Leadership
Tod Pod is led by volunteers who set the vision for the group and organize its monthly activities. They share a love of children and a deep commitment to the local community.
Tara Owens
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 establishing the group. In 2023 she formalized Tod Pod as a non-profit organization with Ryan Lokken and Isabel Marsh. 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
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, while also 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
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.
Sam Balzer, a Bloomington resident since 2021, serves Tod Pod as our nature program coordinator. When she's not caring for the many children in her life, she is at the rink playing hockey, watching the Gopher women's hockey team and PWHL, and cheering on her 4-year-old niece at anything she does. She's happiest when it's sweatshirt weather and has a child in each hand!
Dani Black, a Bloomington resident since 2018, serves Tod Pod by helping run our caregiver Discord server, volunteering on the garden committee, and teaching the FIRST Lego League Discover class. 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.
Jen Bunday, a Bloomington resident since 2022, serves Tod Pod as our stroller walk coordinator. 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 Busse-Rein, a Richfield resident since 2016, co-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 Coulter, a Bloomington resident since 2016, serves Tod Pod as a storytime leader. 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.
Sonia Esteva Cruz, a Bloomington resident since 2011, leads Tod Pod's alumni activities. You'll find her bargain hunting, hosting epic parties in her backyard, and continually updating her son's at-home library of books and activities. She is passionate about volunteering, cultural traditions, and being a mom!
Amelia Goding, a Bloomington resident since 2013, serves Tod Pod on the garden committee and book club. 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!
Maria Grams, a Richfield resident since 2016, co-leads our Tod Pod Richfield playgroup. You'll most likely find her chasing after her two boys or one of her three chickens! She loves to travel, enjoy time in nature, and spend time on the water. She is most passionate about finding ways to be creative, building connections within the community, and creating adventures in everyday life.
Shauna Moua, a Bloomington resident since 2015, helps edit Tod Pod's emails, social media, 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.
Sarah Reiman, a Bloomington resident since 2020, has worked as a personal trainer, fitness instructor, and running coach. She loves all fitness, but is most passionate about running and strength training. She also is interested in sustainability, cooking, and good coffee. She currently stays home with her kids and enjoys getting out in the world with them.
Josey Stafford, a Bloomington resident since 2010, loves to play! You'll most likely find her on the monkey bars, being tackled by kids, or on the floor at the coloring station. She is passionate about mothering with intention, a vegan minimalist lifestyle, and her wedding planning business.
Interested to Learn More?
Check out our Why Playgroups page to learn more about the playgroup approach, explore ways to support the future of Tod Pod on our Donate page, or Contact Us directly with your questions or comments.