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
Susan Ballard
Program Specialist
Angie Bendahan
Marketing and Welcome Desk Specialist
Vicky Benko
Program Specialist
Annette Constantino
Program Specialist
Laura Dorr
Wildlife Specialist
Katy Downing
Planetarium and Program Coordinator
Dawn Galang
Preschool Specialist
Tim Jasinski
Wildlife Rehabilitation Coordinator
Kyle Koprowski
Wildlife Specialist
Teece Lester
Preschool Coordinator
Diane Metzger
Welcome Desk Specialist
Ken Miller
Exhibit and Maintenance Specialist
Carol Ormsby
Finance Coordinator
Morgan Paskert
Marketing and Development Coordinator
Chris Pfeil
Program Specialist
Bill Reed
Planetarium Specialist
Molly Ruschau
Program Specialist
Mike Sandy
Facility and Maintenance Specialist
Jaylene Scarlato
Visitor Services Coordinator
Julie Schroyer
Wildlife Specialist
Andrea Schwartz
Preschool Specialist
Annmarie Slyman
Preschool Specialist
Jessica Stockdale
Welcome Desk Specialist
Maggie Watson
Animal Program Specialist
Justin Willard
Program Specialist
Board of Directors
John Cavalier
Board President
John was elected to the board in August of 2017. He has over six years of management consulting experience, most recently joining Cohen & Company’s management consulting group after spending six years with Deloitte Consulting. During that time, John has helped both Fortune 100 companies as well as middle market companies define their strategy, and build the appropriate business and operating model to execute that strategy. John has worked across most industries guiding his clients through transformations and simplifying complex issues. Prior to his management consulting experience, John spent time in corporate financial reporting, and FP&A with Forest City Enterprises, as well working in public accounting.
John holds an MBA from the Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, a Masters of Accounting from the College of William & Mary, and attended Elon University for undergraduate where he received a degree in Finance and accounting.
John grew up in Bay Village and has fond memories of spending countless days at the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center. He, his wife and two children are residents of Bay Village and are frequently creating new memories with their children at the Center.
Zach Stephens, Board Vice President | Deloitte & Touche LLP
Eric German, Board Treasurer | Bober Markey Fedorovich
Devin Barry, Board Secretary | Thompson Hine LLP
Bruce Cady | IBM, Retired
Phillip M. Callesen, Immediate Past Board President | Baker & Hostetler LLP
Dan Coil | JACK Entertainment
Lisa Fallon | Penumbra, Inc.
Bryan Gacka | Eaton
Monica Newell | KeyBank
Kyle Nowlin | Cohesity
Trudy Pauken | Immediate Past Board President | Westlake City School District, Retired
Iken Sans | The Lubrizol Corporation
Char Shryock | Bay Village City Schools, Retired
Scott Simmons | Barentz
R. Scott Thomas | The Sherwin-Williams Company
Allen Waddle | Maloney + Novotny LLC
Bill Watkins | Harris Williams & Co subsidiary of PNC
Jeff M. Whitesell | Tucker Ellis LLP
Neil Whitford | Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP
Karen Huhndorff, Ex-Officio | Women’s Board of Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
In Memoriam: With deep sadness, we remember William J. Nowak who passed in December 2021. Bill served on the Board of Directors since 2014 and as President.
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 on the first Wednesday of each month monthly at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center or other locations as announced. For more information, please call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org.
