The Festival at Sandpoint operates year-round and is supported by a large network of employees, board Members, volunteers, and more.
meet The team
STAFF
madison canale
DARRA collison
-
Madison was born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and studied Music Business at Full Sail University. She interned with the Festival at Sandpoint in 2023, and while we don’t pick favorites around here, she was definitely a favorite. Luckily for us, she came back full-time in 2024.
She reads all the books, goes to all the concerts, and travels whenever she can, international preferred. She’s a proud auntie and loves spending time with her niece and nephew. Put her near any body of water with a book and an iced matcha, and she’s set.
Fun Fact:
She has over 70 curated playlists for every mood, character, movie, and season.
Development & Community Engagement Manager
Programming Manager
-
Darra grew up in Texas, San Diego, and Idaho, but considers Sagle home. She studied at Cal State East Bay and recently completed her Master’s in Organizational Leadership at Gonzaga University.
Around here, Darra is known for being the loudest one in the office, and she fully owns it. She’s a natural people person who loves connecting with the community, which works out well since that’s a big part of her job. You’ll often find her out and about representing the Festival at farmers' markets and local events, probably mid-conversation or mid-laugh.
When she’s off the clock, she’s usually snowboarding, spending summer days at the lake, heading to a concert, or getting lost in a good book.
Fun Fact:
Her favorite quote is, “Don’t threaten me with a good time.”
CAROLINE HAWKINS
Veronica knowlton
Director of Community & Strategy
-
Caroline was not only born and raised in Sandpoint, Idaho, but she’s a 7th-generation Sandpointian. And not only did Caroline graduate from the University of Idaho (V’s Up!), she graduated with three majors: Business Management, HR Management, and Operations Management (and a minor in Marketing and an emphasis in Accounting, if we’re being specific).
Fitting for North Idaho, she loves anything and everything outdoors. Her hobbies are endless - hiking, fishing, horseback riding, backpacking, rafting, mountain biking, golfing, skiing, swimming, and much, much more. She also loves attending local events, meeting new faces, and connecting with the community.
Fun Fact: Any time she gets in her car, she sings a little 'on the road again', even if it was just to run an errand on her way to the office.
Director of Operations & Programs
-
Veronica grew up in Livermore, California, and graduated from California State University, Stanislaus (say that five times fast) with concentrations in Marketing and Accounting.
She’s our operations expert through and through. Organized, meticulous, and always up for a challenge, she’s the one keeping things on track and the one hyping everyone else up along the way.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find her skiing, swimming, or soaking up the sun and recharging. She’s also a year-round bookworm and loves to quilt.
Fun Fact:
She has a hype button in her office that makes airhorn noises, and it gets used at least three times a week.
Production & Education Manager
paul gunter
tess howell
Director of Finance & HR
-
Paul was born and raised in Sandpoint, Idaho, and music has been part of his life for longer than he can remember. His work days are filled with music, and when he’s off the clock (surprise!), you will find him playing music. If he’s enjoying the outdoors with his family, there’s a good chance music is still involved.
He’s very active in the community, both on stage and behind the scenes. You might have seen him playing in one of his many bands or producing an event to make sure everything runs smoothly. From dance recitals and plays to Lost in the 50’s and the Heart Ball, he’s probably had a hand in it, usually with a coffee nearby.
Fun Fact:
If Paul could go to any concert, it would be Prince’s 1984 birthday show at First Avenue.
-
Tess was born and raised in Sandpoint, Idaho, and graduated from the University of Idaho with two engineering degrees. After college, she worked as a whitewater river guide before finding her way into accounting. Now she’s fully at home in finance, where numbers and spreadsheets are her professional joy.
When she’s not deep in a spreadsheet, she’s usually outside fly fishing, rafting, trail running, or skiing. She also appreciates a slower day with a good book or a creative crafternoon. She’s known for finding the humor in just about anything and slipping something witty into most conversations.
Fun Fact:
Her biggest pet peeve is when someone turns off their car, and the windshield wipers stop mid windshield.
Festival at Sandpoint Orchestra Coordinator
Jason Moody
-
Jason grew up in Sandpoint, Idaho, and studied at Seattle Pacific University, Rice University, and the University of Washington. He now calls Spokane home, where he works as a violinist, conductor, and educator.
He serves as Associate Concertmaster and Director of Education and Community Engagement for the Spokane Symphony, and we’re lucky to have him involved with the Festival at Sandpoint. He coordinates the Festival orchestra and helps support our education programs, bringing a lot of experience (and a lot of talent) with him.
When he’s not making music, he’s spending time with his kids, skiing, or out on the river fly fishing.
Fun Fact:
Jason hates sitting down.
Cienna Roget
Marketing & Communications Manager
-
Cienna was born and raised in Sandpoint, Idaho, and went to college at Chapman University in Orange, California. At work, she keeps marketing and communications running smoothly, and is viralmaxxing our social media. Off the clock, she’s usually keeping up with all things pop culture. If you have a question about current events or celebrity news, she’s your go-to. She can find just about anything online, and fast.
When she’s not on the internet, she’s baking something sweet, curating the perfect playlist, or more recently, teaching herself guitar.
Fun Fact:
When asked what concert she’d go to if she could pick any, Cienna said, “I mean, Taylor Swift is so obvi.”
tater tot
Director of Greetings
-
As the Festival’s Director of Greetings (DOG), Tater Tot, also known as Tate or Tate Dog, makes sure everyone who walks through our office doors receives a warm welcome and a wagging tail. A sweet, friendly mutt, Tate takes his role as office morale booster very seriously. When he’s off the clock, you’ll find him exploring hiking trails, spending time on the water, and enjoying time with his mom, Veronica.
Board of Directors
ben higgs
President
AMBER REMILLARD
Vice President
Mike eisenstat
CALE KANACK
Barb Leedle
Marcella Nelson
Bea Speakman
heather twidt
justin vancleave
AMY WARKER
willIe wittezehler
Sarah Pillsbury
Doug hawkins jr.
Treasurer
Secretary
Interested in volunteering on our board of directors? Send a letter of interest to info@festivalatsandpoint.com.
The Board of Directors provides strategic direction, oversight, and governance to ensure that we fulfill our mission. Members participate in various committees such as fundraising, finance, and governance.
VOLUNTEERS
Thank you to the over 300 volunteers who donated 4,000 hours of their time.
This summer, you gave your time, your energy, and your passion to make the 2026 Summer Series possible
From greeting guests with warm smiles to working tirelessly behind the scenes to stepping in wherever help was needed, you’ve shown what community spirit really looks like. We cannot thank you enough.