About Us
Mission Statement
Columbia Play Project inspires wonder, fosters curiosity and strenthens community through empowering explorers to discover and learn through STREAM* play.
*Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, Math
Purpose
Columbia Play Project believes that every child deserves the freedom to play — inside or outside, with materials or just their imagination, in a group or quietly on their own. To achieve this environment, Columbia Play Project is committed to creating a thoughtfully designed, flexible, attractive space that allows the young and the young-at-heart to have fun while learning.
Board of Directors
PLAY ENTHUSIASTS, COMMUNITY LEADERS & INVESTED CAREGIVERS
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Amelia Shelley
Board Chair
Retired, CEO Fort Vancouver Regional Library -
Suba Jagannathan
Vice Chair
Owner, Mirus Toys -
Elise Westbrooks
Treasurer
VP of Retail Branches, IQ Credit Union -
Mary Sisson
Secretary
Owner, Kazoodles (Retired) -
Hailey Heath
Member
Volunteer Coordinator, City of Vancouver -
Miguel Herrera
Member of the Board
Director of Strategy and Implementation, TFA Analytics -
Alyssa Hoyt
Member
Interim Executive Director, Mount St. Helens Institute -
Christina Monks
Member
Director Culture and Development, EOCF -
Kate Sacamano
Member
Owner Giving Solutions Group -
Emily Campbell
Member
EmilyJean Interior Design
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Brittanie Castrey
Member
Clark College Foundation
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Jeanne Bennett
Executive Director
Our Staff
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Lisa Durkin Jones
Play Director
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Annie Eeds
Playologist
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Stefanie Valentino
Playologist
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Sheila Barcos
Playologist
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Emily Cole
Playologist
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Victoria Birdsong
Playologist
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Ava Fox
Playologist
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Teresa Gomez
Playologist
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.
