Larry Richardson
Executive Director

Larry Richardson has guided tremendous growth during his 20 years leading the Center. When Larry came to the Center in 1988, it was a treasured but small community organization, conducting about 250 programs a year. Today it's truly a regional center of excellence; with more than 2,400 programs each year and expanded facilities that include more than 100 live animals on exhibit.

Before becoming Executive Director of Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, Larry worked as an Ohio State Park Ranger and Park Manager. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Larry is an advocate for the natural environment and an avid and experienced birder. As a veteran guide, Larry leads expeditions to some of the most breathtaking and exotic birding hot spots around the world. In his free time, he can usually be found bird watching and traveling the western United States.

Dave Wolf
Director of Wildlife Programs

Dave Wolf has been the Director of Wildlife Programs at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center since 1994. He oversees and is actively involved in our educational programs utilizing live animals, both wild and exotic; the rehabilitation of more than 1000 animals every year; and the exhibition of more than 100 wild and exotic live animals. Dave is comfortable translating his knowledge of wildlife for audiences of ages.

Dave graduated from Kent State University with a B.S. in Biological Sciences in 1987. He graduated from Bay Village High School in 1983. His past work experience has included a year at Sea World of Ohio as an Aquarist, and 5 years at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History as a Wildlife Specialist. His interests and hobbies include home repair projects, camping, playing softball and shooting pool.

Darci Sanders
Director of Education

Darci joined the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center staff as Education Coordinator in October of 1989. In 18 years, her staff has blossomed from 2 part-time instructors to 16 regular staff and more than 12 college interns each summer. Darci has directed the growth of the Center’s Education Program from predominantly school field trips and small summer camps to a highly regarded and diverse operation that includes programs in five areas: Preschool, Group Programs, Public Programs, Scout Programs and the Schuele Planetarium.

Darci received a B.A. in biology, general science and education from Hiram College in 1987 and an M.S. in plant physiology in 1989. She has also worked as a seasonal naturalist with the Cleveland Metroparks, a research assistant at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a science curriculum coordinator for the Lorain Access Program and as a science consultant for Oberlin College.

Renee Burslem
Director of Community Relations and Fundraising

As Director of Fundraising & Community Relations, Renee Burslem has guided development and communications for our non-profit Center since 2001. “We are so fortunate to have a growing community of supporters here,” she says.

When Renee sings the praises of the Center’s people and programs, she not only speaks as a Director, but as a mom. She and husband Scott frequently bring their two young sons, Peter and Alex, to Center classes and events. "Some of the moms and other volunteers I’ve met working here have also become treasured friends,” she says.

Renee earned her undergraduate degree from Nazareth College and a Master’s from Binghamton University. Her previous experience includes stints in the development office of Great Lakes Science Center and at The Rochester Museum & Science Center.

Jay Reynolds
Schuele Planetarium Director

Jay has been a stellar staff member since July 2001. A seasoned astronomer, Jay maintains close ties to NASA and has access to the latest space science and photos. He is an official member of NASA Glenn’s speaker’s bureau. He also teaches Astronomy at Cleveland State University and Lakeland Community College, where he runs a student-driven research partnership with CSU, Lakeland and the University of Maryland.

At the request of one star-crossed couple, who wanted to be married in our planetarium, Jay added a license to perform weddings in Ohio to his unique set of qualifications!