Who We Are

We are a women-led group of philosophers and educators united in celebrating the power of meaningful relationships in a child’s life. As a woman- and educator-owned nonprofit, we are dedicated to empowerment, collaboration, and inspiring young women on their journey to adulthood.

Our Mission

Pop Up Adventures (PUA) is an organization dedicated to the power of meaningful relationships and connections. The PUA’s mission is to provide experiences for families, educators, and children inclusive and focused on children with special rights. We strive to connect people to culture, to what makes them feel comforted and whole and to provide a lift off point for opportunities that lie ahead.

Pop-Up Adventures

Pop-Up Adventures

Founder / Executive Board

  • Gabby Parra

    Co-Founder, Co-Chair, Secretary
    Early Childhood Educator

    As an educator of Mexican decent, Gabby is passionate about culture and sharing her roots with others.  She is an amazing educator that has worked in private and public settings.  She is currently working with 2-year-olds bringing some of our youngest students her talents each day.  Gabby’s passion for her community and for advocacy is remarkable.

  • Jennifer Keldahl

    Co-Founder & Co-Chair
    Executive Director Union Church of Hinsdale Early Childhood Programs

    Jennifer has been a leader in the field of education for 30 years.  She has worked in public and private settings managing federally funded, state funded and tuition-based programs.  Jennifer has a passion for new ideas that bring experiences to families of a young age.  She is strongly rooted in the values of family relationships, culture, and shared adventure.

  • Margie Colesby

    Co-Founder
    Early Childhood Educator

    Margie has dedicated herself to educating families and young children.  She knows the value in a strong partnership with families and she acknowledges that parents are a child’s first teacher.  Margie is an avid traveler who cannot wait to merge her two passions.  Margie is a handworker who welcomes everyone and has a philanthropic soul. 

  • Tiana Wilkins

    Co-Founder & Treasurer
    Early Childhood Educator

    Tiana is a wonderful teacher who provides children with genuine experiences and knows the value of a strong relationship.  She is an entrepreneur at heart.  She wants to make initiatives successful and enjoys working on something that she can stand behind with strong conviction.  Tiana is a fantastic storyteller who brings joy and energy to everything that she does.

  • Jennifer Hickerson

    Co-Founder
    Early Childhood Educator

    Jen is a great teammate who is willing to do whatever it takes to make a project successful.  She is fabulous at building relationships with teammates, children, and parents.  She has the soul of an artist and the work that she has done with students speaks volumes to her belief that materials are another language for children.

Junior Board

Eve Keldahl

Bella Parra

Savannah Parra

Mia Latham

Alex Hickerson

Abigail Hulbert

Advisory Board

Sophia Forero

Tata Simmons

Carlos Perez

Mercedez Perez Tamayo

Jasmin Bello

Jessica Mueller

Chrissy Helmsdorfer

Amanda (Mandy) Sawilchik

Sharon Gontkovsky

Precious Schultz

Amanda (Mandy) Grapenthien

Mary Sue Honigschmidt