Team
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Kathryn IkleExecutive DirectorKathryn is dedicated to preserving local history, expanding community engagement, and creating meaningful educational experiences for visitors of all ages. With a background spanning museum leadership, marketing, user experience design, and nonprofit management, Kathryn brings a passion for storytelling and community building to her role. She is committed to making history accessible, relevant, and inspiring while strengthening partnerships that support the museum's mission to connect people with the rich heritage of Collin County.
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Sydney GishOperations ManagerSydney Gish brings a background in research, communications, community engagement, and operations to the Collin County History Museum. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Social Sciences from the University of North Texas, graduating summa cum laude with a 3.9 GPA.
Her professional experience includes research and administrative coordination, social media and marketing, customer engagement, and team leadership. Sydney also previously volunteered with the Heard-Craig Center for the Arts, where she assisted with the preservation of museum materials, events, and community outreach. With a passion for research and connecting with the community, Sydney brings her skills and enthusiasm to supporting the museum’s mission and helping share the stories of Collin County. |
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Janice PeacockCollections & Archives LeadJanice Peacock serves as a Collections & Archives Lead at the Collin County History Museum, where she plays an important role in helping preserve, organize, and care for the museum’s historic collections. Her work supports the documentation and stewardship of the artifacts, photographs, records, and archival materials that help tell the story of Collin County.
With a dedication to preserving local history, Janice helps ensure the museum’s collections remain organized, accessible, and protected for researchers, visitors, and future generations. Her commitment and behind-the-scenes work are an important part of the museum’s mission to keep Collin County history alive. |
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Christina FreemanCollections & Archives VolunteerChristina is a graduate of the University of North Texas, where she earned her Master of Library Science with a focus in archives. She has also worked as a photographer for the past decade and previously served as a musician in the U.S. Navy.
Christina lives in Anna with her husband and their three children and is an active volunteer in the community. She also gives her time to the Anna Community Library, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Blackland Prairie Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists. Her experience in archives, photography, history, and community service makes her a wonderful addition to our museum family. |
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Parisia (Risa) RiazCollections & Archives VolunteerRisa supports the Collin County History Museum’s collections and archives, assisting with the organization, documentation, and preservation of historic artifacts and archival materials.
Risa holds a Master of Science in Library Science from the University of North Texas and works with the Plano Public Library, bringing professional experience in information organization, research, and access to her work at the museum. Her education and library experience complement her passion for preserving historical materials and making information accessible to the community. |
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Amelia UnderhillKids Club LeadAmelia is a graduate student studying American History with a background in public policy and communications. She is passionate about preserving and sharing local history and loves creating educational experiences that spark curiosity and make the past accessible to visitors of all ages.
Through research, storytelling, and interactive programming, Amelia is committed to connecting our community with its rich local heritage and inspiring a lifelong appreciation for history. |
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Reed FoleyMuseum InternReed Foley supports the Collin County History Museum as an intern, contributing to the museum’s ongoing work to preserve, research, and share the history of Collin County. Through his internship, Reed assists with a variety of museum projects and day-to-day activities while gaining hands-on experience in museum operations, collections, archives, historical research, and community engagement.
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Vanhvilay SouriyachackSocial Media InternVanhvilay is a Visual Communications student at UT Arlington with a passion for design, storytelling, and creating meaningful digital connections. During her internship, she’ll be helping us bring Collin County history to life online through creative content, social media, and visual storytelling.
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Estee Jaacovi
DocentEstee is passionate about learning, storytelling, and connecting with people, which is what drew her to becoming a volunteer museum docent. Her professional background is in coaching, training, and education, where she has spent years helping people in the trades discover new ideas, build confidence, and see things from different perspectives.
Estee believes museums have a unique ability to bring history and culture to life through the stories behind the people, objects, and events we encounter. She especially enjoys making those stories approachable, engaging, and meaningful for visitors of all ages. Outside of the museum, Estee enjoys traveling, exploring new places, spending time with family and friends, and discovering the history and character of the communities around her. Through her role as a docent, she looks forward to continuing to learn while helping make each visitor’s experience at the Collin County History Museum memorable and enjoyable. |
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Linda EvansDocent
We are so glad to have Linda Evans as a docent at the Collin County History Museum! Linda brings enthusiasm, knowledge, and a love of connecting with others to every tour. Through engaging stories and thoughtful conversations, she helps bring Collin County’s history to life for our visitors. We are incredibly grateful for the time and energy she gives to the museum and our community.
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