Meet Our New Play Ambassador

Our Mobile Museum is making so many stops, we had to expand our team! Here’s your chance to learn about our NEW Play Ambassadors and why they are the perfect fit for our museum. They are hyped and ready to bring PLAY to a place near you!

Name: Katie (they, she)

Originally From: Huntington, Long Island

Current Hometown: New Hartford

1. Tell us about yourself and why you wanted to join the Utica Children’s Museum team!

I've always been drawn to creative and educational environments, which is why I’m thrilled to be working at the Utica Children’s Museum as a Play Ambassador. I've also spent a majority of my adult life living just outside of Queens, NY, where I was constantly surrounded by different cultures and perspectives. This taught me the value of inclusivity and made me passionate about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. I saw firsthand how community events and cultural celebrations bring people together, and that’s what I aim to do through my work. The Utica Children’s Museum is a perfect fit for me because it aligns with my goal of sparking curiosity and creativity with children while also promoting a sense of community.

2. Everyone brings something special to the team! What unique qualities or experiences do you bring to the UCM team that will help bring great experiences to children and families?

I bring a unique blend of creativity, hands-on experience, and a genuine passion for engaging with people of all ages. My background in Studio Art, coupled with my roles at places like the Long Island Children’s Museum, View Arts Center in Old Forge, and as a Play Ambassador here at UCM, has given me a solid foundation in creating interactive and educational experiences. I’m also a lifelong learner and a kid at heart. I alway try to combine creativity with community engagement, aiming to create memorable and inclusive experiences for families.

3. Why do you believe Children’s Museums are important to communities?

From my experience, children's museums are crucial because they support creativity and learning outside the classroom. They make education exciting and accessible for kids, and they also bring people from different backgrounds together. The interactive nature of these museums fosters curiosity and encourages kids to think critically and work together, all while having a blast. Plus, they often partner with local artists, educators, and businesses, enriching the community and providing unique experiences that celebrate diversity and creativity.

4. When you’re not entertaining kids with the Mobile Museum, what activities or hobbies do you do for FUN?!

I’m all about exploring creativity and staying active! I have a personal art career that keeps me busy and inspired, and I LOVE to travel! I was fortunate enough to combine my love for art and travel when I lived in Iceland for a month in January to participate in an art residency. I am also a dedicated yogi and am currently working towards my yoga teacher certification. Yoga helps me stay centered and energized, and I’m excited to deepen my practice and share it with others.

5. Give us 3 random fun facts about yourself!

- I love playing and learning new musical instruments - I can currently play seven different instruments, my favorite being the trombone!

- I love to read and last year I read over 100 books. I don't think I will hit that number again this year but I am currently reading Wake the Town and Tell the People by Norman C. Stolzoff, my 52nd book for 2024.

- I am an ordained minister.