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 middle and high school science in New York City. 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 enjoys living in Grand Junction and being a part of the EUREKA! team, where she hopes to continue growing the educational programs. In her free time she likes hiking, reading, running, 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, her son, Charlie, and their dog, Millie.

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.

Deanna grew up in Mesa, Colorado and has spent most of her life on the Western Slope. She earned her Associates of Arts and Early Childhood Education Certificate from Front Range Community College and finished her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from Colorado Mesa University. She has worked in higher education for roughly three years, interning in the CMU Admissions Office and served as the Engagement Coordinator for TRIO Student Support Services. She is currently enrolled in graduate school, studying Organizational Leadership through Mercyhurst University. In her spare time, you can find her mountain biking, hiking, fishing, camping, reading or doing yoga. She is so thrilled to be part of the EUREKA! Team and instill a love of science and education in the local community.

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.

Niki can't wait to get her hands back in the dirt and to share the excitement of observing, smelling, tasting, and feeling the anticipation of food growing on the land in her new and exciting role here at Eureka!  She holds a bachelor of science in Wildlife and Fisheries from the University of Arizona and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Alaska Anchorage.  She has been a field biologist at home and abroad, a park ranger, yoga instructor and classroom teacher.  She has a deep love of travel and collecting life experiences.  Niki has a love of languages and words and loves being outside to walk, to watch, to be.  She loves to travel far and wide with her husband, Dan, and two daughters, Annika and Rosie.  If had to pick, Niki would choose sea kayaking in Alaska as her number one favorite outdoor activity, though backpacking is right up there.  Here in Colorado, you can find her on the mesa Nordic skiing with her dog, Toko, or out on the trails hiking.

The joy of being around children experiencing the excitement of science in action at Eureka! and being immersed in experiential science makes her overflow with joy - what a world we have and get to learn about!

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 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!

Callie grew up in Grand Junction, and was always interested in music and the sciences. They went on to attain a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from Oakland University before returning to give back to their home. Now, they love to inspire students about science, and spend their free time writing, painting, and developing community!

"You can really work with LEGO's for a living?"

When I graduated in the Spring of 2022, I was sure I'd just settle for Software Development, work a 9-5, and save my passions for what time was left. Instead, Eureka has proven to be a space where I can work on something new every day. I am always excited to see what new challenges each day brings! 

As a lifelong maker I grew up taking electronics and gadgets apart to figure out how they work. Now, every day's different designing, constructing, and repairing exhibits. Anything robotic, electronic, or interactive is my comfort zone. In addition to exhibits, I'm also lucky to have the opportunity to give back to our community through FIRST Lego League, the youth robotics program that shaped me as a young STEM student. Now I get to spend each day around incredible individuals - each willing to share their own passions. This environment of constant learning means my job is a process and a journey. It's never as basic as "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

When I'm not out coaching Robotics teams, I can be found with my arms deep in the innards of an exhibit or working in the basement workshop late into the night. I love model-making, rock climbing, and classic Sci-Fi. 

Michelle holds an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences from Colorado Mountain College. She has worked in the Media & Publishing industry as Photo Editor, Advertising Director , and Co-Publisher since 2009. Michelle always says “if you want to try and make a difference in your community , get involved and volunteer!

Aliyah is overjoyed to be joining the Education Team at EUREKA! as a STEAM Instructor! She recently moved to Grand Junction from Columbus, Ohio in order to get closer to the mountains and red rock she has loved since she was a little kid. Aliyah graduated from The Ohio State University with her degree in English Literature, then became a high school English teacher through Capital University’s post-degree education licensure program, which included student teaching in Auckland, New Zealand. She spent five years teaching in Hebrew and public school settings before making the shift to museum education. She hopes to continue growing as an educator and advocate for hands-on, experiential learning!

In her spare time, Aliyah enjoys reading, writing about her travels, and hiking with her partner and charming rescue dog, Sharky, who can be best described as a gremlin. Her favorite book genres include science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism. Aliyah is particularly excited to be living in a place with ample opportunity for enjoying another of her passions: skiing. She learned to ski in the Rockies and cannot wait to hit the slopes as a Colorado resident!

Natalie is a part-time STEAM Instructor, with a Bachelors of Science in Outdoor Recreational Studies. Natalie helps with Friday STEAM and No School Day Camps, After School sites, and tutoring in District 51. Natalie also supports the Environmental Institute by assisting with trips throughout the Grand Valley.

Coming soon!

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 our 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!

