CAMARILLO — kidSTREAM, a children’s museum based in Camarillo, continues to grow. While the organization is finalizing the work toward the slated expansion of the outdoor playscape on the property that the City of Camarillo is transferring to the nonprofit, key steps of growth are taking place within the organization, including board expansion.
“We are pleased to announce that six new directors are making an impact on kidSTREAM’s future,” noted board chair and founder, Kristie Akl, “especially due to the fact that we know it takes a big team to build something that will have the incredible impact that kidSTREAM will have on children and families throughout our region.”
The directors include a cohort of three who joined in 2021: Megan Kenny Feister, Assistant Professor of Communication at CSU Channel Islands; Denae Lassen, a graphic design and public relations professional; and Chris Seal, a long-time Biotechnology professional at Kite Pharma. “Each new director brings key skills and resources to the table,” noted kidSTREAM Executive Director, Michael Shanklin, “especially as we work diligently toward our next steps in this project, which includes completing California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Conditional Use Permit requirements, as well as wrapping up our architectural drawings, which will lead to us getting ready to break ground.”
In addition to the 2021 Cohort, three new directors have joined the ranks in early 2022: Shari Mogridge, a Controller at Trade Desk; Jesus “Chuy” Romero, Production Manager of J&E Berries; and Michelle Yee, Senior Vice President of the Ventura and Santa Barbara Markets at Bank of America. “It is truly an exciting time for kidSTREAM – and for the children of Ventura County” shared Akl, “as our board membership has not only evolved to reflect the strength and diversity of our region, as well as our economy and the resources therin.”
— Founded in 2016, kidSTREAM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create an engaging environment for children and families to explore, play and discover; inspiring them to become critical thinkers, innovators, and life-long learners. For more information, visit www.kidstream.org.