Meet the 2025 TCM Board of Directors

​We are a group of unpaid volunteers working to accomplish the mission of our organization.

Download Board Bylaws

Jake Utley

President

Jake grew up in Dallas, Texas, his family dates back five generations in the Belton / Temple area. Over the last 30 years, Jake frequented his families ranch where he has learned to appreciate what Bell County has to offer. He is married to his wife Kaitlyn, and together they have two kids Hayes and Walker. Jake graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Building Science and Construction Management. Jake is the Regional Manager for Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors and has been with the company for 10 years. He has recently opened their first office in Temple, Texas. Jake and his family moved to the area four years ago and are excited for the Growth in Bell County and to be a part of TCM’s bright future ahead.

Joshua Shokraeifard

Vice President

​Joshua has been in Central Texas for most of his life including growing up in Round Rock, Texas and graduating from The University of Texas with a degree in Architectural Engineering. After college, Joshua worked for several large General Contractors including DPR Construction and Clayco, Inc before landing as a leader of CRW Construction. Joshua is passionate about the Bell County community and looking to bring his construction expertise to support the museum. Joshua is excited about the future of TCM and the growth of the museum as a whole.

​Bobbie Kettles

​Secretary

​​​Bobbie Kettles, born in Fort Hood, TX, is married to James Kettles, and they have three daughters and ten grandchildren. Bobbie has worked in the early childcare field for over thirty-five years. Bobbie co-founded A New Day Learning Academy in the old Bethune Elementary School, Temple, TX. She graduated from Walden University with a bachelor’s degree in Business with a concentration in Management. Bobbie and her husband serve as elders at A New Day Fellowship Church.

​Recently Bobbie completed a Leadership Essential Fellowship with childcare directors throughout Texas sponsored by Texas Workforce Commission. Bobbie is the Executive Director of A New Day Learning Academy.

​Adam Haberer

Treasurer

​Adam is a 2009 graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington where he earned a
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. He joined Brockway, Gersbach,
Franklin & Niemeier, P.C. in 2009 and obtained his CPA certification in 2013. Adam
became a Partner in the Firm in 2020.

Robin Battershell

​Immediate Past President

​Robin has been married to Brian Battershell for almost 40 years, and they have 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren. She was a 3rd grade teacher in Houston and Pasadena I.S.D.’s, and a Special Education Counselor/Coordinator, Bell County Cooperative for Exceptional Children and Killeen ISD. Robin was Superintendent for Salado ISD (10 yrs.) and for Temple ISD (10 yrs.). Recently, she was Interim Superintendent for Belton ISD. 

Currently, she is a private Strategic Planning Consultant and co-owner for Grandpa Bill’s Honey Farms.

Board Directors

​Abbie Atkinson

Abbie Atkinson moved to Temple in 1997 with her husband, Tim, who retired in 2021 as Sales VP at Wilsonart. They have three children, Rachel, Reese and Meredith, who were educated in TISD. In the 25 years that they have lived in Temple, Abbie ahs been involved in early education where she taught Kindergarten and Pre-K at St. Francis Episcopal School. Having "semi-retired" in 2021, Abbie currently holds the position of Chaplain at the school. Her experience includes volunteer positions in Jr. League, Girl Scouts, and many church and school organizations. Abbie and Tim enjoy traveling and spending time being "Hunny and Hoss" to their grandchildren Grayson and Nolan.

Marilyn Avery

​Marilyn Avery is originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, and graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught first grade in different parts of the country for five years. Marilyn has been married to her husband, Seth, for 37 years, and has four children and seven grandchildren. Their family has lived in Temple for 22 years. Through the years, and in various locations, she has been involved in their churches, Jr. League, PTOs/PTAs, Officer Wives Clubs, school booster clubs, and as a classroom volunteer. Marylin's interests include traveling, cooking, reading, and time with family, especially her grandchildren. She is thrilled to be involved with TCM because she is a firm believer that children learn best through hands on activities and play.

