Staff

Executive Director
Karen Michaelson is the Executive Director of Tincan. Since 1990 she has focused on digital activism issues through innovative programs for socially and economically disadvantaged populations, for schools, and for economic and community development. She has addressed the President's Advisory Council on the National Information Infrastructure, and assisted in developing NSF’s White Paper on the societal impact of information technology. Dr. Michaelson has a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology and a certification in distance learning design and development, with a focus on online learning. As Tincan’s Executive Director, she develops new projects ranging from science education to game development, creates new content for Tincan’s programs, and carries out overall management for the organization.

Assistant Director
Tara Neumann is Tincan's Director of Teen Programs. She drives Tincan's teen programs with her education experience and passion for youth development. Since joining Tincan she has successfully piloted a variety of new programs for youth in Spokane. She holds a BSED in Secondary Education and a MED in Educational Technology.

Director of Interactive Media
Joseph Comine is a filmmaker and co-founder of 11th Hour Films, a video production company. He is a member of Sustain Spokane, the local chapter of Bioneers (www.bioneers.org) and creates and runs their local film festival. Joe's work has been exhibited in numerous film festivals including the Spokane International Film Festival & the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Film Festival.

Inland Northwest Memories Program Director
Elisha Durrant joins Tincan as the Inland Northwest Memories Project Director. She has her B.A. in History and Anthropology, Museum Studies from Central Washington University. Elisha has experience working in a variety of museums through volunteering and internships.

Systems Administrator
Jim O'Leary provides technical support to Tincan's end users and partnering agencies, he is a Microsoft certified systems engineer. Before teaming up with TINCAN Jim provided technical support for a Microsoft outsource partner and did volunteer work for local non profit organizations.

Web/Graphic Designer
James Jack has been working in the field of visual communication since 1997. His professional experience as a designer includes web design, print design and illustration. His range of projects include award winning billboard designs, print ads, web design, music CD covers and inserts, movie posters and DVD covers, book covers and more. He excels in Adobe Photoshop / ImageReady, Macromedia Dreamweaver and Macromedia Flash.

Science Education Coordinator
Michelle Grove holds a BS in Chemistry and an MA in Teaching from Willamette University. Michelle taught secondary science and math in the Portland-area public schools for 7 years. She has also partnered with the non-profit National School Reform Faculty. She brings to Tincan a passion for science and technology education and will provide curriculum development and instructional support for our science outreach programs.

Video Production Instructor
Ryan Ferguson teaches many youth media programs throughout Spokane. Ryan brings fresh video expertise as a graduate from the Art Institute of Seattle. His wide range of experience includes shooting and editing at two local TV stations, co-founding 1010 Productions, and instructing teens on video production through the Pearson Charitable Foundation.

Tincan’s Board