As a leader in innovative education,
Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum considers its staff its greatest resource
Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum considers its staff its greatest resource
Kathleen Bodenlos, Executive Director, has over 25 years of experience in executive management, working for corporations and museums. She is passionate about museums’ role in creating curious thinking and sparking the joy of life-long learning. In her current role, Kathleen provides strategic direction and is responsible for the success of the museum’s mission, overseeing finance, exhibits, education, marketing, operations, and philanthropy. Her museum experience includes serving on the executive management teams of Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Cincinnati Museum Center, and The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. She earned a BA from Thomas Edison University and an MBA from Eastern University. She is frequently asked to present on relevant museum and business topics. In 2024 she won the Utah Business CEO of the Year Award. Kathleen is passionate about hiking, art, and travel.
Addison Dover, Director of Philanthropy, leads the organization’s fundraising strategy and partnerships, securing support that advances organizational innovation and community access. She oversees corporate, foundation, and individual giving while building relationships that strengthen the mission and long-term sustainability.
Originally from Dallas, Addison holds a B.S. in Strategic Organizational Communication and an M.S. in Nonprofit Administration with a focus in Development. Her background spans across communications, education, and advancement.
A lifelong believer in the power of museums to reach diverse learners, she approaches her work with a research-based focus on inclusion and engagement.
As Director of Operations & Education, Hayden Rigby oversees the teams that keep Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum running—from facilitators and facilities to statewide outreach and education. Since joining the museum, Hayden has helped strengthen its culture of creativity and connection, ensuring that every visitor experience reflects the museum’s mission to inspire learning through play.
As a New Orleans native with a B.S. in Psychology and B.A. in Creative Writing, Hayden leads with a balance of structure, imagination, and care for both guests and staff alike.
When Hayden is not at this museum, she is probably wandering through another one—always on the lookout for ideas that spark curiosity and joy.
Mike Schmidt, Marketing Director, brings over a decade of experience in marketing, with a focus on community engagement and digital strategy. At the children’s museum, he leads efforts to enhance the museum’s visibility and connect with families through targeted campaigns and partnerships. Mike is passionate about storytelling, takes a people-first approach, and believes in the power of creative marketing to foster meaningful connections.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, exploring the outdoors, photography, mountain biking, snowboarding, and supporting community initiatives.
mschmidt@discoverygateway.org
Iris Bryant, Executive Assistant and Project Coordinator at the museum, oversees executive scheduling and communications, coordinates complex project and exhibit timelines, and serves as a central point of contact between departments. She ensures priorities stay on track, deadlines are met, and cross-team collaboration runs smoothly.
Born and raised in Utah, Iris has also had the opportunity to live abroad in Japan and other places—but she always finds herself coming back, because Utah truly feels like home. She is passionate about creativity, family, and spending time with her two Bengal cats.
ibryant@discoverygateway.org
Race Henderson, Philanthropy Coordinator, supports the development team by writing grant proposals, communicating with donors, and assisting with a variety of departmental needs. He values the opportunity to contribute to an organization that inspires curiosity and learning in children and families.
Race holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of Utah. He has a strong interest in environmental conservation and enjoys finding ways to support meaningful causes through his work. In his free time, Race likes going to the gym, hanging out with friends, building LEGOs, and watching horror movies.
rhenderson@discoverygateway.org
Jose Virgen, Facilities Manager, brings over 30 years of experience dedicated to maintaining a secure and enchanting environment for young explorers. Passionate about overseeing the seamless operations of the museum, Jose plays a crucial role in upholding the highest standards for facility management.
With a hands-on approach and meticulous attention to detail, Jose ensures the optimal functionality of interactive displays, educational spaces, and safety protocols. His commitment to excellence contributes to the museum’s mission of inspiring children to discover and connect with their world to make a difference.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Jose is a devoted grandfather of seven and finds joy in creating lasting memories during travels with his wife and cherished grandchildren. A nature enthusiast, he embraces the tranquility of camping trips and the exhilaration of riding his Bicycle and Motorcycle, finding balance between his commitment to Discovery Gateway and his love for outdoor adventures.
rhenderson@discoverygateway.org
Matt Merton, Exhibit Fabricator, was introduced to the art of making stained glass windows at a young age, which led to a lifelong passion for becoming an artist and craftsman.
After learning various art mediums and building techniques, driving him in different directions. Matt worked in several construction trades, pursued studies in graphic design and photography, and spent 13 years at the Hale Centre Theatre as a fabricator and rigger, acquiring a diverse set of skills.
His role at the museum provides the perfect opportunity to apply his experience in constructing challenging and creative exhibits.
A Utah resident for most of his life, Matt enjoys mountain biking, rock climbing, and snowboarding. However, he currently spends more time with his granddaughters than in the mountains.
mmerton@discoverygateway.org
Matthew Haynes, Assistant Manager of Field Trips, works in both field trips and the museum’s after school program, where his previous jobs in education have provided useful background.
Matthew has lived in Utah for the last six years after moving from Montana but grew up in California. He is still getting used to the snow. Matthew graduated in paleontology at Montana State University, and brings his passion and knowledge of dinosaurs and other extinct animals into his work here.
His passions include art, travel, fantasy, baking, and wildlife, and he is an avid watcher of the Star Wars movies. Matthew lives with his wife, son, and two dogs
mhaynes@discoverygateway.org
Melanie is a Salt Lake City native with many special memories of coming to Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum as a child. She is passionate about advocating for people with disabilities and making fun experiences like museums accessible to families of all abilities and incomes. Right now, she oversees day-to-day museum operations with an emphasis on maintaining the excitement and magic that Discovery Gateway has had ever since she was a child.
Having grown up with a rare form of dwarfism, Melanie is no stranger to resilience in adversity. One of her biggest accomplishments has been winning a National Title for Best Vocal Soloist in the UHSAA competition. When she’s not singing or writing music, Melanie enjoys spending time with her animals and loved ones. She is pursuing a B.A. in Child Psychotherapy with a dream of one day helping children overcome trauma and other uniquely difficult situations.
mwoodbury@discoverygateway.org
Emma Tripp is the Outreach Coordinator for the museum’s education team, where she manages statewide science outreach efforts. She leads a team of eight talented educators and works closely with teachers across Utah to bring Discovery Gateway’s hands-on science programs to their classrooms.
Emma studied elementary education before earning her B.S. in Anthropology from Utah State University in 2024. She first joined the museum as an outreach educator and now draws on her background in education, anthropology, and scientific research to expand the program’s reach.
She believes that all children deserve access to high-quality learning experiences and is always happy to connect with educators interested in hosting a museum outreach visit. Outside of work she enjoys all things creative, thrifting, traveling, watching documentaries, trying new things, and spending time with her two cats.
etripp@discoverygateway.org
Bio pending.
jclarkson@discoverygateway.org
Joey Wadge, Field Trip Manager, schedules and helps to guide the museum’s field trips.
Joey grew up in Salt Lake City and has lived there his whole life. They graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Anthropology.
In her personal time, Joey enjoys table top role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons, as a player, game master, and creator.
fieldtrips@discoverygateway.org