Meet Our Team

  • STAFF

    • Melody Kraus
      Founding Executive Director

      Melody Kraus

      Founding Executive Director

      Melody Kraus has served non profit and religious organizations for over 20 years. As an Ordained Elder, Kraus is highly regarded in the United Methodist Church system, and has served in Mont Belvieu, Pearland, Deer Park and Dickinson. Kraus lives in Mont Belvieu, TX with her husband and 3 children. Click HERE to email Melody.

    • Courtney Dorsey
      Program Director

      Courtney Dorsey

      Program Director

      Courtney Dorsey has taught various grade levels and subjects throughout the past eight years. She has a degree in Communication from The University of Texas at San Antonio. After graduating, she found her passion for teaching and began that career. Courtney believes that learning through exploration and questioning is vital in creating lasting educational achievements. She resides in Chambers County with her husband, Denton, and two boys, Reese and Jack. Courtney is excited to be the Program Director and the opportunity to help children in the community grow into lifelong learners. Click HERE to email Courtney.

    • Kenzie Simunek
      Innovation Expert Weekend Manager

      Kenzie Simunek

      Innovation Expert Weekend Manager

      Hi! I am Mackenzie Simunek but I go by Kenzie. I have an older sister, Maddie, and a younger brother, Colton. I currently live with my Mom and Dad. I have two dogs, Boomer and Bentley. Currently, I am attending school at Lee college to get an associates in science and then plan to go to a dental hygiene school. During my free time, my favorite things to do are go to Schlitterbahn and hangout with my friends and family. At the museum, I love seeing kids smile and helping them find things that interest them. Fun fact: I was the mascot at Barbers Hill for about five years. Here are a few of my favorite things:

      • Favorite color: Pink
      • Favorite food: Cheese Sticks
      • Favorite season: Summer
    • Lizbeth Barrera
      Innovation Expert Program Manager

      Lizbeth Barrera

      Innovation Expert Program Manager

      Hi! I am Lizbeth Barrera! I am the middle child in my family. I have two brothers. I am attending Lee College to get my associates degree and be a paralegal. At the museum, I love making a kid’s day and seeing them walk out with a smile on their face wanting to come back soon. In my free time I love to spend time with my family. Fun Fact: I’m bilingual! Here are a few of my favorite things:

      • Favorite Color: Pink
      • Favorite Food: Sushi
      • Favorite Season: Fall
    • Cornell Jones
      Innovation Expert

      Cornell Jones

      Innovation Expert

      Hi! I am Cornell Jones. I have three younger sisters and a dog named Charlie that likes chasing bubbles. I am attending Lee College, and will then transfer to a university to study Marketing. In my free time I like to exercise, draw, and swim. At the museum, I love bringing positivity and influencing creative thinking. Fun Fact: I practice Jiu Jitsu training as a hobby and fitness. Here are a few of my favorite things:

      • Favorite Color: Rain Forest Green 
      • Favorite Food: Salmon and rice
      • Favorite Season: Fall, the perfect weather 
    • Alex Reed
      Innovation Expert

      Alex Reed

      Innovation Expert

      Hi! I am Alexandra Reed but I go by Alex. I have a little brother who’s in 7th grade. I have 3 pets; a golden retriever, Biscuit, and two cats, Franklin and Candee. Currently, I am attending San Jacinto College to pursue Teaching E-6th grade. During my free time, I like to paint or draw outdoor scenes, as well as visit the movie theater. I like working with kids and seeing them excited about exploring the museum. Fun fact: I have been to Japan and Singapore. Here are few of my favorite things:

      • Favorite Color: Pink
      • Favorite Food: Ramen
      • Favorite Season: Spring
    • Penny Robinson
      Innovation Expert

      Penny Robinson

      Innovation Expert

      Hi! I am Penny Robinson. I am married to my husband of 43 years, Marty. We have a daughter, Alicia Hamilton, son-in-law, Jeff Hamilton, and grandchildren, Braeden, Cadence, and Levi Hamilton. We also have a son, Ryan Robinson, daughter-in-law, Samantha Robinson, and grandson, Rogan Robinson. I have a husky, Cooter. I like to read and do yard work in my spare time. At the museum, I love seeing the kid’s faces when they interact with the exhibits. Fun fact: I was named Penny because I had copper colored hair when I was born. Here are a few of my favorite things:

