Our Mission
As a community-inspired museum, we create meaningful learning experiences through the joy of play in hands-on exhibits and programs.
Our Core Values
1. Validate play as the primary learning mechanism.
2. Create positive family experiences.
3. Provide a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment.
4. Nurture partnerships within the community.
5. Challenge children ages 2 through 10 to explore music, fine art, movement, science, and social skills.
6. Follow best practices of the children's museum field.
Cookeville Children's Museum is a 501(c)(3) organization with a nonprofit charter in the state of Tennessee.
Cookeville Children's Museum is a full member of the Association of Children's Museums, the professional service organization that endeavors to expand the capacity and further the vision of children's museums in the United States and abroad.
Our Board of Directors
Officers
Michelle Zellner, Chair
Michelle Zellner is the Director of The Imaging Center at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. She is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a degree in Radiologic Science. Michelle has lived in the Upper Cumberland region for 29 years. She and her 12 year old son moved to Cookeville in 2008.
Charles Macke, Chair-Elect
Charlie Macke is Director of Resident Life at Tennessee Tech University. He and his wife Karen have lived in Cookeville for five years.Charlie is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Putnam County, where he currently serves as President. He and Karen have two children, Hannah and Adam. Charlie holds bachelors and Masters degrees from Western Kentucky University.
Kent Bilbrey, Treasurer
Kent is a financial advisor with LPL Financial, CCB Investment Services. He has worked as a financial advisor for Bank of Putnam County and CCB for nearly 20 years. He holds a MBA degree and resides in Monterey, Tennessee.
Members
Hugh Bennett
Hugh Bennett is is the Outpatient Imaging Manager at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. He and his wife Jennifer have a baby girl.
Lisa Luck
Lisa Luck is the Executive Coordinator for the Cookeville-Putnam County Clean Commission. She has her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Community Counseling. Lisa has lived and worked in Putnam County for ten years. She has three grown children -- Todd, Maggie and Hunter, and a 14-year-old son, River. Lisa enjoys spending time at the museum playing with granddaughter, Genevieve. As a new Board member for the Kiwanis Cookeville Children's Museum, Lisa looks forward to participating in the planning of educational programs for the young children in our community.
Kara Kipe
Kara Kipe has lived in Cookeville for six years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in French, Sociology and ESL. She is the owner of Fete Par Fete, an event-planning company she founded in 2008. In addition, she serves as a board member of Cookeville Cooperative Preschool and a part-time staff member at the River Community Church. Kara and her husband, Hylton, are the parents of two small boys.
Spencer Madell
Spencer Madell, M.D., is a radiologist with Cumberland Imaging Associates at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Dr. Madell earned his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York and his Diagnostic Radiology Residency at New England Medical Center, Boston.
Mike Rohr
Mike is a retired Licensed Psychologist and former chair and professor in the Department of Psychology and Counseling at TTU. He is an active member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. He is the father of four adult children and “Opa” to seven grandchildren—the youngest four being enthusiastic participants at the Cookeville Children’s Museum. He has lived in Cookeville for over 40 years.