About Us

Come to The Discovery Center and learn something amazing about the world and yourself. This remarkable 22,500 square foot space, with over 30 exhibits, was created for, with and by children. We understand that play is an essential part of learning and exploration of the world leads children to self-discovery. Children are free to touch, to laugh, to manipulate and to encounter in a happy and safe environment. The Discovery Center is for every young child and fascinates the child in everyone.

Ross Park Attractions

Located within Binghamton’s historic Ross Park, The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier and Ross Park Zoo have been family staples in Greater Binghamton for generations.

As one of the oldest zoos in the US, the Ross Park Zoo has been dedicated to education, conservation, and community engagement for more than 145 years. While just a parking lot away, The Discovery Center, a hands-on children’s museum features 40+ interactive exhibits both inside and outside of the Museum.

Binghamton's Only Hands-On Children's Museum

Serving the Southern Tier of New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania, The Discovery Center’s exhibits, themes and ambiance are community specific while leaving a wide margin for global discovery.

Our Team

Miah Barnard

Gallery Staff (Seasonal)

Samantha Bennet

Summer Camp/Kids Club Teacher

Chase Bullock

Receptionist/Gallery Staff

Jennifer Caruso

Afterschool Childcare Assistant

Toni Dougherty

UPK Lead Teacher

Cheryl Dutko

Assistant Executive Director and Visitor Services Director

Aliana DeJesus

Gallery Staff

Abigail Farr

Summer Camp Counselor

Elisa Faughnan

Summer Camp Counselor

Kelly Fancher

Community Outreach Coordinator

Kate Fletcher

Public Information Officer

Lauren Hannigan

Museum Gallery Staff

Nancy Hargrave

Story Garden Volunteer

Ciara Heatherman

Artistic and Visual Design Coordinator

Susan Hemmer

Financial Assistant

Mary Hibbard

Summer Camp/Kids Club Teacher (Seasonal)

Danielle Kane

Weekend Visitor Services Manager

Philip Koral

Summer Camp Counselor

Joe Lane

Receptionist

Kara Legursky

Preschool Teacher-Assistant

Pauline LeStrange

Site Supervisor

Deanna Lillie

UPK Teacher-Assistant

Kaley Lillie

Summer Camp Counselor

Jessica Locke

Arts and Cultural Education Coordinator

Emma MacDonald

Summer Camp Counselor

Langelihle Mandizna

Gallery Staff

Chris Martin

Story Garden Coordinator

Wayne Martin

Facilities Director

Erin Merrin

Preschool Teacher Aide

Brenda Myers

Executive Director

Arianna Ortega

Weekend Supervisor

Victoria Randis

Preschool Teacher

Mary Kay Roland

Volunteer Coordinator

Annabelle Rose

Gallery Staff

Nancy Ryan

Artist

Alex Steele

Gallery Staff (Year Round)

Jerry Terela

Facilities/Weekday Visitor Services Manager

Danielle Testani

Afterschool Childcare Assistant

Lisa Testani

Gallery Staff

Mike Testani

Cleaning Staff

Amber Wales

Gallery Staff

Kristy Wales

Director of Education

Matt Washington

Kids Club Co-Coordinator

Bob Wilson

Workshop Coordinator

Marisa Washington

Kids Club Assistant Teacher

“We offer diversion; we offer fun; we offer love and a happy day. Come often, stay as long as you’d like and enjoy every minute. And know that everyone has a special place in our hearts.”

Pokey Crocker, Executive Director 1988-2016

Our History

The Imagination Builders and the Junior League of Binghamton (JLB) open The Discovery Center in the gym of an empty, urban school which was quickly outgrown.

The Center moved to Binghamton’s Ross Park campus next to the Binghamton Zoo, the fifth oldest zoo in the nation. Work began on converting a dilapidated maintenance barn into the extraordinary space that we are today.

A major addition was completed adding exhibit space, classrooms, a performance space and enhancing visitor services and ADA accessibility.

Our award winning Story Garden outdoor exhibit space was opened – a gift from the JLB. From dawn to dusk, there are always families in the garden playing, enjoying the books associated with each garden vignette, pondering, picnicking and enjoying nature.

We dedicated our Kids Commons addition to facilitate weekday preschool activities, summer camps and weekend programming.

Our Board of Directors

Brenda Myers

Executive Director

Kayla Velie

President

Marci Goodwin

Vice President

Brian DeBoyace

Treasurer

Stephanie Yezzi

Secretary

Ellen Blakeslee

Blake Collazo

Olivia Dennison

Christina Fisher

Maureen Hankin

Alexis Herringshaw

Ben Loughridge

Sally Lowenstein

Timothy Klym

Elizabeth O'Connor

Madelyn Shantillo

Lindsay Spauster

Chris Wandell

Alexis Herringshaw Board Member The Discovery Center

Christina Fisher Board Member The Discovery Center

Kayla joined The Discovery Center's Board in the spring of 2022 and recently became the new President. She holds a Master's Degree in Exercise Science from Ithaca College and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Binghamton University. She currently works for United Health Services as the Manager of the Medical Command Center and workforce wellness. Kayla has lived in the Southern Tier for almost 15 years and enjoys bringing her two girls (ages 7 and 3) to The Discovery Center. She is passionate about the mission to provide educational and interactive exhibits for children of all ages, and she believes that it is an important asset to the community. Kayla is excited to serve as Board President and help The Discovery Center continue to grow and thrive. We are grateful to have her!

Marci Goodwin The Discovery Center Board

Maureen Haskin Board Member The Discovery Center

Job Opportunities

The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

General Employment Application

Click here to download The Discovery Center’s General Employment Application.

The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier

Discovery Kids Afterschool Staff

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Museum Gallery Staff

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