Leadership

Jen is the current Chair of the Tod Pod Board of Directors. She ensures the organization delivers on its mission and oversees day-to-day operations including programs and volunteers. She has been a resident of Bloomington since 2022. Most days you'll find her dancing in the kitchen to 90s hip hop or romping through the woods with her two young kids. She is passionate about supporting volunteers and providing an inclusive and welcoming space for all Bloomington families.

Allie joined Tod Pod in 2021 and began volunteering with the organization in 2022. She has lived in Bloomington for nearly 15 years and is passionate about supporting children, families, and the local community. In addition to her involvement with Tod Pod, she serves on the Community Education Advisory Council and the St. Stephen Preschool Board. From 2023–2026, she served as Treasurer of the Bloomington Early Learning Advisory Council. Outside of her community involvement, she enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors with her family.

Ryan is a lifetime resident of Bloomington with a deep family background in early childhood services and activities. He has been involved with Tod Pod since it began in 2020. Outside of Tod Pod, he enjoys crafting and making things, serving on the Bloomington PARC Board, and volunteering as a coach for softball and soccer with the Bloomington Athletic Association. He graduated from Kennedy High School and lives near Kelly Park with his family.

Samantha became a Bloomington resident in August 2024 and immediately fell in love with Tod Pod! She loves the outdoors, baking bread, and dancing. Samantha is passionate about building community and is always eager to make a new friend.

Monika has been a Bloomington resident since 2017, and is passionate about history, and is always learning. While most of her time is spent on family and friends, she enjoys reading, gaming, and needlework.

Mike spent most of his childhood in Bloomington, and moved back with his family in 2017. He loves bringing people together, and is passionate about music, literature, gardening, and cooking. Mike will always have a story to share, and loves to hear yours!

Charity has been a Bloomington resident since 2016 and serves as Tod Pod's volunteer lead for Storytime, our highest attended outdoor event! You'll most likely find her at the pool (weather permitting) or at home holding dance parties with her kids. She is passionate about education, equity, and eating sweets.

Josey has been a Bloomington resident since 2010 and currently serves as the Garden Committee Chair for the Tod Pod Community Garden. Josey practices urban permaculture in her own backyard and, as a committed vegan, strongly believes in the power of plants to nourish both people, communities and our world.

Ellen has been a Bloomington resident since 2020 and coordinates Tod Pod’s nature programming. If she isn’t running to and from activities with her two kids, you’ll find her reading, thrifting, or soaking up the sun outdoors. She is passionate about finding a good deal, connecting with her community, and nurturing avid imagination (no matter your age). 

Diana moved to Bloomington in 2022. She spends her days going to parks and swimming with her son Gavin. She likes playing piano, ukulele, and singing, as well as walks along Nine Mile Creek, and figure skating.

Nolan is a 30-year resident of Bloomington. He likes to ride his bicycle and tinker with all things mechanical. Always eager to get out and explore the wilderness in and around Bloomington, he and his family persistently hunted for and found the 2025 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Winter Fete Medallion!

Dani has been a Bloomington resident since 2018. She teaches the FIRST Lego League Discover class (January-March) as well as serves on the Garden Committee and helps run Tod Pod's Discord server for caregivers. You'll most likely find her at home homeschooling her kids or tinkering with technology. She is passionate about STEM education, puzzles (from jigsaw to cryptographic), and gardening.

Brigid lives in Minneapolis with her husband, three boys, and their goldendoodle. She is excited to be a first time instructor for FIRST Lego League Discover! She was a teacher for over 10 years and loves guiding young children to make new discoveries and learn new skills. Brigid loves spending time hiking with her boys along Minnehaha Creek, reading, and baking something yummy.