Board of Directors
Jessica Sabrowsky – Chair
Jessica Sabrowsky is a Family Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about working closely with individuals within the community. Jess has a husband, Gary, and four children. She received her undergraduate Nursing degree from The College of St. Benedict, Master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and is perusing her Doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota currently. Jess has a passion for creating safe child orientated play spaces that allow for children to continue to develop and grow with their families. Jess enjoys reading, being active with her family, and often spending time piloting new ideas to implement at the museum. The passion is to offer a fun interactive and imaginative play space that is local, affordable and fun for all! Come on, let’s play!
Erin Wendolek – Treasurer
Melissa Goldstein – secretary
Melissa is a mom of three and a wife of an active-duty soldier. Hutchinson is her hometown, but she now moves about every three years to wherever the Army decides to send their family. For four years she worked at the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce & Tourism office, where she was able to form a relationship with many local businesses and organizations. Her education was focused on the legal field, and she has worked on and off as a paralegal. She enjoys being a part of Wheel & Cog because she has a passion for seeing kids learn through play.
Kathy Nordby – Board Member and Sewing Lead
Kathy Nordby is a retired Elementary teacher. She taught children for 37 years, 29 of those in Hutchinson in 6th grade and 1st grade, with the most recent 11 years as the STEM teacher at West Elementary School, Hutchinson. Kathy is from Brownton, where she lives in the country with her husband Kevin. They raised 4 children and have 5 grandchildren. She attended the University of Minnesota, Morris. Kathy enjoys the outdoors and nature, gardening,camping, fishing, biking, cooking, baking, quilting and crafts.
Kathy hopes to bring Science and Engineering ideas, resources and expertise to the museum, along with her enduring passion that children need to play!
Angie Mellies – Board Member
Angie is an educator by trade and has a love for childhood in her heart. Just coming off five years as a stay at home mom, she has started back in education as an Early Childhood and Elementary teacher for the local school district. Her teaching range from Elementary & Early Childhood to Special Education. Wheel & Cog has provided an new outlet for creating, play, and fun for both her and her entire family. Angie brings all things agriculture related into Wheel & Cog’s educational exhibits. As a farmer’s daughter, 4-h’er, and lover for animals the possibilities for collaboration are endless. Come enjoy this great addition to our community and grow with us!
Richard Appleby – Board Member
Richard is a stay-at-home dad to 3 girls and is also heavily involved with the soccer community since moving to Hutchinson in the Fall of 2018. After discovering Wheel & Cog, Richard and his wife Nina became members and regularly visit the museum. He joined the board in November of 2019 and is excited to use his business knowledge along with his passion for kid’s play to further Wheel & Cog’s mission of learning through play. Richard’s daughters (Annie 4, Ellie 2, and Maggie 1) absolutely love coming to the museum and enjoy all of the pretend play that is created there as well as making messes with activities that wouldn’t be allowed at home.
