AMAZING BUTTERFLIES is open NOW! Come see us at The Science Zone, 222. E Collins Drive.

  • People in front of Sun

    Photo by Keren Fedida on Unsplash : JdTGgKOIbrs

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller

Our Team

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.

Alex Walters

Field Trip and Camp Coordinator

Alex Walters is a (soon to be) graduate of the University of Wyoming where she studied zoology. She spends her free time enjoying nature through hiking, cross-country skiing, bird watching, and studying insects. She has a passion for animals, ecology, and conservation. Alex is an enthusiastic educator who enjoys showing people all the wonders of the outdoors and the wild things that are outside our front doors!

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

My name is Raven, and I proudly serve as the Operations Administrator at The Science Zone! My job is all about ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so that visitors have the best possible experience exploring the wonders of science.

With a background in stagecraft and costuming, I bring a set of unique skills to the team, including set up experience and environment building. I’m passionate about creating a home where curiosity thrives and where everyone, regardless of age or background can engage with science and the world around us.

Outside of work, you’ll often find me doing some form of art or music, which I believe helps me bring a fresh perspective to my professional endeavors. I am usually drawing or humming something related to my favorite band, Ghost - and I find that this appreciation for artistry helps me infuse creativity into my work at The Science Zone, whether it's designing interactive exhibits or organizing engaging events, such as birthday parties and field trips!

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. 



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.

  • Board Chair: Sandy Leotta 
    • Retired Educator
  • Chair Elect: Michele Wistisen 
    • Retired Planetarium Director 
  • Secretary: Mary Larson 
    • Retired Insurance Agent 
  • Treasurer: Stacey Scott
    • Rancher & Retired CPA 
  • Immediate Past ChairMatt Kadlick
    • Marketing Director: Mountain West Technologies 
  • Kyle Gamroth
    • Manager CPU-IT & Casper City Council Member 
  • Emily Erz
    • Owner: Ironside Resources & Geologist 
  • Crystal Bell
    • Commercial Relationship Manager at First Interstate Bank
  • Dr. Tyler Quest
    • Owner: Casper Dermatology Clinic
  • Khara LeDoux
    • Computer Professionals Unlimited