2013 Board of Directors

Photo, left to right:  Andrea Carlson, Mary Ann Ferguson, Michal LaCombe, Kristin Korendyke, Mary Todd, Pat Carney, Marsha Barter, Darlene Ponko   Missing from photo:  Laura Paine
 

Kristin Korendyke (Executive Director and Ex-officio Board Member) is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a BA in English. She earned her certification in Secondary Education from the University of Montana. Kristin taught Language Arts at Ludington Area Schools for several years. She is a leader for both Girls on the Run and Girl Scouts. She served as President from the founding of Sandcastles until August 2012 when she became Executive Director.

Marsha Barter (President) is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a BA in English and Secondary Education. She earned an MA in Gifted and Talented Education and an MA in Educational Leadership. Marsha has been a teacher, a consultant for gifted programs, and the director of the Mason-Lake Oceana Mathematics and Science Center. She served as president of the Pentwater Preschool Cooperative and as a school board member in Pentwater. She also writes grant proposals.

Michal LaCombe (Vice President) earned a BS and MA in education as well as a BS in communications. Currently, Michal teaches fifth grade and has been awarded several grants for educational enhancement in her classroom.

Darlene Ponko (Secretary) is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a BA in Elementary Education. She taught 30 years for the Ludington Public Schools. Darlene is active in community service/social organizations such as AAUW, Art League, P.E.O, and Beta Sigma Phi.

Mary Todd (Treasurer) attended Kendall School of Design and graduated from the Chicago Institute of Art. She has exhibited her art throughout the country. For over 20 years, Mary worked as a manager of activities and events at two large resorts. She is retired. Mary also builds and decorates exhibits.

Patricia G. Carney (Design Specialist) graduated, with honors, from Olivet College with a BA in elementary teaching. Her double majors were in elementary education and art. She retired after 31 years of teaching. Pat designs and decorates our exhibits, as well as painting murals.

Mary Ann Ferguson (Data and Records) graduated from Central Michigan University with a BS in Earth Science & Biology and an MS in Science Education. She taught Biology & Earth Science at Ludington High School for 34.5 years. Since retiring, she has volunteered for Ludington Art League, Ludington Arts Council, and Sandcastles. She is a member of PEO service organization. Mary Ann tracks all of our data and provides reports for grants and board use.

Andrea Carlson (Publicity) A native of Colorado, Andrea attended several colleges on her way to Ludington. She worked for the local Chamber before making the decision to stay home with her children. She has been chair of the Publicity Committee for 2 years, and she updates our Facebook page. She is currently president of Happiest Mommies and Friends.

Laura Paine joined the board in February 2013. Paine attended University of Denver and Utah State University earning a BS degree in Forestry. After working several years in Idaho for the USFS and BLM she returned home to Michigan where she operated her upholstery business for 10 years. Laura is active with Ludington Area Catholic Educational Foundation, the Oriole Foundation, PEO, and is acting commodore for the Leland Yacht Club. She is looking forward to being an active participant with the Sandcastle board.

 

Last Updated: 04-22-2013