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MEET THE STAFF
Who We Are
Our esteemed team is dedicated to continuing and expanding our mission. We are a family of creative minds, qualified curators, and professionals in different fields who are bound by an undying passion for the Science Museum world.
 Melissa Telemeco EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR As a former scientist herself and a proud mother of two beautiful children, we know Fresno Discovery Center is in good hands. Melissa has worked at three other science centers and loves teaching science to the public. |  Stephanie Barajas ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR Stephanie is the proud mother of two wonderful young boys. When she is not working hard for Fresno Discovery Center she is off at sporting events cheering on her children from the stands with her husband. |  Jerry Leon GROUNDSKEEPER Jerry maintains the lovely green areas at The Discovery Center and he also takes great care to safeguard the school children when they are at the center for field trips. In his free time he likes to relax at home and work on his cars. |
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 Priscilla Mendoza ANIMAL CARE ASSISTANT Priscilla cares for all of our animal ambassadors at Fresno Discovery Center. When she is not feeding and cleaning enclosures, you might see her leading a field trip or giving a presentation. When she is not at work she likes to spend her time with family and her many many pets! Really, she has MANY!! |  Stephanie Doria EDUCATOR Aside from leading field trips and giving presentations, Stephanie also does the marketing for Fresno Discovery Center. Stephanie is a Masters student at Fresno State studying the endangered Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard. When she isn't working or in school she spends her spare time at home with her fur babies. |  Sarah Bradbury CENTER STAFF You can always find Sarah behind the front desk with a big smile on her face! When she is not busy managing the desk or caring for her three lovely children, she is a fantastic local artist whose murals can be found throughout Fresno. If you get the chance, ask her about her art because it is truly amazing! |
 Marissa Guzman EDUCATOR When Marissa is at Fresno Discovery Center you can find them teaching classes and guiding field trips. They have been an educator for 7 years! When they are not at the Center they can be found working at the zoo as a Conservation Interpreter. Fun fact: they are a Certified Interpretive Guide! |  Miguel Gamez-Macias EDUCATOR When Miguel isn't busy with Art Education, you may spot him at Fresno Discovery Center blowing the minds of children with fun yet educational activities during Field Trips and Camps. In his free time, Miguel is an Artist and Fishkeeper who loves spending time with his friends, family, and watching Netflix. |  Taylor Jones AFTER-SCHOOL EDUCATOR Taylor is in love with all things animals, especially cats! She holds a dual associates degree and has worked as a conservation interpreter tasked with educating the public on wildlife sustainability. One day, she hopes to have her own animal rehabilitation center that helps older and unwanted pets/wildlife find their perfect home. |
 Jessica AFTER-SCHOOL EDUCATOR Jessica is currently a student at California State University, Fresno studying Health Science with a minor in Spanish. Jessica loves the engaging atmosphere here at Fresno Discovery Center. In her spare time she loves to read, bake and play with her 6 dogs! |  Tina Smith EDUCATOR Tina is a returning educator after taking years off to raise her 2 kids. She has a bachelor’s in child development and years of experience working with children in a variety of alternative settings and is excited to be back to help share her love of science with another generation of children! |  Trinity Garza EDUCATOR Introducing Trinity, our new Educator! Trinity is a student at Fresno City College studying History and Theater Arts. She grew up going to the Fresno Discovery Center and is delighted to work here! They love writing, teaching, playing video games, and listening to music! |
 Athena Silvas EDUCATOR Athena is a Clinical Lab Science major at National University. She loves being in the lab and seeing the science happen! She started at FDC as a volunteer and is now an educator! When she's not at the FDC or school, she's baking, playing the cello, or walking her dog Roscoe! |  Helen De La Cruz EDUCATOR Helen worked with FDC for our Winter Camp and is a Senior on the Engineering Pathway. She enjoys playing video games, watching movies, baking, and drinking boba! She is the oldest of 4 siblings and has a pet cat named Morris. |  Johnathan Castro EDUCATOR Jonathan is a connoisseur of all things pizza and enjoys participating in outdoor activities. He is also naturally curious about the "why's" and "how's" in the world, which makes Fresno Discovery Center the perfect fit for him! |
 DeMario Slaughter EDUCATOR DeMario was born and raised in Chicago. He also is apart of the NASA L'space program, which is a program that helps undergraduate students who have a desire to work in the space industry. He also has a love for reptiles and cartoons. |
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