Dave Bemis brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the SYV Children’s Museum board. After a 35-year career as a newspaper reporter and editor, he has devoted his time to community service through organizations like the Vikings of Solvang, Los Olivos Rotary, and the Buellton Senior Center. His deep roots in the community and extensive volunteer work help strengthen the museum’s outreach and engagement efforts.

Jillian Knight is the Co-Owner of Grateful Heart Consulting, where she specializes in nonprofit operations, governance, and compliance, supporting organizations in building strong, sustainable foundations.

With a background in operations and strategic leadership, she brings a practical, mission-driven approach to board service and organizational growth.

Jillian actively supports the Santa Ynez Valley community through her volunteer work, including providing fire updates and local news through the SYV Local News and Reporting group, and serving as a board member of the Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program.

Passionate about collaboration and service, she is dedicated to helping organizations thrive while staying grounded in their mission and values.

Jenny Stepien is currently a project manager for Urquidez Construction in Solvang California. She has extensive experience in community and youth programs and has her degree in Ecology and Environmental Education. It is her passion to link the environment, outdoors, health, volunteerism and overall well-being to youth and community through experiential education.

Antonella Mcguire brings over 15 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant to her role as Treasurer of SYVCM. She resides in Solvang with her husband and two young daughters, and is passionate about supporting organizations that enrich the local community, especially those catering to children and teens.  

Casey Birthisel brings a wealth of operational expertise and community engagement to the SYV Children’s Museum board. As Vice President of Operations for Central Coast Agriculture for eight years, he has extensive experience in project management and organizational leadership.

His passion for sustainable food systems is evident in his work coordinating a CSA in Colorado and his hands-on efforts in building and advancing construction at the Buellton Community Garden.

Additionally, his volunteer work with Solvang Theatre Fest highlights his dedication to local arts and culture. Casey's expertise in operations and passion for sustainability contribute to the museum’s growth and development.

Joe Mathieu brings two decades of marketing and advertising experience to the SYV Children’s Museum board. He is the founder of Screechy Cat Media, a Solvang-based digital marketing and advertising agency serving the Central Coast.

A longtime supporter of local causes, Joe works with small businesses and nonprofits throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. He is also an active member of the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang, and Lompoc Valley Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Lompoc Rotary Club.

Joe is excited to bring his marketing and technology expertise to the museum’s mission, helping share its story, expand its reach, and connect more Valley children and families with what the museum offers. 

Kate Bennett is a music educator, performing songwriter, creative copywriter, nonprofit grant writer, and event and production coordinator. She is a graduate of UCSB and the Gevirtz School of Education, where she earned a multiple subject teaching credential with a specialty in music.

Her background includes teaching music in local Lompoc public schools through Children’s Creative Project, as well as working with several nonprofit organizations including the Foundation for SBCC, Cottage Health System, and the Wildling Art Museum.

Kate brings her creativity, education experience, and nonprofit background to support the museum’s mission and help create meaningful experiences for children and families in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Melissa Krantz is a construction project manager and property advisor with more than 20 years of corporate leadership experience in data analytics and consulting.

She brings expertise in customer experience, organizational design, and real estate transformation to support the strategic growth and long-term sustainability of the SYV Children’s Museum.

As she raises a child of her own in the Santa Ynez Valley, Melissa is passionate about helping create functional, beautiful spaces where kids can learn, play, and connect with nature.

Shaun Juncal grew up in the Santa Ynez Valley and is proud to be raising his family in the community he calls home. He and his wife, Amber, have two young sons, Miles and Noah, and are passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences for children and families.

Professionally, Shaun has more than 15 years of experience helping build and scale high-growth technology companies, leading teams across product, marketing, and business strategy.

As a board member, Shaun is excited to support the SYV Children’s Museum’s mission to create a place where local children can learn, imagine, explore, and play together.

Savanah Leslie is a local mom, raising two boys here in the Santa Ynez Valley: Asher (6) and August (4) and works in marketing for a tech company. The Santa Ynez Valley offers so much magic for young children, and she is so excited to bring her ideas and inspiration to the SYV Children's Museum board to help drive forward progress.