Puget Sound Revels Board of Trustees
Our board members are an integral part of Puget Sound Revels. Each possesses a unique blend of talent, experience, and joy, enriching our mission and guiding us toward greater heights of excellence.
Sandy Smith, President
Now based in Seattle. A research scientist and educator at the Annie Wright School, Sandy was involved in Revels with Revels since 1994 as a cast member, board member, and consultant until moving abroad for 17 years as an international educator and school director. During those years she led the International Women’s Club in Turkmenistan, but still returned to watch nearly every Christmas Revels show. She is active with grandparenting, gardening, skiing, and biking. |
Anna-Lisa Kanick, Vice President
Graduate of the University of Puget Sound and currently an artisan knitter, co-owner of Pelagia Fiber Arts. 40+ years of volunteer service in community organizations — including terms as president of Philomathea (Bellarmine Preparatory School parent organization) and Catholic Woman’s Club — and 14 years of costume work for Tacoma City Ballet. Has attended Puget Sound Revels events since the beginning! |
Luther Black
Retired marine environmental analyst, and retired from his avocation of leading traditional American folkdances. A founding member of the Puget Sound Revels board, Luther envisions Revels celebrating all seasons with participatory events around Puget Sound, understanding that the annual December production remains the foundation of the organization. We are a community that sings, dances, and shares stories together. |
Matt Temmel, Secretary
Tacoma resident since 1981. Retired from government analytical work, first for Washington State Legislature and then for the Pierce County Council. Organizer of Tacoma Contra Dance, a monthly dance with a live band and about 100 dancers. Supporter of the Revels and other local organizations. Charity is good, and charity with fun is even better! Widower since 2014. Two sons and one grandson. |
Lois Trapp
Native of the Pacific Northwest; graduate of Evergreen High; attended Highline Community College and Central Washington University. Holds a BA in Arts in Education; Special Education major with a minor in Elementary Subjects; graduate work at Gonzaga University in Administration, Curriculum and Instruction. Has retired from a 41-year teaching career during which time she also served as a YMCA camp assistant summer camp director. She is deeply committed to building community; is a longtime Revels performer and supporter. |
Debbie Birkey
Longtime Christmas Revels chorus member. Singer/songwriter for over 25 years, PLU graduate, and elementary music teacher. In the 1980s she created the Kids and Tunes concert series. Early childhood music and art teacher. On the Victory Music board she helped found and coordinate the Community Outreach Program to produce music events for special populations statewide. Boards served on include: United Cerebral Palsy of WA; WA Assn. for the Education of Young Children; Pierce County Preschool Council. Volunteer work sites include: Veterans and Western State Hospitals, Comprehensive Mental Health Center, The Tacoma Crisis Clinic, Job Carr Cabin Museum. |
Michael Collier
Born in Germany, sang in the Vatican Boy Choir for one year. Achieved US citizenship when 14 years old. Has directed church choirs off and on since 1976 (e.g. Peace Lutheran Church, Lutheran Memorial Church). Social worker for State of Washington for 20 years then for the Secretary of State Elections Division. Was team pastor at Bridge United Methodist Church 2010-2013. Worked for World Vision 2001-2016. Church consultant for National Council of Churches. Is currently Chair of the Tacoma Refugee Choir. 37 years married, two children and two grandchildren. |
What do our board members love about Revels?
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"You can connect to other traditions even if it's in a language you don't understand. You can connect to the feeling, and it's the same all over the world."
- Anna-Lisa Kanick
"Singing together is such a joyful activity, and I want to make sure everyone gets an opportunity to do so."
- Lois Trapp
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