The CPL Team
nelly pilares
Executive Director
Nelly has resided in the Walla Walla Valley since 2014. With more than 15 years of experience as a professional actress, puppeteer, and visual artist, Nelly’s love of the arts has taken her all over Peru, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, and the United States. She holds a doctorate degree in Hispanic Literature, Cultures and Linguistics from the University of Minnesota, as well as a B.A. in Arts Education. Since moving to the USA, she has had the honor of serving as an Educational Director, Artistic Director, and Executive Director for multiple nonprofit organizations and has also taught Spanish at various universities, colleges, and middle schools. She is passionate about arts, puppets, theater, cultures and languages, her family, and our unique, diverse community in Walla Walla.
Kristie Coleman
Program Director
kristie@carnegiepicturelab.com
Kristie is originally from Anchorage, AK where she managed the Early Learning Program for The Boys and Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska. After moving to Walla Walla with her family, she taught preschool part time for Walla Walla Community College while she raised her daughters and son. Kristie has been involved with Picture Lab for the past 11 years serving as a volunteer, Advocate, and now as Program Director. She enjoys spending time with her children, supporting local art and artisans, reading, and knitting.
Sarah Wahlman
Program Specialist
An early transplant from Alaska, Sarah Wahlman has put roots down in Walla Walla and plans to stay. Through Carnegie Picture Lab, she has discovered a new love for teaching and art. Besides exploring her artistic talents, Sarah uses her time to devour any books and recipes she can find. Walks in Pioneer Park’s aviary and rose garden inspire and connect her to nature. She hopes to continue along a path of art and education and eventually write and illustrate a children’s book.
Yan Diego Wilson
Art Specialist
Yan Diego was born in NYC but raised in the Dominican Republic. He earned a BFA in Painting from the Rhode Island School of Design.
He is new to the North West and has only been here since Summer 2024. He has experience working with kids from his years working as a camp counselor. It is a joy for him to now be part of the Picture Lab team here in Walla Walla.
Jennifer Stone
Art Specialist
Originally from (very) Northern New York, Jennifer has lived in Walla Walla with her family since 2009. She has been passionate about the visual arts since elementary school, where a very nice art teacher supported her interest in drawing, painting, and sculpting things with clay.
After she first put blobs of finger paint on her oldest daughter’s high chair tray, she truly began to appreciate the delight that children experience when making art. Watching her first baby squish paint and cover herself with paint was one of the most joyful experiences of her life. She believes that children have a natural affinity for art-making and allowing children to enjoy the process of art-making is truly magical. Jennifer has volunteered with Picture Lab since 2014, and is thrilled to now be an art specialist for Picture Lab in partnership with schools. Jennifer loves hanging out with her family, drawing, and making pottery.
CARLA HOUCHIN
Art Specialist
Carla is a retired Kindergarten teacher of 40 years. She holds an MA in Early Childhood/Elementary Special Education.
She still enjoys working with children and is happy to be able to participate with Picture Lab bringing art into the schools.
Carla finds very rewarding to see the children's enthusiasm and creativity with each art project she teaches.
Board of Directors
Cheryl Heller
Before leaving the workforce in favor of community volunteering, Cheryl used her B.A. in Rhetoric and Communications from the University of CA at Davis working in marketing and special events, as well as having her own side business designing collateral materials for nonprofits. She has been volunteering at Picture Lab since 2001 as presenter, advocate, Foundry clay room leader and Curriculum Committee member. Cheryl and her husband Stan raised their two children, Gregg and Renee, Wa-Hi graduates class of ’12 and ’17, here in the town that’s so nice, they named it twice.
rubi villegas
Rubi is a first-generation immigrant and proud Wa-Hi graduate, dedicated to advocating for education. Her passion lies in fostering connection and belonging for students, empowering them to own their educational journey. She believes art plays a vital role in learning, providing students with creative expression and confidence. As a Parent Educator at Akin, she helps parents build confidence in supporting their children's development. She is a parent of three children and appreciates the dedication of their teachers. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring her creative side through writing, art classes, fitness, and quality time with family and friends. Her approach emphasizes the importance of art and community in personal growth and empowerment.
