The Team!
Kiana Herrera
Executive Director
Kiana Herrera grew up in Vista, California, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors, agriculture, and the value of hard work. She holds a degree in Interpersonal Communication and brings a diverse background in leadership, education, customer service, and community engagement. Before joining the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, Kiana spent eight years as a California State Lifeguard, where she taught Junior Lifeguards and mentored young leaders. She also worked as a snowboard instructor, developing sponsored programs, leading outreach initiatives, and representing organizations at conventions throughout California. In the corporate sector, she coordinated customer service operations for 157 Rubio’s Coastal Grill restaurants, building expertise in leadership, operations, and organizational development.
Today, as Executive Director of the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, Kiana combines those experiences with her passion for hands-on learning, traditional skills, and self-reliance. She believes some of life’s greatest lessons are learned by working with your hands—whether it’s growing your own food, learning a trade, or discovering a new skill—and is committed to preserving those experiences for future generations while inspiring others to connect with the museum’s mission.
TJ Crossman
President
TJ Crossman serves as Chairman of the Board for the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, bringing decades of entrepreneurial leadership, community involvement, and hands-on technical expertise. As founder and owner of TJ Crossman’s Auto Repair in Vista, TJ has built a respected, award-winning business known for integrity, customer service, and commitment to the local community.
With more than 20 years of experience in automotive repair and operations management, TJ is passionate about preserving practical skills, mentoring future generations, and supporting hands-on learning opportunities. His strong ties to the North County community and dedication to service align closely with AGSEM’s mission to preserve and activate the agricultural, mechanical, and trades heritage that shaped early rural communities.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, TJ is recognized for his charitable work and community leadership, including local outreach efforts, youth support initiatives, and programs helping families in need.
Guy Carpino
Vice Chair
Guy Carpino serves as Vice Chair for the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum. He brings years of experience leading large teams on highly-complex projects to his role. As a decade-long member, he supports the Youth Blacksmith classes as the lead instructor and is often seen around the grounds completing various electrical projects.
As a Professional Electrical Engineer licensed in 26 states and with 30 years of experience, Guy is responsible for the electrical specification and design of major engineering projects as Vice President and Engineering Principal/Places and Facilities at Michael Baker International. He has completed over 2,000 projects in his career, across the entire nation. Some notable clients include NASA, Sony, Tesla, Yale University, the US Navy, and Northrop Grumman.
Guy is very active in industry associations, such as the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (division vice-president), the San Diego Electrical Training Institute (instructor), and the International Electrical Testing Association (editor for ATS, ECS, and MTS global standards).
Robert Richardson
Treasurer
Robert Richardson serves as Treasurer for the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, bringing extensive experience in financial management, operations, and organizational leadership. Robert is Vice-President of Distribution for NV5 which provides a strong background in business operations and strategic planning in support of AGSEM’s continued growth as a sustainable, community-focused educational organization.
As Treasurer, Robert helps guide the museum’s financial stewardship, long-term planning, and organizational development while supporting AGSEM’s mission to preserve and activate the agricultural, mechanical, and cultural heritage of early rural communities through hands-on education and experiential learning.
Heather Warner-Barrett
Secretary
Heather serves as Board Secretary for the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum and brings deep roots in San Diego County agriculture and community involvement. As part of the family-owned Hilliker’s Ranch Fresh Eggs, established in 1942 in Lakeside, she represents a multi-generational commitment to responsible farming, local food systems, and agricultural education.
Hilliker’s Ranch operates state-of-the-art cage-free aviaries and supplies eggs and farm products to stores, restaurants, and families throughout San Diego County. In addition to its agricultural operations, the ranch has long supported youth and community programs including 4-H, FFA, fairs, rodeos, and local events.
Her lifelong connection to agriculture, rural heritage, and community engagement aligns closely with AGSEM’s mission to preserve and share the traditions, skills, and ingenuity that shaped early agricultural communities.
Dave Catchpole
Trustee
Dave Catchpole serves on the Board of Directors for the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, bringing extensive experience in operations, technology systems, and organizational support. With a professional background in manufacturing and site technology management as Site Technology Manager at Acushnet Company, Dave contributes practical problem-solving, operational insight, and strategic support to AGSEM’s continued growth and development.
His passion for hands-on learning, innovation, and preserving practical skills aligns closely with AGSEM’s mission to connect past and present through experiential education, community engagement, and the preservation of agricultural and mechanical heritage.
Robyn Sendelbach
Trustee
Robyn serves as Trustee for the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, bringing a lifelong commitment to education, service, and community engagement. A retired Registered Nurse, Robyn combines compassion, leadership, and attention to detail with a deep passion for preserving and advancing traditional fiber arts.
As a leader within the Palomar Weavers Guild, Robyn plays a vital role in supporting and expanding AGSEM’s fiber arts programming and campus initiatives. She helps oversee the museum’s fiber arts facilities, educational activities, and community engagement efforts while continually investing in her own learning through workshops, conferences, and industry events focused on weaving and traditional textile arts.
Dedicated to AGSEM’s long-term growth and educational mission, Robyn is passionate about creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that preserve traditional crafts and connect new generations to the creativity, skill, and heritage of fiber arts.
Robert Critz
Trustee
Robert Critz serves on the Board of Directors for the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum and has dedicated much of his life to agriculture, mentorship, and youth development through his longstanding involvement with 4-H and hands-on education programs. Passionate about preserving agricultural knowledge and creating opportunities for younger generations, Robert has spent years helping youth build confidence, practical skills, and leadership through experiential learning.
At AGSEM, Robert leads many of the museum’s farming, grounds, and facilities initiatives, playing a key role in maintaining and improving the campus while supporting agricultural programming and operational development. His background as a mechanic and hands-on problem solver brings practical expertise and a strong work ethic to the organization.
Robert’s lifelong commitment to service, mentorship, and preserving rural traditions reflects the heart of AGSEM’s mission – ensuring that practical skills, agricultural heritage, and hands-on learning continue to inspire future generations.
Jake Williams
Trustee
Jake Williams serves as Trustee for the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, bringing a rare combination of technical expertise, historical knowledge, and lifelong connection to the museum’s mission. Having grown up at AGSEM, Jake learned the fundamentals of steam engine repair, mechanics, and hands-on problem solving directly on the museum grounds, developing the skills and passion that would later shape his professional career.
Today, Jake serves as Lead Engineer for the Maritime Museum of San Diego, where he oversees the operation, maintenance, and preservation of historic mechanical and maritime systems. His work reflects a deep commitment to preserving living history through functional restoration, engineering excellence, and experiential education.
Jake’s unique journey, from learning steam engine repair as a young participant at AGSEM to leading complex historic engineering operations professionally, embodies the museum’s mission in action. As a Trustee, he brings invaluable technical insight, institutional knowledge, and a deep dedication to ensuring future generations have the same opportunity to learn by doing.