Our Team

Kathleen Bodenlos, Executive Director, has over 20 years of executive management and strategic development experience for corporations and non-profit organizations. She is passionate about the role museums play in creating curious thinking and sparking the joy of learning.

In her current role, Kathleen provides strategic direction and is responsible for the success of the museum’s mission as well as overseeing finance, exhibits, education, marketing, operations and philanthropy. Prior to moving to Utah to join the Discovery Gateway team, Kathleen served on the executive management teams of both Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and Cincinnati Museum Center. Before working in the museum field, she worked in executive leadership roles for corporations primarily in the medical device industry. She earned a BA from Thomas Edison University and is passionate about hiking, art and travel.

Jacob Adamson, Senior Manager of Exhibits, is responsible for the upkeep, development, and creation of exhibits within Discovery Gateway. He Graduated from the University of Utah in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Multi-Disciplinary Design with a focus on exhibition. Gathering experience from Discovery Gateway and the Natural History Museum of Utah, he is well accustomed to cultural institutions and their impact on education and works to maintain a welcome environment and to keep the exhibits new and exciting for returning guests.

Laura Cotter, Director of Education, has a strong background in chemistry, biology, and math. She graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in professional chemistry from the University of Utah. She worked as a research assistant for Dr. Matthew Sigman at the U of U and Dr. Eileen Kennedy at the University of Georgia. She worked at a compounding pharmacy for seven years where she found diverse ways to apply her knowledge. Beyond practical applications, Laura has tutored in math and sciences from elementary to college levels. Laura cares deeply about encouraging children, especially young girls, to become interested in the sciences from an early age. Her position allows her to help science become more accessible for children of all backgrounds and abilities.

Heath Garner has over 15 years of experience in finance and accounting, having served as an Internal Auditor in the Banking industry, an Assistant Controller for a large newspaper and a Controller for a construction company. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Utah Valley State College and his Master of Accountancy Degree from DeVry University. Heath takes great pride in his ability to juggle many tasks, improve company efficiencies, reconcile complex accounts, and keep a well-balanced budget. In his spare time, Heath enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife and  two teenaged children.

Chad Henwood, Operations Manager, has a strong background in managing non-profits and in arts education. He graduated from Southern Utah University with his degree in Arts Administration and Theatre Arts. While in Southern Utah he worked at the Utah Shakespeare Festival both onstage and off as well as ran operations for Southern Utah University’s student theatre program. After finishing his degree he moved back to his hometown of Tooele where he founded a new community theatre, Tooele Valley Theatre, and taught as a technical theatre coach at Tooele High School. He loves the arts and believes that every child deserves a place where they can explore, learn and create. He spends his free time going on adventures with his wife and their two cats.

Hannah Johnson, Marketing Manager, has over 10 years of experience working with creative small businesses and startups as a photographer, graphic designer, and marketer. She has a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Framingham State University. Previously, she worked at a branding agency where she worked with clients from a variety of fields including fitness, food, and tech.

At the Museum, she leads the creative direction of the Museum's visual identity and brand, coordinates with community partners for marketing opportunities and creates the graphics for marketing. She loves creating and telling stories through graphics to show the true vision and values of the Museum. 

In her free time she enjoys being outdoors, creating art, and is passionate about animal rescue and adoption and loves volunteering with local rescues and shelters.