Our Team

Meet the wonderful people that make the PlayHouse a fun place to be.

Meet Our Board

Debbie Simmons – Board President

Nate Thomas – Vice President

Kelly Cox – Secretary

Carly Bowles – Treasurer

Larry Simon

Robert Gentry

Dr. Trudy Giasi

Susan Tomlin

Dr. Hayley Love

Meet Our Admin Team

Christa M. Weber, Ed.S,  – Executive Director

Christa Weber assumed the role of Executive Director of Discovery Playhouse on July 5th. Christa received a Bachelor of Science from Southeast Missouri State University in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She has a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences with emphasis in Deaf Education from Washington University. She also holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and an Educational Specialist from Missouri Baptist University. Christa served 19 years in public education as a Teacher for the Deaf, Early Childhood Director, Area Coordinator for Special School District in St. Louis County, and most recently, the Director of Special Education in the Jackson R2 School District. She and her husband Matt have three daughters. Christa is most excited to join Discovery Playhouse because she is passionate about children learning through play. She believes all children learn best through hands-on experiences that are inclusive and accessible to all. Christa is looking forward to meeting the existing families that already enjoy the fun filled museum and encourages new families to come visit the many wonderful exhibits that are fun for all ages!

Contact: executivedirector@discoveryplayhouse.org

Brian Dorris Jr. — Operations Manager/Early Learning Specialist.

Brian Dorris Jr. is our Operations Manager and Early Learning Specialist. Brian has worked at Discovery Playhouse since May 2022 as an associate and supervisor. Brian is currently a student at Southeast Missouri State University and will graduate in December 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. His love for Discovery Playhouse and working with families in the community has encouraged him to take on this new role and he plans to continue to improve the already fabulous Children’s Museum of Southeast Missouri.

Contact: brian@discoveryplayhouse.org

Educational Staff

Joshua Taylor
Michael Evans

Skylar Calhoun

Rachel Bentlage

Connor Ayres

Supervisors

Layla Fliege
Emily Cowan

Creative Advisor

Amanda Pennington

Wildlife Curator

Emily Cowan

Museum Associates

Breyanah Coleman
Kam Eubank
Grace Morgan

Jody Coppage

Heather Rose

Sylvia Muchmore

Addie Thomason

Janell Windknecht

Sophia Blanton

Thank you to our incredible sponsors!