Inspiring play. Empowering growth. Strengthening community
At The Playful Pelican, we believe learning thrives through exploration, imagination, and meaningful connection. We’re building a vibrant children’s museum where families come together to play, discover, and grow, right here on the Westbank.
Our mission
The Playful Pelican nurtures mental, physical, emotional, and creative development through interactive and play-based experiences to inspire young minds, strengthen families and serve our community.
Our vision
Our vision is to be a vibrant hub where every child’s imagination is sparked, curiosity is celebrated, and learning becomes a joyful adventure. We envision a future where our impact extends beyond the walls of our playlab, reaching into homes, schools, and neighborhoods, to foster a culture of lifelong learning, creativity, and emotional well-being. By growing our community outreach and building strong partnerships, we aim to create a more connected, inspired, and empowered generation of children and families.
Our Team
Elizabeth Hoyle Konecni
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Elizabeth brings a deep passion for learning to every corner of The Playful Pelican PlayLab, drawing on years of experience as a former teacher, school administrator, children’s book author, and curriculum writer. Her lifelong dedication to education fuels our mission to create meaningful, playful learning experiences for every child.
What was your favorite childhood memory of play?
I loved begging my parents to back their cars out of the garage so I could create a classroom filled with desks made from milk crates and old wood, a chalkboard from a local garage sale and every stuffed animal in the house.
Hillary Hafner Rosales
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Born and raised in Jefferson Parish, Hillary Hafner Rosales has always felt a deep connection to her community. She graduated from Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans. As a licensed registered nurse, Hillary worked in the private care sector, providing dedicated support to patients and their families.
Hillary’s passion for service and love for her community inspired her to help establish The Playful Pelican. As a mother and wife, she envisioned a safe, family-centered space where children can learn, play, and thrive. This is a lasting asset for the families of the West Bank and beyond.
Board of Directors
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Born and raised in Jefferson Parish, Hillary Hafner Rosales has always felt a deep connection to her community. She graduated from Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans. As a licensed registered nurse, Hillary worked in the private care sector, providing dedicated support to patients and their families.
Hillary’s passion for service and love for her community inspired her to help establish The Playful Pelican. As a mother and wife, she envisioned a safe, family-centered space where children can learn, play, and thrive. This is a lasting asset for the families of the West Bank and beyond.
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Carl Panebiango is the founder and owner of Hard Rock Construction, a company he launched in 1989 that has grown to serve communities across the entire state of Louisiana. Under Carl’s leadership, Hard Rock Construction has completed hundreds of infrastructure and development projects aimed at improving the quality of life throughout the region.
Beyond his professional success, Carl has spent over four decades giving back to Louisiana through generous support of educational initiatives, environmental programs, and community-building efforts. A proud graduate of Belle Chasse High School, Carl remains deeply involved with his alma mater and is passionate about fostering a strong sense of community wherever he goes.
Carl brings a spirit of service and dedication to his role on the board, always striving to make a positive impact in the lives of those around him.
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Kacey M. Hill, APR, is an award-winning communications professional with extensive experience in the museum and cultural sectors. She has worked with The National WWII Museum, The Louisiana State Museum, The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, and The Louisiana Children's Museum. Kacey is the principal of Buoyant Communications, a woman-owned consulting firm specializing in public relations and community engagement. In addition to her professional work, she is an active volunteer, a dedicated mother, and an unapologetic fan of naps (which she hopes to resume... one day).
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Monique Cooper is a licensed medical aesthetician and certified laser technician with over 13 years of experience helping individuals feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. Currently practicing at Sanova Dermatology in Metairie, Louisiana, Monique brings her precision, care, and passion for community wellness into everything she does—including her role as a founding board member of the Playful Pelican.
A proud New Orleans native and devoted mother of two, Monique’s inspiration for supporting the Playful Pelican stems from her deep love for family and belief in the power of creativity and hands-on learning. When she’s not working with patients or volunteering in her community, Monique enjoys crafting, cooking, traveling, and spending time outdoors with her children.
