About Us

Mission Statement

Columbia Play Project (CPP) creates exploratory play spaces and shared play experiences for the young and young-at-heart and inspires them to discover their passions.

Purpose

CPP 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

  • 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)

  • Dave Barcos

    Member
    Director of Business Development, Formosa

  • 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

  • Jeanne Bennett

    Executive Director

Our Staff

  • Lisa Durkin Jones

    Play Director

  • Patrick Norton

    Playologist

  • Annie Eeds

    Playologist

  • Stefanie Valentino

    Playologist

  • Sheila Barcos

    Playologist

  • Emily Cole

    Playologist

  • Victoria Birdsong

    Playologist

  • Ava Fox

    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.

HIRING OPPORTUNITIES

Interested in being a Playologist? We’ve got openings. Email Jeanne@columbiaplayproject.org to get more information.

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