Robin Yardi is the newest member of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s (SBMNH) Board of Trustees.

“An author, educator, and lifelong naturalist, Robin brings a deep passion for curiosity-driven learning and a lifelong connection to the museum,” SBMNH said.

Yardi is the author of “Coral Keepers,” an illustrated undersea adventure series about a trio of mermaid magicians (Scholastic); and “I Know the Whale,” a picture book celebrating the beauty in all things big and small (Little Bee).

As a credentialed teacher and museum docent turned author and presenter, Yardi said she believes that joyful learning begins with curiosity.

Her books celebrate the bravery of children navigating the challenges of growing up, mastering their magic, and discovering the joy of reading. 

Yardi studied English Literature at UC Berkeley and UC Santa Barbara before earning her multiple subject teaching credential.

Her connection to SBMNH goes back to her childhood.

“After decades of loving the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History as a child, teacher, parent, author, and volunteer naturalist, it is an honor to become one of its many stewards,” Yardi said.

“I learned about the beauty of the natural world inside the bones of the Blue Whale and under the canopy of oaks in the museum’s backyard,” she said. “I want visitors to be inspired at the museum, just like me, for many decades to come.”