Today we’d like to introduce you to Rochelle Wolberg.
Rochelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My professional career has taken a rather non-traditional route. My background is in Educational and School Psychology, for which I received graduate degrees. I was the School Psychologist for Florida’s oldest private independent school, during which, in addition to leading Student Support Services, I had the opportunity to spearhead a Museum Partnership Program.
It was through that initiative that I connected and engaged with Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County (MBG). When the opportunity presented itself, I interviewed for the position of Education Manager, overseeing adult and youth programming, events, and volunteers. Within two years, I was offered the position of Interim Operations Manager to provide administrative leadership over the Garden. After serving in that capacity for a year, I applied and was offered the position of Curator-Director for MBG. I have worked at the Garden since early 2014 and served as its Curator-Director since July 2017.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been an interesting adventure, and I describe the road as more of a rambling path since the route has most often been indirect. Some of the matters that require more attention than others have been to serve as a liaison representing the interests of the Garden through its non-profit group (Friends of the MBG) while also ensuring that projects and broad initiatives observe and adhere to Palm Beach County protocols and procedures. This is often the most challenging aspect because it requires sensitivity, cognizance, and understanding of what is important to both entities in this public-private partnership.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The part of my job that I enjoy the most has to do with working with Artists and exploring a variety of art forms to bring to the Garden for the community to enjoy. Mounts Botanical is unique in that we have invested in a 5-Year Artist in the Garden Master Plan that aims to guide our decision-making in the types of permanent and temporary art initiatives/projects that we display.
My background in building educational programs within a school setting helped prepare me to think more broadly and be intrepid about the types of activities, events, and blockbuster exhibits we invest in to improve the visitor experience and engage our guests.
I am most proud of being directly involved in the Garden’s most valuable asset: its people. The Garden boasts a team of highly capable, dedicated, passionate, and extremely talented individuals who work together toward fulfilling our mission of inspiring and educating others through nature.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Due to my role, it may seem that I am very sociable, outgoing, and horticulturally minded. In fact, I am an introvert and did not inherit my maternal grandparents’ nor my mother’s super green thumbs! My grandparents were agriculturists in the Philippines, and my mother has personally created a beautiful, lush garden in New York City.
Pricing:
- Members – FREE Entry to ALL events
- $12 Non-Member Admission Fee
- $15 Non-Member Special Event Fee
- Title I Students – FREE Admission
Contact Info:
- Email: rwolberg@pbcgov.org
- Website: https://www.mounts.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountsbotanicalgarden/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MountsBotanicalGarden
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MountsBotanicalGardenofPalmBeachCounty
Image Credits
Rochelle Wolberg headshot by Jacek Gancarz Rochelle Wolberg with EMERSON, Ribbit Exhibit, photo by Jacek Gancarz Rochelle Wolberg in the Mounts Botanical Sunflower Field, photo by Debbie Sandler