Kylie Brooks

Originally from Frisco, Texas, Kylie Brooks serves as the Grant Administrator for Bell County. Kylie graduated with Honors from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, with a bachelor’s degree in public health and neuroscience. Kylie also earned her Master of Public Administration from Tarleton State University and holds human resources and community health certifications. She has served in local government for five years at municipal and county entities. Kylie is a fierce advocate for building equitable, sustainable, and creative communities, and enjoys supporting residents and visitors of the greater Central Texas region as they live, work, and play.

Shane Brooks 

Shane Brooks is a Waco native and graduate of Austin College in Sherman, TX where
he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting. At Austin
College, Shane was a 4-year letterman on the Kangaroo football team. After graduation,
Shane worked for First Financial Bank as Vice President and Commercial Lender in Fort
Worth. He has received his Credit Risk Certification and is also a graduate of the Texas
Tech University School of Banking. Shane returned to Central Texas in September 2022
when he joined Alliance Bank Central Texas as Vice President and Commercial
Relationship Manager in Temple. In his free time, Shane and his wife Kylie enjoy fishing,
hiking, camping, and playing pickleball.

John Ciaburri

John Ciaburri is the founder and creative director of Ciaburri Brand, a local creative advertising agency and digital marketing firm. John has over 20 years of experience in the advertising field with extensive knowledge of branding, web design, logo design, and a degree in Commercial Art and Advertising from Texas State Technical College in Waco. He has worked for several different advertising agencies and print publishers, as well as in-house design and marketing departments for corporate entities. Now John works with both small and large businesses, and community organizations in Central Texas helping his clients grow by boosting visibility to the public and bringing their visions closer to reality.

​Aadrien Crossley

Dr. Aadrien Lee Crossley is born and raised in Temple and a Class of 1997 Temple High
School Alumni. Dr. Crossley currently works for the Veteran’s Health Administration in the
Office of Information Technology. He has degrees from Texas A&M University – Central Texas in Killeen, Texas, which includes a Masters of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems, Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems and an Associates of Arts in Business from Temple College. He also has additional education and has received a Masters in Faith-based Crisis and Family Counseling, PhD in Faith-based Crisis and Family Counseling, Doctorates of Biblical Studies, and a Doctorates of Theology. In addition, he serves as the Pastor for First Church of God in Christ (Temple, Tx), serves his community as a member, volunteer, and Advisory Board Member for Citizens for Progress, Inc. (non-profit), and the Founder for the Miracle Net Outreach as well as other Outreach Programs in the Central Texas Area. To conclude, he desires to continue growing and impacting change in the community one person at a time.

Cyndie Davis

Born in Dallas, Cyndie moved here from Waco in 1983, with her husband Greg, a commercial real estate broker. She includes among her blessings their three  daughters, born and raised here, two sons-in-law, and one granddaughter. Cyndie has a B.S. in Child Development/Early Childhood Ed. From Texas Tech and a M.S. and Post Graduate work in child Development from TWU. She began her teaching career at McClennan Community College as a Child Development/ Early Childhood Ed. Professor. There she designed a new Lab School where her  own children were able to attend. Years later, she helped develop the Child  Development/ECE program at Temple College where she served as the first chairperson and full-time professor. She has also done consulting, most recently for Workforce and the NAEYC Accreditation Program. 
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“Having the Temple Children’s Museum in our community is an extraordinary opportunity to educate and promote the importance of “hands-on”, exploratory education for all children and families,” says Cyndie.

Tucker Glaske

bio coming soon

​Fabian Gomez

Fabian is the CAD Manager/Senior Designer for KPA Engineers in Temple. He and  his wife, Robin, have been married 29 years, have 3 children, and have lived in  Temple 20 years. Fabian is a self-claimed, strong supporter of the Temple community – and the Wildcats! 
Currently, Fabian serves as Chairman of the City of Temple Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. He will soon be serving on the Temple College and TISD P.A.C.’s. Other leadership positions he has had are: Vice-chair, Temple Quarterback Club Board of Directors; THS Choir Boosters; and PTO President of Scott Elementary  School.