Her dedication to creating joyful, safe, and enriching spaces for children makes her a vital part of the museum's vision to spark curiosity and imagination in young minds across the Gulf South.
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Taryn Anderson is a creative strategist and marketing visionary based in New Orleans, Louisiana. As the founder of Lubalin Creative, a boutique marketing, consulting, and advertising firm, Taryn blends the artistry of branding with the precision of data-driven strategy to help businesses thrive in the digital age. With a deep passion for both the creative and business sides of media, she is known for pushing boundaries and redefining what modern marketing can achieve.
Taryn’s enthusiasm for innovation and education fuels her work—values that perfectly align with the mission of the Playful Pelican. As a founding board member, she brings a unique perspective on how storytelling, design, and digital experiences can enrich children’s learning and spark imagination. Her belief in experimentation, growth, and hands-on learning mirrors the very foundation of the museum's approach to play and discovery.
Whether she's building a brand, guiding a campaign, or crafting a new initiative for the PlayLab, Taryn treats every project as both a creative outlet and an opportunity to grow. Her dedication, ambition, and visionary spirit make her an invaluable part of the Playful Pelican's founding team.
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Dr. Amy Hoyle is a lifelong learner, an education expert, and an inspiring leader dedicated to strengthening schools and supporting those who serve in them. With over 20 years of experience, Amy’s career began in Jefferson Parish as a special education teacher, where every day in the classroom was a joy-filled reminder of why she chose this work.
Her deep love for teaching and commitment to strong instruction guided her into school leadership, first as an assistant principal and then as the principal of a local elementary school. From there, Amy expanded her impact district-wide, serving as a supervisor where she supported and coached principals across the parish.
Amy later stepped into the role of assistant superintendent, continuing her mission to improve instructional practices and nurture effective leadership at every level. Today, she is grateful to serve in her favorite role yet, CEO of the School Leadership Center of New Orleans. In this capacity, she supports districts, administrators, and teachers across the entire state of Louisiana, championing high-quality leadership and joyful learning for all.
A true educator at heart, Amy remains passionate about empowering those who shape the future of every classroom.
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Denise Cooper brings over 30 years of experience in education to the board of The Playful Pelican, where she continues her lifelong mission of inspiring young minds and strengthening communities. Throughout her distinguished career, Mrs. Cooper has held multiple impactful roles, including classroom teacher, mentor, assistant principal, and principal, leaving a lasting legacy in each position.
Mrs. Cooper is not only an educator but also a mentor and community leader, devoted to creating environments where children can thrive. Her extensive background in educational leadership brings valuable insight to the museum’s mission of learning through play, creativity, and exploration.
As a board member, she is proud to support The Playful Pelican in its mission to foster curiosity, imagination, and lifelong learning for all children in the community.
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Nailu Serna is a proud Houston native with deep Mexican roots, and a devoted wife and mother to two energetic boys who inspire her daily. With over 14 years of experience in tax practice management, Nailu has built a strong foundation in bookkeeping, office administration, and client service—skills she brings to every endeavor with dedication and enthusiasm.
Her professional background has fostered a passion for organization and efficiency, while her personal life reflects a deep commitment to family, community, and lifelong learning. Outside of work, Nailu enjoys traveling, cooking, and creating meaningful connections with friends and loved ones.
Driven by the belief that every child deserves a joyful, safe, and supportive environment to learn and grow, Nailu is honored to support the mission of the children’s museum and contribute to its continued impact in the community.
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Elizabeth Konecni is an experienced educator, author, and instructional leader based in New Orleans, Louisiana. With a career rooted in a deep passion for teaching and learning, Elizabeth has dedicated herself to advancing 21st-century education by empowering teachers and inspiring students. She brings to the board a dynamic background that spans classroom teaching, curriculum development, educational leadership, and professional coaching.
Throughout her career, Elizabeth has served in multiple roles, including teacher, administrator, curriculum specialist, instructional coach, and speaker. Her work is grounded in the belief that reading is a transformative tool, capable of taking students on rich, meaningful journeys that build knowledge, empathy, and lifelong curiosity.
