Lisa Gibson

Executive Director
lisa@stny.rr.com

Lisa Gibson has been employed with the Regional Science & Discovery Center since May, 2001. Lisa started as the Site Manger when the center was located at the Arnott Mall location. In 2006, SDC decided to change its direction and become solely an outreach program. At that time, Lisa became the Business Manager and a few years later, became the Deputy Director. In 2018, Lisa was promoted as the Executive Director. She graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a BS in Hospitality Management. Lisa’s background is in Human Resources Management.

Patricia Dann

Director of Development and Communications
pdann2@stny.rr.com

Patricia graduated from Simmons College, Boston Mass., with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Some of her experience includes being the former director of Glen Curtiss Museum, and being past president of the Painted Post Historical Society.

As a founding member of the SDC, Patricia joined in 1994 at the very beginning. With her vision as Executive Director, the SDC has thrived from year to year.

Christine Stull

Educational Program Coordinator
christine.s@sdcsciencecenter.org

Christine joined the SDC staff in 2010 as an elementary and middle school educator for grades K-8.

Previously Christine served as a long-term substitute teacher for the Corning Painted Post School District.  Her responsibilities included creating original lesson plans to meet the diverse needs of students grades K-12 and working collaboratively with all teachers. She is actively involved in community volunteer efforts.

A graduate of Corning Community College with a degree in Science, Christine also completed undergraduate and graduate degrees in Childhood Education from Elmira College.

Bruce McLaren

Lead Educator
lab@sdcsciencecenter.org

Bruce McLaren joined the SDC staff in 2002 and serves as educator for upper elementary grades for in-class and virtual programs and for the Science Show.

Bruce has prior teaching experience, covering elementary through post-secondary levels, and has designed internet systems for various global corporate and educational applications.

Bruce earned an undergraduate degree from Canada’s McGill University as well as a graduate teaching diploma, and graduated with honors from Alfred University with an MBA. He is bilingual and a talented musician.

Cynthia Beecher

Educator
cynthia.b@sdcsciencecenter.org

Cynthia has served regionally as a Preschool / Pre K / After School teacher at Creative Kids Preschool and More, creating and implementing age-appropriate lesson plans for youth.  Cynthia graduated from Corning Community College earning a degree in Liberal Arts.

She then graduated with honors earning a bachelor’s degree from Niagara University.

Makenzie Witter

Educator
makenzie.w@sdcsciencecenter.org

Makenzie comes to the SDC with a wealth of experience from working as the educator at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, where she concentrated on creating aviation, engineering, and other STEAM programming for schools and public events. She also interned in the education department at the Allentown Art Museum and worked at the Corning Museum of Glass and the Rockwell Museum.

She earned a Master of Arts in Museum Professions, with a focus in Education, from Seton Hall University and a Bachelor of Arts from Albright College.

Kari Thomas

Educator
kari.t@sdcsciencecenter.org

Kari joined the SDC staff as an after-school educator. She has 10 years of experience mentoring and working with youth in out-of-school programs.

She has worked as an Activity Specialist, Group Leader and Site Supervisor for Kids Adventure Club. Kari also worked with youth at the Laura Richardson Houghton Youth Center in Corning, as a Program Aide. She was a Youth Mentoring Site Coordinator for Family Service Society in Corning.

Kari graduated from Corning Community College with a degree in Business Administration.