Terris Goodwin

​Terris Goodwin is a longtime Temple resident who is passionate about service and community, with a focus on traditionally underserved populations. She is a graduate and class President of the THS Class of 2010. In 2014, she graduated from Temple College with a nursing degree, as an active member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She has practiced locally as Registered Nurse in various settings since. She currently holds positions at Baylor Scott & White Health and Central Counties Services. She is the mother two children who attend TISD and enjoys spending time with them, her stepson, and her Wife, Amanda. As a community leader who aims to spread holistic wellness, she is honored to serve in many ways. This  includes the formation of Wake Up Temple, an Organization designed to increase civic engagement and social awareness in our community. She is a current board member of the Temple Education Foundation and the Temple ISD Wildcat Mentor Program. She is looking forward to sharing her experience, perspective, and talents the TCM board.

​Beverly Hammett

After attending Southern Methodist University, I was offered entre into the fashion industry.  The next twenty plus years were spent representing high end designers of ladies’ apparel with showrooms in Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. I also traveled to various countries in Europe and South America to meet and negotiate with designers who wished to have a presence in the American market. While serving on the Board of Governors for the Dallas Apparel Mart I was invited by the United States Department of Commerce to join a task force evaluating the economic impact Mexico might have on American textile and apparel manufactures if the North American Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA, was passed.

Almost four years ago we chose to trade Houston’s hurricanes for a slower, quieter life. Temple, Texas put us right in the middle of our blended family. I was soon introduced to The Temple Children’s Museum, a young, vibrant organization doing great things in the community. In TCM I saw a volunteer opportunity where my skill set could contribute. Other activities include membership in The Contemporaries, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Altar Guild of Christ Episcopal Church. 

Kathryn Hermans

Kathryn and her husband Michael moved to Temple 30 years ago. Here they raised four children together and a few years ago welcomed their first grandson into the mix. While Michael worked as a Urologist at Scott & White Kathryn became very involved in the arts and humanities, and established herself as a prominent member of the community. Kathryn served on the TISD school board, started the quilt guild, served as President of Contemporaries and so much more. She is currently the director of Covenant Lutheran Preschool. Her main focus on the TCM board is fundraising and events. "I have always been aware of the need for hands on learning opportunities in Temple. When Susan came to me with this idea I immediately said 'We can make that happen!' I am very active in the community and passionate about education, so the museum really brings both of these together for me and allows me to leave a legacy for future generations in the community I love so dearly"- states Hermans.

Christian Hernandez

bio coming soon

Mary Kylberg

Mary Kylberg has lived in Temple for over 25 years. Mary is the mom of three and has been active in the community as a long-time member of the Temple Parks & Recreation Board of Directors, Girls Scout Leader, and Past Chair of the Temple Free Clinic’s Caring Ball. Mary currently works as a Project Manager in Pathology Research for Baylor Scott & White.  

​Dell Ingram-Walker

​Dell Ingram-Walker joined Scott & White, now Baylor Scott & White Health, over 23 years ago. She first began her career as a Financial Analyst and quickly transitioned to managing ambulatory operations for the Department of Pediatrics. 

​Dell graduated with a BS in Healthcare Management from the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa), and a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University – Central Texas. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), and the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE). She is an active member of the Waco, Temple, and Killeen communities, as a member of the Temple Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the Waco Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Incorporated, and the Temple Chapter of Altrusa International. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Temple Chamber of Commerce, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Temple, TX, and is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Texas A&M University – Central Texas College of Business Administration and the UMHB Public Health Program Community Advisory Board. 

​Christine Parks

Coming Soon!

​Laura Pope

Originally from Houston and Fort Worth, Laura received her undergraduate degree in Home Economics from the University of North Texas and her master’s degree in Education from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. She taught science in Buckholts ISD for two years, was the director of the First United Methodist Church Belton Preschool for three years, and taught kindergarten in  Killeen ISD for twenty-eight years, retiring in 2015.

