FLIP Founding Board of Directors

FLIP MUSEUM'S FOUNDING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jack Graham Board President He/Him/His

Melissa Hong Board Vice President She/Her/Hers Melissa spent her early years in South Korea rollerblading around the neighborhood corralling children to play tag, race, or rescue and care for homeless dogs and cats. She moved to California where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science from the University of California, Berkeley. After working as a school district administrator, she pursued her Master’s degree in Sociology and Education at Columbia University, Teacher’s College in New York City. For the past decade, she worked tirelessly to improve access to high-quality early childhood education for the most vulnerable young children by implementing systems change efforts and building community partnerships. In 2021, she and her family moved to the Greater Portland area to be closer to relatives. Melissa joined FLIP to continue her efforts in advancing equity in children's early learning experiences.

Jessica O’Donnell Board Member She/Her/Hers Jack spent his formative years on the lookout for pneumatic tubes, trap doors, and zip lines. Since then, he has worked primarily with startups in the medical staffing industry, earning the Portland Business Journal's 100 Fastest Growing Companies Award three times. He holds an MBA from Willamette University and is the COO for Scribe-X and Med-X Medical Staffing. His oldest daughter grew up at the old Portland Children’s Museum and is still today referred to by her nickname, Flip. His youngest deserves a children’s museum nearby, as do all children in our community.

Jessica spent much of her childhood playing in the dirt and "exhibiting leadership skills" with her siblings and neighbors. She has carried these traits into adulthood, with more than a decade "exhibiting leadership skills" with elementary and preschool aged children. After completing her Masters degree at University College of London, she and her family stopped in Ireland before landing in Oregon. They spend oodles of time exploring outdoors - in their garden or amongst Oregon's woods and waterways. Jessica joined FLIP to channel her wholehearted beliefs about the importance of play-based learning for families and establishing inclusive and diverse ties throughout the community.

Meredith Gordon Co-founder and Board Member She/Her/Hers

Michelle Vega-Spight Board Member She/Her/Hers Meredith spent her childhood play time recording her voice on cassettes and rescuing dolls from natural disasters. She has more than a decade of experience building relationships and raising funds for missions supporting families and education: SMART Reading, Boys and Girls Aid, Bethel Congregational UCC, and the PCC Foundation. Meredith is currently pursuing an MBA at Willamette University while also raising two playful learners in her neurodiverse family. Meredith joined FLIP to direct her heart and frantic networking urges to positively impact the lives of Portland's youngest learners and the families who raise them.

Michelle’s favorite childhood activities always involved some type of craft. Whether it was making popsicle stick characters with googly eyes to cutting craft paper into different shapes, she was always creating. Michelle later used her love of crafting to develop fun and engaging projects as a Special Education teacher for elementary students in New York City. While working as a teacher in New York, Michelle completed her masters in Education. Afterwards she joined the San Francisco Unified School District as a Positive Behavior, Intervention, and Support Coach for teachers and administrators. In 2017 Michelle moved to Portland where she served in a similar role with the Portland Public Schools as a School Climate Specialist. Michelle’s passion for supporting children and their families is what drives her enthusiasm to see the creation of the FLIP museum. It is her goal to make it a space where all children feel seen and welcomed, while learning and having fun.

Quinn Hoffman Board Member She/Her/They/Them In her younger days, Quinn could be found diving into the swimming pool, reading piles of books and eating Pizza Hut Book It reward pizzas, and skipping recess to hang out in the Special Education classroom. She was the first person at her high school to be an exchange student (Argentina), and spent a year abroad in college (Brazil). Her love of adventure, far-fetched curiosity, and persistent desire to understand how people think and do, ultimately led her to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Master of Occupational Therapy program. She now enthusiastically supports children’s participation in play and meaningful routines as an Occupational Therapist. Quinn believes that any learning space is made stronger by the presence of kids with diverse needs and strengths. She is excited to promote accessibility at FLIP, ensuring all kids and families can contribute to an environment of inspired play.

Scott Rennie Board Member He/Him/His

Terell Seitz Board Member He/Him/His Scott spent his early days finding any ball he could play a game with or with his eyes toward the sky whenever he heard a plane. After spending three years researching a rare genetic disorder affecting adolescents and young children, he made a significant career change to attend law school at Willamette University. Scott’s practice focuses on startups, real estate, and estate planning and probate. Scott’s oldest child adored all of the games and exhibits at Children’s Museum - specifically the water room. Scott joined FLIP to play a role in bringing exploratory learning back to the metro area’s most curious and eager learners.

Terell spent his youth finger painting rainbows, climbing trees, and building forts. He has always had a passion for exploring the beauty of the outdoors and understanding how things in nature grow and move. This passion led him to graduate with a Bachelors of Art from Coe College with a focus in 3D animation. Terell now works as a lead visual effects supervisor and has worked on films for Laika and ad campaigns for AdoptUSKids. Terell joined FLIP to help build exhibits with creative and interactive experiences for all.

Tya Ping Board Member She/Her/Hers Tya Ping joined the FLIP board of directors in 2022. She is a mother of three young children, a health care provider, a community volunteer, and a longtime resident of Washington County. Tya earned her Pharmacy Doctorate from Oregon State University and OHSU. She is now a clinical pharmacist at Kaiser Permanente. She has served on various boards including Beaverton City Library Advisory Board and Washington County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. She currently serves as an elected on the Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District (THPRD) Board of Directors. She also is an avid volunteer within the Beaverton School District teaching art literacy to elementary school children. Tya and her family love to travel and spend time with extended family and friends. They love active playtime, finding new adventures, and experiencing the beauty of nature.

FL!P Museum

Visit us at flipmuseum.org

The FLIP Museum is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID: 87-3605707