Sarah Stone, PhD

Board Chair

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Sarah Stone is a child development scholar, nonprofit leader, and advocate for equitable early learning opportunities. With more than 20 years of experience spanning research, higher education, and community-based programming, she has dedicated her career to strengthening the systems that support children and families. Sarah is the Founder and Board Chair of Wonderbloom, Utah’s first licensed nature-based preschool, where she built a mission-driven organization focused on expanding access to high-quality early education and fostering children’s connection to nature.

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Sarah holds a Ph.D. in Marriage, Family, and Human Development from Brigham Young University, where her research focused on the development of empathy in early childhood. She has published in peer-reviewed journals, presented nationally on child development and nature-based learning, and served on statewide advisory councils advancing early childhood and community school initiatives. Recognized as one of Utah Business’s 30 Women to Watch (2025), Sarah is passionate about building partnerships that create meaningful, measurable impact for children, families, and communities.

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Sarah enjoys hiking, camping, and live music with her husband and two awesome kids. She has other hobbies that she does poorly but enjoyably, like playing the ukulele, landscaping, watercoloring, and dancing.

Robbie Stone

Board Member

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Robbie is a financial services executive based in Sandy, Utah, with over two decades of experience in consumer and small business credit. A passionate advocate for early childhood education, he brings his background in strategic planning, governance, and financial stewardship to his role on the Wonderbloom board. When he's not working to build stronger communities for children and families, you'll find him out on his bike or skis exploring the trails of the Wasatch Front.

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Lauren Gowen, CPA

Treasurer

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Lauren is a proud mother of two boys, both of whom attended Wonderbloom. As a CPA, she spends her weekdays in a cubicle, which makes her especially appreciative of the time her children have spent learning, exploring, and engaging with nature through play‑based education. Lauren and her husband, Don, are grateful for the strong sense of community at Wonderbloom and are honored to be part of it. She is delighted to serve as Board Treasurer. When she does find free time, Lauren enjoys knitting, crafting with her kids, or exploring SLC with her family.

Trevor Jones

Secretary

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Trevor is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Wonderbloom. A firm believer in the power of nature-based play, he is dedicated to supporting the "classroom with no walls" philosophy that makes Wonderbloom unique. He brings a robust analytical background to the board, holding a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering and an MBA. Currently, he serves as a Utility Regulator for the State of Utah's Division of Public Utilities. He is the proud father of three energetic boys that have all been part of the Wonderbloom family. He is an avid sports fan and fantasy novel enthusiast who can often be found out on the trails with his family.

Adam D'Sousa

Board Member 

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Adam is proud to serve on the Board of Wonderbloom, a non-profit that aligns with so many of his values and passions. He currently works as the Deputy Chief Compliance Officer and Head of Compliance Governance and Reporting at UBS Bank USA, N.A. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from York University (Toronto, Canada) and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Utah. With over 25 years working in financial institutions across Canada and the US, he hopes to bring some of that experience to assist Wonderbloom in achieving its vision and mission.

Adam has always been passionate about nature, the environment, and our connection, interaction, and interdependency with it. As the step-father to a daughter with special needs, he also has a passion, and drive for equal access and opportunity to life-enriching programs for those who can benefit. And further, Adam's love for learning and education is something he hopes to instill in his and all children. All of these, and more, come together at Wonderbloom, which he believes can make a difference in each individual child, in the communities it is a part of, and in the world at large. 

Leslie Jewkes

Board Member ​

Leslie brings more than 40 years of experience in education to the Wonderbloom Board of Directors. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in Early Childhood Education and Gifted and Talented Education, as well as a Master's degree in Educational Administration.

Throughout her career, Leslie served as both a teacher and principal in elementary schools across Carbon, Ogden, and Canyons School Districts. As a former kindergarten teacher, she developed a deep appreciation for the critical role that high-quality early childhood experiences play in a child's development and lifelong success. She has also been an active advocate for young children through her involvement with the Utah Association for the Education of Young Children.

Leslie is passionate about ensuring that all children, regardless of background, have access to enriching, child-centered learning opportunities. She is honored to support Wonderbloom's mission and hopes to contribute her extensive experience working with young children and leading educational programs to help advance the organization's vision for families and children in our community.

Corinne Sexsmith

Board Member ​

Corinne is a Clinical Research Manager with the ASCENT Center at the University of Utah, where she supports collaborative research initiatives focused on community impact. She holds a master’s degree in Human Development and Social Policy from the University of Utah and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Westminster College. With nearly 15 years of experience working alongside local nonprofits and healthcare partners, Corinne brings both professional expertise and a personal connection as a former Wonderbloom parent.

Lianna Lopez, M.Ed

Executive Director 

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Lianna has been a member of the Wonderbloom administrative team for the past 5 years. She holds a Bachelors degree in Child Development from Humboldt State University as well as a Masters in Education with a focus in Montessori Early Childhood Eduction from Westminster College. He currently holds a National Administrators Credential from the NECPA Commission. 

Lianna is committed to make high quality nature-based education accessible to all children, she is a firm supporter of play-based learning, and values diversity. She has over 17 years working in the classroom as an educator and is an enthusiastic advocate for all early childhood educators. 

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In her free time Lianna loves spending time birdwatching with her two young children and husband at their home in Kamas. She also enjoys playing pinball, bowling, golfing and hosting taco nights!