As a leader in innovative education,
Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum considers its staff its greatest resource
Michael Ramon Aguilar (Mike) is an award winning non-profit and for-profit leader who has worked extensively in Utah’s philanthropic community. Mike’s previous roles include serving as the Operations Director for The Leonardo Museum, Program Director for Ronald McDonald House Charities, and most recently as the Chief Operations Officer for Mark Miller Subaru where he oversaw the company’s corporate outreach and charitable giving program. Mike is passionate about building community and helping lift marginalized voices. He has degrees from the University of Utah (BA Business Administration) and Westminster College (MA Community Leadership). Mike lives in Salt Lake City with his partner Kelly and their dog Bleu. In his spare time, Mike enjoys tutoring elementary school mathematics, romping around with his nieces and nephews, advocating for reproductive rights, and volunteering for a variety of other non-profit organizations along the Wasatch Front.
With over a decade in non-profit/public sector experience, Alexx Goeller, Director of Philanthropy, is committed to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and equitable access to our museum for all youth in the community. In her current role, she creates engaging events, outreach programs, and exhibits while appropriately highlighting and collaborating with donor organizations.
Alexx’s background includes contributions to healthcare nonprofits, service in the United States Peace Corps, several years of working with the refugee population here in Utah and formerly overseeing a local corporate philanthropy program. She earned a BA in International Business and an MA in Nonprofit Management and Global Community Leadership from Westminster University. Beyond her professional commitments, Alexx volunteers in refugee resettlement, female empowerment, and animal welfare. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband, Leo, and their dog, Betty White.
Addison Dover, PR and Social Media Strategist, is a dedicated museum professional with a love for art, natural history, and science. She firmly believes that museums serve as invaluable third spaces within our communities—enabling learning, fostering connections, and nurturing personal growth. Addison has experience in museum education, operations, and department management.
In her current role, Addison focuses on leveraging media relationships and social media to amplify the museum’s visibility and create space for the organization to accomplish extraordinary feats for and with the community.
Addison graduated with a BS in Strategic Organizational Communication and is currently pursuing an MS in Nonprofit Administration, emphasizing in Development. She is passionate about paleontology, archaeology, astronomy, and her crested gecko, Gayle. Outside of work, you’ll find her reading, drawing, planning her next trip, or watching Star Wars.
Ariana Yañez, Assistant Operations Manager, takes great pride in being a native of westside Salt Lake City. Her commitment to community service, the cultivation of uplifting environments, and a passion for fostering diversity have been influential factors propelling her forward.
With three years of experience at Discovery Gateway, Ariana has seamlessly integrated herself into various aspects of the museum. From orchestrating memorable birthdays to collaborating on special events, and overseeing day-to-day operations, she plays an integral role in crafting an engaging and enjoyable experience for families of all backgrounds.
Currently pursuing a degree in Biology at Westminster University, Ariana extends her passions beyond her professional and academic pursuits. She finds joy in road trips, hiking adventures, creative writing, Shrek re-runs, and cherishing moments with her family, besties, and cat, Lumi.
Ariana brings a wealth of enthusiasm, creativity, and community spirit to her role, making her an invaluable member of the Discovery Gateway team.
Discovery Gateway’s Operations Manager, Hayden Rigby, is originally from New Orleans. Hayden has a keen interest in immersive exhibits and their ability to inspire imaginative play in both children and adults.
As the Operations Manager, Hayden plays a vital role in the museum’s success by overseeing day-to-day operations and special events. Hayden’s leadership style is rooted in integrity and engagement, which helps to maintain a positive environment for guests, floor facilitators, housekeepers, and security associates. Hayden graduated from Louisiana State University with a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Creative Writing. She is passionate about inclusivity, art, and animals.
Paige Levy, equipped with an associate’s degree in Elementary Education, orchestrates fun and engaging learning experiences as the Manager of Field Trips. Honored with the bronze Presidential Volunteer Award and Congressional Medal, Paige extends her dedication to education beyond the norm.
As a recent transplant from Wyoming and a newlywed, she’s awestruck by the absolute beauty of Utah, eagerly anticipating the new opportunities it holds for her future endeavors.
Parker Davidson (they/he), Grant Writer, experienced in working within the education-based non-profit industry, they are passionate about providing youth as many opportunities as possible to experience a diverse and interactive education.
Currently, they work to create relationships with foundations and grantors that will keep Discovery Gateway operating an inclusive and innovative environment for years to come. Before coming to Discovery Gateway, Parker was a program coordinator for Healthcorps, teaching health and wellness in a rural school district in Oklahoma, as well as working for Climb the Mountain Speech & Debate Academy as the assistant director. Born and raised near Portland, Parker graduated from Seattle University with a B.A. in Political Science and a concentration in bioethics. They have served as an assistant instructor for their alma mater’s competitive speech and debate team since their graduation, with their competitive success leading to their invitation to be a guest instructor with the University of Hawai’i and Howard Payne University. In their spare time, Parker loves to play music and is earning their pilot’s license.
Jose Virgen, Facilities Manager, brings over 30 years of experience dedicated to maintaining a secure and enchanting environment for young explorers. Passionate about overseeing the seamless operations of the museum, Jose plays a crucial role in upholding the highest standards for facility management.
With a hands-on approach and meticulous attention to detail, Jose ensures the optimal functionality of interactive displays, educational spaces, and safety protocols. His commitment to excellence contributes to the museum’s mission of inspiring children to discover and connect with their world to make a difference.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Jose is a devoted grandfather of seven and finds joy in creating lasting memories during travels with his wife and cherished grandchildren. A nature enthusiast, he embraces the tranquility of camping trips and the exhilaration of riding his Bicycle and Motorcycle, finding balance between his commitment to Discovery Gateway and his love for outdoor adventures.
Matt Merton, Exhibit Fabricator, was introduced to the art of making stained glass windows at a young age, which led to a lifelong passion for becoming an artist and craftsman.
After learning various art mediums and building techniques, driving him in different directions. Matt worked in several construction trades, pursued studies in graphic design and photography, and spent 13 years at the Hale Centre Theatre as a fabricator and rigger, acquiring a diverse set of skills.
His role at the museum provides the perfect opportunity to apply his experience in constructing challenging and creative exhibits.
A Utah resident for most of his life, Matt enjoys mountain biking, rock climbing, and snowboarding. However, he currently spends more time with his granddaughters than in the mountains.
Matthew Haynes, Assistant Manager of Field Trips, works in both field trips and the museum’s after school program, where his previous jobs in education have provided useful background.
Matthew has lived in Utah for the last six years after moving from Montana but grew up in California. He is still getting used to the snow. Matthew graduated in paleontology at Montana State University, and brings his passion and knowledge of dinosaurs and other extinct animals into his work here.
His passions include art, travel, fantasy, baking, and wildlife, and he is an avid watcher of the Star Wars movies. Matthew lives with his wife, son, and two dogs.