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.
Cassidy Y. Bio
Cassidy Younghans (she/her), is a lifelong learner who is passionate about creating joyful spaces for kids to engage in natural, experiential learning (like Explorium!) She was a public school educator for 5 years before shifting to support a more holistic, play-based approach to learning. In September 2021, Cassidy began co-creating a worker-owned cooperative, Wild Roots Collective & Learning Community, in Denton, Texas where she currently serves as a lead facilitator. She is passionate about supporting liberation of young people from oppressive systems and supporting adults to do the same. Cassidy enjoys creating art, music, taking photographs, and spending time with the family, friends, and mentors who have supported her on her journey.
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 currently the principal of Ginnings Elementary School in Denton ISD. Mr. Anderson has been an educator for 19 years and has served in various roles, from paraprofessional to principal. He is also an adjunct faculty at the University of North Texas teaching in the college of education for teacher education and administration.
Mr. Anderson earned his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies (teacher education) from Texas Woman’s University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from American College of Education. He also completed the superintendent certification program at Sam Houston State University and holds Texas certifications in the following areas: superintendent, principal, classroom teacher, and paraprofessional.
Mr. Anderson is excited about the opportunity to serve on the board for Explorium and loves what the Museum has to offer for our children and families in Denton County and the surrounding areas.
