We are currently seeking dedicated individuals to join our Volunteer Board of Directors and help shape the future of our museum.

As a board member, you will have the opportunity to contribute your expertise and make a meaningful impact on the lives of children in our community.

Board of Directors

  • Mallory Shaffer [ Founder & Executive Director ]

    Mallory is a skilled educator, lover of learning, and a BIG dreamer! She had a vision of creating an interactive, fun, and imaginative space for children on the Western Slope and ran with it. She is passionate about education and igniting excitement within children for education in a non-traditional way. Working in education has always been a passion of hers, specifically working with at-risk youth. She holds a Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Administration and Leadership and is eager to bring this community-based museum to the Western Slope, offering a learning experience like never before!

  • Whitney Murphy [ President ]

    Whitney is an innovative education fanatic, STEM/STEAM enthusiast, and elementary teacher. Whitney has spent her 15-year educator career as a classroom teacher, interventionist, STEM Coach, leader, and learner who is passionate about improving how children experience learning in ways that better guide all learners toward fulfilling and expanding their potential. Whitney has specialties in Project-Based Learning, differentiation for children from diverse backgrounds, child development for ages 3 - 14, teaching English Language Learners, integrating curriculum across subjects, teacher training/professional development, event planning, and project management. During her time teaching, Whitney ran several school committees and spearheaded efforts to create the first Nationally STEM Certified elementary on the Western Slope, Northside Elementary. Whitney aims to ensure that the Montrose Children's Museum ignites magical learning experiences for all children in the Western Slope.

  • Allison Wofford [ Publicity Chair ]

    Allison has lived and worked in Montrose for 9 years and is passionate about education and community development. She is currently a teacher with the Montrose County School District’s Student Wellness & Engagement Program, serving students K-5 in Montrose and Olathe. With a Bachelors degree in Art History and a Masters degree in Elementary Education, Allison’s goal is to utilize her art and education expertise to help create authentic, interactive learning opportunities for families. She lives in Montrose with her husband and son.

  • Pete Stammler [ Exhibit Development ]

    Pete is currently a teacher at Northside Elementary School and has been teaching for 10 years. He earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Northern Colorado. While working at Northside Pete earned his National Institute for Stem Education certification. He enjoys fishing, wakeboarding, snowboarding and riding motorcycles with his friends and family. He lives in Montrose with his wife Toni, and their three sons, Simon, Milo and Emmett.

  • Lisa Kuczmarski [ Treasurer ]

    Lisa comes to Montrose from Wisconsin where she attended UW-Madison and UW-Stevens Point graduating with a bachelor’s in Communications specializing in Journalism. During this time she was raising her children while helping operate a 1,200 acre Potato Farm. Lisa currently holds the position of Director of Communications and tourism for the City of Montrose.

    Lisa’s non-profit experience includes being a board member and past President of the Northwoods United Way, Oneida County Fair board member, WXPR & KVNF Community Advisory Board members and YMCA of the Northwoods and ARTStart founding members. Volunteering for these positions has allowed Lisa to understand non-profit structures, accounting practices, fundraising challenges, marketing opportunities and change management approaches for success. While on the United Way board, she worked closely with the Northwoods Children’s Museum in Eagle River, WI to help them achieve start up and expansion goals. Working closely with community partners on behalf of the Oneida County Fair Events, ArtStart and YMCA of the Northwoods also allowed Lisa to put her organizational and administrative talents to good use for the children in her community by developing these services.

    Once an empty-nester, Lisa decided to seek adventure. Her passion for fly fishing and living an outdoor life brought her to Montrose, CO where she has been working for the City of Montrose.

    Lisa completed her Master of Public Administration degree in 2020 from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh and has since embraced her role as the Director of Communication and Tourism. She is very excited to continue to put her knowledge and work ethic to good use for the community. True to the City’s motto “Stay here. Play everywhere.” Lisa fully enjoys backpacking, camping, hiking, Jeeping, skiing, using her ham radio, and fishing year-round with her partner Mike Bergen and rescue dog Retter.

  • Sara Seymour [ Secretary ]

    Sarah Seymour moved to Olathe in 2015. Sarah and her husband, Adam, raise their two children on their family ranch out in Coal Creek. She holds a bachelors in Human Development and Family Studies, Equine Science, and a Business Administration minor from Colorado State University. She also holds a Master of Agriculture in Resource Management with an emphasis on disease control from CSU. Sarah currently works full time for Montrose United Methodist Church as their Director of Family Ministries. She is responsible for the programming for children ages 0-18 and their parents. Through her work with the church, she has gained valuable experience in volunteer management, budget processes, and leadership. She has a passion for kids and agriculture. With those passions, she wants to help educate others on the importance of agriculture and create hands-on learning experiences for the children in our area and beyond.

  • Colin Lacy

    Colin brings over 12 years of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience. He is the CEO & Co-Founder of MakerUSA and was previously the Executive Director of Makers + Mentors Network. In 2022 he was recognized as one the country's “Top 100 Entrepreneurs and Innovators” by Top 100 Magazine. He grew up on the Western Slope and is a graduate of Ridgway High School.