Staff

Jenn Moore believes EUREKA! is an intersection of math, science, and art—bringing students and the community together for exhibitions, hands-on activities, and classroom learning. Moore hopes to make EUREKA! a magnet for creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. She hopes to redefine the way people think about, learn about, and interact with science and technology by making science fun for everyone.

Moore comes to EUREKA! from the Timberline Field Institute at Colorado Mountain College in Leadville where she taught courses in Natural Resource Management. Having always had a passion for science and teaching, she developed new programs, wrote grants for student driven research, and managed an internship program for students to have hands-on work experience. Previous to her work at the college she was a research hydrologist for the US Geological Survey in Grand Junction. Her educational background is in Biological Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech and Environmental Engineering from Colorado State University.

In her free time Moore enjoys mountain biking, gardening, reading books, and traveling the world with her husband Jesse and their daughters Madalyn and Acadia.

Christina joined EUREKA! in 2018 as the STEAM instructor. She is originally from the Philadelphia area, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Geology from Bryn Mawr College. After graduating, she moved to New York City for graduate school, and became a member of the first graduating class of the Master of Arts in Teaching Earth Science program at The American Museum of Natural History.

Following graduate school, Christina taught Earth Science at a high school in Sunset Park, Brooklyn and, then taught general science at an all-girls public charter middle school in the South Bronx. In the summer of 2017, she journeyed across the Atlantic to work at The American School of Tangier in Morocco, where she taught middle school science and coached elementary science.

Christina is so excited to have moved to Grand Junction and joined the EUREKA! team, where she hopes to help grow the educational programs. In her free time she likes hiking, reading, gardening, cooking, and traveling with her husband, Kishan.

Austin is a recent graduate from Colorado Mesa University, coming on with a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology. Originally from Aurora, CO, he enjoys the wide variety of activities that you can enjoy in the Western Slope. Before coming to EUREKA!, Austin spent 7 years running various programs through the City of Grand Junction Parks & Rec department including STARS summer camps and basketball programs. He loves animals of all shapes and sizes, especially all of our critter friends here at EUREKA!, and is the one to go to if you want to get up close and personal with any of our scaly/furry full time residents! Austin enjoys simple things during his free time, including hiking, camping, slacklining, and most of all, riding his motorcycle whenever he can!

Briana (aka “B”) joined the EUREKA! team in Sept. 2018. She is motivated by Eureka!'s mission to inspire a passion and respect for math and science in our communities. B considers it an honor to be involved in Eureka!'s programs from leading Pre-K family programs to travelling with active adults over 55 and working with volunteers to maintain exhibits.

Prior to joining EUREKA!, Briana taught outdoor education in Montana and at Colorado National Monument. She also taught 9th and 10th grade science at Juniper Ridge High School in Grand Junction.

In winter, B can be found ski patrolling at Powderhorn. The rest of the year she loves exploring with her husband, Paul and kids, Wren and Fisher.

Originally from Minnesota, Phaedra completed her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, is currently working towards an advanced certification in Nutrition Education, and joined EUREKA! in early 2019. A rat lover, you will most likely find her with one (or more!) of the resident rats in tow. When not practicing Muay Thai or jiu jitsu, Phaedra spends her free time hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and playing with her furry family of cats, rats, and goats.

Shannon is excited to join the EUREKA! team in May of 2020! She completed her BA in Liberal Arts with an Elementary Education License from Colorado Mesa University. Prior to her work with Eureka!, Shannon taught kindergarten and first grade for 5 years in District 51. She is excited to continue cultivating curiosity and expanding the minds of children through the education programs at Eureka! She is originally from Denver, but has fallen in love with the Western Slope. In her free time, Shannon enjoys hiking, backpacking, running, and exploring our beautiful state with her husband, Drew, and their dog, Millie.

Emily May joined the team at EUREKA! in the summer of 2020 with enthusiasm for STEAM education. She believes that all children are scientists and most enjoys seeing the wonder in her students’ eyes when they are learning and discovering science, technology, engineering, art and math. She has taught in diverse circumstances, including third grade at Dos Rios Elementary, third grade at Footprints International School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, camps and overnight programs at The Museum of Science in Boston, and high school Physics in the Peace Corps in Kenya. She received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physics and Astronomy/Astrophysics in 2010 from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming.

Emily is happiest when she is in nature and exploring the outdoors. Some of her hobbies include road biking, fly fishing, hiking, backpacking, camping and cross country skiing. She loves to travel and try new and exotic foods with her husband, Scott.

Erika is thrilled to be joining the stellar team at EUREKA! She believes strongly in the power of outdoor education, hands-on learning, and the natural sciences — and the Environmental Institute at EUREKA! is the intersection of all three! Erika approaches nature as an observer and with a sense of curiosity, she is excited to introduce students to this way of exploring. She is especially passionate about ecology, biodiversity, and symbiotic relationships in nature. 

For the past eight years, Erika has been working in public education. Most recently, she worked as the Program Director for a school-based outdoor education program in the Denver area. In her free time you can find Erika exploring the quieter nooks & crannies of our state with her husband and dog; mountain biking, backcountry skiing, rock climbing, or backpacking. 

