BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rachel led CuriOdyssey from 2007-2020, transforming it into the joyful learning destination it is today. Convinced that children are natural born scientists, Rachel created an environment for Bay Area families that fosters curiosity and a belief that through observing natural phenomena and wildlife, children develop the critical thinking skills and self-motivation needed to create a better future. In addition, Rachel recruited and trained an incredible team of co-workers, drove record museum attendance, launched a successful capital campaign and secured talented professionals to develop a new campus master plan.

Rachel attended Berkeley as an undergraduate, Harvard and Stanford nonprofit programs for executives, and studied the Reggio Emilia philosophy of how young children learn. She was mentored by Dr. Frank Oppenheimer, founder of the Exploratorium, and spent 20 years there in positions of increasing responsibility including Director of Exhibit Programs, Director of Facilities, and Chief Exhibit Curator. Her next challenge was revitalizing the 70-year-old community children’s museum, the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo, with new exhibits, new programs, and new staff.

In appreciation for all she has done for CuriOdyssey, the Board honored her with the title Executive Director Emeritus, and looks forward to building on her substantial legacy.