Global Village Museum Staff
The Global Village Museum is led by a passionate team dedicated to cultural education, community engagement, and global storytelling.
Barbara Schoenberger
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
A Fort Collins native, Barbara brings a background in recreation and years of experience with Fort Collins Parks & Recreation. She is committed to enhancing the museum’s impact by fostering meaningful experiences for visitors. Barbara’s leadership ensures the museum continues to inspire curiosity and cultural appreciation.
Sarah Watson
OUTREACH AND MARKETING MANAGER
With a degree in Creative Writing and a passion for storytelling, Sarah blends her creative skills with strategic marketing at the Global Village Museum. She specializes in creating engaging social media videos and fostering meaningful community partnerships. Her goal is to showcase the diverse cultures, histories, and voices that make the museum such a dynamic and inspiring space.
Kat Yoshie Bertram
COLLECTIONS & VOLUNTEER MANAGER
With a Master’s in Japanese Buddhist Art and a background in Black Diasporic Art, Kat is dedicated to preserving and interpreting cultural artifacts. She brings experience in curation, teaching, and museum collections to her role. Kat ensures the museum’s exhibits celebrate diverse global traditions while engaging both visitors and volunteers.
Sam Hensley
COLLECTIONS & VOLUNTEER MANAGER
Sam received his BA in Art History and Japanese Studies from West Virginia University in 2023 and his MA in Art History from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2025. Prior to coming to GVM, Sam served as Teaching Assistant and Visual Resources Graduate Assistant in the CU Boulder Department of Art and Art History and as the Inaugural Jacknowitz Summer Intern at the Art Museum of West Virginia University.
Sam’s research focuses on modern Japanese art, craft, and material culture that examines the role of ceramic and clay artists in the drastic cultural changes Japan experienced beginning in the late 19th century. As a graduate student, he studied Pre-Columbian art and the connections between painted supernatural iconography and real-world ritual practice in Maya ceramic art. Sam has assisted with curatorial projects for the Denver Art Museum, the University of Colorado Art Museum, and the Art Museum of West Virginia University. He has also written for the Archive of Women Artists, Research, and Exhibitions.
When Sam is not spending time flipping through old art history volumes or hiding in collections storage, he enjoys early morning hikes, live music, and searching for the best iced americano in town.
Lori Miles
MUSEUM SHOP MANAGER
Lori retired in January 2021 after a 25 year career as an Ophthalmic Account Manager for a large pharmaceutical company. Lori grew up in New Jersey, raised her son and daughter in the Atlanta area and after retiring Lori, her husband Chip and their golden retriever Nika settled in Fort Collins. After a few years of settling in, exploring and enjoying everything the area has to offer, Lori volunteered at GVM as a docent at the front desk. A few months in, Lori jumped at the chance to be a part of the expansion of the Museum Shop. Lori enjoys everything about managing the shop, but her favorite part is meeting everyone who stops in. Next time you walk by, stop in and say hello.
Emily Zaynard
OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
Emily keeps the museum running smoothly, from managing operations to welcoming visitors. A creative thinker with a love for art and history, she enjoys exploring museums, historic sites, and—when possible—cat cafés. She brings humor, efficiency, and a passion for storytelling to her work at the museum.
Leisa Taylor
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Leisa has a background in journalism and law, having worked as a newspaper editor, photographer, videographer, and defense attorney. Passionate about storytelling, she helps the museum share its mission with the community. Since moving to Colorado in 2013, she has embraced mountain life alongside her two adventurous cats.
