Our staff
Candace joined Exploration Commons as the manager in June of 2022.
Joe is a graduate of the Digital Fabrication & Design Program at Carroll Community College and is currently attending UMBC for a bachelor's degree in technology administration. He has several high-level certifications in the SolidWorks software along with proficiencies in other related programs such as Inventor and Blender. Joe has prior experience as a drafter for EVAPCO in Taneytown where he continued to hone his skills in the industrial market. He specializes in 3D design and focuses heavily on creativity to showcase the potential of what is possible.
Karen Suzanne is passionate about building people's confidence with new or healthier food choices. She has led cooking demonstrations and nutrition lectures in diverse communities that inspire participants to try unfamiliar ingredients and to look at the foods they love in a new light. Karen Suzanne also brings 20 years professional sewing experience and enthusiasm for helping people bring their creative ideas to light with the variety of tools and technology in the makerspace.
Nancy has worked in all aspects of the food world for over 40 years. She is a graduate of the Food Science Program at the University of Florida and a Certified Food Technologist©. Her collaborators and clients have included major food and beverage processors and foodservice operations. During her 26-year tenure at McCormick & Company, she specialized in food and flavor trends, spices and flavor science, Culinology and new product development technologies.
Josiah is a student in engineering, digital design, and fabrication. He specializes in 3D design and is proficient in a wide array of software. Josiah also holds several industry certifications for mechanical design. He is passionate about providing opportunities for the community to learn about and leverage digital fabrication tools and better understand how they work.
Katie is a certified health coach with a focus on making simple, fast, healthy meals. For the past 9 years, she has taught cooking classes and nutrition workshops for college students, county employees, at yoga retreats and for school aged children. She also holds a master's degree in Library Science and worked as a Librarian in Anne Arundel County and as a Library Associate Substitute for Carroll County Public Library.
Amanda has worked in public libraries for more than 14 years. During that time, she has created and facilitated technology and STEAM programming encompassing a wide range of topics, including basic 3D design and coding, virtual reality exploration, and introduction to augmented reality creation. While serving as a member of CCPL's Applied Technologies Committee for four years, Amanda worked collaboratively to explore new technologies for library use and develop staff technology trainings. Amanda enjoys making technology approachable for all audiences. She looks forward to inspiring the community to explore, learn, and create as part of the Exploration Commons staff.
Pollyanna recently graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Arts and Entertainment Technologies. With a background in live events and digital technology, she developed a love for using digital tools to create tangible experiences. Pollyanna is excited to share that love with the community and be a source of encouragement and creative support.