For Erika, the joy of outdoor pursuits lies in their ability to take you to new spaces. In recent years, Erika’s favorite way of exploring has been bikepacking; she has ridden some obscure routes as well as some more well-known routes such as the Kokopelli Trail, the Colorado Trail, and the White Rim. If you run into Erika on local trails, she’d love to stop and chat.

Kelsey is overjoyed to be part of the Eureka! team, engaging in science education in the outdoors! She is a recent arrival to Grand Junction from Salt Lake City, where she was using her masters degree in bilingual education to teach dual immersion first grade. She has spent many years teaching all age groups in a variety of beautiful places including Oregon, Utah, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and the Dominican Republic. The Environmental Institute combines her passion for sparking children's natural curiosity with her love of the mountains and the desert.  She spends her free time skiing, biking, painting, and exploring with an ever-increasing community of wonderful people and dogs.

Hello! My name is Joely Anysz, and I am originally from Upstate New York and Northern Colorado. I graduated from Colorado Mesa University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with an emphasis in ecosystem management. While at CMU I grew fascinated with local sagebrush ecosystems and the Gunnison sage grouse. I enjoy learning about the soil beneath our feet and the many different aspects that join to create the ecosystem that surrounds us every day! I am so excited to be able to introduce so many students to the wonderful interdisciplinary world of STEAM! In my free time I can be found cycling, painting, and hanging out with my two one-eyed tuxedo cats, Captain and Chewie. 

Hello! My name is Maeve Bowdish, I recently moved to Grand Junction from Northern New York, where I was born and raised. It is also the location of my alma mater, St. Lawrence University, where I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. During my undergraduate career I was fortunate enough to travel to Iceland, New Zealand and several locations throughout the U.S. to study the local geology. I am very excited to bring my knowledge in the earth sciences as well as my enthusiasm for learning to EUREKA! as an Assistant Instructor during the spring and summer of 2019!

Hello! My name is Kristen Kollus and I am studying Biological Sciences with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology here at CMU. I am originally from Phoenix, Arizona where I grew up going to work with my parents who are both elementary education teachers. When I'm not working or in class you can probably find me mountain biking, camping, or doing anything else outdoors! I am a coach for the Grand Valley Youth Cycling program, and love working with kids of all ages. I'm so excited to share my passion for science and the environment and hopefully inspire a new generation to take on the wonderful world of science!

Hello! My name is Quinn Shea. I am from Aurora, Co, but have lived all around the Denver area. I studied Elementary Education Math and Applied Geology at Colorado Mesa University for 3 years and 1 year of Geology focus in Volcanics and Geothermal Engineering at Metropolitan State University Denver. I hope to finish these and work at Yellowstone or at a geologic site somewhere in Colorado! I have wide variety of interests form video games, fantasy, and art; to ice skating, rock hounding, or just being in nature. Basically, all the fun stuff!

I recently moved back out to Grand Junction for the scenery and a place to take my dog Bastion to run around with my husband and myself. I am so excited to be at EUREKA! And share the fun of science with kids and adults alike!

Hello, my name is Nicholas Tibbs, I recently graduated with my BA in Psychology from Humboldt State University. I grew up in a little small farming town called Manti in the middle of Utah where I spent my time playing sports and hunting. I have worked a variety of jobs over the years, from a sue chef at a ski resort in Lake Tahoe to a program director at the Boys and Girls Club in Humboldt County.  New to Grand Junction I am excited to continue doing what I love and be working with kids. Outside of work my interests includes almost everything that involves the outdoors. When I am not working you will find me snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking, camping or off-roading in my 4runner with my puppy Appa.

My name is Joy Davis and I am thrilled to be celebrating my 20th year as a Pre-K teacher! I am a Grand Junction native and I am very close to my family. My mother, Kathy, and my father, Don, love to be Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Don in the classroom. I hope you meet them this year! My older brother, Craig, lives in Hawaii and I love to go visit him whenever I can! I own a home with my best friend, Tom, and we have two babies - our dogs, Olaf and Ditch. When I am not in the classroom, I love to play with my dogs, ride my bike, go camping, watch movies, and read lots of books! I feel extremely privileged to be a part of your child's entry into the education journey! I believe that as Pre-K teachers, we have a very unique opportunity to make a lasting impression in the lives of our students. We are blessed with the chance to foster not only a love of learning, but also a love of living, with out children! We are so pleased that you have decided to become a part of our Nest family! Welcome to our classroom and to our year of educational adventure!

My name is Vonnie Davis and I have graduated in 2011 from CMU with a degree in sociology. I have many years of experience working with kids and enjoy the different experiences each child brings. In my down time I love reading, going to the movies, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends. I am happy to be a part of the EUREKA! staff and getting the chance to meet new people.

Gilberto G. Ramírez Macías joined EUREKA! in 2021 as the AmiGOs Coordinator. He is originally from Aguascalientes, México. 

