Dené Mosier

President/CEO

Dené has led the museum since 2015. As a former preschool and elementary school teacher and administrator, she brings extensive experience in child development and managing educators to her role overseeing exhibits and programs. Under her leadership, the Discovery Center has grown and thrived as the premier children's museum in Kansas. Read more about Dené..

Caitlin Luttjohann

Vice President of Play and Learning

Caitlin designs educational programs and manages all aspects of the visitor experience at the museum. She has a degree in industrial engineering and came to the Discovery Center from the Flint Hills Discovery Center, where she was the Education Specialist for Science. She is passionate about teaching kids how to solve problems with science and is a favorite of teachers and students for her ability to make field trips fun and engaging.

Laura Burton

Senior Director of Marketing and Creative

Laura is a nonprofit marketing, communications and design professional responsible for educating the public about the Discovery Center's work and managing visual elements of the museum's work. In her role, she creates art and develops partnerships to help build the museum as a regional tourist attraction and educational resource for all families. She is a mother of two young children and a big LEGO fan.

Karen Estrada

Director of Guest Services

Payton Friess

Director of Access and Initiatives

Marty Hillard

Director of Community Engagement

Marty is an experienced community organizer with a background in nonprofit development, group facilitation, content creation, and copywriting. Marty's role as the Director of Community Outreach involves expanding the museum's reach both through museum programming and community-based events to give all families the opportunities for play. Marty is a a husband, father, son, and brother living in Topeka.

Draque Carver

Exhibit and Facilities Maintenance Manager

Draque has been with the Discovery Center since 2014 and is responsible for facility and exhibit construction and maintenance. He came to the museum with 35 years of experience in construction. The Discovery Center puts his expertise to work in a wide range of unconventional projects, from a realistic life-size pizza oven, to welded butterfly chairs, to giant ruby red slippers.

Miranda Heeren-Driml

Manager of Business and Office Administration

Miranda brings a wealth of experience in administrative, nonprofit, and event planning services. As the Manager of Business and Administration, she oversees various aspects crucial to the smooth functioning of the organization. Witnessing her dad's more than 30 years of experience working in museum work and her love for nonprofit, led her to the Discovery Center in January of 2024.

Jeanette Hutchison

Guest Experience Coordinator

Chester Solack

Guest Experience Manager

Chester comes to the Discovery Center with a background in customer service and hospitality. He is a US Army veteran and his role at the museum includes welcoming visitors and managing the Discovery Shop. Playing with Legos as a child allowed his creativity and imagination to grow. He still loves toys, and is known at the museum for his amazing reactions to unboxing new gift shop merchandise.

Discover Bee

Mascot and Spokes-Bee

Bees aren’t just cute, fuzzy little flyers—they’re science superstars! These tiny pollinators help plants grow, keep ecosystems thriving, use cooperation to solve problems, and even know some great dance moves! Since the hardworking honeybee is the official state insect of Kansas, we couldn’t think of a better ambassador to spread curiosity, exploration, and a love of learning!

Janet Chambers

Education Coordinator

Ron Cook

Mobile Museum Facilitator

Erin Forstein

Education Coordinator

Nataliia Mostova

Facilities Maintenance

Lainey Willis

Play and Learning Coordinator

Savannah Culton

Guest Experience Coordinator

Emma Jarvis

Guest Experience Coordinator

Anna Feldt

Guest Experience Coordinator

Ariawna Thompson

Guest Experience Coordinator

Adrian Alcala

Playologist

Alexyss Bauman

Playologist

JoyAnne Boutz

Playologist

Abigail Buckhalter

Playologist

Monica Carr

Playologist

Aliya Garren

Playologist

Caroline Little

Playologist

Kaydence Stark

Playologist

Victoria Wood

Playologist

Megan Domnanish

Business and Finance Contractor

Dr. Kent Palmberg

Board Chair

Dr. Kent Palmberg enjoyed two careers in the medical field. Returning to his hometown of Topeka in 1978, he joined a group of physicians that grew to become Cotton O'Neil Clinic and practiced Internal Medicine until 1995. With the merger of Cotton O'Neil and Stormont Vail, Dr. Palmberg had the opportunity to become part of the administrative team and served as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer from 1995 to 2016. He continues to enjoy supporting local health care providers and serves in volunteer capacities with Stormont-Vail Health and Midland Care.

Amanda Humphrey

Board Treasurer

Amanda Humphrey has a Bachelor's in Psychology from Kansas State University and an MBA from Emporia State University. She is a CPA and has been at Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka for five years. Prior to that, she have worked in public accounting and marketing. She has two two girls, Quinn and Piper, with husband, Jason. The four of them love to travel, spend time with friends, and participate in activities for the girls, especially soccer and dance.

