Who We Are

Our Leadership

Catherine Timko

Executive Director

Catherine leads the Center’s nonprofit mission by directing strategies to deliver programs, raise funds, manage finances, support employees, engage community partners and develop long term strategies for sustainability.  Her vision is inspired by the many generations of children, families, and students who value and engage with the Center’s programs and classes. Her appreciation for the natural world drives a culture of continuous improvement so that first time and longtime visitors are energized by the mission.

Our Staff

Becki Anders

Preschool Specialist

Amy Chin Armour

Preschool & Welcome Desk Specialist

Susan Ballard

Program Specialist

Angie Bendahan

Marketing & Welcome Desk Specialist

Vicky Benko

Program Specialist

Amber Buesch

Animal Programs Specialist

Annette Constantino

Program Specialist

Katy Downing

Planetarium & Program Coordinator

Dawn Galang

Preschool Specialist

Morgan Haines

Marketing & Development Coordinator

Mary Haymond

Preschool Specialist

Anna Henry

Wildlife & Program Specialist

Tim Jasinski

Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist

Jody Kennedy

Preschool Specialist

Kyle Koprowski

Lead Wildlife Specialist

Teece Lester

Preschool Coordinator

Diane Metzger

Development & Welcome Desk Specialist

Ken Miller

Exhibit & Maintenance Specialist

Carol Ormsby

Finance & Operations Coordinator

Carrie Pinney

Leadership Giving Specialist

Bill Reed

Planetarium Specialist

Molly Ruschau

Program Specialist

Mike Sandy

Facility & Maintenance Specialist

Jaylene Scarlato

Visitor Services Coordinator

Lauren Schmidt

Preschool Specialist

Julie Schroyer

Wildlife Specialist

Andrea Schwartz

Preschool Specialist

Annmarie Slyman

Preschool Specialist

Jessica Stockdale

Welcome Desk Specialist

Maggie Watson

Animal Programs Coordinator

Justin Willard

Program Specialist

Board of Directors

Zach Stephens

Board President

Zach was elected to the board in February of 2017. He is a Partner in FGMK’s Audit and Accounting Practice with over 15 years of experience. Zach provides audit, accounting and advisory services to clients across a wide variety of industries, including construction & engineering, hospitality, industrial products, and transportation.

Zach has extensive experience with a variety of accounting, auditing, and SEC technical matters and has experience serving both public and private companies that require proper coordination of audit, tax, and risk services. Zach also provides accounting advisory services to a variety of non-attest clients, including assisting with the implementation of new accounting standards and handling of emerging issues, such as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) services.

Zach joined FGMK in 2023 and was previously a partner in Deloitte’s audit and assurance practice. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from Miami University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Char Shryock, Board Vice President |
Char Shryock Educational Leadership Consulting LLC

Bryan Gacka, Board Treasurer | Eaton

Devin A. Barry, Board Secretary | Thompson Hine LLP

Colleen Bement | MPulse Software Inc.

Bruce Cady | IBM, Retired

Phillip M. Callesen | Baker & Hostetler LLP

John Cavalier | Immediate Past Board President | Cohen & Company

Dan Coil | JACK Entertainment

Joy Evans | Nordson Corporation

Eric German | Bober Markey Fedorovich

Monica Newell | Key Private
Bank, Retired

Jeff Pawlowski | COTSWORKS Inc.

Lindsay Radisek | PwC

Iken Sans | The Lubrizol Corporation

Kelsey Smith | Parkwood LLC

R. Scott Thomas | The Sherwin-Williams Company

Allen Waddle | Maloney + Novotny LLC

Neil J. Whitford | Calfee, Halter &
Griswold LLP

Chris Winczewski | Hyland

Karen Huhndorff, Ex-Officio | Women’s Board of Lake Erie Nature & Science Center

Women's Board

The Women’s Board of Lake Erie Nature & Science Center supports the organization and its mission through hands-on service, community awareness, and fundraising. It offers members an opportunity to learn about natural history, meet others with similar interests, and advance the Center’s educational mission. The Women’s Board meets regularly at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center or other locations as announced. For more information, please call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org.

Karen Huhndorff, Elza Phillips and Eddie Lou Bush
Renovations are underway in the outdoor Wildlife GardensClick here to learn more.