Elizabeth is the author of Sparking Curiosity Through Project-Based Learning in the Early Childhood Classroom, a professional text that supports educators in designing engaging, inquiry-driven learning experiences. She is also the author of the children’s picture book Becky Fos and Her World of Color, which celebrates creativity and exploration through the eyes of a young artist.
On the executive board, Elizabeth is committed to fostering a love of learning across communities and supporting innovative, research-based approaches that place students at the heart of education.
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Brian Foster is currently a paralegal with the New Orleans law firm Bradley Murchison Kelly & Shea LLC, with a primary focus in railroad casualty, Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), medical malpractice, and insurance defense litigation. He was born and raised in Gretna, Louisiana, and returned to the New Orleans area after achieving undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. He received his paralegal certification from the Tulane School of Professional Advancement, including admission into the Lambda Epsilon Chi national academic honor society. He also received a commission as a Notary Public in July of 2023. Brian has a passion for service and a commitment to his community. He also enjoys gardening and cooking during his free time.
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Dr. Michelle Sens is a finance and education professional whose career bridges corporate leadership and academic instruction. She currently serves as a Manager in Corporate Finance Business Partners at Entergy in the Greater New Orleans Area and as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Holy Cross. With a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Executive Leadership and a Master of Science in Taxation, Michelle brings a powerful blend of analytical insight and leadership expertise to every endeavor she takes on.
Throughout her career, Michelle has held key roles in both corporate and public accounting, including Tax Manager and Senior Staff Tax Specialist at Entergy. Her passion for education and community is reflected in her teaching and her volunteer work with organizations like the Junior League of New Orleans and United Way.
As a founding board member of the Playful Pelican Children's PlayLab, Michelle brings strategic thinking, financial stewardship, and a deep commitment to accessible, quality learning experiences for children. Her belief in empowering young minds through creativity, curiosity, and hands-on exploration helps guide the museum's mission to serve as a vibrant educational resource for families across the region.
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Peter R. Brigandi Jr. brings over two decades of legal expertise and public service to the board of The Playful Pelican. He earned his Juris Doctor from Tulane University Law School in 1996 and has since been a dedicated advocate for accident victims across Louisiana. With a strong track record of litigation success, he has secured favorable outcomes in courtrooms across the state.
In addition to his legal career, Mr. Brigandi honorably served for 20 years in the U.S. Armed Forces, retiring with the rank of Major. As a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the Army Reserve, he provided critical legal counsel while upholding the highest standards of integrity and leadership.
Mr. Brigandi is deeply committed to community service. Currently, he serves on the Board of Governors of the Louisiana Association for Justice and the Board of Directors of the New Orleans Opera Association. His philanthropic vision led to the creation of the Anthony Brigandi Scholarship Endowment at the State University of New York’s Institute for Disaster Mental Health, supporting the recovery and well-being of disaster victims.
A firm believer in the power of education, creativity, and civic responsibility, Mr. Brigandi is honored to contribute his experience and passion to The Playful Pelican's mission. His service reflects a lifelong commitment to enriching the lives of children and families in the community.
Advisory Council
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Bob Hafner is a geologist with a distinguished career in the oil and gas industry, beginning with Getty Oil and continuing through Texaco/Chevron, ENI Petroleum, and Black Elk Energy, among others. With a BS in Geology from the University of Kansas and an MS in Earth Science from the University of New Orleans, his thesis work—funded by Getty Oil—sparked a lifelong commitment to geological development and innovation. His expertise lies in building workover and drilling inventories across various development projects.
During industry downturns, he shared his passion for earth sciences by teaching at Jefferson Parish schools and Delgado Community College. A dedicated member and past President of the New Orleans Geological Society, he has also been deeply involved in community service, including decades of leadership with the Lee Circle YMCA and years of outreach through Super Science Saturdays.
A lifelong athlete and coach, he founded and led a Special Olympics powerlifting team for 18 years and competed in powerlifting and deadlifting events for 42 consecutive years, including at the WABDL World Championships. He is a recipient of the JC Penney Golden Rule Award, Goodwill Achievers Award, and the YMCA Special Volunteer of the Year. His hobbies include competitive six-wicket croquet. He is married, with two daughters and a granddaughter.
