Meet the Team!
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller
Our Team
Steven Schnell
Executive Director
Amanda Blades
Education and AmeriCorps Program Director
Keri Owen
Development Director
Raven Howard
Operations Administrator
Faith Lockwood
Early Childhood Program Coordinator
Jess McIntyre
Technology Program Coordinator
Brayden Ingham
Animal Education Coordinator
Emma Litke
Museum Experience Facilitator
Sofie Kramer
Operations Assistant
Giules Engelman
Operations Assistant
Steven Schnell
Executive Director
Steven Schnell holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Information Systems from the University of Nevada, Reno.
His vision for the future of The Science Zone is to enable kids to develop a strong interest in and passion for the sciences and the natural world.
Steven is an avid mountain biker, climber, snowboarder, backpacker, kayaker and enjoys being outdoors as much as possible enjoying everything from trekking in Patagonia, Chile to cycling to Yellowstone. Steven is a proud Eagle Scout, and the Fat Fish Racing Mountain Biking group.
He treasures the time spent with his twin girls as their family explores the world around them.
Keri Owen
Development Director
Keri Owen was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming. With years of Federal grant experience, she was so excited to work with The Science Zone as the Development Director. Starting in 2018 as a volunteer grant writer, and before then as a community partner, she brings years of knowledge and dedication to the Zonian team. With her degrees in early childhood education and youth development, and many years in nonprofit work, she is passionate about moving the mission, to inspire curiosity, forward to engage children, youth, families, and the community.
Faith Lockwood
Early Childhood Program Coordinator
Faith, Early Childhood Coordinator at The Science Zone, holds an A.A. in Early Childhood Education and an Infant Toddler Director's Credential. She leads educational outreach for preschool programs, fostering a love for science early on. Additionally, she teaches at-risk middle and high school girls, empowering them to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams through positive interactions, and the power of science.
Jess McIntyre
Technology Program Coordinator
Jess is passionate and dedicated to technology education. After 3 years of experience as a computer science and game design instructor at Code Ninjas, they moved to lead the technology education program here at The Science Zone! Jess's expertise in game design and app development earned them national recognition, including two honorable mentions from NCWIT's Aspirations in Computing and the 2021 Wyoming winner in the Congressional App Challenge.
In their free time, you can find Jess spending too much money on concerts and their hamster.
Raven Howard
Operations Administrator
Meet Raven, the Operations Administrator at The Science Zone. She is the behind-the-scenes powerhouse who ensures that everything runs smoothly—from exhibits to events. Raven’s goal is to make sure every visitor has an enjoyable experience, and add the details that bring each program to life.
With a background in stagecraft and costuming, Raven brings expertise in set design and environment creation, helping to create engaging spaces that make science accessible to all. Outside of work, her passion for art and music, particularly bands like Ghost and musicals like The Phantom of the Opera, influence her creative approach to designing interactive exhibits and organizing events such as birthday parties and Family STEAM Nights.
Amanda Blades
Education and AmeriCorps Program Director
Nature and science have always been a driving force in Amanda’s life and she is excited for the ability to share that sentiment with children and communities across Wyoming. On The Science Zone team, Amanda is known as our Education Director. She has brought with her a strong
motivation to further the expansion of our education department, provide support to the AmeriCorps members, and instill her passion for science education in the community.
She brings to the table a diverse background of experience and education. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation from Humboldt State University. Multiple Associate of Science degrees in Animal Behavior Management, Animal Training Management & Wildlife Education from Moorpark College’s Exotic Animal Training and Management Program. She is also a Registered Veterinary Technician. Amanda has owned and
operated a nature-oriented Early Education facility here in Casper. She has also participated in plenty of fieldwork throughout the years focusing on conservation, disease, and environmental awareness.
Amanda is a Wyoming transplant who deeply loves this state. She moved here with the intention of beginning her family and has found this to be their home for the foreseeable future. Her children were born here in Casper, and as a family, they have been Science Zone members for years. The Casper community is something they are proud to be a part of and she is thrilled to be part of the Science Zone’s future. When not working or enjoying community events they
can be found spending their time rock hounding, camping, kayaking, and in general being outside in nature as a family.
Brayden Ingham
Animal Education Coordinator
Brayden, a long-time animal enthusiast, has been associated with The Science Zone most of his life. He spends most of his time at work caring for the various animals under his supervision. When he isn't at work, he is probably found furthering his schooling. His current studies focus on American Sign Language/Deaf studies and Zoology/Herpetology. If for some reason he isn't doing either of those, he is probably playing video games, taking photos, or doing some outdoor shenanigans, all while procrastinating...
Emma Litke
Museum Experience Facilitator
Emma has been working at The Science Zone since January of 2022. She is currently attending Casper College with a major in Business Administration. In her free time, she loves downhill skiing and snowboarding. When it’s not the winter, she loves taking road trips or going on picnics in Casper’s beautiful parks and mountains.
Sofie Kramer
Operations Assistant
Sofie works the front desk and gift shop at The Science Zone! She also loves lending a hand with the animals. Sofie has been connected to The Science Zone for years, attending summer camps every year as a kid.
Now a student at NCHS, Sofie enjoys math and art classes. Outside of school, she stays active with volleyball and snowboarding.
Giules Engelman
Operations Assistant
Giules loves all science, but their favorite is most definitely astronomy. Outside of work, they love to participate in the arts, especially performance. You can find Giules singing, dancing, and acting with the local performance arts companies. They also paint, with dinosaurs and planets being some of their favorite subjects. Giules has a black cat named Freddie Mercury (he is an absolute menace). They are an Aquarius, and their favorite color is phthalo green.
Brooke Harmon
AmeriCorps Member
Brooke has always had a passion for animals, fostered from a young age, especially for those considered unusual or creepy. She is currently attending Casper College to obtain an associate’s degree in biology and plans to pursue a master’s degree in zoology. With many years of working with animals and people ahead, her role as an AmeriCorps member at The Science Zone provides valuable experience for her future. At home, she enjoys spending her free time with her three snakes, bearded dragon, and cat. Outside of The Science Zone, you can find her creating art in various forms, reading, being in nature, and doing independent research on topics of interest.
Carter Boltz
AmeriCorps Member
Carter spends their days at The Science Zone dedicated to all things botany while pursuing a biology degree at Casper College. When not at The Science Zone, they are often found at home, experimenting in the kitchen or playing Stardew Valley. Carter is a proud plant and cat dad.
Our AmeriCorps Members
Carter Boltz
AmeriCorps Member
Brooke Harmon
AmeriCorps Member
Preston Quinn
AmeriCorps Member
Our Board of Directors
Our board commits itself to supporting the work of the staff at the Science Zone, by providing business support, connections to industry leaders, fundraising support, and helps guide the business aspects of the organization.
If you feel you would be interested in serving on the Science Zone board of directors you may inquire by contacting us. We're always looking for well connected, smart individuals who want to help us grow. Connect with us here.
We love meeting new people!