The museum is temporarily closed to the public, but we can't wait to welcome you to our new location at Moody Gardens! Visit the FAQ page and follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.
"The Galveston Children's Museum is a space where kids can be kids, and parents and educators alike can witness the power of learning through exploration."
"As a mother, the museum holds a special place in my heart. Watching my child’s eyes light up with curiosity and joy as he explores, creates, and learns is nothing short of magical. This museum sparks his creativity in ways that are truly inspiring, providing opportunities for him to learn through play.
As an educator, I deeply value the inclusive and enriching environment the museum provides. There’s something for every child here—whether they’re building, experimenting, or imagining. The hands-on learning experiences are carefully crafted to engage the whole child, fostering not just knowledge, but critical thinking, social skills, and creativity.
The Galveston Children’s Museum plays a vital role in our community, offering unforgettable experiences that enrich our children’s lives. It’s a space where kids can be kids, and parents and educators alike can witness the power of learning through exploration."
Desiree Monges
Mom & Educator
Our Mission
We provide a unique, hands-on environment where children explore, investigate, create, and discover through play.
Now more than ever, developing a child’s academic, social, and problem-solving skills is essential for lifelong success. Thanks to advances in pediatric neuroscience, we now understand the critical role experience plays in brain development.
From the earliest moments of life, a child’s brain grows through interaction with the world—in a word, through play.
At the Galveston Children’s Museum, our mission is to fuel that spark. We honor each child’s individuality and give them permission to be playful, curious, creative, inspired—and inspiring.
We believe in raising thinkers, doers, and dreamers who are confident in their ability to face challenges and overcome them.
Meet the People Behind the Magic
At the heart of the Galveston Children’s Museum is a team of passionate educators, creatives, and community leaders. Together, we work to make sure every child who visits feels seen, inspired, and supported.
Museum Leadership
Our leadership team brings vision, experience, and a shared commitment to creating a welcoming space where learning through play thrives.
Zahrah Ektefaei
Executive Director
Zahrah leads the museum with a clear vision for growth, community impact, and joyful learning.
She oversees daily operations, fosters strategic partnerships, and works to ensure every person and family feels welcomed, supported, and inspired.
Linda Garcia
Manager of Operations
Linda keeps the museum running smoothly with care, organization, and attention to detail.
From coordinating museum group visits to managing behind-the-scenes details and event logistics, she ensures that every guest experience is seamless, safe, and enriching.
TC Cleveland, CTA
Director of Exhibits & Community Engagement
TC evaluates and designs interactive sensory exhibits and promotes museum programs within the public.
He fosters strategic partnerships for fundraising to ensure every child is able to learn through play.
Museum Staff
Our staff brings a range of talents—from early childhood education to arts and science. Most importantly, they all believe in the power of play.
Abi Williams
Team Lead
Wania Kahn
Team Lead
Sara Guernsey
Membership Services
Shayna Guernsey
Store Lead
Amethyst Guerrera
Elizabeth Ektefaei
Board of Directors
Our Board includes committed community members and professionals who support our vision and help guide our growth.
Cody Wright
President
Director of Finance
Ground Swell
While not a BOI, Cody Wright is definitely an IBC; she has lived on the island for 14 years and is committed to building community and ensuring everyone can find their place in Galveston.
In addition to serving on GCM’s Board, Cody currently serves as the Director of Finance for Galveston's Own Farmers Market as well as serves on the Boards of Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council and the Galveston Housing Finance Corporation.
In her downtime, you can find Cody bouncing around the different coffee shops on the island and/or checking out the different attractions and festivals on the island (Artoberfest is her favorite!) with her partner and eight-year-old son.
Cody is so excited to work with and support the Galveston Children’s Museum in making it the place for all children and their families.
Sarah Foreman
Treasurer
Speech Therapist
Milestones Matter
Sarah Foreman is a devoted wife, mother, and the owner of Milestones Matter Therapy, a private speech-language therapy practice dedicated to supporting communication across the lifespan.
She is deeply passionate about helping individuals of all ages find their voice, build confidence, and reach meaningful milestones in their daily lives.
Sarah believes play is foundational, not only in childhood development, but in connection, learning, and community. This philosophy guides both her personal life and her clinical work, where joyful, relationship-based therapy is at the heart of every interaction.
