Behind the Scenes at YBAB: Meet the “Brain Gang”

When the MOTAL Board of Directors flew the job description for “Mobile Exhibition On-Site Manager,” the descriptors were based upon information gleaned from other exhibition operators and from expectations realized in collaboration with the design team at Mad Systems, Inc.

1. Coordinate activities that relate to the exhibits.
2. Help educate and coordinate volunteers.
3. Welcome guests and manage their experiences, including those who will use the wheelchair lift.
4. Serve as a spokesperson for YBAB with the press and other special guests who visit the exhibition.

Anyone who could fill the complex shoes described in the post would have to be very adventuresome, flexible, and interested in learning and serving as a team member. What a pleasant surprise when word-of-mouth advertising led delightful people to MOTAL’s doorstep, and after an application process and interview, four individuals were selected to become crew members.


Now, after two-and-a-half months, the group has embraced the nickname “Brain Gang,” and the four members have become a collaborative and cooperative team. They are individuals who have demonstrated distinctive specialties, all while serving as greeters and explainers for the traveling, interactive, high-tech exhibition.


Adrianna Dunner
What do a PTA Room Mom, an executive assistant, a professional chef, and homeless volunteer have in common? They all describe native Californian, Adrianna Dunner, for her early talents in performance, organization, and friendliness (and her drive for adventure) have led her to explore many endeavors in her life so far. She enjoys communicating with her teammates, and she serves as a welcoming and empathetic docent for visitors who come to Your Baby’s Amazing Brain. Adrianna knows about all the mobile’s operations and materials, but on a typical day, she is focused on rallying her teammates and assuring that visitors’ experiences set them on a path to becoming better individuals.


Jane Coday
Jane grew up in Pennsylvania, but came to California with her family as an eighth-grader and stayed. Her main careers, as tourist guide and antiques/vintage dealer, became the key focus of her life when she was widowed at a young age. Jane learned to be welcoming, helpful, and enthusiastic while she became an expert in customer service and satisfaction. Those skills—coupled with her innate love for people, and her warmth—have served her for several decades. Now, like the other crew members, she is very versatile, but her key roles with the exhibition are to welcome guests, assure that they have enough information to navigate the electronic activity stations, and feel comfortable with the exhibition’s content and questioning strategies.
 
Jeff Faeth
Jeff graduated from high school in Orange County, California, but has been all over the nation and the world ever since. He has had a wide variety of work experiences, learning and growing in positions that are mostly related to the entertainment industry. Most (not all) of his skills are demonstrated behind the scenes, and he thrives on seeking adventure and coming up with solutions to challenging problems. His role within the Brain Gang has been to jump in to work with the team where solutions are needed, keeping the facility humming and the visitors happy.
 
Ben Lozada
From a young age, Ben liked to work with his hands and he learned many practical skills; his college classes in construction added to his growing knowledge. He has a lifelong belief that, with hard work, love, and patience, great things can be achieved. His jobs have included installing patios, and owning/running a facility maintenance business where customer satisfaction is critical. Ben does all he can to make sure that the MOTAL exhibition is working well, and he is always available to do anything that is needed. He tells everyone that working with YBAB has been a great learning experience, and he loves being part of the team—taking care of the facility and engaging visitors!


Here is a summary of just one day in the life of a crew member in the “Brain Gang.”
What we accomplish is above most job responsibilities. First we arrive to place the delivered trailer correctly. Second, we finish the transformation by installing the staircases, then placing, pulling, starting, and maintaining two generators for the duration of the day’s events. Third, we install projectors and fire up the computer. We then erect easy-ups, signage, tables, etc. etc. Fourth, and most importantly, we perform excellent customer service, helping each and every guest who steps aboard this fascinating MOTAL mobile experience! Then, at the end of our stay, we take it all down, ready to go back to its safe home; driven away to come again at another place, another time.


We are a great strong unit. Cannot wait to find out our next destination!
 
Submitted by Greta Nagel, PhD
MOTAL President and CEO