Kathleen Sheridan    

What are your passions outside of work?

• Traveling is an addiction for me, and there’s no cure!  Also anything with water – I love to swim, surf, scuba dive, and free dive.

Tell us about your family.

• I grew up in Corte Madera, and actually came to the Discovery Museum when it first opened in the Town Center.  I have two brothers who live out of the area and one sister who lives in SF.    My family rocks.

What are your inspirations?

• I look at how my own teachers and professors have inspired me to push my own boundaries and ideas.  I have always been taught to ask why.  Their influence inspires me to help youth expand their own horizons.

What is your favorite thing about the Museum?

• I love the kids’ spontaneity.  The other day I was discussing car camping vs. backpacking with this little girl, and she said, “I don’t like to hike camp because that means you have to poop in a hole.” You just don’t get that in conversations with adults.  Also, the staff is hilarious– I’ve never worked in an environment where everyone seems to really enjoy what they do. 

What is your goal in life?

• Live it! I don’t want to have any regrets.  I also hope to contribute to my community through education.

What are your favorite books? Music?

• I have to pick one?? … East of Eden is a favorite - I love the way Steinbeck writes; Rain of Gold by Victor Villasenor; Siddartha; Don Quixote; and Neruda.  In terms of music, I love it all.  Throw any music at me and I’ll find something to like about it.

If you were an animal, which animal would you be?  Which vegetable?

• I would be arugula, because it’s a super food.  Nutritious, delicious and peppery.  If I were an animal, I’d be an octopus – who wouldn’t want to be able to change color?

Is there something you look forward to learning?

• Mandarin – I’d like to start on a new language.  I’m also taking chemistry courses.  I would love to strengthen my science skills.

Where would you like to travel?

• I’d love to go back to Chile, and Central America.  Also West Africa, especially Mali, for the music.

What are your hobbies or quirks?

• I’m double-jointed in my thumb and I have very flexible toes.  Peanut butter and banana sandwiches are my daily breakfast.  And I used to do Irish dance. 

What would you be in another life?

• An oceanographer.