      • Favorite Color: Green
      • Favorite Food: Shrimp (cooked anyway)
      • Favorite Season: Fall
    • Jasmine Pratt
      Innovation Expert

      Jasmine Pratt

      Innovation Expert

      Hi! I am Jasmine Pratt! I have a younger brother and sister. I also have 3 dogs. During my free time I like to read or hang out with my family and friends. Fun fact: My birthday is on my parents’ anniversary. Here are a few of my favorite things:

      • Favorite Color: Navy Blue & Yellow
      • Favorite Food: Chick-Fil-A
      • Favorite Season: Fall & Winter 
    • Jordan Jones
      Innovation Expert

      Jordan Jones

      Innovation Expert

      Hi! I am Jordan Jones. I’m married and we have a son and a daughter. I have a dog named Cas. During my free time, I like to take my son to the park, read, and play video games with my family. At the museum, I like making new friends and having a fun place to take my kids. Fun fact: I was a surrogate! Here are a few of my favorite things:

      • Favorite Color: blue
      • Favorite Food: beef fajita nachos from iguana joes
      • Favorite Season: Fall
    • Averi Henderson
      Innovation Expert

      Averi Henderson

      Innovation Expert

      Hi! I am Averi Henderson! I am the youngest of 4 girls. I have a dog named Kooper. I am attending Lee College for basics with a plan to transfer to the University of Houston Clear Lake majoring in Early Childhood Education. During my free time, I love to dance and spend time with my niece Paisley and nephew Ben. At the museum, I like watching the kids’ minds bloom while using their imagination. Fun fact: I want to open my own daycare! Here are a few of my favorite things:

      • Favorite color: pink 
      • Favorite food: crabs 
      • Favorite season: Summer
    • Krista Smith
      Innovation Expert

      Krista Smith

      Innovation Expert

      Hi! I am Krista Smith! I am the oldest in my family, I have a younger brother.  I have a dog named Athena, who is a princess, a 23 year old box turtle named Red, a Russian tortoise named Muffin, and two parakeets named Dobby and Tweety. Currently, I am attending UHCL majoring in Mathematical Education. At the museum, I’m like seeing what part of the museum makes the kids most excited. In my free time, I like to crochet, read, and play video games. Fun Fact: I love to crochet and also love DC and Marvel! Here are a few of my favorite things:

      • Favorite Color: Purple
      • Favorite Food: Whataburger
      • Favorite Season: Winter
    • Claire Kraus
      Innovation Expert

      Claire Kraus

      Innovation Expert

      Hi! I am Claire Kraus! I am the oldest in my family. I have two little sisters who both go to Barbers Hill. My family LOVES cats, we have three. Their names are Azzy, Buddy, and Joy! I’m attending Centenary College of Louisiana as a Mathematics and Music double major (I play the flute!).  I’m minoring in Computer Science as well. I like my amazing coworkers and guests while I’m working at the museum! In my free time, I love to draw and play video games with my family. Fun fact: I’m part of three music groups at Centenary: The Centenary Youth Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Flute Choir. Here are a few of my favorite things:

      • Favorite Color: Pink!
      • Favorite Food: My mom’s chilli
      • Favorite Season: Fall
    • Arielle Ibarra
      Innovation Expert

      Arielle Ibarra

      Innovation Expert

      Hi! I am Arielle Ibarra. I have one older brother. I am attending Lee College,  and will transfer to University of Houston Clear Lake for a degree in accounting. In my free time I like to go thrifting. At the museum, I like to befriend my coworkers and helping kind guests. Fun Fact: I’ve been to an elevation of 14,000 feet! Here are a few of my favorite things:

      • Favorite Color: Purple
      • Favorite Food: Crawfish
      • Favorite Season: Fall
    • Sandra Reynolds
      Innovation Expert

      Sandra Reynolds

      Innovation Expert

      Hi! I am Sandra Reynolds. I am married, and have 2 sons and a new grandson. My pets are Max and Tiny. In my free time I like gardening, reading and cooking. Fun Fact: My maiden name is Pamplona. Here are a few of my favorite things:

      • Favorite Color: White
      • Favorite Food: Italian
      • Favorite Season: Summer and Christmas