Amber Housholder

Board Secretary

Amber Housholder is the manager of insurance and claims for Evergy. Since 2006, she has served in various positions including regulatory affairs manager, investor relations manager, budget analyst and internal auditor. Beyond her official positions at Evergy, Amber serves as secretary of the Women’s Energy Network. She has an accounting degree from Washburn University and earned her MBA from Baker University. Amber is a member of the Leadership Greater Topeka Class of 2019.

Jane P. Gannaway

Past Chair

Jane Gannaway is currently the Principal for JPG Consulting, LLC, based in Kansas and working with clients in food service and retail worldwide with a focus on the Americas and Asia. Jane has recently moved to Kansas from Shanghai, China to be closer to family and to enjoy the United States once again. Jane has always been engaged with community service in the communities she has lived in around the world. She is the mother of two adult sons, and is the Nai Nai (paternal grandmother) of four grandchildren.

Jesse Borjon

Board Member

Jesse Borjon owns and operates a property management company and local retail store. Prior to becoming a small business owner, Jesse worked in leadership positions for the Kansas Corporation Commission and Secretary of State’s Office. He graduated from Washburn University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and served as student body president. He has been involved in Topeka South Rotary, United Way, Topeka Active 20-30 Club, Friends of the Topeka Zoo Past Board President, and the Washburn University Alumni Association. He is a graduate of Leadership Kansas and a member of the Topeka Chamber of Commerce. In 2020, he was elected to serve in the Kansas House of Representatives representing the 52nd House District.

Kathy Damron

Board Member

Kathy Damron has spent more than 30 years working in public policy. Her initial civic interests were shaped by politically engaged parents who built a successful farm and livestock operation in Western Kansas. Following staff work for numerous elected officials, she began a governmental relations consulting career in Topeka focused primarily on health, education and economic development projects. Most recently, her professional focus has shifted away from advocacy but remains one aligned with health and wellness. She is a National Yoga Alliance certified yoga instructor, teaching private and group yoga in Topeka and Lawrence. She is also a certified children’s yoga instructor and is currently studying for her advanced teaching certification through Yoga Medicine. Service to her community continues to be a priority and Kathy has served on the boards of Topeka Collegiate Independent School, Topeka Performing Arts Center, Kappa Alpha Theta alumni, Community National Bank, Friends of Cedar Crest, Topeka Public Schools Foundation and numerous public school parent organizations where her children, Kyle and Erica Peterson attended. She and her husband, Whitney Damron, reside in Topeka, Kansas.

Mary Kate Dobski

Board Member

Mary Kate Dobski is a dedicated community volunteer. She lives in Lawrence with husband Kevin and their children, Kendall Mae and Hadley and Easton. They enjoy spending time together outdoors, playing and watching sports (especially cheering on the Jayhawks and Horned Frogs), school and church activities.

Mary Etzel

Board Member

Joe Fazio

Board Member

Joe Fazio has worked for U.S. Bank for 19 years and currently serves as vice president, branch manager of the Pioneer Square location in North Topeka. He was born in Topeka, Kansas, where he attended Topeka Technical College. He has been married to his wife, Sarah, for 30 years as of April 2022. They have one daughter, KyLea, age 22, who lives in Alabama and two dogs, Roxi and Noodle. Along with the Discovery Center, he also serves on the board for North Topeka Business Alliance as part of their membership committee, as well as the boards for North Topeka Rotary as both president and treasurer and The Ronald McDonald House. Joe enjoys working out, golfing and spending time with family.

Dr. Ximena Garcia

Board Member

Ximena Garcia is a passionate advocate for children and health equity. She has practiced medicine in Massachusetts, Texas, New Mexico and Kansas. Most recently she worked at the state level during the public health response to COVID-19 as the Senior Advisor for Vaccine Equity for Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. She received her AB from Cornell University and MD from KUMC. She has four adult children all who attended Topeka High School. She loves to knit and bake.

Sherry Hunsicker

Board Member

Sherry Hunsicker is a proud mom of two and a devoted grandma to four. After owning and successfully selling her mortgage company, Sherry chose to leave the industry to focus on what matters most—spending quality time with her grandchildren and giving back to her community. She has participated as a committee member for the Evening of Discovery, contributing her time and talents to support this important event. Sherry also actively serves on several boards and committees, where she is passionate about improving and supporting local initiatives that make a difference.

