about

Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum’s mission is to empower young people through play. 

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.

2026-2031 MBCM Strategic Plan

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: jrieke@mbcmuseum.com

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: sashton@mbcmuseum.com

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: sclifford@mbcmuseum.com

Senior Bookkeeper

Some of my favorite memories when my four children were younger were times of imagination and free-play opportunities.  The times when they could just learn through exploration.  I get the privilege of seeing this daily while walking through the museum and am so impressed by the staff and facilities.  I have resided in multiple southern states throughout my life, now a decade each in four such states.  I graduated with a degree in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!), with an emphasis in Accounting.  My life journey has taken me through the public accounting realm, high school math teacher, financial planning, and now to non-profit bookkeeping.  I really enjoy this accounting work and the people I get an opportunity to work with daily.  When I am not working you can find me cheering on the Tide in whatever sport, doing some yardwork, going for a hike with my husband, visiting my grown children in Wilmington or Charlotte, reading, journaling, or playing with my two Labrador Retrievers. 

p: 336.574.2898 ext. 307
e: finance@mbcmuseum.com

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: greed@mbcmuseum.com

Edible Schoolyard Manager

I am a Greensboro native with a passion for educating communities about the joy and benefits of our natural world. I believe that every person should have a deep understanding of where their food comes from and the skills necessary to grow, nourish, and protect the environment we live in. With over a decade of experience in gardening and teaching, and a master’s in agriculture education, I pride myself on creating and facilitating meaningful, fun, and educational programs around food and the ecosystem that supports it. Being able to give back to my hometown and be a part of the legacy that makes Greensboro great is a dream come true! When I am not at the museum, you can find me outside exploring nature, at home reorganizing my houseplant collection, or cuddling with my cats, Baby and Trims.

P: 336.574.2898 ext. 318

E: zcarmon-rogers@mbcmuseum.com

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: kdunn@mbcmuseum.com

Kitchen Manager + Educator

P: 336.574.2898 ext. 318

E: abello@mbcmuseum.com

Sales Coordinator

Born and raised in Greensboro, the museum played a meaningful role in my childhood. Now serving as the sales coordinator I hope to support community engagement and prioritize positive guest experiences. I received my Bachelor’s in Women Gender Sexuality Studies with a minor in Sociology, grounding my work in equity and a passion for creating inclusive spaces for families. In my free time, I enjoy reading, solving murder mystery games, and aimlessly wandering through thrift stores with my friends. 

P: 336.574.2898 ext. 309

E: kmarble@mbcmuseum.com

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: jmccoy@mbcmuseum.com

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: mramsaur@mbcmuseum.com

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: adaniel@mbcmuseum.com

2025 MBCM Board of Directors

Officers

Skip Purcell, Board Chair

Lia Reich, Chair-Elect

Emily Taylor, Treasurer

Jeff Jackman, Secretary

Members at Large

Laura Collie

Katie Cone

Rosetta Davis

Angela Draper

Kate Ettefaugh

Victoria Hammett

Molly Harbaugh

Andrea Harrell

Robert Johnson

Brian Lopatka

Lauren Marshall

Alex Maultsby

Mary Katherine McInnis

Joe Newlon

Virgina Spillman

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.