MOD Leadership
RHIANNON CRAIN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR​​
Rhiannon received her Ph.D from the University of California, Santa Cruz Center for Informal Learning and Schools where she was an NSF fellow and her B.S. from the University of Arizona in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology. She has worked with the Exploratorium, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the San Jose Children’s Discovery Museum, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Citizen Science Department conducting research on scientific language, the importance of objects in science learning settings, the emergent potential of online social networks in science learning, citizen science, and on innovation in science education.
MOD's Board of Directors
In 2012, a group of educators, parents and grandparents, scientists, business people and community leaders came together with the vision of creating a children’s museum in Santa Cruz County: A museum of discovery, enrichment, and education for the children of the area, a museum unique to Santa Cruz that would showcase the wonders of our environment, from the ocean to the forests, agriculture to entrepreneurship, and scholarship to tourism.
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Since then, our work has unfolded. We established a committed Board of Directors, drew experts for our enthusiastic Advisory Board and exhibit committee, and achieved 501(c)(3) status. Most importantly, we nailed down our vision.
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We want the museum to be an interactive space where children can explore, question and investigate at their own pace. Leveraging children’s natural curiosity, the museum will complement more formal education in an environment full of laughter, enjoyment and sharing. Parents and caregivers can explore with their children as well as observe their children’s learning process.
BRIAN SCHOLZ
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I am a widower, father of two wonderful daughters and 3 incredible grandchildren. Raised the family in Santa Cruz County since 1987. I’ve been retired for over 8 years, most recently working as a Program Manager for Plantronics. Circumstances allowed me the privilege of taking care of my granddaughter at birth, 2 or more days a week, until Covid ended our time together. We always spent at least 1 day a week at the MOD, and interacting with her there, it was easy for me to see the true value of a place of discovery. I’m happy to say even at the ripe old age of 7, she still enjoys spending time with me at the MOD, and only the scope of her imaginative use of the various activities has changed. This is what has driven me to become involved here, to help ensure this endeavor continues and grows, available for all children. Our children matter!
Founder
Patrice keet
Patrice founded MOD after 30 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist, driven by a belief that families deserve an inspiring, affordable place to learn & explore together. She holds Master's degrees in Marriage and Family Counseling and Education, served as Executive Director of Santa Cruz Montessori School, and has contributed to numerous local boards including CASA, where she's served for 12 years. A parent and grandparent of four, she remains deeply committed to Santa Cruz families..