Gilberto earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish Literature and Language with a Minor in Mass Communication from Colorado Mesa University. After graduating he started working for School District 51/Migrant Education Program as Outreach specialist. Gilberto has been working for Suehiro Japanese Restaurant since August 2005-now. 

He worked as bilingual teller/personal banker for Wells Fargo Clifton branch from March 2018-May 2021.

He participated as board member of the Western Colorado Latino Chamber of Commerce from January 2020 - September 2021.

He was certified as VIA trainer from John Hanley’s Transformational coaching academy in Los Ángeles, CA on 2016.

He was certified as transformational coach from the ATC Academia de Transformación Contemporánea in México July 2019.

He is the founder- director of Via Vitae LLC, Transformational coaching academy established on February 2020 and that serves the Latino community on the Western Colorado.

My name is Rosa. I’m a native Californian but I love Colorado.  My husband and I have lived in Grand Junction for over 30 years and I couldn’t think of a better place to raise my twin boys. Recently I retired from my teacher position at School District #51.  I love crafting, sewing and hanging out with my family.

Hi! My name is Declan Atwell and I am majoring in Mathematics with an emphasis on Secondary Education at CMU. I enjoy how math helps us describe, explore, and understand our world and I have always been enthusiastic about teaching. I'm very excited to be at Eureka! teaching young learners about STEAM. In my free time, I am exploring the outdoors in new and exciting ways. I love to expand my comfort zone and build resilience by rock climbing, highlining, and whitewater kayaking. I hope to inspire and be inspired by your kiddos :)

Hi! My name is Setareh. I'm from Houston TX  but moved to Colorado for college. I go to CMU and I'm majoring in Elementary Education with emphasis in Math. I hope to become a 3rd grade teacher. I enjoy going to hockey games and enjoying time outdoors with my friends and drinking some tea. I want to inspire kids to enjoy STEAM and show them that they can do anything if they put their mind to it.

Hello, my name is Abbey! I’m a student at CMU studying education and the outdoor recreation industry. I’m a big fan of outdoor spaces and public lands, whether that means hiking mountains, climbing rocks, snowboarding slopes, or just a leisurely hammock in the sun. Some things I value include my family and friends, dogs, music, photography, and new places/faces. I love working with kids at EUREKA! because I think they have a very inspiring perspective on the world; every day they seem to teach me something new about the world, themselves and even myself.

Hello people, my name is Niah and I am an elementary math education major. I enjoy hiking, camping, and reading. You will  most likely catch me napping in a hammock if the weather permits. After I graduate I plan on working in Denver and then traveling to Australia. Working at EUREKA! has taught me just as much as its taught the kiddos, I can't wait to see what scientists come out of our camps. 

Hi everyone my name is Julia! I am currently a sophomore at CMU on the pre-nursing track, in hopes of eventually becoming a pediatric nurse. I am a Colorado native, and if I'm not at EUREKA! or school you can catch me hiking a nearby trail. I am very excited to be working at EUREKA! and be a small part of cultivating young learners' passion for STEAM. I am eager to begin teaching the kiddos and see all that they will teach me.

Hi everyone! My name is Sora and I am majoring in Elementary Education at Mesa:) I love working with kids and watching them learn and grow. Kids at EUREKA! teach me something new everyday with their creative minds and eagerness to delve deeper into science.
Not only do I teach at Eureka, I also teach kids (and adults!) horseback riding lessons. Starting this business has been a big leap into a new world, but getting to combine my love for teaching and my love for horses has made it the most amazing experience.
My goal in life is to inspire kids to reach for the moon and even if they miss, they will land among the stars. I can not wait to see what our Eureka scientists will discover next!

Hello! My name is Jose, and I'm a Grand Junction native. I'm a student at CMU, majoring in business. I enjoy golf, basketball, and all things outdoors. I hope to inspire kids to find their love for learning, and hopefully one day to make a change in the world.

Hi! I am Desiree, and I am a senior at CMU studying pure mathematics. I was born in Los Angeles where I enjoyed the beach and sunshine. Now, I live in Grand Junction where I love hiking and kayaking. I hope to inspire kids and show them that math and science can be fun! Fun fact: I have a pet snake named Snakey No Legs.

Hi my name is Natalie Mitchell, I am from Auckland, New Zealand. I am a Junior at CMU and am on the women's triathlon team. I am majoring in Criminal Justice, and minoring in forensic Science, and Athletic Coaching. In my free time I enjoy Mountain Biking, Skiing and hanging out with my friends. After I graduate I plan on Travelling around Europe in a minivan, and exploring the cool places that Europe has to offer.

I'm a proud Colorado native with a strong passion for science! I got my Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science at Colorado Mesa University, and am currently working on my Masters in Athletic Training. I'm a big believer that exercise is our best medicine and I love advocating health and happiness to my students.

Hello! My name is Ali, and I am from Fruita, Colorado! I am a junior studying History/ Secondary Education at CMU! I spend my time running, biking, and camping! I love Type II fun (ask me about it), and I love to spend time with my family and friends! I have three dogs that I love very much, and I also have five horses!! I am so excited for all the campers this summer and to be helping with camps and the Environmental Institute!