Matt Banderas
President
Matt is Director of Philanthropy for the Walla Walla Community College Foundation. He is naturally curious and enjoys blending his passions for exploration, art, social causes, the environment and physical activity whenever possible. Matt has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Studio Art from Whitman College. He enjoys collaborating with others to share stories and knowledge through art. He's worked as a professional photographer for more than 20 years. His partner Margarita, two children and he enjoy exploring cooking, fútbol (soccer), birding, cycling, gardening and music together.
Becky Waggoner-Schwartz
Treasurer
Becky is a grant administrator and Program Coordinator for WSU GEAR UP programs in Walla Walla, a college and career readiness program. She is a founding member of the local chapter of 100 Women Who Care, a past board member of Innovations Charter School, a leadership trainer for the Rural Development Initiative, and a Sherwood Trust Leadership graduate. She and her husband enjoy hiking, working on their yard and traveling to visit their 4 grown children who live across the US. A past “picture-lady” she looks forward to using her skill set and legacy knowledge of the valley and rural communities to participate in all things Picture Lab!
Jay Anderson
Jay is a Walla Walla native. He attended culinary school at the Seattle Art Institute before going on to receive degrees in Interdisciplinary Visual Art and Art History at the University of Washington. He then moved to New York City and completed a Master of Fine Arts degree from The School of Visual Arts. After graduate school Jay was a studio assistant for the Painter and Photographer Marilyn Minter while also pursuing his own work as an artist. In 2012, Jay returned to Walla Walla to work alongside his family at the Walla Walla Foundry and Foundry Vineyards. Jay is a business owner, a practicing artist and a winemaker. Outside of his work in Art and Wine he enjoys cooking, working in his garden and spending time with his wife Kelsee and their two sons Jackson and Lucas.
Cia Cortinas
Vice-President
Cia was born and raised in Walla Walla. She's been working with children for 16 years. She taught preschool in Portland, OR for 9 years, pre-kindergarten for 3 years in Medellin, Colombia, and bilingual education in Walla Walla. She is a 3rd grade bilingual teacher in Milton Freewater Oregon. Cia’s other community roles include co-founding COCOA (Color Our Community on Awareness), creating Zero Proof Walla Walla, founding the Walla Walla Pride Festival, and graduating from Sherwood Trust's Rural Leadership Project (2020).
Josh is a member of Development team at Whitman College. Prior to joining the college, he spent 20 years working in nonprofit management, operations, program development and fundraising roles in the Walla Walla Valley and for national organizations based in New York and California. Josh grew up in Bellingham, WA and holds a BS in Architectural Design from Portland State University. He and his wife, Carrie, have 2 daughters and enjoy traveling and attending concerts.
Josh Gonzales
matt lópez
heather sinclair
Heather was born and raised in Washington, where the natural beauty and community shaped her life. Her educational journey began at Western Washington University, earning both undergraduate and master's degrees. These years instilled a love for learning and a commitment to nurturing others. For over 40 years, she dedicated herself to education, progressing from teacher to leadership roles as principal, administrator, and assistant superintendent. Her career was marked by a passion for supporting students and educators. After retiring in 2016, she moved to Walla Walla with her husband, starting a "second act" focused on artistry. She believes in the transformative power of creativity, encouraging others to explore their potential. Her life reflects a dedication to personal growth and the belief that education and creativity can transform lives.
Rachna Sinnott
Secretary
Rachna is the Director of Grants & Foundation Relations at Whitman College. As a liberal arts graduate, she has a great appreciation for the arts, although her academic training is in science. Rachna has been involved with Carnegie Picture Lab since 2014, and this is her second stint on the board. She has served on the Development Committee for many years, helping with grant writing and fundraising for the organization. When not working or volunteering, Rachna enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her husband, two teenagers, and sweet dog.
Steve Wells
Steve is originally from Milwaukee, WI, but moved to Walla Walla 12 years ago from New York City. He was involved in the restaurant scene in Manhattan and moved to Walla Walla to learn how to make wine. He is the owner/winemaker at Time & Direction and has 3 children, 17, 15, and 13 who have all enjoyed the Carnegie Picture lab program when they were in elementary school. Besides winemaking, Steve is a musician and graphic designer and enjoys skiing, snowboarding and Crossfit.