About Us

Mission

Columbia Play Project creates interactive, accessible play experiences that spark curiosity, learning, and connection, strengthening children, families, and communities through joyful, STREAM-rich play.

vision

We envision a future where every child feels joy and belonging, where a vibrant, community-rooted children’s museum serves as a hub for playful learning, discovery, and connection.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Smiling woman with short gray hair, glasses, wearing a black jacket and a necklace, standing in front of a white background with a yellow border.

    Amelia Shelley

    Board Chair
    Retired, CEO Fort Vancouver Regional Library

  • A smiling elderly woman with white hair and glasses, wearing a red blazer and a patterned shirt, in front of a plain background.

    Mary Sisson

    Secretary
    Retired, Owner, Kazoodles Toys

  • A young woman with wavy blonde hair smiling and sticking out her tongue, wearing a black top, against a light background with a yellow border.

    Emily Campbell

    Member
    Owner, EmilyJean Interior Design

  • Portrait of a man with curly dark hair and a beard, wearing a light blue button-up shirt, smiling against a white background framed by a gold border.

    Korey Dunkel

    Member
    Project Manager, JH Kelly

  • A woman with long brown hair smiling, wearing a white top and beige blazer, against a plain light background with a decorative border.

    Elise Westbrooks

    Member
    VP of Retail Branches, iQ Credit Union

  • A woman with short dark hair, wearing a black polka dot blazer and a red top, smiling.

    Hailey Heath

    Member
    Volunteer Coordinator, City of Vancouver

  • A young woman with long, curly brown hair, green eyes, and a nose piercing, wearing a brown turtleneck sweater, smiling softly at the camera.

    Michaela Lee

    Member
    Education Manager, Educational Opportunities for Children and Families

  • A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and bangs, wearing a denim jacket, colorful earrings, a necklace, and smiling at the camera against a plain white background.

    Catherine Diaz

    Executive Director

EDUCATION Staff

Lisa Durkin JOnes

Learning and Engagement Director

Playologists

Emily Cole
Ava Fox
Courtney Holland
Annie Eeds

Equity And Inclusion Statement

We acknowledge that Columbia Play Project is located on the historic and traditional lands of the First Peoples. Children played and explored along the banks of the mighty Columbia River then as they do today.

We acknowledge that many people have come before us, whether Sacagawea and her child, John Baptiste Charbonneau, or York, the first Black man to cross North America on foot, or the many other explorers and pioneers. As a community of immigrants, we recognize and honor those who have made this their home – people from every corner of the globe who bring a variety of rich experiences and world views. We are committed to celebrating what makes us all far more similar than different. Not least of which, the universally important part that play makes in our collective human experience.

We acknowledge that dominant cultures have frequently and systematically eliminated historically underrepresented communities from decision making and participation. We commit to creating an intentionally inclusive, welcoming, and equitable experience for all people. We encourage and welcome individuals and groups to make Columbia Play Project their own, to embrace it fully and use this opportunity to build a more equitable and inclusive community for all.

HIRING OPPORTUNITIES

Interested in being a Playologist?
We may have openings. Email us! info@columbiaplayproject.org

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