launching her own playspace design business and is putting her creative talents toward jewelry making.
Dena Wilder
Dena moved to Portland two years ago to find a place she could grow personally and be part of a community that believes in tending to the environment and building unity between its members. She has over 20 years of experience working with children in a variety of capacities: recreational therapist, caregiver, storyteller, and instructor. She is currently an instructor with Portland Parks and Recreation teaching music, creative drama and yoga.
