Margie Hylkema has worked with students and families for over twenty years providing creative arts education programs that generate student pride and reach communities in memorable ways. She has been instrumental in helping develop and galvanize the mission of numerous organizations dedicated to arts and cultural enrichment for young people.

During seven years of service at Child Center in St. Louis , Missouri , Margie led the Creative Arts Therapy staff in consolidating progressive treatment approaches for hundreds of children in psychiatric clinical care. She brought the same dedication to Preschool of the Arts in Madison , Wisconsin , (1992) where she served as board member and introduced emergent curriculum to the entire teaching staff based on the exceptional educational practices of the renowned Reggio Emilia Schools in Italy .

Margie's passion for arts advocacy continued in Mauston , Wisconsin (1999), where she led the Related Arts teaching team and created a dynamic middle school art program founded on an absolute belief in student success and public outreach. Margie also championed successful fund raising efforts and led the educational teaching team which partnered over 300 Olson Middle School students with the Juneau County and Wisconsin State Historical Societies as well as experts from around Wisconsin in the restoration and preservation of Mauston's recently rediscovered Panther Spirit Effigy Mound. Through projects like this Margie continues to channel her passion, talent, and dedication for bringing the right people and resources together to help visual arts and cultural heritage thrive in schools and communities.

Margie is currently working as Development Officer for the Mississippi River Sculpture Park and Interpretive Center Project in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

In her leisure time, Margie loves to explore and photograph Wisconsin 's wilderness via kayak, bike or on foot with her husband, Tad, and yellow lab, Cooper.