Every act of innovation starts with the seed of an idea, and a human who has the drive to nurture it. Ahead of the 2026 APGA Annual Conference, we’re spotlighting some of the superheroes here on Planet Canopy — because every member of our team has a unique superpower and story that influences how they approach innovation at gardens and cultural institutions across the globe.
David Walsh, President & Chief Advisor:
The Viewfinder
My superpower is… The ability to quickly see the big picture and get clients out of the weeds to focus on what’s important to help them grow.
My superfuel food is… I’m leaning veggie-forward and am currently loving roasted butternut squash tacos with crushed spiced nuts, goat cheese, and hot honey.
If I could give every client a single superpower to help them achieve their mission, it would be… The power to grow money on trees.
Anna Musun-Miller, Vice President:
The Synthesizer
My superpower is… Synthesis. I hear all the different voices in a room and translate back the one thing they are all saying.
Outside of work, my secret identity is… Potter! (Not Harry — an actual potter.) When I’m not facilitating up a storm, you can find me in my home studio throwing bowls, mugs, and plates.
My superhero origin story is… I started in a little history museum in Little Rock, Arkansas, where I grew up. My dad was a historian and had read an oral history for an exhibit there, which you could listen to by picking up a phone receiver. Hearing my dad’s voice on the other end of the line, when he was also standing right in front of me, was pretty magical for a six-year-old — and I’ve been caught up in the museum magic (and garden magic, and zoo & aquarium magic) ever since.
Harriet Resnick, Vice President:
The Team Player
My superpower is… I see and truly believe in the bigger picture, and how everyone must row in the same direction in service of the larger mission and vision. There is no “I” in team — the work you do or the revenue you produce benefits the organization as a whole.
My superhero origin story is… I started my career working for the Mayor of Chicago, and saw how the silos of departments and agendas were not working to accomplish the overall goal of making Chicago a place where everyone could thrive. A job at the Field Museum sort of fell into my lap — but it set me on the course of non-profit work, where everyone was working toward a common purpose and I could directly see the impact on people’s lives.
If I could time travel or teleport to any cultural institution, it would be… Lotusland. Its beauty, serenity, and thoughtfulness are spectacular and unique, and Santa Barbara is my happy place.
Zachary Winfield, Senior Vice President:
The Quantifier
My superpower is… I can quantify anything. When I hear clients talk, all I see is numbers: what costs and what earns.
My superhero origin story is… When I was 22, my job was to administrate children’s programs for an NFL team. As part of that role, I was introduced to my first proper database, which was called Goldmine. I’m not sure if it exists anymore, but even for the time it was extremely rudimentary. I still remember the first time I exported a few data tables and started trying to figure out how I could relate them to each other to answer questions my boss was asking me about the business model. From there, I became totally infatuated with Excel—it was mind-blowing what it was capable of. I still deeply love financial modeling. Not many people feel this way, but I truly believe spreadsheets are a craft. They have a character, and I try to make all of mine beautiful.
If I could give every client a single superpower to help them achieve their mission, it would be… The ability to see around corners. Most organizations already know what to do; they just struggle to see where today’s decisions lead five or ten years from now.
Lauren David, Project Manager:
The Anchor
My superpower is… Creating calm out of chaos. I keep even the most complex projects focused, grounded, and moving forward.
Outside of work, my secret identity is… I’m a low-key puzzle enthusiast. Crosswords, logic games, traditional jigsaw puzzles — anything where I get to slowly untangle something complicated. It’s my version of relaxing. I really like the moments when something complex suddenly clicks into place.
If I could time travel or teleport to any cultural institution, it would be… My first childhood visits to the Museum of Science and Industry or the Shedd Aquarium. I’d love to experience that sense of pure curiosity and discovery again. There’s nothing like that first moment of walking into an exhibit and just being completely in awe and taking it all in.
Elise Bernardoni, Director of Engagement:
The Listener
My superpower is… I’m a great listener and can synthesize many voices into a cohesive product.
Outside of work, my secret identity is… I’m a super-fast knitter. My husband calls me “Kninja.”
If I could give every client a single superpower to help them achieve their mission, it would be… Clairvoyance.
Dan Sheehan, Director of Financial Planning & Analysis:
The Leaper
My superpower is… Jumping headfirst into any challenge. I quickly make sense of the task and turn it into practical solutions.
My superfuel food is… Black coffee and a handful of Cheez-its.
My superhero origin story is… It started as a summer job driving the train at the Toledo Zoo. No grand plan, just a front-row seat to learning how park operations really work. That entry point opened the door to a world I stayed in for the next 20 years — working across zoos and attractions where I learned the business from the inside out. It’s a journey that shaped how I operate. I step into complex environments, figure things out quickly, and help teams improve how they work. That path ultimately led me to Canopy, where I now get to bring that same approach to a broader range of organizations.
T’Noya Thompson, Senior Strategist:
The Discerner
My superpower is… Strategic invention and powerful discernment, uniquely tailored to every project.
Outside of work, my secret identity is… DANCE! I have taught and choreographed dance for almost 30 years.
My superfuel food is… Definitely chocolate!
Sara Lee, Senior Strategist:
The Balancer
My superpower is… Balancing an objective, external perspective with personal investment in each client’s mission.
If I could time travel or teleport to any cultural institution, it would be… The HMS Beagle with Darwin. The excitement of getting to explore the natural world and its endless curiosities!
If I could give every client a single superpower to help them achieve their mission, it would be… An unshakeable belief in their organization’s ability to meaningfully impact conservation through the avenue they choose.
