Our team

At Little Bear School House Museum and Historical Society, our team is the heart of everything we do. Each member brings a wealth of experience, a deep passion for education and history, and a genuine love for working with children and families. We believe that the strength of our programs lies not only in our curriculum but also in the people who bring it to life every day. Our staff is united by a shared commitment to safety, trust, and community, ensuring that every child and family who joins us feels welcomed, supported, and inspired.

Mary Johnson

Mary brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood education and museum programming. With a strong background in child development and a lifelong passion for history, she has dedicated her career to creating environments where children can thrive both academically and emotionally. Mary believes in the power of storytelling to connect children to their heritage, and she works tirelessly to design programs that are engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate. Under her leadership, our educational initiatives have grown to include hands-on workshops, family events, and innovative learning experiences that blend history with creativity. Families often remark on Mary’s warm and approachable leadership style, which ensures that every parent feels confident and every child feels valued. She sees her role not just as an educator but as a mentor, guiding children to discover their potential while honoring the traditions of the past.

James Carter

James has a background in social work and community development, and he specializes in building partnerships that strengthen family involvement. His role focuses on creating opportunities for parents and community members to actively participate in the museum’s programs, from volunteering at events to sharing their own cultural traditions. James is known for his approachable nature and his ability to connect with families from diverse backgrounds. He believes that strong communities are built when families and educators work hand in hand, and he works tirelessly to foster those connections. Beyond his professional expertise, James brings a genuine enthusiasm for people—he has a gift for making everyone feel welcome, whether they are visiting for the first time or have been part of our community for years. His efforts have helped us expand our partnerships with local schools, libraries, and cultural organizations, ensuring that our reach extends far beyond the museum walls.

Emily Rodriguez

Emily is a certified early childhood educator with a focus on play-based learning. She designs daily activities that encourage children to explore, create, and collaborate, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn in ways that feel natural and joyful. Emily’s classroom is filled with laughter, curiosity, and discovery, as she guides children through hands-on projects that connect history to their everyday lives. She has a special talent for weaving academic concepts into playful experiences, helping children build literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills while also nurturing their creativity and imagination. Parents often describe Emily as both nurturing and inspiring—someone who truly sees each child as an individual and celebrates their unique strengths. Her dedication ensures that children not only gain knowledge but also develop the confidence and resilience they need to succeed in school and in life.

Sarah Thompson

Sarah oversees the scheduling and implementation of our workshops, events, and special programs. With a background in event management and a love for working with children, she ensures that every program runs smoothly and meets the needs of families. Sarah is detail-oriented, creative, and deeply committed to making each family’s experience memorable. She works closely with educators, volunteers, and community partners to bring our mission to life in meaningful ways. Whether she is organizing a heritage festival, coordinating a storytelling night, or planning a seasonal workshop, Sarah approaches every task with enthusiasm and care. Families appreciate her attentiveness and her ability to anticipate needs, making every visit to the museum feel seamless and enjoyable. Her dedication helps transform our vision into reality, ensuring that our programs are not only educational but also joyful and impactful.

Why Our Team Matters

What makes our team truly special is not just their professional expertise but their shared commitment to children, families, and community. Each member brings their own strengths, but together they create an environment where history and education come alive. They are mentors, guides, and partners in learning, working side by side with families to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and inspired. Their collective passion for preserving heritage and nurturing young minds is what makes Little Bear School House Museum and Historical Society a place where families feel at home.
Our team understands that education is about more than academics; it is about nurturing the whole child. They take the time to listen, to encourage, and to celebrate each milestone, no matter how small. By weaving together their knowledge of child development with their passion for preserving heritage, they create experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and foster a love of learning that extends far beyond the classroom. Parents often remark that our staff feels like an extension of their own family, offering reassurance, guidance, and genuine care at every step of the journey.