Our Board of Directors

Meet the team that helps hold The Backyard’s vision.

Sarah Ruggenberg, President/Executive Director

Sarah is a wife, mother, and dreamer. After spending 7 years working in the fashion industry (and 2 years living on the island), she started searching for a more meaningful way to serve her community, and The Backyard unfolded. Sarah is constantly envisioning what the next step of The Backyard will be, hoping to someday give everyone a place where they can come and feel a sense of belonging. The only thing qualifying Sarah to be driving this crazy bus is her big love for people. She’s learning as she goes.

Zach Ruggenberg, Vice President/Treasurer

In addition to programming and coaching most of The Backyard’s programs, Zach’s education in technical design and career in manufacturing planning equipped him to not only build much of The Backyard playground but also manage our membership software and track our finances. Zach finds pure joy in being with people in a playful environment, and playing along side his kids is his favorite. He finds fulfillment in watching his students learning and progressing in their strength and movement abilities; Zach loves people by teaching them to move well and get stronger.

Sietske veenman, Secretary

Sietske, a mother of 2, is new to the island and found The Backyard pretty quickly after moving here. She loves that The Backyard is a welcoming place to find community which is why she decided to get involved. She has a background in working for and with non profits and studied yoga, kids yoga and mindfulness. Sietske currently teaches at the Oranjeschool in Seattle once a week with 3-4 year olds focusing on Dutch language and culture in a play based environment. She's hoping to add to the board with her non profit experience as well as teach kids classes at The Backyard focusing on body awareness and mindfulness.