Val Kennings
Val Kennings, is the Chief Financial Officer at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and Leslie Science & Nature Center, bringing decades of experience in nonprofit financial leadership. She has worked across a range of nonprofit organizations in financial management and accounting roles, building deep expertise in mission-driven work.
She is excited to support the organization’s mission of sparking curiosity and lifelong learning, and to help carry forward strong financial leadership while contributing her own experience to the team.
Outside of work, Val enjoys weightlifting and the challenge and community it brings.
David Clipner
David Clipner is a lifelong learner who holds an elementary education degree from Eastern Michigan University, and has previously studied everything from philosophy to welding & fabrication. After 6 years as a Bassist and Sound Engineer in the Marine Corps Band he moved to Michigan to start new adventures though he still keeps his fingers wet in the audio/music world by teaching audio production at Washtenaw Community College and playing locally from time to time. He leads various workshops on heritage skills such as artisan baking and hand tool woodworking, hosts beverage tastings, and consults on wildlife and ecological restoration projects. Teaching and sharing his many interests with others including his wife, Mary and their three boys, Tilden, Rye, and Hawthorn remains his favorite way to spend his time. “You only get one life that we know of. Why would you want to keep all the wonderful things you learn to yourself? What a waste that would be.”
Charlie Reischl
Charlie Reischl has worked with organizations driven by social impact and the creative arts in Southeast Michigan and the UK for the past 10 years. He brings a passion for finding resources to empower access to community gathering spaces and to connect people to personal growth opportunities. An Ann Arbor native, his work as a musician brought opportunities in youth development and community organizing before pursuing a business master’s degree at the University of Glasgow. He ran a technology recycling company in Scotland before returning to Michigan to work as a business development consultant. Charlie enjoys performing and teaching music on the string bass, backpacking, and gardening.
Angela Morris
Angela Morris joined the AAHOM-LSNC team in 2025 and would rather be petting cats.
Brianna Clementz
Brianna Clementz loves all things arts and adventure. She’s an avid reader, a big fan of Broadway musicals, and is always planning the next family getaway - especially if it involves exploring a national park.
Gem Miller
Gem joined the AAHOM/LSNC team in 2024. She’s an alumna of Eastern Michigan University and has a background in Communications/Marketing. Gem has a passion for creating new and imaginative ideas and enjoys drawing, nature walks and coaching volleyball in their free time!
Lannis Smith
Lannis Smith has been a part of the team since 2015. Ever since she could walk, Lannis has been walking through the wilderness. A Michigan native, she received her bachelor’s degree in Biology at Albion College, and earned her Master’s in Environmental Science at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Lannis has been teaching audiences of all ages about the natural world for over a decade, and every hobby she has involves being outdoors. When she's not teaching with one of our wildlife co-workers, Lannis backpacks, kayaks, and is an equestrian, riding horses for over 27 years!
Ally Ross
Ally Ross joined the Unity in Learning team as a Program Manager in 2024. With over a decade of experience working with kids outdoors, Ally is excited to have the continued opportunity to introduce folks of all ages to the beauty of nature in the Black Pond Woods and the wonders of science in the museum labs. When not leading science experiments or out on the trails with students, Ally enjoys canoeing, mountain biking, and going wherever her two dogs, Caesar and Gaia, lead her.
Emily Venner
Emily Venner joined the AAHOM and LSNC team in 2024. She also teaches Art History and Visual Culture classes at Wayne State University. Emily has a passion for lifelong learning, curiosity, and creativity. When not at the museum, the nature center, or in the classroom she likes to read, camp, crochet, and hangout with her cats Ricco, Bonnie, and Cardamom.
Calla Lima da Cruz
Calla Lima da Cruz, dedicated to fostering educational journeys, brings over a decade of expertise in outreach and teaching to Unity in Learning. As the Visitor Services & Program Manager, Calla is passionate about community growth through impactful educational initiatives. Holding a Ph.D. in Chemistry, she has been instrumental in guiding students through their academic endeavors. Beyond the classroom, Calla finds joy in the dynamic worlds of volleyball, tennis, and video games. Her commitment to learning extends into her personal life, where she actively tutors and coaches students of all ages, blending a love for education with a zest for active pursuits.
