Board Members

Board Members

Regan Vaughn

President

Growing up, Regan spent summers and holidays on Orcas Island with his father before eventually making the island home with his own family. A member of the Early Childhood Education Initiative Steering Committee, he is dedicated to expanding access to quality early learning and helping advance Kaleidoscope's mission. His career has included more than two decades in hospitality, studying engineering at the University of Washington, and living abroad while pursuing humanities studies. On Orcas, he has led large hospitality operations, built and sold a successful local business, and now owns Smokestack Services. His longtime community involvement includes Orcas Montessori School, Hops on the Rock, and the Funhouse Gala. Outside of work, Regan enjoys family time, discovering new music, following politics, and playing basketball.

Amanda Caps

Vice President / Treasurer

For Amanda, Kaleidoscope's Forest School wasn't just a preschool—it was one of the reasons her family chose to build a life on Orcas Island. Having grown up exploring the outdoors in Alaska, she believes children develop confidence, resilience, and creativity through nature-based play. A Licensed Mental Health Counselor with degrees in International Business and Counseling Psychology, Amanda also brings experience in sales, construction project management, and small business ownership. She joined the Kaleidoscope Board to champion children's healthy development and help ensure local families continue to have access to exceptional early learning opportunities. When she's not working, Amanda enjoys camping, boating, hiking, and traveling with her family.

Conor Anderson

Secretary

Conor's expertise lies in helping organizations become stronger. As an independent governance, strategy, and leadership consultant, he has spent more than 15 years advising nonprofit and mission-driven organizations. He earned undergraduate degrees in psychology and economics before completing graduate studies at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business. Although he spent nearly every childhood summer on Orcas, becoming a full-time resident inspired him to find meaningful ways to connect with the community—something he found through Kaleidoscope. When he's away from work, you'll likely find him sailing, attempting to play tennis, or nerding out on video games.

Mandy Niehoff

Member

Returning to Orcas Island with her family renewed Mandy's appreciation for the role early childhood education plays in supporting families, employers, and the broader community. As a Kaleidoscope parent, she understands how quality childcare strengthens both children and the island workforce. Mandy studied Business Communication at Washington State University and the University of Minnesota before building a career spanning human resources, business operations, financial management, and nearly two decades in Alaska's wild-caught seafood industry. She brings a collaborative leadership style and a passion for building resilient organizations to the Kaleidoscope Board.

Christopher Adams

Member

As the parent of a Kaleidoscope student, Chris has seen the lasting value the organization provides to children, families, and the broader Orcas community. He serves on the board because he believes Kaleidoscope is an essential community resource whose long-term success deserves thoughtful stewardship. Chris is a Lead Solutions Engineer at Salesforce.org, where he helps nonprofit organizations use technology to improve operations and increase their impact. He studied at Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne and contributes experience in technology, strategic planning, and collaborative problem-solving. Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and child while making the most of island life.

Aaimee Johnson

Member

Aaimee's connection to Kaleidoscope is deeply personal. As a young single mother raising three children, the organization's childcare and family support programs provided stability during a difficult chapter and gave her the opportunity to continue her education. She earned bachelor's degrees in Health Care Administration and Psychology before spending 17 years at Orcas Family Health Center, where she helped guide its transition to a Rural Health Clinic serving thousands of island residents. Her community leadership also includes service with Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services and Actors Theater of Orcas Island. She is proud to bring both professional expertise and lived experience to the Kaleidoscope Board.

Katherine Minnick

Member

Katherine's commitment to Kaleidoscope began as a parent. After moving to Orcas Island with her husband, Gordon, and their growing family, she watched each of her four sons benefit from the organization's programs, especially through the confidence and encouragement they found along the way. Professionally, Katherine has built a career in banking, financial services, and operations, and now serves as Member Services Supervisor at OPALCO. She and Gordon also own Gordy's Automotive Repair and helped establish the annual Fourth of July Car Show. She brings both professional leadership and the perspective of a working parent to the Kaleidoscope Board.

Alex Stephenson

Member

Alex's appreciation for Kaleidoscope grew from her experience as both a parent and an educator. After moving to Orcas Island with her family, she discovered that the Forest School program broadened her understanding of what outdoor early childhood education can achieve. Alex holds degrees from UC Santa Cruz and the Monterey Institute of International Studies and served for more than three years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Bolivia, where she met her husband, Mike. Today she works as a special education paraeducator at Orcas Island Elementary School. Away from work, Alex enjoys trail running, traveling, and spending time with her family and their four rescue pit bulls.