Chelsea Blair, is a Tri-Cities native who is passionate about expanding educational opportunities for children in the community. She and her husband, John-Paul, are raising their three children in the area they are proud to call home.

Chelsea earned her undergraduate degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Clinical Research Management. Prior to becoming a mother, she worked as a Global Study Manager overseeing oncology clinical trials. Her background in project management is helping guide and champion the Mid-Columbia Children’s Museum.  Her professional background in science and research fuels her passion for STEAM education and hands-on learning opportunities for children.

Chelsea is excited to help bring a children’s museum to the Tri-Cities to inspire curiosity, and introduce local children to STEAM concepts at an early age.

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Vice President Beth Crocker is passionate about strengthening the community and creating meaningful opportunities for local families. She and her husband, Corey, are parents to three young children and are also dedicated foster parents.

Beth works in commercial banking and has a strong interest in sustainable business practices and community-focused growth. Her professional experience and commitment to supporting families bring valuable perspective to the MCCM Board.

Outside of work and volunteering, Beth enjoys spending time outdoors camping with her family and cheering on her children at their many sports activities. She is excited to help create a children’s museum that will inspire creativity, learning, and connection for children throughout the Tri-Cities.

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Board Secretary Shannon Wakeman is a retired special education teacher with more than 25 years of experience in early childhood education. Originally from California, Shannon earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Special Education.

As both an educator and a grandmother of two, Shannon is deeply passionate about creating environments where all children feel welcomed, valued, and included. She strongly believes in the importance of learning through play and in embracing and celebrating differences in every child.

Shannon is excited to support the future children’s museum in the Tri-Cities and its potential to provide engaging, inclusive, and enriching experiences for children and families throughout the community.

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Margaret Sisseck serves as Treasurer of the Mid-Columbia Children’s Museum Board of Directors, bringing extensive experience in nonprofit accounting, financial management, and organizational stewardship. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with nonprofit organizations to ensure strong financial oversight, responsible resource management, and long-term sustainability.

Margaret’s expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, and strategic planning provides invaluable guidance as the Museum works to establish a strong foundation for future growth. Her commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility helps ensure that donor investments and community resources are managed effectively in support of the Museum’s mission.

As a passionate advocate for community-focused organizations, Margaret believes in the power of educational and cultural institutions to enrich the lives of children and families. She is excited to contribute her financial expertise to help bring the Mid-Columbia Children’s Museum to life and create a lasting community asset that will inspire curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning for generations to come.

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Steve Gruenberg brings a passion for community, leadership, and creating opportunities for families to the Mid-Columbia Children's Museum Board of Directors. As a Plant Manager with the J.R. Simplot Company, Steve has extensive experience leading teams, managing complex operations, and driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Steve and his wife, Jamie, are proud parents of three young children, giving him a firsthand appreciation for the importance of engaging, educational spaces where children can learn through play. His perspective as both a parent and community leader helps ensure the museum remains focused on serving the needs of families throughout the Tri-Cities.

Before joining the museum board, Steve was actively involved with local parks and recreation initiatives and has volunteered with several community organizations dedicated to improving quality of life in the region. His commitment to public service and family-centered community development aligns closely with the museum's mission to inspire curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Steve is excited to help build a lasting community asset that will enrich the lives of children and families for generations to come.

Sean Markussen is the President of FNS Collision Group Inc. and a dedicated community advocate with a passion for investing in opportunities that enrich the lives of local families. He earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive and Diesel Technology from Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and has built a successful career in the automotive repair industry through leadership, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

Sean and his wife, Toree, are proud parents to three young children. As a father raising a young family in the Tri-Cities, Sean recognizes the tremendous strengths of the community and the need for more hands-on, STEAM-focused learning opportunities that inspire curiosity, creativity, and exploration.

Sean is honored to serve on the Mid-Columbia Children’s Museum Board of Directors and is passionate about helping bring the museum to life. He believes the museum will become a transformative community asset that empowers children and families through engaging educational experiences. Sean is committed to supporting the museum’s growth and success and considers it a privilege to help make this vision a reality for future generations.

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Tayler Parmley is a Central Washington native who returned to the region in 2020 with her husband, Mika, to raise their four young children. As a parent of children ranging from ages 3 to 9, Tayler is passionate about creating opportunities that inspire learning, connection, and community for local families.

A lifelong Husky, Tayler earned her degree in Globalization with a focus on immigration from the University of Washington. During her time away from the West Coast, she gained a new appreciation for the unique geography, culture, industries, and communities that make the Tri-Cities region special. Her experiences, including inspiration drawn from places like the Avampato Discovery Museum, helped shape her vision for what a children’s museum could bring to the area.

Tayler believes the Mid-Columbia Children’s Museum has the opportunity to celebrate and represent the many elements that define the region while building pride, connection, and opportunity for children and families. She is excited to help create a space where learning through play empowers the entire community.

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Jordan Tiegs serves as the Director of Development for Oregon Potato and brings extensive experience in business growth, strategic partnerships, and commercial development. Throughout his career, Jordan has built a reputation for fostering meaningful relationships, identifying opportunities for growth, and helping organizations achieve long-term success.

Jordan and his wife, Ashley, are proud parents to one child and are passionate about creating opportunities that strengthen families and enrich the community. As a Tri-Cities resident, he is committed to supporting initiatives that inspire learning, creativity, and exploration for children of all ages.

Outside of work, Jordan enjoys spending time on the golf course, boating, and taking advantage of the many outdoor recreation opportunities the Pacific Northwest has to offer. His appreciation for community, family, and lifelong learning aligns closely with the mission of the Mid-Columbia Children’s Museum.

Jordan is honored to serve on the Museum’s Board of Directors and is excited to help create a dynamic, hands-on destination where children can discover, imagine, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

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Tyler Whitney joined the MCCM Board in 2025. A Kennewick native, Tyler returned to the Tri-Cities with his family after spending 15 years living in Spokane and North Idaho. He and his wife, Cora, are raising two children who are excited about the possibility of a children’s museum in the community.

Tyler is an attorney whose practice focuses primarily on representing public agencies and consumer-owned electric utilities throughout the Pacific Northwest. He joined the MCCM Board because he is passionate about helping build a space that inspires creativity and curiosity for local children while adding to our region’s economic vitality.

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