Kiersten Elzy-Loving, our Development and Community Partnerships Manager, is both a long-time fan and advocate of the Museum. Having spent decades as a resident of lower Seabright, she has fond memories of her own children climbing on the whale and checking out our beehive exhibit. She loves discussing the history of this area and is passionate about the ecology of our region, making her a great community representative for the Museum.
Kiersten is a Santa Barbara native who grew up exploring California’s coast, canyons, and deserts. Her early exposure has inspired life-long dedication to stewardship of the natural world. She says, “My family loves to travel, but it always feels good to come home to the sea and the trees here on the Monterey Bay.”
Kiersten majored in education and child development. Her early teaching experiences included working with young children in under-served communities. Her early work instilled the belief that nature is the classroom with the most significant lasting benefit. “Access to the outdoors helps us understand our connection to the natural world because every child is a ‘Scientist’ by nature,” says Kiersten.
During her years in the private sector, her connection with nonprofit organizations led Kiersten to design “benefactor as a benefit” programs for her corporate clients, eventually inspiring her to shift to working full-time with organizations committed to education, equity, and protecting the environment.
When not at the museum, she travels, explores local beaches, hillsides, and creeks with her family, kayaks, gardens, and sees live music.
“I feel fortunate to have this remarkable resource in our backyard. It’s exciting to join a team who has already accomplished so much and is positioning the Museum to serve our community for generations to come,” says Kiersten.
Please join us in welcoming Kiersten to the team!