Discovery Place KIDS–Rockingham has hired Rockingham resident Katie Rohleder as its first museum director.
Currently employed by Scotland County Schools, Rohleder brings more than 10 years of experience in education to the role and will immediately turn her focus to preparations for the museum’s anticipated 2013 opening, according to Discovery Place Public Relations officials. As director, she will oversee all operations and administration for Discovery Place KIDS–Rockingham, the newest member of the Discovery Place, Inc. family.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Discovery Place team,” said Rohleder. “Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham will offer new and exciting learning opportunities for our youth and I am proud to be part of this amazing opportunity for our community.”
Rohleder obtained her Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, a Master of Library Science from East Carolina University, and is pursuing her Ed.D in Curriculum and Development from the University of Florida. She taught in Richmond County Schools from 2002-2005 and Scotland County Schools from 2005-2007. In 2007 she became a school librarian in Scotland County, a position that she currently holds.
“Katie’s connection to the community will be critical to the success of the museum and we are honored to have her on board in such a significant role,” said John Mackay, president and CEO, Discovery Place, Inc. “Her impressive background, skills and passion for education will be assets to our team as we continue to work towards making dreams come true for children in the Sandhills region.”
The interactive learning museum for children is being constructed in the former McKenzie Furniture building on East Washington Street in downtown Rockingham. The Discovery Place KIDS–Rockingham project was launched by the commitment of $6.6 million in funds from the Cole Foundation and the Richmond Community Foundation. Their gifts, which were facilitated by The Foundation For The Carolinas, are intended for the long-term sustainability of the museum. The museum’s comprehensive capital campaign is ongoing and is a community-wide effort to provide funding necessary to build, operate and sustain the facility.
Discovery Place KIDS–Rockingham will be a learning-through-play experience that encourages imagination, creativity and skill development for children and their caregivers.
— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@heartlandpublications.com.
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