Katie Dolen is an early childhood educator, with a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy and over ten years of teaching experience. Before settling in Bozeman, Katie was lucky enough to teach in some of the most progressive schools in New York City and Los Angeles. Most notable, Katie was hired as a constructivist member of Blue School; a Reggio-inspired pre-through-middle-school formed by the founding members of The Blue Man Group. During her eight year tenure, Katie wrote thoughtful curriculum, taught in the classroom, and served on various leadership committees intended to strengthen the school’s mission and culture. Katie’s high level of expertise and experience confirms her ability to design programming benefitting the development of children and fostering the connection between parents and caregivers. Finally, Katie feels most passionately about building an inclusive space for families and friends to experience a supportive and non-judgemental community where creative expression is valued.  

Kama Werner has a multi-faceted impact on the State of Play. She brings to the project her years of experience as the Director of Marketing inside the financial advising firm, Platinum Financial Group, growing with the company on both the east and west coasts. After starting a family of her own, she began working as the programs and events manager for Bozeman Schools Foundation. As a longtime Bozeman resident and mom to Quinn, 12 and Lauren, 10, Kama has had the opportunity to really understand the landscape of childhood options in Bozeman. Reading, searching and doing all she could to engage and develop a strong foundation for her children, she sometimes felt stuck between straddling the traditional offerings available and wanting a deeper connection with what her children were doing. A few years ago, she met Katie and they connected about the importance of child-led programming and cultivating curiosity in children. Kama has been able to employ her first hand knowledge of running small businesses with her background in sales, marketing and fundraising to compliment Katie’s strong programming experience to deliver the uniqueness that is State of Play. 

We are thoughtful. Each material and play thing is picked out and displayed with intention and consideration for the child and grown up's experience. We are knowledgeable. This space was designed by an early childhood education expert with ten years of teaching experience and a master’s degree in art therapy. We are mindful. Parenting can be challenging, exhausting, and isolating. This space is designed to encourage community and facilitate wonder. We are curious. Young children approach the world without judgment or insecurities. Playing with them offers grownups an opportunity to remember what that was like. We believe in encouraging innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving in children and how it applies to an ever-changing world.