People of Fairyland

Here are some of the people who make Children’s Fairyland the special place it is, and the fictional characters who inspire them.  

Kymberly Miller

Executive Director

In the summer of 2019, Kymberly joined Children's Fairyland as its executive director after an 11+ year career at Girl Scouts of Northern California. As a senior director at Girl Scouts, she was accountable for the comprehensive design and implementation of innovative strategies to serve girls, ages 5-17, and oversaw 40 staff members. She is passionate about delivering satisfying experiences and supporting children and their families.

Kymberly is a graduate of Mills College with a B.A. in Political, Legal and Economic Analysis with a minor in Ethnic Studies. She has served on two nonprofit boards helping her build stronger ties to the community. After 25 years in Oakland, she resides with her family in Alameda.

She has two favorite characters: Dorothy from The Wiz and Hazel from Watership Down.

 

Samuel Aguayo

Senior Director of Operations

Got a question about our rides or cafe? Ask Samuel!

Peter Pan is his favorite character.

 

Kelley Bartlow

Events Manager

Want to host a party or event at Fairyland? Whether you are planning a kids' party, an LGBTQ+ celebration, a wedding or a corporate event. Kelley will help your dream become a reality.

Her favorite book as a kid was Scared of the Dark, a storybook by Sesame Street. Bert was her favorite, but she empathized with Ernie's fear and anxiety. 

 

Topaz Bess

Community Engagement Manager

Reach out to Topaz if you have questions about summer camp and family engagement partnerships.

Her favorite character is Cindy Lou Who from the Grinch.

 

Vicky Chen

Senior Director of Education and Community Engagement

Contact her if you you're interested in community organization partnership and individual and group volunteer opportunities.

Her favorite character is Arrietty from The Secret World of Arrietty.

 

Michaela C. Ellis

Education and Curriculum Manager

Contact her about educational programming, field trips and other educational opportunities at Fairyland.

Her favorite characters are: Peter Pan, Julian from Julian is a Mermaid, Gorilla from Ishmael, Marjane Satrapi from Persepolis, and Lauren Olamina from Parable of the Sower (and that's just the beginning!).

 
Jennifer Hurlburt

Horticulturist

What's blooming in our 10 acres of gardens? Jennifer knows!

Her favorite character is Miss Muffet's spider, and the salamanders who live under the old logs (in all the secret places).

 

Ebony Jennings

Executive Assistant 

Ebony acts as the liaison between the ED and organizational entities. She helps to ensure strategic goals and project management. Contact her if you'd like to schedule a meeting with Kymberly.

 Her favorite character is Cruella de Vil.

 

Jessica Martin

Senior Director of Events

Contact her about special events, Fairyland's annual Gala Fundraiser, Halloween Jam, Fairy Winterland, and weekend entertainment.

Her favorite fairytale character is Thumbelina.

 

Nick Mitchell

Senior Director of Facilities

Contact him about facility projects and maintenance.

His favorite character is the Crooked Man.

 

Corinna Rezzelle

Theatre Programs Manager

Contact her about Fairyland's theatre programs: Children's Theatre and Theatre for the Very Young.

Her favorite literary characters are, Anne from Anne of Green Gables for her resilience, Mary Lennox from The Secret Garden for her tenacity, and Winnie the Pooh and Piglet for their model of friendship!

  

Morgan Rothenbaum

Senior Director of Marketing and Communications

Have a press, media, or collaboration inquiry? Get in contact with Morgan!

Here two favorite storybook characters are the apple tree in the Giving Tree and Paddington in Paddington Bear!

 

Leslie Fay Marks

Senior Director of Philanthropy

Contact her about making a donation and/or including Fairyland in your estate plan.

Her favorite character is Aisling from The Secret of Kells and Piggy from the Elephant and Piggy series.

 

Brian Woo

Membership Manager

Contact him with any membership questions.

His favorite character is the Mad Hatter.

 

Board of Directors

Daniel Altemus 

Karen Boyd, vice president 

Addisu Demissie 

Denys Duffy 

Nashwa Emam 

Michael Hunt 

Kyle Milligan 

Theresa Nelson, president 

Jana Pastena, secretary 

Rodney Richter, treasurer 

Javay M. Ross, MD 

Glenn Voyles