Meet the Board
Meghan mccloskey, president
Years ago, I was sitting at a desk in a comfortable corporate job, with no purpose or passion, living a privileged life that so many people in marginalized communities didn't have. I knew others in this world were suffering and I wanted to give back. I wanted to spread love to families who didn’t have the kind of love or quality time together that my family had.
In October 2017, my daughter and I made 20 Halloween-themed craft kits for local children in foster care. I fell in love with creating craft kits, bringing my community together to help assemble them, and providing healthy outlets of expression for kids who needed it most.
I quickly learned these craft kits weren’t just boxes of joy. I learned arts and crafts helped traumatized children express themselves without words. They even had the power to boost kids’ self-esteem and strengthen bonds between kids and trusted adults.
When I’m not busy dreaming up new crafts and activities for these boxes, you can find me crafting with my daughter and two sons (9, 7, 4) playing with our Labradoodle puppy, reading, or exploring outdoors in Portland, Oregon.
Madeline Cois, treasurer
Craft + Boogie Collective combines pretty much all of my passions and interests. As a former preschool teacher and counselor, I love the creativity and emotional support these craft kits bring to children and families in need. I have been volunteering at Craft + Boogie since 2018 and was so honored to be asked to join the board.
I love crafting with my two boys (6 and 4) and seeing the pride and self-confidence it brings as they use their creative brains. It is very special to be a small part of spreading this joy with others. I grew up in Portland and my husband is Australian so our family loves traveling back and forth between countries, playing board games, reading and trying new foods.
natalie o’neill, secretary
I am a former elementary school teacher, currently supervising student teachers as they work to earn their Master’s in Education. Most days you can find me hiking, learning, crafting and playing with my husband and our two girls (6 and 4) and our dogs (12 and 5 months).
Working with children as they explore, learn, and create has always been a passion of mine. For the last three years I have served as a board member and treasurer for my daughter’s preschool. Knowing the joy Meghan’s kits bring to families, I was honored to be asked to be part of Craft + Boogie Collective and help share that joy with kids in need.
JESSICA PALACIOS, COMMUNITY OUTREACH
My love for crafts started as a young kid. My parents were always looking for creative and inexpensive ways to keep my brothers and me entertained. My mom is an extraordinary teacher—she champions curiosity and had a knack for making a little go a long way. We were privileged to live in a household that was filled imagination, cultivated creativity, and encouraged quality time together. At the time, I didn’t realize just how special that was and it has shaped a big part of who I am today.
Craft + Boogie is near and dear to my heart – partly because it was the pipe dream of my dear friend, but also because I understand the value of unstructured play. Watching Craft + Boogie grow legs and turn into a smile-spreading reality has been such a joy and inspiration. I am so excited to be here as the Community Outreach Coordinator and contribute to the magical moments that the organization is creating for children.
My day job is at Nike, my loves are my partner Mischa and our puppy Murray, and my hobbies are interior design, sailing, dining my way through Portland’s delicious restaurant scene and spending time with friends and family.