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Kelli Walker Starrett is the founder of Walker Starrett Public Affairs and a partner with
AEG Policy Advisors. With over 15 years’ experience in housing advocacy, her mission
is to empower organizations to amplify their voices and influence policy outcomes that
foster positive community and industry development. Kelli has a B.A. in Political Science
from Northwestern State University of Louisiana and a Graduate Certificate in
Emergency Management from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She resides
in New Orleans with her husband, daughter, and rescue dog.
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After a decade-long career in Nuclear Medicine, Blaine Nielsen transitioned into the financial services industry, joining her father at Nielsen Investments in 2022. She now specializes in faith-based investing and is dedicated to building meaningful, trust-based relationships within her community. A proud wife and mother of two daughters, Blaine is deeply committed to community service. She actively serves on several local boards and panels throughout Plaquemines Parish, where she is known for her passion for family-centered initiatives and educational outreach.
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Jamesetta Williams is an extraordinary educator with over 40 years of experience in the kindergarten classroom. Known for teaching with love, joy, and enthusiasm, she has inspired generations of young learners. Even in retirement, her passion for education continues, she regularly volunteers at her grandchildren’s schools, supports students in reading two days a week at a local school, and dedicates her time to The Playful Pelican whenever possible. Jamesetta deeply believes in the vision of creating joyful learning opportunities for children and families across the Westbank.
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Lisa brings extensive experience in early childhood education, community service, and program development to the Children’s Museum Advisory Board. Before moving to Louisiana, she served as Program Director at WEE WORLD, INC., a nonprofit program supporting infants and toddlers through play-based learning and developmental care.
Her career has spanned leadership and direct service roles that highlight her dedication to children and families. As Assistant Director at The Children’s Place Community Services Center, she helped design and manage programs that strengthened family engagement and access to resources. At the Prince George’s County Board of Education, she served as a Vocational Transition Services Case Manager, guiding students toward independence and career pathways. In higher education, Lisa shared her expertise as an Adjunct Professor at Prince George’s Community College, where she trained future educators in curriculum design, lesson planning, and activity development. She also participated in the TeachNOLA Fellows Program, working with preschool children in the summer. With her blend of nonprofit leadership, teaching, and community advocacy, Lisa is excited to support the museum’s mission of inspiring curiosity and creativity in every child.
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Mallory Vignes is an educator and dedicated youth coach who continues to make a positive impact on children in her local community. After more than 10 years in the classroom as a teacher, including her time at her alma mater, St. Andrew the Apostle School, Mallory has transitioned her professional focus to full-time philanthropic work while continuing her commitment to mentoring young people.
She currently serves as the Head Coach of Cheerleading for Mel Ott Playground in Gretna, where she brings extensive experience in education, coaching, and performance to the program. Her background includes performing as a New Orleans VooDoo Doll dancer, as well as coaching cheerleading at Ursuline Academy and St. Andrew the Apostle School. Mallory brings her passion for mentoring and encouraging young people in everything she does.
Beyond her professional and community involvement, Mallory is a proud wife and mother. Her experience as a parent further strengthens her passion for creating positive, enriching opportunities for children and families.
As a coach and teacher, Mallory is committed to helping young people build confidence, learn teamwork, develop leadership skills, and take pride in representing their community. Her experience as an educator gives her a unique ability to connect with children and create a supportive, positive environment where every child can grow and succeed.
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Melanie Dixon is a technology and strategy executive, experienced project leader, and active member of the Gretna community. As Chief Information Officer at Stokes & Associates, she leads technology strategy, business transformation, and the development of AI and automation platforms designed to improve how people and organizations work.
Earlier in her career, Melanie managed complex graphic and exhibit-related projects at The National WWII Museum, developing a strong foundation in project planning, cross-functional coordination, vendor management, and translating creative ideas into meaningful visitor experiences. She brings that combination of strategic thinking, technology leadership, and hands-on project management to The Playful Pelican.
