Curiosity. Wonder. Enthusiasm. Energy. These are the characteristics that Laura Christian admires most about young children.
Christian began her career as a preschool and first grade teacher, and while she loved that experience, she has enjoyed the transition from a formal learning environment to an informal one.
“I am privileged to work on a dynamic and supportive team that is dedicated to the mission of fostering a welcoming, vibrant and inclusive environment where all are invited to engage in playful and educational experiences that ignite a lifelong love of learning,” Christian said.
Christian oversees the learning experiences team at Discovery Children’s Museum. She was instrumental in the development of the Discovery Lab, the first public makerspace of its kind in Southern Nevada. “This unique innovative space was designed to encourage inquiry, creativity, risk-taking, critical thinking and collaboration through a hands-on approach that allows visitors to engage in the design thinking process and bring their ideas from conception to creation,” Christian said.
Youth education and community involvement are at the core of Christian’s professional and personal mission. As a volunteer member of CHOLLA (Connecting Hands Offering Lifelong Learning Adventures), Christian is committed to providing better learning opportunities for all CCSD students. She serves on the Nevada STEAM subcommittee, a civic advisory working group consisting of both arts and STEM professionals and community advocates committed to supporting arts integration across all disciplines of study, as well as participates in Raising Las Vegas, which is led by the Library Foundation and works with community partners to connect children ages birth through 5 with resources that support early growth and development.
From celebrating her students’ many firsts, to witnessing “aha!” moments of discovery by museum guests, Christian has made an impact on the youngest Valley residents—one that will last a lifetime.