Board of Directors

President and Founder Lauren Wray Bergeman

Vice President Kelsey Taylor

Treasurer Jessica Palmer

Secretary Dani Simo

Mission
To inspire children and families through hands-on discovery and creative play that nurtures learning, imagination, and community connection.

Vision
To become a cornerstone educational and cultural resource for Manistee by providing inclusive, safe, and meaningful play experiences for children of all backgrounds.

Behind the Mission

Nonprofit Status
Manistee Discovery Cove  operates as a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. 

Founder Lauren Wray Bergeman

Lauren has built her career in the education field, bringing creativity, connection, and strong communication skills to each role she’s held. Her background includes teaching dance, serving as a Summer Director, and working as the Communication Liaison for Manistee Area Public Schools, where she supported district-wide communication and community engagement.

Lauren moved to the area in 2023 with her husband and two sons, and quickly grew connected to the community. She holds a Business Administration degree from San Francisco State University and is passionate about fostering positive relationships between schools, families, and the wider community.

Vice President Kelsey Taylor

Kelsey is a dedicated community builder and the Vice President of the Board for Manistee Discovery Cove. A resident of Kaleva, Kelsey is a proud mom of one and the caretaker of a lively home filled with two cats, chickens, and bunnies.

Kelsey is the President, Founder, and Lead Educator of NoMi Forest Explorers, where she creates hands-on, nature-based learning experiences for children and families across the region. She also serves as an Events & Fundraising Director and works as a Family Engagement Coach for the Manistee County Great Start Collaborative, supporting families and strengthening early childhood connections throughout the county.

With a strong passion for education, community engagement, and creating meaningful spaces for kids to learn and explore, Kelsey is excited to help bring this incredible new resource to the community. She looks forward to contributing her experience, energy, and love for creativity to the Manistee Discovery Cove team.

Treasurer Jessica Palmer

Jessica is a proud Manistee Township resident, mom of three adventurous kiddos (7 chickens and 1 cat), and a lifelong believer in the power of community. She and her husband, Tim Palmer, just finished building their forever-home in 2024, nestled in 13 beautifully wooded acres. The nature of this northern Michigan is where Jessica finds her inner peace. 
 
Jessica is a graduate of University of Michigan, and has 15 years of lived experience working as a “woman in STEM” as a Manufacturing & Business Process Engineer. She has a passion for continuous improvement & a wealth of experience helping organizations create efficiency & value within their internal business processes which ultimately leads to growth and sustainability. 
 
As Treasurer of Manistee Discovery Cove, Jessica blends her professional skills with her passion for giving back. She loves helping build programs that spark curiosity, confidence, and access in STEM for kids across the region. Outside of board work, you’ll often find her investing her energy into community-focused groups like the NoMI Forest Explorers nonprofit organization (serving as current Treasurer) and the Manistee County Great Start Collaborative, where she enjoys supporting outdoor learning, early childhood initiatives, and family-centered activities.

Secretary Dani Simo

Danielle (Dani) Simo is a dedicated parent of three from Bear Lake and a 2010 graduate of Manistee High School. With a career rooted in service, Dani has spent years working with children, disabled adults, and the elderly throughout Manistee and Benzie counties, building deep connections within the community.

They currently serve as a building substitute at Manistee Elementary while completing their bachelor’s degree in Upper Elementary Education and Special Education. Dani brings compassion, creativity, and a genuine love for learning to every space they enter.

In addition to their work in education and caregiving, Dani holds a special place in their heart for music and the theatrical arts—passions that continue to inspire their commitment to fostering curiosity, confidence, and expression in young learners.

 

Science Advisor Devin Schweigert

Devin is a science teacher at Manistee Middle High School who brings curiosity, enthusiasm, and hands-on exploration into his classroom. He is passionate about helping students understand scientific concepts in ways that feel engaging, approachable, and meaningful.

He is also the Youth Director at Faith Covenant Church and is father to two toddler boys, one with neurodivergent needs and behaviors. 

As the Science Advisor for Manistee Discovery Cove, Devin contributes his STEM expertise to support program development and science-focused activities within the organization. His commitment to sparking curiosity and fostering learning makes him a valuable partner in advancing the mission of Manistee Discovery Cove.