New Year, New Faces! Introducing Jamie Shaw, Jewels Moniz, and MacKenzie Larson
It’s a new year, and the staff at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine continues to grow!
Joining the team are three new faces: Jamie Shaw, HR & Finance Manager, Juliet “Jewels” Moniz, Visitor Services Manager, and MacKenzie Larson, Development Associate.
We asked our new staff to share a bit about themselves and to answer some “getting-to-know-you” questions. See their responses below, and help CMTM welcome our newest teammates!
Jamie Shaw | HR & Finance Manager
Jamie is a Jill-of-all-trades who brings an array of diverse experiences to CMTM. She has spent years as a bookkeeper, journalist and photographer and held a variety of hands-on and leadership roles in the manufacturing, construction, and service industries. Jamie grew up in the midcoast, and spends her free time looking for good stories and pursuing creative interests such as drawing and painting, sculpting, writing, and woodworking.
Getting to Know Jamie
What excites you about working with the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine?
Inspiring kids to get excited about learning and the world around them is such an important foundation for a lifetime of education, thoughtfulness, and empathy. Though I'm serving in more of a support role here, it means a lot that my efforts are helping the wonderful people of this organization create and enact the programs that foster those qualities in the children and families who visit us.
What is your favorite exhibit and why?
Our Neighborhood is definitely my favorite: I remember being fascinated by airports and trains, and firetrucks as a little one and building LEGO sets to engage with those sorts of things on my level. It's so cool that kids have a place where their imaginations can run wild in settings sized and designed especially for them.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
The gentlest thing in the world overcomes the hardest thing in the world. -Lao Tzu, as translated by Stephen Mitchell.
At CMTM, we're all about play! What's your favorite way to play?
I love anything cooperative - especially cooperative storytelling in role-playing games. In my adult life I feel like I don't make as many opportunities to exercise my imagination as I'd like to, and it's so satisfying to flex those muscles with a group of friends to build rich worlds and tell satisfying stories.
Juliet “Jewels” Moniz | Visitor Services Manager
Jewels is the Visitor Services Manager at the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine. Born and raised in Hawaii, Jewels is committed to sharing the "Aloha Spirit" with every new friend she meets. She holds a BA in Theatre with a focus in Directing/Literature from the University of Southern Maine. Jewels is also a working theatre artist and teacher, frequently performing in Maddy's Theatre. During the summer, she serves as the Waterfront Director and lifeguard at Camp CenterStage in Livermore, Maine. More than anything, she loves creating safe spaces for every child to find and experience joy within.
Getting to Know Jewels
What excites you about working with the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine?
What excites me about working with the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine is our capacity to bring joy to every and any person who walks in the door. Whether enjoying a Play Your Way Session, seeing an ASL interpreted play, or exploring our exhibits for the first time, there's something for everyone. Our organization as a whole is motivated by including every member of our community. What's even more beautiful is that each member of our team, every individual, is equally as passionate about offering diverse programming and events. Our combined efforts to engage our entire community, to bring joy, is wonderful.
What is your favorite exhibit and why?
My favorite exhibit is Our Neighborhood. I was born and raised in Hawaii, so learning about the Maine community through the exhibit is so much fun! I really enjoy pretending I'm on the lobster boat. There's always so much energy and laughter around every corner.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
My favorite quote comes from a children's book called "The Empty Pot" by Demi. "Have the courage to tell the truth even if nobody else does." Having courage and telling the truth are both important. What I especially appreciate about the quote is how it promotes being true to yourself in the face of adversity.
At CMTM, we're all about play! What's your favorite way to play?
My favorite way to play is onstage! I've been in a few plays at the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine. I've also taught some ensemble theatre classes over the past year. Playing improv games, connecting with others, storytelling, and just being as silly as possible is the best feeling. I really love when you've got a whole room of kiddos singing, dancing, and laughing together.
MacKenzie Larson | Development Associate
MacKenzie has been a part of the arts since she could walk. From taking ballet classes and being a part of every children's theatre production she could to teaching, managing, and operating non-profit organizations. She is passionate about creating safe spaces for children to feel creative and explore and giving that opportunity to everyone. MacKenzie spent her early adulthood traveling and finding any form of artistic expression she could and has spent most of her professional career aiding in the management and development of non-profit arts organizations. MacKenzie now resides in Cape Elizabeth with her Daughter, cat, and dog named Miller. In her free time, she enjoys photography, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Getting to Know MacKenzie
What excites you about working with the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine?
I am so thrilled to be working for an organization that I am proud of and a place I am excited to go everyday. It is an amazing opportunity to work for a place you believe in.
What is your favorite exhibit and why?
My favorite exhibit is “Pixels” the giant lite brite! I was obsessed with them when I was little and it is very nostalgic for me.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
"Have courage and be kind...For where there is kindness, there is goodness, and where there is goodness, there is magic." -Cinderella
At CMTM, we're all about play! What's your favorite way to play?
My favorite way to play when the weather is nice is to go hiking or play around at the beach. I also love photography and collecting film cameras and love to play around with them whenever I can!
Interested in working with the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine as a staff person, intern, or volunteer? Check out the current opportunities here: