Meet Our Staff

Our Education staff develops all activities so children receive the maximum learning enjoyment.

Sloane Pielli, the Vacation Science Manager and museum educator, has been with the museum since 2007. She brings with her experience as an environmental educator in rural and coastal CT. She received a degree in Biological Sciences from Mount Holyoke College.

Ben Stafford, Ben Stafford, one of our Educators, has previously worked as a Wildlife Educator in NY as well as an exotic animal trainer at Six Flags in NJ. He holds a degree in Biological Sciences from Saint Michaels College.

Lori Zajac, an Educator here at the museum, led science demonstrations in elementary schools and science museums for 6 years before joining us. She has a Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of Alabama.

Cindy King, began as a Museum intern in 1998 and is currently the Director of the UTC Wildlife Sanctuary. She has a degree in Environmental Geography from Central Connecticut State University and is a Master Wildlife Conservationist with the CT Department of Environmental Protection.

Laura Boglisch, is an Educator and Animal Curator who started as a volunteer at The Children’s Museum.  She received her degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Connecticut.  Her specialty is Herpetology.

Dan Butterworth, has been an Animal Curator for the past six years. He previously taught sixth grade science and worked as a naturalist for the Massachusetts Audubon Society. He has a degree in Science Education from Pennsylvania State University.

Kristie Mazzoni, the Planetarium Director at the Science Dome, has been at The Children's Museum for almost 10 years.  She has a Master's Degree in Education from the University of New Haven.

Kyra Elliott, Assistant Planetarium Director, graduated from Vassar College with a degree in Physics and Astronomy.  She began her planetarium career as a volunteer at the Planetarium at Mystic Seaport and has been at the Museum for four years.

Vacation Science FAQs

Is the Children’s Museum a licensed camp?
Our Vacation Science Camp, which includes our Summer Science program, is licensed by the State of Connecticut as a Youth Day Camp.

Who comprises the staff?
All instructors are staff Educators from The Children’s Museum’s Education and Planetarium Departments. Camp counselors are either local high school or college students.

How are children grouped?
Children are grouped according to grade level. Typically first and second graders make up the younger group; with third graders and up comprising the older group. The number of children signed up for a grade on any particular day dictate grouping. There may be times when it is necessary to deviate from our normal grouping pattern.

Can children be grouped with friends?
Parents must request that their child be grouped with a friend at the time of registration. If registering by mail or fax, please indicate this on the registration form. Activities and groups are carefully planned therefore it is not possible to switch groups the day of the program. Please remember that children are grouped according to grade level. We will do everything to honor your request but please understand that it may be necessary for a child to be placed in a group that is not grade appropriate if they request to be with an older or younger friend.

Who can attend the program?
Vacation Science is for children currently in grades 1-5. Summer Science Camp is for children entering grades 1 – 6 in the fall.

Is there a nurse on duty?
As a licensed day camp, we are not required to have a nurse on duty. A staff member, who has completed the First Aid and CPR courses required by the state, serves as our on-site Health Director. Our Camp Health Directors are also trained in Basic Medication Administration, including Epi-Pens.

Can a child on medication attend the program?
A child on medication may attend our camp. Our Camp Health Directors are trained in Basic Medication Administration, including Epi-Pens.

Parents/guardians requesting medication administration for their child while at camp must provide appropriate written authorization(s). This includes authorization for all topical, oral, and inhalant medication applications.  An Authorized Prescriber is required to complete and sign a portion of the Medication Authorization Form for all medications other than a non-prescription topical. This form must be submitted to us one week prior to attending camp. please email us at events@thechildrensmuseumct.org or phone: 860.231.2830 x 44 for details.

What is the time for the programs?
Vacation Science runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Summer Science Camp has a full day session from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or a half-day session from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

When can we arrive at the museum?
Doors open at 8:45 a.m. Check in at the Museum's Main Entrance.

When is pick-up time for children?
Parents should make arrangements to pick up the children promptly at 4:00 p.m. If your child is attending the half-day program during the summer, pick-up time is 12:30 p.m. It is important that campers are picked up on time as the Museum’s normal closing time is 4:00 p.m.

What is the cancellation/refund policy?
Program fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please call the Children’s Museum if your child will be absent from camp.

Will confirmation letters be sent after registering?
Confirmations are not sent. Assume your child is registered unless you are contacted. Feel free to call at any time to verify your child’s registration.

What should each child bring?