Kaleidoscope Preschool and Childcare Center
Board Members
Regan Vaughn
President
Regan's island roots go back to his childhood. Growing up, he spent his summers and holidays on the island, and jumped at an opportunity to move his family here in 2012. After studying engineering in college and a spending 20+ years in the hospitality industry, Regan draws on his past experiences to contribute to the Orcas Community as a former board member and volunteer coordinator at the Orcas Montessori School; a member of Montessori Advocacy for Public Schools; a founding organizer of the Annual Hops on the Rock Beer Festival; a regular volunteer at Orcas Island Elementary School; and a proud member of the Orcas Island Booster Club. After running Food & Beverage at Rosario Resort for several years, Regan now owns/operates two local businesses: Smokestack Services (Chimney Sweeping, Inspection and Consulting) and Draftworks (Draft Beer System Maintenance). He is the proud father of three island children - Atticus, Miette and Rowan - and loving partner of Karen Meng. He brings experience in workplace systems/policy and hopes his strong belief positive work culture will help to grow and guide Kaleidoscope during his time on the board.
Amanda Caps
Vice President / Treasurer
Amanda and family moved to Orcas Island in December of 2019...just in time for the pandemic to start. Kaleidoscope has been the center of our community on the island. I am so thankful for all of the kind hearted folks I have met through Kaleidoscope. Forest School is one of the big reasons why our family chose Orcas Island as our home. I grew up in the interior of Alaska and spent countless hours outside playing, imagining, and running free. Camping, boating, hiking, and exploring are some of my favorite activities. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I have seen many studies that show the importance and value of time spent in childhood unstructured, outdoors. There are direct physical and mental health benefits related to this style of education. Time spent outdoors is priceless. Children are better able to regulate their bodies and emotions. It is imperative to me that I give our kiddo that wonderful start and do my part to help Kaleidoscope on its mission to provide reliable, high-quality childcare to the community for many years to come.
Mandy Niehoff
Member
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Mandy and her family returned to Orcas Island in June 2024 after five years in Eastern Washington and just recently joined the board in April of 2025. As a Kaleidoscope parent, she quickly recognized how deeply the childcare center is woven into the fabric of this vibrant island community.
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Having grown up on a large farm in Eastern Washington, Mandy values the importance of outdoor time for young children and is excited for her toddler to eventually join the Forest School crew. Her nearly two decades working in Alaska further deepened her love for the ocean, the forest, and an active, nature-connected lifestyle.
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Currently, Mandy spends her days chasing an active toddler, milking goats, growing food, hanging with her husband, and working for an amazing botanical skincare company on Orcas. She’s honored to serve on the Kaleidoscope board and looks forward to supporting the continued growth and vitality of this special place.
Dillon Betts
Member
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My name is Dillon Betts, and I’m lucky enough to call Orcas Island home. My wife, Alainah, and I are raising our two kids here, both of whom attend Kaleidoscope programs. This community has given our family so much, and Kaleidoscope has been a huge part of that—offering not just care and education for our kids, but connection, support, and a sense of belonging. As a local business owner, I’m grateful for the chance to give back and be part of the greater good that this program brings to our island.
Coming Soon
Photos and bios of Conor Anderson (secretary), Aaimee Johnson (member), Chris Adams (member), and Katherine Minnick (member) are coming soon!