She is honored and excited to serve on the board of the Galveston Children’s Museum.
Stacey Childress
Board Member
Senior Advisor
McKinsey & Company
Stacey Childress is a Galveston County native and nationally recognized leader in education, philanthropy, and social entrepreneurship.
As the former CEO of NewSchools Venture Fund and the Advanced Education R&D Fund, she directed hundreds of millions of dollars to visionary education entrepreneurs.
Earlier, she led the education innovation strategy at the Gates Foundation and taught entrepreneurship at Harvard Business School.
A Forbes “50 Over 50: Impact” honoree, Stacey bridges strategic capital, innovation, and social purpose to drive lasting change.
Paulie Gaido
Board Member
Former Restaurateur
Gaido's Seafood Restaurant
John Paul “Paulie” Gaido is a lifelong Galvestonian, proud Ball High School graduate, and third-generation member of the family behind Gaido’s Restaurant.
His love of cooking, reading, and learning has shaped his life, along with his devotion to his wife of 50 years, Mary Kay, and their three children.
A longtime member of the Saint Clare of Assisi choir, Paulie believes strongly in the importance of quality public education and equal opportunities for all children. He is especially passionate about early childhood education and helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed.
His belief that learning can and should be fun aligns closely with the mission of the Galveston Children’s Museum.
Concetta Maceo-Sims
Board Member
Owner
Maceo Spice & Import Company
Known as Galveston's "Spice Queen," Concetta Maceo-Sims is the third-generation owner of Maceo Spice & Import Company, carrying on a beloved family legacy.
As a local business owner and mother of two young girls, Concetta understands the importance of creating spaces where children can learn, explore, and grow.
With deep roots in the Galveston community and a passion for bringing people together, she brings energy, creativity, and a can-do spirit to the Galveston Children's Museum Board of Directors.
She is dedicated to helping the museum grow and ensuring that more families have access to meaningful experiences through play.
Stephen Maxwell
Board Member
Senior Vice President
Frost Bank – Galveston
Stephen Maxwell serves as the Senior Vice President at Frost Bank in Galveston, where he has been a valued team member since 2008.
A graduate of Texas A&M University, Stephen is a Galveston native who continues to live and work in the community he proudly calls home.
He is actively involved in numerous civic and nonprofit organizations across Galveston, reflecting his deep commitment to the island and its residents.
Stephen and his wife are devoted parents to three young children and enjoy raising their family in the community they both love and serve.
Hannah Peterson, M.D.
Board Member
Pediatrician
UTMB – Galveston
Hannah Peterson is a pediatrician, BOI, and mother—all roles that fuel her passion for youth and community. She has worked at UTMB for over a decade as a general pediatrician and as a member of the Child Abuse Team, with a special focus on foster care and vulnerable youth.
In addition to her clinical work, Hannah has served on multiple boards and remains committed to helping Galveston thrive by meeting the needs of its residents. She is excited to support the Galveston Children’s Museum in its mission to strengthen families and enrich the lives of local children—because every child deserves the very best.
In her free time she loves galavanting around the island with her wife and children, enjoying everything it has to offer!
Julia Ramirez, Ed.D.
Board Member
Principal
Austin Elementary School, Galveston ISD
As an educator for nearly 20 years, Dr. Ramirez has overseen after school programs on a campus and throughout a district, taught Kindergarten, fourth grade, and special education and have been an administrator on a campus level and at the district level. She currently serves as a principal in the Galveston Independent School District.
Dr. Ramirez is married with two daughters—both are in high school, and they keep her busy! Growing up in a home with a single mother, she learned from an early that education was the key to a successful future. This belief makes her excited to join the board at the Galveston Children's Museum.
It is her hope that all children have access to the amazing learning and programs that happen at the museum!
Christian Salgado
Board Member
Educator
Galveston ISD
Christian Salgado is a bilingual early childhood educator with Galveston ISD and has proudly served on the Galveston Children’s Museum Board since 2020.
With over a decade of experience in education, he brings a passion for early learning, community engagement, and cultural enrichment. Christian also directs a Folklórico dance group and leads service-learning projects that empower children to make a positive impact in the community.
He is committed to supporting the museum’s mission of inspiring young learners through hands-on discovery and play.