Our Board Members and Staff
Dinora Padilla-Avina Bio
Dinora Padilla-Avina is a mom of three. She has a passion for early childhood education and volunteering. Dinora graduated from TWU with her B.S. in Child development and A.A. in Teaching from NCTC. Dinora has 10 years experience working in non-profit early childhood programs. During her career she has lead two early childhood centers in earning the highest rating of quality for early childhood education through Texas Rising Star. She enjoys volunteering at Cross Timbers Community Church- CT kids, as a pre-k kids ministry teacher. Dinora seeks to connect with young children and their parents to create memorable experiences by role modeling play, engagement, and exploration.
BIO
Kara Spencer is a student, researcher, and creative who enjoys utilizing play and creative expression to connect with children and families. In December 2022, she graduated summa cum laude from TWU with a B.S. in Child Development. During her undergraduate education, she worked as an in-home caregiver, completed a 120-hour internship with Explorium, and wrote a research proposal titled Childhood Trauma and Resilience in Adult Spirituality.
Bio
Lauren Juckniewitz first and foremost is a storyteller. A storyteller with a passion for community, relationship, and providing opportunity for others to reach their fullest potential at any stage in life; to connect with their world and thrive. Lauren graduated with a bachelor’s degree in human development in 2014 from Stephen F. Austin State University and began working with nonprofits in afterschool program development and student retention. From there, secured her teaching certification and work in Denton ISD as a math and sciences teacher for 3 years. It was her work in nonprofits, education and advocacy that allowed her to develop the skills to leverage her way into grant writing and non-profit development with the intention of increasing the scope of her impact.
The foundation of her pedagogy is rooted in social and emotional development and grounded in the way she builds relationships with her students, the community and young people everywhere.
Bio
Bio
Lauren Juckniewitz first and foremost is a storyteller. A storyteller with a passion for community, relationship, and providing opportunity for others to reach their fullest potential at any stage in life; to connect with their world and thrive. Lauren graduated with a bachelor’s degree in human development in 2014 from Stephen F. Austin State University and began working with nonprofits in afterschool program development and student retention. From there, secured her teaching certification and work in Denton ISD as a math and sciences teacher for 3 years. It was her work in nonprofits, education and advocacy that allowed her to develop the skills to leverage her way into grant writing and non-profit development with the intention of increasing the scope of her impact.
The foundation of her pedagogy is rooted in social and emotional development and grounded in the way she builds relationships with her students, the community and young people everywhere.
Scott Campbell Bio
I am a 3rd generation Dentonite. I am a realtor with two sons and two grandkids…so far. Years ago, when I first heard that there were thoughts of a children’s museum in Denton, I was thrilled. When we lived in Anchorage for several years, my sons loved one there. I am looking forward to seeing the joy and wonder on the faces of my grandchildren that I saw on the faces of their fathers. The Explorium is such an great addition to the things that make Denton cool. I am honored to be on the board.
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Martha Slack Bio
Martha is an art teacher at Denton High School and a mother of 2 young girls. She met her husband while attending the University of North Texas where she received a bachelors in Painting and Drawing and a masters in Educational leadership and administration. She has worked in public education for 11 years and is passionate about providing affordable and accessible educational opportunities for families in our community.
Anderson, Cornelius Q Bio
Cornelius Q. Anderson is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Department of Teacher Education & Administration and the Director of Pathways for Future Teachers in the Educator Preparation Office at the University of North Texas (UNT).
Anderson has more than two decades of educational experience and has served in many roles—campus administrator, classroom teacher, district & campus support, and college instructor. His passion for teaching, leading, and learning has earned him recognition as “Principal of the Year” in 2015, “Turnaround Principal” in 2018, and “Educator of the Year” in 2021—in several school districts.
Anderson earned his bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies [Teacher Education] from Texas Woman’s University, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from American College of Education, a post-graduate certificate in advanced educational leadership from Sam Houston State University, and currently completing his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at UNT. In addition, he also holds Texas certifications in the areas of superintendent, principal, classroom teacher, and paraprofessional.
Anderson is excited about serving on the Explorium Board and loves what the museum has to offer for the children and families in Denton County and the surrounding areas.
