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Great Explorations will be closed on Sunday, April 9th, 2023.

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. Ā  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 learning • Innovation through collaborative play • Passion for fostering growth

Accreditations

Great Explorations is the first mid-size children’s museum in the country to achieve AAM accreditation.Ā  The museum joins the ranks ofĀ the Metropolitan Museum of Art,Ā Salvador Dali Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, andĀ 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
(She/Her) Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
ahowell@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 208
Alan Kahle
(He/Him) Chief Operating Officer (COO)
akahle@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 205
Laurel Ginn
(She/Her) 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
(She/Her) Director of Educational Programs
cpersonius@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 219
Emily Barnes
(She/Her) 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
(She/Her) Development Manager
jbell@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 230
Ayanna Tyler
(She/Her) Administrative Assistant
atyler@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 218
Jay Shull
(He/Him) Exhibits Manager
jshull@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 202
Jakob Laird
(He/Him) Facility Manager
jlaird@greatex.org
(727) 821-8992 ext 210
Kim Stockton
(She/Her) Marketing and PR Manager
kstockton@greatex.org
7278218992 ext 220
Emmet Scales
(He/Him) Creative Marketing Specialist
escales@greatex.org
7278218992 ext 226
Gina Barker
(She/Her) Brand Ambassador
info@greatex.org
7278218992 ext
Demi Kennedy
(She/Her) Guest Experience Manager
dkennedy@greatex.org
7278218992 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

Jason Palmer

Board Chair

Natalie Gebicke

Past Chair

Melissa Pinkerton WMS

Vice Chair

John-Erik Johansson

Treasurer

Lauren Carlan

Secretary

Board

Jack Austin

Jenna Bell, PhD, RD

Anthony Brown

Kara Rowe, C.P.A.

Haviland Kebler

Jordan Loebel

Lieutenant Commander Dick Jensen, US Navy

KellyGene (KG) Hays

Michael Rachesky

Victoria Mazur

Brooks Wallington

Katherine Childs

Jason Jensen, AIA LEED, AP

Martha Fabelo, MD

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