Museum Staff
Jackie Erdman – Executive Director
Jackie joined the Above & Beyond Children's Museum team in April 2020. She grew up in Lake Geneva and attended UW-Stevens Point to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in Arts Management. Jackie then graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a Master of Arts. Before coming to the Museum, Jackie worked most recently at the Sheboygan Theatre Company as Executive Director.
Jackie lives in north Sheboygan with her husband, Dustin, and baby daughter, Winnie, along with their fur babies Buster and Cola.
Andrew Olenick – Operations Manager
Drew is ABCM's Operations Manager, prior to becoming a manager he was part of the Visitor Services & Leadership Support team for nearly 6 years. He is currently attending University of Wisconsin Green Bay, pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Accounting with a minor in Education & Foreign Language. Drew's favorite exhibit is the Engine Co. #1 Fire Engine and Station, it reminds him of a close friend from his childhood who always dreamed of becoming a firefighter!
When not working some of his hobbies and interests include bike riding, psychology, listening to music, and playing cards.
"I can’t explain how grateful I am for the opportunity to join this team. The museum is a wonderful facility, and I wouldn’t trade working here or with these people for anything!! Always remember nothing’s impossible and dream it, believe it, and achieve it!!"
Leah Childers - Education and Programs Manager
Leah Childers graduated as salutatorian at Central High School in Sheboygan County. She has certifications in hospitality and marketing from Lakeshore Technical College, Lead and Assistant Teacher certifications from Work & Family Consulting, and ASQ 3 certification from Family Connections. She worked with The Boys & Girls Club of Sheboygan Falls for some time writing and facilitating lessons for a number of age groups with a main focus on the Teen Club. Leah later moved on to working as a Lead Teacher with the Sheboygan Falls YMCA Daycare where she taught a classroom of children 3-5 years old focusing on process art, social emotional development, and preschool readiness. She has enjoyed being able to participate in the community at many different angles and continues to do so in her new position as Education Manager with Above & Beyond Children’s Museum. In her free time Leah enjoys caring for her younger brother, taking road trips, making art, and spending time with family.
Lily Yang – Membership & Volunteer Coordinator
Prior to becoming ABCM's Membership & Volunteer Services Coordinator, Lily started as an intern at the museum and moved to Visitor Services position while attending college. She appreciates being part of a team who takes pride in the work they put in at ABCM. Lily has received an Associate degree in Business Management and is excited to put her experience with members and volunteers to work.
"I am a mom of two wonderful boys. We come from a beautiful Hmong cultural background. On our downtime we like to go to the park in the summer. During the colder months we like to play games together. My oldest loves arts and crafts, my youngest loves dinosaurs, and I love writing. We also love coming to ABCM to play."
Skylar Garza - Marketing Manager
A recent graduate, Sky Garza earned her Bachelors degree in Marketing from Lakeland University. She volunteered at ABCM with her sorority Pi Kappa Gamma before being hired as the Marketing Coordinator! Originally from Hartford, WI, Sky dove into her new role and is embracing the Sheboygan lifestyle. She has two years of marketing experience obtained by interning with local organization Partners for Community Development. When she is not posting to ABCM’s social media, Sky enjoys going to the lakefront, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
“The museum has many exciting and new events happing that make my job that much more rewarding! Capturing the smiles, laughter, and families exploring the museum is my favorite part of ABCM”
Barbara Gruenke - Accountant
Barb is our wonderful Accountant! She currently works at several non-profits, including St Luke UMC, Habitat for Humanity Lakeside, Unity Church of Sheboygan and Sheboygan County Historical Society and Museum. She also runs her own Tax services! Prior to joining St Luke UMC, she worked for 16 years as the Accountant for Kee’s Inc in Elkhart Lake, WI. After leaving Kee's Inc Barb worked for 16 years as Direct Manager for The Sheboygan Press.
"I live in Plymouth with my two cats Kevin and Dylan. I enjoy playing Bingo and spending time with friends and my friend's dog Rudy."
Janet Nelson - Museum Docent
Janet has been with Above & Beyond since 2017 and has been an essential part of our team behind the front desk and walking the floors.
"I enjoy seeing the bright eyes and smiling faces of the children as they anticipate a day of fun!"
Ray Petersohn - Computer & Internal Support Volunteer
Emily Bringer - Visitor Service & Program Specialist
Madeline Leibham - Intern
Maddy graduated from Minnesota State, Mankato with a bachelor's in exercise science, minoring in nutrition. Currently, she's a student at Mount Mary University pursuing a doctorate in occupational therapy.
"I'm working with the museum as part of my doctoral capstone to create a more sensory sensitivity friendly facility. I enjoy hiking, camping, and spending time with family and friends. My favorite exhibit at Above & Beyond is the Port of Sheboygan."