Our Staff
At the Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota, every one of us is passionate about play.
Our team is committed to driving our mission of igniting the natural curiosity of every child through the power of play in a dynamic, awe-inspiring environment.
Our Front Desk staff welcome visitors with a bright smile as soon as they walk through the door. Museum Educators lead engaging programs and experiences in our exhibit spaces while playworkers are there to make sure children and families get the most out of their time at the Museum. Behind the scenes, we have many happy faces further driving the mission of Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota.
We are committed to building a team of people who uphold the highest standards of visitor experience so that every adult, child, and family has the best experience possible. If you share these same values, we’d love to hear from you about joining our team! Explore our current job openings below.
Kim Kleven
Chief Executive Officer
My best memories of childhood mostly come from being outside. Whether it was “fishing” in mud puddles or creating great “feasts” with rocks and pinecones there was a lot of imaginary play involved! These memories fuel my passion to provide these opportunities for all children!
Jaci Sprague
Vice President of Development
There was never a moment without adventure on my family’s farm with my four siblings. Growing up, my family raised an abundance of animals including horses, chickens, bunnies, hamsters, and at one point I even had my own “pet” cow, named Norbert.
Rachel Gemlo
Director of Programming
When I was little I loved playing at my grandparent’s farm, which is by a lake. We would collect baby frogs, snails and lightning bugs, play in the hay barn and go on 4-wheeler and tractor rides. I still love to do all of these things.
Crystal Olson
Director of Development
I loved swinging as a little kid. From frigid winters to hot, humid summers and every day / climate in between, you could find me on the playground swings. While swinging, I would imagine stories and adventures and write about them when I’d get home.
Kim Luiken
Director of Operations
My childhood is full of making memories with my siblings and cousins. Our imaginations took us on many wonderful adventures. From fort building in the woods to making mud pies in the backyard – there was always something new to discover in the land of make-believe!
Mike McDougall
Facilities Manager
I liked driving around town on my dirt bike, not coming home until the street lights came on and playing in the backyard. But my all time favorite memory was fishing at the lake. I like to fish with my boys and hope it will be a memory of theirs one day.
Hallie O'Connor
Exhibits Manager
My favorite childhood memory is playing in the ravine with my little brother. As the seasons changed our play would change; late spring the waterfall would be flowing with the snowmelt and we could divert the water and collect it in buckets. In the fall, with only a small trickle from the stream, we could make the rocky pit below the waterfall into an elaborate fort hideout. With the freezing and thawing during winter the waterfall would form into a big ice flow and we could excavate items frozen in the ice.
Tasha Oliver
Nature Education & Access Coordinator
I grew up spending most of my time outdoors with my cousins, where we were always inventing new games and adventures. Some of my favorite memories are helping my grandma in her garden, learning the value of patience, hard work, and enjoying the little things.
Sarah Strobel
Play & Learning Coordinator
Growing up on a farm, my favorite season was spring! It meant helping plant our garden, searching in the hay loft for new kittens, and riding my Barbie bike up and down the driveway singing whatever song was stuck in my head that day!