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.
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.
Sandra started her career as an Opening Cast Member for the Disney Store in Santa Barbara in 1992. She was promoted to Assistant Store Manager after six months, and after several years working with Disney, she made the transition to Fess Parker’s Red Lion Resort as a Manager in 1996.
She moved to Santa Maria in 2004 and spent over a decade as an Opening Store Manager for companies such as Apple, Petco, Converse (Nike), Five Below, Lowes, and more, in locations spanning Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Maria.
In 2019, she created her own business with her husband called Safety Consulting Services, LLC, which provides services pertaining to fire protection, event medical services, COVID compliance, radio communications through the central coast and more.
Sandra was the Manager of Business Administration for Macy’s of Santa Maria in 2024. She joined the Santa Ynez Chumash
Museum & Cultural Center in 2026, as the Museum Operations Manager. Sandra manages the daily operational activities of the Museum, while developing ongoing services and programs that strategically align with the goals of the Museum and the vision of the tribe.
Felicia Cogorno 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.
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 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.
Rachel Fernandez joined the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center team in June 2025. As the museum's Guest Services Representative, Rachel assists guests with checking in for reservations, purchasing tickets, memberships, as well as answering general museum questions via phone, email, and in person.
Rachel is a first-generation college graduate and received her BA in History from CSU Channel Islands in 2022 and is working towards her MA in Public History from Empire State University. Rachel plans to apply her academic background to a career in the museum field.
In her spare time, Rachel enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends and her two Chihuahuas Benny and Romy.
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.
Drew serves as the Cultural Collections Cleaning Specialist, where his meticulous attention to detail ensures our exhibits remain in pristine condition. By maintaining the cleanliness of the displays and ensuring all installations are fully operational, he works to make every guest's visit feel as fresh and impactful as our very first day.
Outside of the museum, Drew is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring the world and spending quality time with his family throughout Southern California and Texas.
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