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 NEST and share the fun of science with kids and adults alike!

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.

Coming soon!

Hi! My name is Lauryn! I am from Littleton, Colorado and I go to CMU. I am majoring in elementary education with an emphasis on Social Science. I started working at Eureka in 2021 and have loved it here. It's such a wonderful thing to watch children learn and grow, and the fact I can inspire students to have a love for STEAM is a plus. I love to travel and hope to after I've graduated. When I am not working or at school, you'll find me hiking, cuddling up with a blanket watching movies or just going for drives. I hope I continue to inspire students to reach for new goals and to help them navigate the emotions life has to offer.

Hello! My name is Ali, and I am from Fruita, Colorado! I am a senior at CMU studying History/ Secondary Education! I spend my time running, biking, and camping! I love Type II fun, and I love to spend time with my family and friends! I have three dogs that I love to adventure with!! I am so excited for all the campers this summer and the Environmental Institute!

Hello! My name is Kylee, and I am from Fruita, Colorado. I am currently a CMU student working to get my BFA in Studio Arts with a emphasis on ceramics. I love to spend my free time camping, fishing, rock climbing, making art, and spending time with my pets. I began working at Eureka in the summer of 2021 and have looked forward to going to work everyday! Teaching kids to be curious, creative, and kind is one of my greatest passions and I am so lucky to be apart of the Eureka team! 

Coming soon!

Hi! My name is Adam Henry and I am majoring in K-12 Art Education with an emphasis on Secondary Education at CMU. I love art and  how it helps to stay creative, invent,  and look at the world from other's perspectives. I have always enjoyed teaching and I'm excited to be at EUREKA! In my free time, I enjoy creating art, playing guitar, board sports, reading and hockey. I look forward to sharing my passion for art and learning to students!

Hi everyone! My name is Pete Noreen. I Study Environmental Science and Outdoor Recreation at CMU. I really enjoy sharing my passion for the natural sciences and the outdoors through outdoor education. I am super excited to help younger students develop a passion for STEAM. In my free time I enjoy rock climbing, hiking, and mountaineering. I can't wait to get out and have some fun with students!!

Hi all! My name is William Vrooman and I am from Mack, Colorado. I decided to stay in the Grand valley to purse my degree in Mechanical Engineering with the hopes of eventually going into robotics. I love taking things apart, figuring out how they work, then rebuilding them with a better understanding of how they function. When I’m not repairing exhibits or creating new ones, I am spending my time with friends, as well as my partner and our lovely kitten Athena. I also practice voices and accents a hobby!

Hello, my name is Alex Campbell and I am from Denver, Colorado. I have been in Grand Junction for five years studying mechanical engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder through the CMU Engineering Partnership program. I am very excited to be a member of the EUREKA! staff maintaining and developing new exhibits. In my free time I enjoy mountain biking, skiing, and exploring the great outdoors. I hope to create a fun and interactive environment where kids can learn about science.

Hi my name is Emmy, I'm 19 and working towards my Bachelor's degree in the Science of Business Administration so I can open a brick and morter for my clothing business. Following my bliss means focusing on life long learning, body building, and spending time with loved ones. 

Wherever life takes you, always have fun. 

Hi! My name is Katie Ray and I am currently a student at Colorado Mesa University. I am studying elementary education with an emphasis in English! I have always loved teaching and I have a strong passion to inspire a love for learning in kids, and I believe STEAM education is super beneficial for everyone. When I'm not at school or work, you'll find me hiking, camping, skiing, or reading a book. I am so excited to begin my adventure at EUREKA!

I'm a student with Colorado Mountain College getting an Associate of Arts! I was born in California but have grown up here in Grand Junction Colorado. I'm a firm believer that knowledge is power and am passionate about education. I love being outdoors rafting, hiking, camping. Being outside fuels my creativity! I love all forms of art and creative expression. 

Hello! My name is Bryan Hillman, I’m a freshman at CMU majoring in Secondary Education: History. I’m a huge fan of history, and history interconnects with science in so many ways. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, writing, and playing tabletop board/card games. I’m excited to help out, and learn skills through EUREKA!

Hi my name is Elise Barnes. I am a senior at CMU getting my degree in Nursing and a minor in Business Administration. I am also an active member in one of the sororities on campus, Alpha Sigma Alpha. When I am at Eureka it is usually because there is a birthday party happening!!!! When I'm not busy with school or work, I love to bake, cook, paint, watch movies or hangout with my cat, Willow!