Staff

Meghan Bridges is the Executive Director of StoryArk, where she supports the organization’s vision, growth, and programming to empower youth to share their stories and shape their communities. In her role, Meghan oversees strategic partnerships, directs program development, and mentors emerging young leaders—championing youth voice across creative mediums like creative writing, visual arts, podcasting, and music.

With over a decade of experience in education, Meghan began her career as a classroom teacher and quickly emerged as a systems-level leader. She has served on a School Board, led district literacy initiatives, and co-founded a Trauma-Informed Care Team to foster more equitable and supportive school environments. Meghan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bethel University and a Master’s in Teaching from Hamline University, where she focused on trauma-informed professional development for educators. Her work is grounded in the belief that storytelling transforms not only individual lives, but entire communities.

Amanda Hayden is the Youth Program Specialist at StoryArk. Amanda brings years of experience in the field of theatre education. She has worked as a theatre teacher in Minneapolis Public Schools and has a passion for creating and devising original works with students. She has directed and designed several plays and musicals and her favorite was “A Chorus Line.” She attended the College of Saint Benedict and completed her Bachelor’s in Theatre and Peace Studies to better understand how the creative process can bring communities together to ignite change. She is currently earning her Master’s Degree in Teaching at Hamline University. When she is not working she loves spending time with her husband, son Theodore and corgi named Mabel.

Jenna Yaron serves as the Director of Content Management and Web Design, with over ten years of expertise in sound recording and engineering. Since the beginning of StoryArk, she has led in podcasting, vocal coaching, audio recording, and editing. Jenna is also represented as a voiceover artist by Moore Creative Talent Agency in Minneapolis.

Prior to joining StoryArk, Jenna held the position of Production, Operations, Traffic, & Billing manager at KLBB, the local radio station in Stillwater.