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About Us

Our Mission

To foster lifelong learning for children and families through dynamic educational experiences.

Our Vision

To become a destination that ignites and cultivates the potential of children through creativity, discovery, and development.

 

Our History

Founded in 2002, the Children’s Discovery Museum (CDM) began in a 5,060-square-foot space in downtown Victoria. In 2017, the museum opened its new home inside the historic Playhouse Cinema, a beloved local landmark, expanding to more than 10,000 square feet of interactive learning space.

CDM is dedicated to inspiring children and families to learn through play, exploration, and creativity in a welcoming environment designed for discovery. Through immersive exhibits and hands-on experiences, children are encouraged to think critically, solve problems, express themselves creatively, and develop both fine and gross motor skills.

Outdoor and indoor exhibit spaces invite children to use their whole bodies and imaginations as they explore science, art, culture, and everyday life. In addition to exhibits, CDM serves families across the Golden Crescent region through educational programming, camps, outreach initiatives, field trips, and special community events.

For more than two decades, CDM has been a regional leader in learning through play, creating meaningful experiences that spark curiosity, strengthen family connections, and inspire a lifelong love of learning.

CDM Leadership Team

Stacy Simnacher, Executive Director

Jennifer Boatwright, Operations Director

Samantha Cazares, Education Director

Board of Directors

Matthew Keener, Chair

Elizabeth Kopecky, Member

Michelle Schaar, Vice Chair

Jake Truss, Member

Mike Samford, Past Chair

John Quitta, Member

Casey Shellenbarger, Treasurer

Kate Lauger, Member

Brittany Stauts, Secretary

Kayla Koenig, Member

Geri Schroeder, Nominating Chair

Macy Ybarbo, Member

Betty Jo Elder, Charter Member/Advisory Chair

Marie Plemons, Charter Member

Ashley Strevel, Member

Rachel Baucom, Member

Carol Dippel, Member

Taylor Brown, Member

Cora Jo Hummel, Member