About Us
We are a 501 (c)(3) organization that is dedicated to our mission to develop an innovative children’s museum in Colorado Springs. We believe that all children deserve opportunities to explore the world in ways that children’s museums offer.
We began the museum in 2005, when a group of mother’s were gathered around the table. They knew the value a children’s museum. Starting with a part-time mobile museum, and then a move to the Citadel Mall was the first location. In 2020, a new location was scouted and unfortunately closed in 2023. PPCM continues to host in-school field trips and personalized birthday programs, and a continued commitment to our community drives us. Our newest location is located within the Pikes Peak United Way Family Success Center. We are still a pop-up model with varied times and dates. Come check us out!
Our Board Members
Pamela Mora
MSV, Sachs Foundation Chief Operations Officer
Board of Directors President
Graduating from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2012 with a Bachelors in Sociology, Pamela began to look at the career path that kept calling her back; social services. From working with homebound seniors, providing behavioral treatment plans for youth, to supporting people with developmental disabilities, social work became a passion for Pamela.In 2016, Pamela graduated from the University of Denver with a master’s degree in social work and emphasis on Family Systems. Pamela began working with students in out-of-school time in Denver’s Five Points and surrounding neighborhoods.Pamela serves on the board of directors for Safe Passage, Vice Chair on the AAYLC Board of Directors, and is a commissioner with the 4th Judicial Court Commission. She was named Next Generation Leader with the National After-School Association. In 2024, Pamela was named a Woman of Distinction with Girl Scouts Colorado. Pamela loves to travel, read, and spend time with her husband, 2 children and 2 dogs.
Shani Cottrell
CPA, MPAcc, Hoelting & Company Inc. Audit Manager
Board Treasurer
Shani is the Treasurer of the Pikes Peak Children’s Museum. Numbers have always made sense to her, but it’s the people behind those numbers—and the communities they strengthen—that fuel her work. As a CPA with a Master of Professional Accounting, she works as an Audit Manager specializing in not‑for‑profit and local government entities—experience that has shaped her belief in the power of strong financial stewardship to support meaningful missions.
As a mother of two, Shani is inspired by the creativity and joy children bring to the world, making the museum’s mission especially close to her heart. Her commitment to service extends beyond the museum. She also serves as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee for Tirzah International, a global nonprofit dedicated to empowering women. Across all her board roles, she strives for thoughtful leadership, steady financial insight, and holds an unwavering belief in the good that nonprofits can accomplish.
Alexis Cossentino
CPA, MACC, BiggsKofford, Senior Auditor
Board Secretary
Alexis is the Board Secretary for the Pikes Peak Children’s Museum. Professionally, she works as an Senior Auditor with BiggsKofford LLP. She holds her CPA licensure and a MACC. She specializes in audits of nonprofits entities, though has a diverse background working with nonprofits, special districts, healthcare, and on compliance engagements. Alexis finds meaning in guiding nonprofits through the audit and compliance processes, and values accountability and honesty within operations from the top down. Prior to her time as an auditor, she spent four years as a middle school teacher, three of those for a Title I school. Alexis has served on the board since 2025.
Skky Cowan
Apartment Management Consultants, LLC, Regional Property Manager
Board Member
Skky Cowan is a multifamily real estate professional and Regional Property Manager who joined Apartment Management Consultants, LLC (AMC) in 2017. She began her property management career in 2006 as a leasing agent and has since supported income restricted communities, with experience in lease-ups, value-add strategies, and market repositioning. Skky is known for strengthening day-to-day operations and helping teams improve performance at underperforming sites through a practical, data-informed approach to budgeting, marketing, and resident experience. She also oversees staffing, training, and complex property operations, building accountable, service-minded teams. Skky is honored to support the Pikes Peak Children’s Museum as a member of the Board of Directors, bringing expertise in governance, planning, and operational excellence in service of the museum’s mission and the families it serves.
Kelsey Sampsel
Educator District 49, Artist
Board Member Educational Director
Kelsey Sampsel serves as the Educational Director at Pikes Peak Children’s Museum, where she leads strategic initiatives to create inclusive and engaging, visitor-centered programming. Kelsey holds a BA in Art History from Arizona State University and an MA in Teacher Leadership from Western State University.
Drawing on over a decade of experience as a professional artist with exhibitions in galleries around the globe, Kelsey specializes in bridging art and design with diverse audiences through innovative, multi-disciplinary learning experiences. Her commitment to excellence in education has earned her nominations for national awards in personalized learning.
Kelsey is a passionate advocate for lifelong learning and believes that creativity is fundamental to human development. At the museum, she is dedicated to building cognitive, social, and developmental foundations, ensuring the museum serves as a welcoming and fun space for all learners.
Mona Lara
Thrivent Financial, Senior Associate
Board Member
Mona is originally from the midwest, received her bachelor’s from Truman University and Master’s degree from Stephen’s College. Mona was previously a school counselor, but began to realize what a great need there was to educate families on how to be successful in their financial journey. She began exploring the career as a volunteer budget coach for low income families. As her skills and love for financial guidance continued to grow I decided to pursue this career full time. Mona is a mother of two active kiddos, she understands the bigger picture in Colorado Springs. Mona has been on the board of Pikes Peak Children’s Museum since 2023.
Julianna Ellis
Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Legal Assistant
Board Member
Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Juliana is a legal assistant for Taft Law in downtown Colorado Springs. Juliana earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Creighton University in 2021. Following which she worked for a financial advisor as a Business Office Administer.
Mother to twins with another on the way, Juliana is passionate about accessible resources for children and families in her local community. Juliana has been on the Pikes Peak Children’s Museum Board since 2023 where she has tabled many events where she has seen the great need for a permanent christens museum in the community.
Marcial Dumlao
Executive Coach, Cool Persistence Coaching, LLC
Board Member
Marsh Dumlao is a 1983 U.S. Naval Academy graduate and retired Naval & federal executive with over 24 years of service. A former shipboard Supply & Combat Systems Officer, Marsh now empowers emerging leaders nationwide through his consulting practice-Cool Persistence Coaching and keynote talks. His quick-fire authorship of Kadeimma embodies his core belief: persistence isn’t mere motion—it’s purpose in action. Marsh has been serving on the PPCM board since 2023.