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About Us

For over 35 years, Great Explorations has been Tampa Bay’s preeminent children’s museum supporting practical learning applications through a proven creative curriculum.   Our mission remains focused on stimulating learning through creativity, play and exploration.

As the nation’s first children’s museum to open a licensed preschool, we are proud to stimulate curiosity and provide enrichment through a carefully curated hands-on learning environment.

WE STAND FOR:

Empowerment of expressive learningInnovation through collaborative playPassion for fostering growth

Accreditations

Great Explorations is the first mid-size children’s museum in the country to achieve AAM accreditation.  The museum joins the ranks of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Salvador Dali Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, and Indianapolis Children’s Museum.

Meet Our Staff!

We believe that every child can reach their full potential through personal, real life learning applications, in a creative environment. Check out our incredible certified staff below!

Angeline Howell
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
ahowell@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 208
Alan Kahle
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
akahle@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 205
Laurel Ginn
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
lginn@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 228
Morris
Morris The Explorasaurus - Chief Executive Dinosaur (CED)
morris@greatex.org
IG: @morris_explores ext
Chel Personius
Director of Educational Programs
cpersonius@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 219
Emily Barnes
Assistant Director of Preschool
ebarnes@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 234
Matthew Hilts
Assistant Director of School Age
mhilts@greatex.org
7278218992 ext 215
Jennifer Bell
Development Manager
jbell@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 230
Alyson McKenzie
Program Evaluator & Grant Writer
amckenzie@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 250
Alex Sirimarco
Development Assistant
asirimarco@greatex.org
(727)821-8992 ext 221
Ayanna Tyler
Membership Coordinator/Administrative Assistant
atyler@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 218
Jay Shull
Exhibits Manager
jshull@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 202
Jakob Laird
Facility Manager
jlaird@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 210
Ryan Jenny
Environmental Service Aide
info@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext
Kim Stockton
Marketing and PR Manager
kstockton@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 220
Emmet Scales
Creative Marketing Specialist
escales@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 226
Lauren Sutton
Social Media & Brand Coordinator
lsutton@greatex.org
(727)821-8992 ext 211
Gina Barker
Brand Ambassador
info@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext
Jasmine Hatcher
Interactive Education Manager
jhatcher@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 267
Krista Foster
Critter Specialist & Guest Experience Assistant Manager
kfoster@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 214
Bella Perkins
Guest Experience Assistant Manager
bperkins@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 214
Demi Kennedy
Volunteer Engagement Manager
dkennedy@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 236

Meet Our Board!

The Board of Trustees at Great Explorations Children’s Museum supports the mission, vision, and work of the Museum by engaging in Museum programs and events, advising on the management of the staff and facilities, providing financial support, and acting as advocates for the Museum in the community. Our Board is comprised of members from a variety of areas of expertise, backgrounds, and interests. In addition to Great Explorations Children’s Museum’s 19 current Trustees, we have an Ex Officio, Scott K. Wagman.


Trustees attend board meetings throughout the year, a Board Retreat, and various museum events. All members also are involved in at least one committee. Trustees assist in the recruitment of additional members to add to the diversity of the Board, by inviting community members, colleagues, and friends with an interest in the advocacy of children, play and early child development to become involved.

Executive Board

Melissa Pinkerton

Board Chair

Jason Palmer

Past Chair

Lauren Carlan

Vice Chair

Kara Rowe, C.P.A.

Treasurer

Jordan Loebel

Secretary

Board

Anthony Brown

Katherine Childs

Donna Cothron

Martha Fabelo, MD

KellyGene (KG) Hays

Alex Jaber

Alicia Jackson

Jason Jensen, AIA LEED, AP

Haviland Kebler

Vanessa King

Victoria Mazur

Megan R. Michalski, Esq.

Rainer Pelzel

Mike Rachesky

Dr. Bhumi Upadhyay, MD FAAP

Brooks Wallington

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