Meet our Museum Team
Our museum team is a dedicated group of professionals who bring the stories and heritage of the Chumash people to life. With a diverse range of expertise and experience, each member plays a pivotal role.
James joined the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center in June of 2023.
James oversees wide-ranging programming and operational initiatives. He leads the curatorial, museum experience, education, and collections management teams in exploring more than 24,000 objects in the collections and developing exhibitions and programs for the museum’s gallery and classroom spaces.
Over the years, James has worked on numerous cultural preservation projects for the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Originally from Miami, James received his BSc degrees in Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering from Florida International University. In his spare time, James enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the great outdoors, with a particular love for hiking.
James oversees wide-ranging programming and operational initiatives. He leads the curatorial, museum experience, education, and collections management teams in exploring more than 24,000 objects in the collections and developing exhibitions and programs for the museum’s gallery and classroom spaces.
Over the years, James has worked on numerous cultural preservation projects for the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Originally from Miami, James received his BSc degrees in Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering from Florida International University. In his spare time, James enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the great outdoors, with a particular love for hiking.
Nick joined the museum team in 2022. He oversees operations of the museum, gift shop, and landscaping and the personnel associated with these areas. Nick also manages the museum website and social media channels. He brings over 20 years of executive level leadership to the museum team. Nick earned his BS in Business Administration from San Diego State University. When he is not at the museum, Nick enjoys cycling in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley and family adventures with his wife, three children, and two sons-in-law.
Felicia Garcia is a descendant of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and joined the museum team in 2023. Felicia is responsible for developing, managing, and evaluating a wide range of creative, mission-driven programs that serve the museums’ varied audiences. She also oversees the museum volunteer program. Felicia brings almost a decade of experience in museum studies and education, research, volunteer and docent programs, and public programming. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Museum Studies from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Willamette University. In her spare time, Felicia enjoys traveling and hiking with her partner or relaxing at home with their cat, Frida.
Megan joined the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center in 2023. In her role, she ensures the safety and longevity of the museum’s cultural objects and archival materials for future generations through daily care and long-term preservation.
She has been working in cultural institutions since 2016 and has a wide range of experience, ranging from collections care to educational programming and exhibit development and installation. She holds a master’s degree in Anthropology from San Diego State University.
When not working, she enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling.
She has been working in cultural institutions since 2016 and has a wide range of experience, ranging from collections care to educational programming and exhibit development and installation. She holds a master’s degree in Anthropology from San Diego State University.
When not working, she enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling.
Celene joined the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center team in 2024.
She is a friendly, outgoing, and hardworking individual who likes to help in any way possible. She has several years of experience with customer/ guest services and administrative /clerical duties. She oversees the day-to-day administrative and clerical duties such as planning meetings, filing various documents, maintaining/ordering office supplies, managing the calendar, responding to emails, and submitting payments.
She is a friendly, outgoing, and hardworking individual who likes to help in any way possible. She has several years of experience with customer/ guest services and administrative /clerical duties. She oversees the day-to-day administrative and clerical duties such as planning meetings, filing various documents, maintaining/ordering office supplies, managing the calendar, responding to emails, and submitting payments.
Celene also provides administrative support for the Museum Board of Directors. She supports the entire museum team and ensures the completion of projects in a timely manner. When she is not working, Celene enjoys taking her dog to the dog park, hanging out with family, or having a date night with her husband.
Celene is currently attending Allan Hancock College to obtain an Associate degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Krista joined the museum team in 2023.
Krista earned a BA in Cultural Anthropology from UC Santa Barbara. Throughout her working career, she has gained over 25 years of experience in guest services. Krista is proud to be the face to welcome our guests to the story of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. She assists our guests with admission tickets and with questions about the museum, exhibits, and current programs. Krista lives in the Santa Ynez Valley, where she enjoys biking, hiking, being in nature, and spending time with her husband and three kitties.
Krista earned a BA in Cultural Anthropology from UC Santa Barbara. Throughout her working career, she has gained over 25 years of experience in guest services. Krista is proud to be the face to welcome our guests to the story of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. She assists our guests with admission tickets and with questions about the museum, exhibits, and current programs. Krista lives in the Santa Ynez Valley, where she enjoys biking, hiking, being in nature, and spending time with her husband and three kitties.
Alyssa joined the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center team in 2023. She supervises the Museum Gift Shop and Guest Services. Alyssa brings over 15 years of guest service and retail experience to the team. She transferred from the Chumash Casino Resort, where she spent the last six years in guest services and retail. She shares with the team her expertise and retail knowledge to provide guests with a great experience during their visit. Alyssa has been very inspired to join the museum since she first heard about the project. Being a descendant of both the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation and the Barbareño Band of Chumash Indians, Alyssa is excited that her daughter will be able to learn more about the history of the Chumash culture. When she is not at the museum, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching movies, taking photos, and going on magical adventures.
Monica Guerrero joined the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center team in 2023. She is an optimistic and enthusiastic retail expert with 5 years of experience as a sales associate. She oversees maintaining all items in the Gift Shop, greeting guests, aiding guests with purchases, and re-stocking inventory.
When she is not working, Monica enjoys going on hikes and visiting family in Arizona. Monica is attending Allan Hancock College to obtain an associate degree in mathematics and science. After that, she plans to attend California State University, Northridge to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Sciences.
When she is not working, Monica enjoys going on hikes and visiting family in Arizona. Monica is attending Allan Hancock College to obtain an associate degree in mathematics and science. After that, she plans to attend California State University, Northridge to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Sciences.
Jimmy joined the museum team in 2023. Jimmy oversees the maintenance of the museum property. He collaborates on projects performed by outside vendors as well as Chumash Enterprises shared services. Working with shared services such as Landscaping, HVAC, Housekeeping and other maintenance departments help keep the museum operating efficiently. Jimmy previously worked in the casino industry for multiple Native American Indian gaming properties at the Director level. When not working, Jimmy travels the country playing softball and golf.
Jaiden joined the Museum team in 2024. She oversees the detailed cleaning of our honorable cultural artifacts and ensures the museum property is upstanding daily. Jaiden brings over 2 years of detailed cleaning skills to the museum team. When she is not working, she loves to go camping, fishing, and spending time with her family and her partner. Jaiden is also training to become a Wildlife Game Warden Officer.