Laura and her husband Wayne have lived in Temple for 40 years.
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“I am always proud to say that our children, Emily and Earl, are products of this community. Temple has been a wonderful place to raise our children and then send them off into the world. So many talented and caring people have influenced our lives. Now that we have a grandson nearby, I want to be a part of creating a new generation of lifelong learners."

Dan Posey

​Dan was appointed to the Temple ISD Board of Trustees in November 2011. The appointment was to complete the term ending May 2012. He was elected to retain his position in 2012, 2015, 2018 and re-elected in 2021. He served as Vice President for five years and currently serves as President. Dan attended Temple High School and graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Arts – Journalism/Political Science degree. He received his Master of Public Administration from Texas State University. He is married to Maria and they have one son, Andrew. Dan served on the Temple Chamber of Commerce board and Board of Governors of the Association of the United States Army. He is also a member of the NAACP. Dan has a strong interest in history and enjoys attending Temple ISD events.

​Maria Posey

Maria has been a resident of Temple since 1998. She is currently a volunteer at TAMRA Learning Academy in Temple and serves on the Board of Directors of Academie Musique in Temple. She is the proud mom of one son, Andrew. In her spare time Maria enjoys baking, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Lindsay Starr

Lindsay moved to Temple three years ago from South Carolina with her husband Tyler. She has been an avid supporter of the museum, visiting with her 5-year-old daughter Lilia and 2-year-old son Truett often.

Lindsay, originally from upstate N.Y., is a former investigative journalist. She joined NEWS 10 ABC in Albany, NY in October 2012 after reporting at WBNG TV Action News in Binghamton, N.Y. She reported at WTEN for five years, extensively covering stories related to PFOA water contamination and corruption. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University at Albany. Lindsay also completed a broadcast journalism program at the New School of Radio and Television in Albany. Lindsay interned at Fox 23 News and News Talk Radio at Albany Broadcasting.

While reporting for WBNG, Lindsay's story on residents recovering from flooding and still living in FEMA trailers was part of a Flood Special that won an award for Best Special from the New York Broadcasters Association in 2012. Lindsay was a blogger for the Times Union and managing editor and writer for a small local newspaper.

Additionally, Lindsay has worked in communications at international law firm Tully Rinckey and BH Media group.

Lindsay also holds an Associate's Degree in Dance from Dean College. She has danced professionally for semi-pro basketball and Disney. She has been a dance teacher to children of all ages and abilities for nearly 20 years.

Lindsay is the current owner of a music and movement program based here in Temple called Texas Tots-N-Tunes. She strongly believes that every child deserves to have the opportunity to learn through movement and music.

“I am excited to continue the mission of TCM, lending my own expertise to ensure the community receives the best educational programming and opportunities we have to offer,” says Lindsay. 

​Seleese Thompson

Seleese was born in Marlin, Texas, and grew up in Temple. After graduating from Temple High School, she toured with “Up with People,” traveling 33 states in the U.S. and 7 countries in Northern Europe. Seleese attended Angelo State  University and received a degree in Speech Communication, with minors in  Marketing and Management. She worked at Texas Instruments as a Region Sales Manager, Laptop Product Manager and Inbound Telemarketing Manager. She is a Small Business Co-founder of Centroplex Auto Recovery and Kokopellie’s Salon  and Spa. Owner of Fish Bowl Pet Express, 2012 – 2016, Seleese now owns Precious Memories Florist & Gift Shop, 2003 – present, which was selected 2007 National Retail Florist by the Wholesale Florist Industry.

Amee Tuggle

​Originally from West Virginia, Amee moved to Temple in 1979. After marrying her husband Roger, she lived in Frankfurt Germany for four years and Augusta, Georgia for two before moving back to Temple in 1990. Amee studied elementary education at the University of Mary Harden Baylor, and taught preschool at St. Francis Episcopal School. She has been involved in many community and school organizations including Boy Scouts of America and she is a two-time past president of the Bell County Medical Alliance.