about

Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum’s mission is to engage all children and families in hands-on, fun learning experiences which contribute to their growth and development through play, creation, outdoor exploration, and STEM experiences.

Today, more than 400 children’s museums throughout the United States break the rules of traditional institutions by encouraging visitors to touch, talk, have fun, and learn. In a children’s museum, the audience is most important, not the objects. The exhibits, however, are catalysts for questions, exploration, and discovery and the entire experience is a playground for the mind.

Designed to inspire hands-on learning through play, the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum (MBCM) offers a fun, energetic, and safe environment for children of all ages. Located in downtown Greensboro, children, their families, and teachers can interact with more than 20 exhibits including the 30-foot-tall Neptune XXL Climbers and half-acre learning garden, which are each designed to stimulate children’s imaginations and provide educational play experiences.

Annual Reports

MBCM Staff

President & CEO

I’m a huge fan of the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum and have been with the organization since 2018, working first in Advancement and Marketing before taking over as the Museum’s director. I love the role that the Museum plays in our community and the impact it has had on multiple generations of families in the Triad region. My two young kids love coming to MBCM whether it’s to play (fun!) or hang out in my office (not as fun). Originally from Seattle, WA, I’ve grown to cherish Greensboro and have found community and connections here I know will last a lifetime.

p: 336.574.2898 ext. 313
e: [email protected]

COO

I came to Greensboro from my home state of Ohio by way of UNC – Chapel Hill where I received my Masters of Public Administration. I transitioned from working in economic development in the areas of business retention and entrepreneurship to my current role as the Director of The Edible Schoolyard and Education at MBCM. I love seeing first-hand how inspired kids are while working in the garden or in cooking classes. When I’m away from the Museum, you’ll find me cooking, playing with my two young children, and enjoying three out of four of the seasons.

p: 336.574.2898 ext. 320
e: [email protected]

Development Director

As a mother of two children, I have enjoyed visiting and playing in the Museum for many years. In my role, I get to bring the excitement of learning through play to many more children and families in our community. I am typically busy at work helping to celebrate kids’ special days or raising funds to ensure everyone has access to the Museum’s offerings.

p: 336.574.2898 ext. 313
e: [email protected]

Finance Director

I enjoy learning and learning atmospheres so working at the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum is exciting to me. I’ve lived in Greensboro since 1984 and remember when the Museum was the Suburu dealership. I’ve spent my entire career in a variety of accounting roles and a lot of years in non-profits. Outside of work, I enjoy photography, yardwork, traveling, and seeing my grandchildren grow up.

p: 336.574.2898 ext. 307
e: [email protected]

Facilities Director

I’ve been fortunate in my life to have Greensboro become an important city in my heart and am glad to be able to give a bit back by working with the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum. I grew up in Waxhaw and have spent almost all my life in North Carolina; building a career caring for the places and spaces where folks can experience meaningful moments with the people closest to them. The buildings we spend our lives in become deeply meaningful to us and considerate cultivation of these spaces sets the tone for great moments to unfold; as facilities director for the Museum my goal is to give all our fantastic visitors the best possible place to learn, grow, and have bunches of fun!

p: 336.574.2898 ext. 314

e: [email protected]

Edible Schoolyard Team Leader

I return to my hometown to share a deep love for growing food in community. As a Garden Educator, I align my work and Masters in Environmental Education with my experience in various farm/garden spaces. I love connecting horticulture with joyful and playful learning so that we can collectively grow our gratitude for the places, plants, and animals that give us life. Outside of work, I love to go on adventures where you’ll find myself and friends fully embracing the wonder and magic of our amazing world.

P: 336.574.2898 ext. 318

E: [email protected]

Lead Educator

Joining The Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum felt like coming home! After nine years masquerading as a New Yorker, I’ve found my way back to the Carolinas, hungry for sunny skies and a slower pace. As Lead Museum Educator, I bring my love for storytelling, creativity, and children’s education into a role that fosters embodied play and connected learning. With a background in Theater Arts, Education, and Creative Development, I’m thrilled to support spaces where young minds can explore, imagine, and grow with boundless curiosity.

I’m endlessly grateful to share in the joy and wonder of our next generation of big thinkers, dreamers, and doers. When I’m not at the museum, you’ll likely find me reading, making mugs, drinking coffee out of said mugs, and spending time with loved ones.

P: 336.574.2898 ext. 315

E: [email protected]

Sales Manager

P: 336.574.2898 ext. 316

E: [email protected]

Marketing Manager

Originally from Raleigh, Claudia brings a dynamic blend of creativity and strategy to her role at MBCM. She holds a Master’s degree in Museum Studies from UNC Greensboro and has a strong background in marketing and communication, with a particular passion for engaging families and children through museum experiences. Claudia is excited to help shape the future of the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum by connecting the community with inspiring programs and exhibits. When she’s not crafting campaigns or collaborating with her team, you’ll find her experimenting in the kitchen or curled up with her cat, Suzy.

P: 336.574.2898 ext. 302

E: [email protected]

Guest Services Team Leader, Visitor Experience

Born in Greensboro and raised in High Point, I played in the museum as a child. Since then, I have developed a deep appreciation for serving my community. I graduated from North Carolina A&T State University, where I studied Journalism and Mass Communication. My hobbies include football, music, and over-analyzing movie plots.

p: 336.574.2898 ext. 304
e: [email protected]

Exhibits & Programs Manager

Growing up in Louisiana, I was a child with a vivid imagination who loved visiting my local children’s museum. Those early experiences shaped my passion for creating environments that are both fun and educational for developing minds. I bring this perspective to my work around exhibits and programs. Outside of the Museum, I’m an aunt to 14 (and counting) nieces and nephews and enjoy baking, singing with Bel Canto Choir, hiking, and spending time with my partner, Daniel.

p: 336.574.2898 ext. 305

e: [email protected]

Visitor Services Manager

 Working at the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum is a childhood dream come true! Growing up near major attractions in Tampa, FL, I know how powerful joyful, hands-on experiences can be. As our Visitor Services Manager, I help create those moments every day by making learning fun and memorable for every guest. With a degree in Sociology and minors in Education and Child & Family Studies from Greensboro College, I’m passionate about encouraging education through play, both in our exhibits and in staff interactions. Outside of work, I love reading, spending time with my husband and son, and making memories of our own.

p: 336.574.2898 ext. 306

e: [email protected]

2025 MBCM Board of Directors

Officers

Skip Purcell, Board Chair

Lia Reich, Chair-Elect

Emily Taylor, Treasurer

Michael Mahoney, Secretary

Members at Large

Jon Brooks

Laura Collie

Katie Cone

Rosetta Davis

Angela Draper

Kate Ettefaugh

Danny Gatling

Victoria Hammett

Molly Harbaugh

Jeff Jackman

Robert Johnson

Brian Lopatka

Alex Maultsby

Mary Katherine McInnis

Virgina Spillman

Adam Tracey

Kellee Watkins

Will Womack

Nick Wilkinson

Ellie Yearns

In honor of Cynthia E. Doyle, creative visionary, volunteer extraordinaire, community activist and dedicated leader in the city’s efforts to build promising futures for our families and their children.  

The Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum is a testament to the unfailing generosity & the community spirit of Joseph McKinley Bryan, Sr. He has enlivened the lives of our children and we are forever grateful!

The Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum is requesting proposals from qualified candidates for our next big adventure. Firms with experience in fundraising or fundraising planning are encouraged to submit a proposal for work. Proposal request outline can be found here.