Kristin Thoroman
Vice President, Learning and Engagement
Kristin’s passion for informal education began with her own experiences learning outside the classroom; growing up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., school field trips were exciting opportunities for real-world experiences that led to a passion for lifelong learning. After graduating from the University of Virginia, Kristin first joined the education team at Historic Pensacola Village before pursuing an opportunity in the education department at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, where she gained valuable experience with outreach, grant writing, program development, special events, and building community partnerships.
Kristin first became enamored with the Garden’s commitment to authentic learning experiences when she attended the 2009 No Child Left Inside education symposium. When a spot on the Children’s Garden team opened up in late 2010, Kristin jumped at the chance to focus on early childhood programming where she developed classes, camps, and teacher professional development opportunities while also working on numerous Garden-wide initiatives. After transitioning into the role of Exhibitions Manager, Kristin was responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of seasonal exhibitions such as M&T Bank Butterflies LIVE!, Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights, and Origami in the Garden.
As Vice President ofLearning and Engagement, Kristin is inspired by the Garden’s mission of connecting people through plants to improve communities and guided by the current strategic plan, which challenges the department to “interpret the natural world through innovative and authentic experiences that foster a sense of joy and wonder with children and adults alike, cultivating a lifelong love of nature.” Kristin leads a team of 16 full-time equivalent employees with the goal of engaging visitors of all backgrounds and ages—from toddlers to seniors— in active experiential learning.
Learn more about Education and Exhibitions at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
(804) 262-9887 x 275
[email protected]