Melanie is deeply invested in Gretna’s continued growth and believes The Playful Pelican can become an important community destination that strengthens families, inspires young minds, and contributes to a more vibrant future for the West Bank. As an advisory council member, she is proud to support the organization’s planning, partnerships, project strategy, and long-term vision.
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Diana Laura Medina is a proud Mexican-American and Louisiana native with a passion for culture, connection, and community. A former Plaquemines Parish Seafood Queen, she has long embraced opportunities to celebrate and represent her heritage. Her heart for service began early, volunteering at Ozanamen Inn at just 15 with OLPH CYO, a passion that continued throughout high school at Belle Chasse High School and was further developed during her time in Delta Zeta at LSU.
Professionally, Diana has a strong foundation in hospitality and development and now works in business development at American Safety, where she recently helped secure the company’s Super Bowl contract—one of its most high-profile wins to date. She’s also an active member of the Junior League, YLC NOLA, and participates in Mardi Gras each year as a rider with the Krewe of Cleopatra.
Outside of work, Diana enjoys playing tennis with her friends, traveling the world, supporting the arts, attending live music events, trying new local spots, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She’s a loyal fan of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans and loves curating fun, meaningful experiences that bring people together.
Serving on the advisory board of the children’s museum is especially important to Diana. After Hurricane Katrina, so much was taken from New Orleans, and as a young girl, she remembers the lack of spaces for creativity, play, and joy. She’s proud to help create the kinds of opportunities she once wished for, and to give back to the next generation in a city she deeply loves.
Throughout her career, Elizabeth has served in multiple roles, including teacher, administrator, curriculum specialist, instructional coach, and speaker. Her work is grounded in the belief that reading is a transformative tool, capable of taking students on rich, meaningful journeys that build knowledge, empathy, and lifelong curiosity.
Elizabeth is the author of Sparking Curiosity Through Project-Based Learning in the Early Childhood Classroom, a professional text that supports educators in designing engaging, inquiry-driven learning experiences. She is also the author of the children’s picture book Becky Fos and Her World of Color, which celebrates creativity and exploration through the eyes of a young artist.
On the executive board, Elizabeth is committed to fostering a love of learning across communities and supporting innovative, research-based approaches that place students at the heart of education.
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Katie Lefort is the Branch Manager of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust’s Old Gretna branch. She has worked in banking for 20 years and has spent nearly 11 of those years contributing to the success and growth of Gulf Coast Bank.
In addition to her role at the bank, Katie serves as the Vice President of the Terrytown Economic Development Association, where she supports local business initiatives and community development efforts.
Katie resides in Crown Point, Louisiana, with her husband and their two children, Taylor and Jace.
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Cindy Hoyle is a seasoned educator with over 25 years of experience as a teacher, librarian, and elementary school principal. Under her leadership, her school rose to become one of the top-performing in Louisiana. Cindy is widely admired for her gift of storytelling and her ability to inspire and engage any audience. A passionate advocate for education, she finds joy in learning, fun, and service. She remains deeply involved in her community and church, where her dedication and enthusiasm continue to make a lasting impact.
Throughout her career, Elizabeth has served in multiple roles, including teacher, administrator, curriculum specialist, instructional coach, and speaker. Her work is grounded in the belief that reading is a transformative tool, capable of taking students on rich, meaningful journeys that build knowledge, empathy, and lifelong curiosity.
Elizabeth is the author of Sparking Curiosity Through Project-Based Learning in the Early Childhood Classroom, a professional text that supports educators in designing engaging, inquiry-driven learning experiences. She is also the author of the children’s picture book Becky Fos and Her World of Color, which celebrates creativity and exploration through the eyes of a young artist.
On the executive board, Elizabeth is committed to fostering a love of learning across communities and supporting innovative, research-based approaches that place students at the heart of education.
Find out more about us
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Coming soon! Discover something new each month with exhibits that spark curiosity and make learning feel like play.
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Coming soon! Celebrate your child’s big day with a party full of laughter, imagination, and unforgettable memories.
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Coming soon! Bring the classroom to life with interactive field trips that inspire creativity and learning beyond the books.
