Toolbox Team

Toolbox is powered by a dedicated team of artists, writers, curators, and community members who bring creativity, care, and collaboration to every aspect of our work. From daily operations to exhibitions and storytelling, our staff reflects the spirit of craft and the power of bringing creatives together within the building industry.

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  • Hailing from Pune, India, Mithila is a passionate Curatorial and Research Assistant dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in museums and galleries. She recently graduated with honors from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR, where she studied Art History and Ethnic Studies—two disciplines that deeply shape her curatorial vision and inform her own textile-based art practice.

    As a fluent polyglot, Mithila prioritizes global-mindedness and cross-cultural perspectives within her work, reflecting the diversity of the communities she serves. Over the past four years, she has contributed her skills to leading arts organizations, including the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA), Oregon Contemporary, and the Seattle Art Museum, gaining hands-on experience in exhibition installation, public programming, and development.

    At Toolbox, Mithila is excited to bring visibility to the life and artistry of those who have yet to be given the spotlight—elevating voices and stories that are essential to a more inclusive understanding of craft and culture.

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  • Amaha Million leads Toolbox’s content creation and storytelling initiatives, amplifying the voices of craft trade professionals. A recent University of Oregon graduate with a B.A. in Journalism, Amaha combines editorial expertise with firsthand knowledge of the construction industry, ensuring that every story highlights the skill, artistry, and impact of the trades.

    At Toolbox, Amaha interviews craft professionals and shares their stories through publications, newsletters, press releases, and industry outlets such as DJC Skilled Magazine. He also manages social media and public engagement, connecting audiences to Toolbox’s exhibitions and programs. Drawing on experience in advertising, public relations, and proposal development, Amaha bridges the worlds of storytelling and industry insight to celebrate the people who build our communities.

  • Jennifer Heerey is a Fine Artist & Exhibition Coordinator at Toolbox Gallery. Working as an artist and creative entrepreneur for more than two decades, Jennifer has developed a practice rooted in craftsmanship, observation, and the transformative role of art in everyday life. 

    Jennifer’s paintings have been widely exhibited and are held in private and corporate collections. Her work reflects a multidisciplinary creative practice rooted in still life, interior spaces, and the quiet emotional resonance of everyday objects.

    Her artistic development includes classical atelier training through The Sumpter Academy in Portland and figure drawing studies through a New York–based program. With a background rooted in the trades and hands-on craftsmanship, Jennifer brings a tactile and materially grounded perspective to her creative practice. Shaped by her travels throughout the United States and abroad, she draws inspiration from diverse cultures, literature, museums, architecture, and natural landscapes.

    Jennifer maintains an active studio practice while cultivating a sustainable artist homestead centered on ecological diversity, creativity, and intentional living. At Toolbox, she brings together her background in fine art, craftsmanship, and creative entrepreneurship to help foster meaningful connections between artists, audiences, and community while elevating the value of skilled creative labor.

Toolbox Contributors

  • Dr. McDonald brings a lifelong love of teaching, learning, and leadership to Toolbox. Over her career, she has worked at every level of education—from preschool classrooms to graduate programs—and has served at the Oregon Department of Education, the Harvard Principal’s Center, and in Washington, DC as an Education Policy Fellow.

    In retirement, Dr. McDonald has embraced writing and teaching English as a volunteer in México, Costa Rica, Panamá, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. A writer of children’s books, blogs, and poetry, she is especially passionate about equity for women and the pursuit of a more just and caring world for all children. At Toolbox, she brings together her love of reading, research, writing, and advocacy to help celebrate craft and inspire learning in new ways.

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  • Kiara brings a creative eye to the digital Toolbox space. Hailing from the midwest, Kiara brings a passion for creativity and design to Toolbox in the form of graphic and web design.

    She holds a B.S. in Interior Design Technology and utilizes her design knowledge to help create a better web and graphic experience for the Toolbox community.

    Kiara is passionate about inclusivity, accessibility, and creativity. Other ways that she likes to express her creativity is via photography, fashion, and crafts.

    As the Graphic/Web Designer for Toolbox, Kiara creates flyers and assists with web design and website management.