Brian Ismert

Board Member

Brian Ismert is a Wealth Management Advisor and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company. A Topeka native, Brian attended Seaman High School and later graduated from Kansas State University after spending two years at Johnson County Community College (JCCC). While at JCCC, Brian served as President of the Student Government and earned All-American honors as a cross-country and track athlete. Since graduating from K-State in 2000, Brian has built a successful financial services practice. He returned to Topeka in 2003 with his wife, Laura, and they have three children: Rylee, Camden, and Natalie, who are part of the Washburn Rural school district. Brian’s family has a personal connection to the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, as both his daughter and son have volunteered at the museum. He reflects fondly on KCDC as a safe, fun learning environment for his children when they were younger, calling it a "special treasure in Topeka." Brian enjoys golfing, morning runs, and supporting his children’s activities.

Sarah Jacobson

Board Member

Sarah Jacobson grew up in St. Marys, where she continues to maintain strong ties to the community. She previously worked as an Industrial Services Representative with Kansas Gas, where she gained valuable experience in community relations and service. In addition to her professional background, Sarah is an active volunteer with Meals on Wheels, demonstrating her commitment to making a meaningful impact in the Topeka community. Herconsistent and impactful volunteerism reflects her passion for helping others. Sarah is excited to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to the board. She is already contributing valuable insights for the Evening of Discovery and looks forward to supporting the mission and vision of the Discovery Center.

Mariella Kennedy

Board Member

Mariella Kennedy is a lifelong Topekan and Birthplace nurse at Stormont Vail Health, dedicated to community service. Her career path involves volunteering at the Discovery Center, later being hired as a Gallery Assistant, and promoted to management. “The Discovery Center community has always supported me in my goals,” explains Mariella, “and having grown up in the Discovery Center community, I can see how this work supports the potential in every child.”

Maribeth Kuzbel

Board Member

Maribeth Kuzbel was born and resided in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for 37 years before moving to Northern Virginia. She is married to husband Jeff for 33 years with four children Joshua, Jake, Michael and Courtney. Her husband’s job with FHLBank brought them to Topeka in August 2021. Maribeth has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Duquesne University where she worked as a cardiac nurse in various hospitals. Maribeth enjoys reading, is active in bible study, and is an avid pickleball player. Maribeth and Jeff have become immersed in all that the Topeka community has to offer.

Rachel Marsh

Board Member

Rachel Marsh Rachel serves as CEO of the Children's Alliance of Kansas, where she collaborates with child welfare experts to lead public policy advocacy efforts to strengthen the child and family wellbeing system, Rachel received her law degree and masters in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. She enjoys hanging out with her two teenage daughters. She spends her free time in her garden and on local trails.

Kim Patton

Board Member

Kim Patton is an elementary school librarian in the Seaman Unified School District where she started in 2009. She is a lifelong resident of Topeka where she graduated from Seaman High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Washburn University. She went on to earn her master’s degree in Library Science from Emporia State University. She and her husband, Fred, have 3 children: Zach, Andrew & Emily. Kim is passionate about serving the community where she lives to make it a place others will love to call home. In addition to the time she spends volunteering for her kids’ schools and the Topeka Zoo, Kim also serves as chair of the Library Foundation Trustees for the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library and on the Ballet Midwest Board of Directors.

Annie Stryker

Board Member

Annie Stryker, a Topeka native, has been a first grade teacher at Pauline Central Primary school for the past 17 years. She received her Masters in Special Education at Kansas State University. She and her husband Travis have three children, ages 15, 12, and 9. They have been members and supporters of the Discovery Center since the museum opened in 2011.

Stephanie Valley

Board Member

Stephanie Valley Stephanie Valley’s passion for designing led her to a Fine Arts degree in Textile Design from the University of Kansas. For twelve years she worked as an interior designer at Linda Lee Interiors in Topeka and as the production director of The Sewing Workshop Pattern Collection. She is the author of two sewing books by Taunton Press and is currently a realtor with Valley Inc. Realtors. Stephanie and her husband John have two adult sons and own Valley Self Storage.

B. Kent Garlinghouse

Founding Board Chair

Bill Anderson, D.M.A.

Founding Board Vice-Chair

Michael Orozco

Founding Board Treasurer

Stewart Entz

Founding Board Secretary

Joanne Harrison

Founding Board Member

Missy Hiestand

Founding Board Member

Albert Lei

Founding Board Member

Jason Newell

Founding Board Member

Beverly Thompson

Founding Board Member

Lambert Wu, M.D.

Founding Board Member

Craig Yorke, M.D.

Founding Board Member