Board of Directors
Jessica Sabrowsky – CHAIR, FOUNDER, 10+ YEARS
Jessica Sabrowsky is a Family Nurse Practitioner and mother of four who is passionate about working closely with individuals within the community. 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!
Kathy Nordby – Board Member, co-secretary, 8+ years
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 brings Science and Engineering ideas, resources and expertise to the museum, along with her enduring passion that children need to play!
JEAN HALLBERG – BOARD MEMBER, co-secretary, 8+ years
There are many, but my grandkids and I especially like the Fire truck, interactive car, and wind / scarves stations. Wheel & Cog is gem in the Hutchinson community and holds such unique play & interactive learning opportunities for the children it serves. The excitement children experience when they arrive to play the first time, is amazing to watch.
Rosie has been a helpful volunteer since the beginning and she is excited to continue to support the museum work and see how we can grow! Her favorite exhibit is the Tape Scape!
ARI ZASKE – TREASURER, 1 year
Ari loves the variety of the exhibits offered at the museum. There is something for every interest so kids can find their one thing or try a bunch of different things and the parents can experience it all with them. Ari and her husband, Mark, include a Wheel and Cog membership renewal as part of their kids’ Christmas gifts each year and they go BANANAS for it. It’s their favorite place in town!
SAMANTHA CASILLAS – BOARD MEMBER, 1 year
While Samantha just recently joined the Board, her family has been members for years. Her favorite exhibit is the bakery. It flourishes children’s imaginations and provides endless ways of playtime. It also is a great way to have kids play together and collaborate. In her words: Wheel and Cog is unique and is such a vital business for our community. Being that Hutchinson is a little bit away from the cities, Wheel and Cog provides family fun where there is less options of entertainment.
TIFFANY COURY – BOARD MEMBER, 1 year
Tiffany recently joined the Board as a brand new member. Her son loves the place, especially the Kitchen Exhibit!
Staff
DEBBIE NEWMAN, director
Debbie loves that the Wheel & Cog is fun for everyone! Her kids love when their friends join us for a few hours of play especially as a safe place to play in winter. Her family moved to Hutchinson 2 years ago from Arizona for her husband’s job. They have two children and a new puppy. Debbie loves swimming, kayaking, running, and biking with her family. Debbie holds an elementary education degree, a masters in administration, and was an instructional coach for the gifted department in Arizona where she specialized in enrichment activities. In addition to her 18 years of teaching experience, she loves that she can put her creative juices and experience to benefit the museum.
jovi stoll, staff
Jovi has really stepped into leadership tasks at the museum and takes on our scheduling, some event planning, and more!
diana, staff
We’ve enjoyed having Diana as a member of our staff for the past two years. Diana’s favorite exhibit is the Blue Foam Building Blocks!
PAISLEY, STAFF
Although Paisley just joined the staff, she has enjoyed bringing her Goddaughter to Wheel and Cog for awhile now! Her favorite exhibit at Wheel and Cog is the grocery store/kitchen because she sees lots of little minds playing together and collaborating in there!
Brooklyn’s favorite part is helping the kids do crafts!
Emily is our newest staff member here! She loves the Grocery Store exhibit the most!
