Our Team
"We don’t just sell products —we are an educational resource for our region.”
Barbara Sanford, Co-owner and Manager
"Helping a parent get the best product for her child makes my day at the office worth it.”
Barbara is a former elementary school teacher and school librarian. She opened new libraries for an elementary school in Taipei, Taiwan, and in Spokane, Washington. While teaching in Spokane, she also wrote curriculum and managed the school’s technology resource center. She has her Masters in Education from Whitworth University. She is a member of Whatcom Women in Business as well as sings in her church choir.
Dan Sanford, Co-owner and Marketing Director
"I have a passion for world studies, history, geography and foreign language.”
Dan is a professor who is still teaching part time at Trinity Western University. He speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese and taught many years at Whitworth University in Spokane. He has also taught overseas in Taiwan, Thailand, and Korea. He holds a PhD. from University of Denver and is an advisor to the Whitworth School of Global Commerce. He volunteers for Love, INC. in Bellingham. Dan is also a watercolorist and sells some of his prints in the store.
Jen Zimmermann, Store Manager & Senior Buyer
"Working with teachers, parents and children in our store can be so rewarding.”
School teacher and mom with young children, Jen joined Launching Success with primary responsibility as a buyer. Jen's goal is to make sure that supplies are always there for our customers and that custom orders are dealt with promptly. As a Sunday School director, Jen enjoyed our store for years; now she gets to be a central part of the action. She is a graduate of Western Washington University in elementary education and a former teacher of kindergarten and first grade.
Kellie McBeath, Inventory Specialist
"Before I was employed by Launching Success I came to the store so often. I finally thought since I am here so frequently, I should work for the store.”
Kellie is our longest- serving employee who knows the store inside out. She is a former homecare provider for infants and pre-schoolers, and a long time Sunday school teacher. She has a talent for making her own, beautiful greeting cards and is always full of rich ideas for arts and crafts for children.
Kristen Krumdiack, Corporate Administrator
"It is nice to be doing the type of work I love for an organization that does so many worthwhile things for families and children.”
Kristen has a B.A. and a Masters of Professional Accounting degree from Western Washington University. She is experienced in business operations and use of QuickBooks. At the store she helps with our translation of the point of sale software, purchase orders, web page and virtual sales management. Kristen is also a faithful volunteer serving as Treasurer on the board of Love, INC.
Mia Leland, In Store Sales
"Working at Launching Success was a prize worth waiting for.”
Mia graduated from Western Washington University with a major in Special Education and endorsements to teach special education and elementary education. She has prior experience in retail sales and enjoys helping people. She's also the designer behind our wonderful window displays! You are lucky when you get her help in the store.
An Le, Sales Associate
"I enjoy working at Launching Success because it fosters a friendly, energetic, and positive work environment.”
An recently graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in English, and is currently at Western taking the Masters in Teaching Program. She loves tennis, learning, and reading.
Gwen Leemon, Sales Associate
"I have a passion for teaching and learning, and the store gives me the opportunity to do both!”
Gwen recently graduated from Western Washington University with her teaching certificate. She currently also has tons of fun helping teach the LEGO® Robotics courses held at the store.
Teresa Todd, Sales Associate
"Literacy is at the core of what I believe in."
Teresa has a BA in Elementary Education from Western Washington University. She has a passion for learning, and loves to help equip people with the tools they need to be innovative, fun, creative, and impactful educators.
Amy Blackwood, Community Relations Director
"I'm excited to be a part of such a great community resource."
Amy has been a writer and editor for more than 15 years. She has extensive experience in community and public relations, including three years as a Communications Specialist at a school district in St. Louis, MO. Her young son and daughter are thrilled their mom's new job is at "the best toy store in town." Her favorite people are children, followed closely by parents and teachers, so working at Launching Success is a dream job for her.
Sherri Willand, Community Relations Director
"I look forward to spreading the word about Launching Success to all."
Sherri brings six years of volunteer experience with school districts and Parent Teacher Organizations, including serving as Volunteer Coordinator for the Ferndale Holiday Giving Store. She has enjoyed building relationships with parents and teachers. She feels that Launching Success is going to be a great place to use her talents as well a place where she can have fun selling products she believes in.
Jodi Boon, Community Relations Director
"I am delighted to be promoting a small business that provides quality products and services."
Jodi earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from Western Washington University and taught kindergarten and first grade for eight years. She has adored the store as a teacher and as a parent, and is now excited to join the team in providing quality products and services for all ages and stages of learners.
