Leadership

Tara Owens, a Bloomington resident since 2009, founded Tod Pod in 2020. She received the City of Bloomington's Omar Bonderud Human Rights Award for her work with families in 2022 and formalized Tod Pod as a non-profit organization with Ryan Lokken and Isabel Marsh in 2023. Outside of Tod Pod, Tara volunteers with Bloomington Public Schools, works as an on-call substitute teacher, and tries to live life in the moment. She lives by Jefferson High School with her husband and daughter.

Ryan Lokken is a lifetime resident of Bloomington, with a deep family background in early childhood services and activities. Having been involved with Tod Pod since the beginning, he joined Tara when both their children were off to kindergarten and the group formalized as a non-profit. Outside of Tod Pod, he enjoys crafting and making things, serving on the PARC Board, and volunteering as a coach for BAA softball and soccer. He graduated from Kennedy High School and now lives near Kelly Park with his wife and two children.

Danielle Robertson, a Bloomington resident since 2021, is passionate about social justice and strength in local communities. This translates to her being Tod Pod's #1 ambassador: welcoming people at the park, helping integrate them into the group, and connecting them to local resources. A 2015 graduate of William Mitchell College of Law, she finds her legal training comes in most handy for resolving bedtime disputes. She lives near Kennedy High School with her husband Aarik, son Leon, and their cat Merlin.

Andrea has been a Bloomington resident since 2020 and coordinates Tod Pod’s stroller walks. You’ll most likely find her at a public library, coffee shop, and/or serving as a human jungle gym for her two kids. She is passionate about literacy, connecting with other parents, and good food.

Dani has been a Bloomington resident since 2018. She teaches the FIRST Lego League Discover class (January-March) as well as serves on the Garden Committee and helps run Tod Pod's Discord server for caregivers. You'll most likely find her at home homeschooling her kids or tinkering with technology. She is passionate about STEM education, puzzles (from jigsaw to cryptographic), and gardening.

Jennifer Bunday, a Bloomington resident since 2022, leads the planning and volunteer coordination for Tod Pod's annual events (Egg Hunt in the spring and Halloween event in the fall). Most days you’ll find her dancing in the kitchen to 90s hip hop or romping through the woods with her two young kids. She is passionate about good food, live music and appreciating the earth.

Antara has been a Richfield resident since 2016, and leads our Tod Pod Richfield playgroup. You'll most likely find her gardening and exploring parks and playgrounds in all weather and seasons. She loves baking and cooking and is an avid reader. She is passionate about sharing her creativity and working to embrace the chaos of parenthood.

Charity has been a Bloomington resident since 2016 and serves as Tod Pod's volunteer lead for Storytime, our highest attended outdoor event! You'll most likely find her at the pool (weather permitting) or at home holding dance parties with her kids. She is passionate about education, equity, and eating sweets.

Ellen has been a Bloomington resident since 2020 and coordinates Tod Pod’s nature programming. If she isn’t running to and from activities with her two kids, you’ll find her reading, thrifting, or soaking up the sun outdoors. She is passionate about finding a good deal, connecting with her community, and nurturing avid imagination (no matter your age). 

Amelia has been a Bloomington resident since 2013 and leads Tod Pod's Garden Committee, a group of volunteers dedicated to the Tod Pod Community Garden which made its debut in 2024. You'll most likely find her chasing after her four kids! She is passionate about the ridiculous humans she created, her garden, and what ever the current moment's hyper-fixation is!

Shauna has been a Bloomington resident since 2015. She helps edit Tod Pod's emails and publications. You’ll most likely find her enjoying the outdoors year-round with her three boys. She is passionate about education, embracing nature, leaning into the chaos.

Nolan, a 30-year resident of Bloomington, serves as the Tod Pod park playdate coordinator. He likes to ride his bicycle and tinker with all things mechanical. Always eager to get out and explore the wilderness in and around Bloomington, he and his family persistently hunted for and found the 2025 Bloomington Parks and Recreation Winter Fete Medallion!