Profiles in Creativity: 5 Questions with Development Manager Amy Truax

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I am thrilled to join the Flying Cloud Institute team. Originally from Salisbury, Connecticut, I moved over the border into Sheffield about 10 years ago. As a development professional, I find it rewarding to help organizations develop a strong support network to advance their vital work. I enjoy helping people feel welcomed and part of making a positive difference in our world. It's a privilege to meet such smart, generous, creative people in our community and help connect them to each other and an important cause because together we accomplish great things. Prior to Flying Cloud Institute, I worked in the development office for NECC in Millerton, NY. I am currently on the Board of Trustees for the North West Music Association in Salisbury, CT.

What makes Flying Cloud’s mission powerful for you?

As a mom, I greatly appreciate Flying Cloud's unique hands-on activities exploring science and arts. There is joy in learning here. The children are visibly excited breaking geodes to find crystals, building magical fortresses in the woods, meeting real science and art professionals like geologists, chemists, musicians, and visual artists.

What interests you most about working for Flying Cloud?

The people. There is a palpable creative energy in the entire Flying Cloud community - staff, children, board members, donors, and volunteers. There is also kindness inherent in everyone here. Flying Cloud has a culture of lifelong learning and giving back. With programs spanning over 35 years, children who grew up in the programs have gone onto careers as astrophysicists, meteorologists, physicists specializing in solar events with NASA, nuclear engineering, actors, and artists. Many of them come back as adults to volunteer or donate so children in our community can have the enrichment opportunities that helped them succeed.

Where do you see Flying Cloud in 5 years?

I want more people to understand what Flying Cloud does - so that more children can benefit from its programs. Flying Cloud offers a variety of After School activities and week-long science and arts summer programs. Most importantly, Flying Cloud has a residency for teachers, working with them in the classroom, to bring Flying Cloud enrichment to even more students.

Do you want to share any personal information about your family or hobbies?

I love living in the Berkshires with my precocious 12-year-old son, two funny dogs, a smug cat, and twelve sassy chickens. I feel so fortunate to have access to all of the arts and outdoor activities that we have here in the Berkshires.