Dené Mosier began her tenure at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center in August 2015.
Under her leadership, the museum has achieved record-breaking attendance and become a nationally recognized institution for hands-on learning that inspires creativity, curiosity, and growth through play. She eliminated institutional debt, launched a mobile museum to reach underserved and rural communities, and created transformative access programs including Medical Warriors, for children facing life-threatening illnesses, and Play Free, a prison partnership reconnecting children with incarcerated parents through healing play.
With a bold vision for equity, Dené led the launch of a $11.5 million expansion that will more than double the museum’s square footage and extend access to
thousands more families. Today, more than one in three visitors attends through free or reduced admission. Her work has redefined what a museum can be: a
community anchor where joy and access meet serving not just some, but all. Dené brings a unique understanding of human development to her leadership.
She holds undergraduate and master’s degrees from Kansas State University, including a master’s in gerontology. Her career spans early childhood education, school administration, and higher education, where she taught university courses on lifespan development, aging, and human behavior. This deep, interdisciplinary lens allows her to lead with the full family in mind bridging the needs of children, caregivers, and systems to foster growth across generations. Dené also serves as Chair of Strategic Initiatives on the Executive Committee of the Association of Children’s Museums Board of Directors. Locally, she serves on the Visit Topeka Board of Directors, the Momentum 2027 Steering Committee, and the Momentum 2027 Leadership Cabinet.
