Board of Directors

Annelise Trout, a Service Management Platform Architect at Owens Corning in Toledo, Ohio, brings a dynamic blend of expertise and enthusiasm to the board of Kool Kat Science. With over two years of dedicated involvement in the Kool Kat Science STEM lab pilot group, Annelise’s youthful energy and wisdom have been instrumental in shaping the organization’s direction. Her extensive knowledge of technology and crafting keeps Kool Kat Science connected with relevant teaching methods and fosters an environment of innovation and exploration.

Annelise’s personal experiences underscore her commitment to Kool Kat Science’s mission, as she witnesses firsthand the transformative power of hands-on learning for both children and adults. Beyond the technical aspects, Annelise values the relationships built through STEM education, recognizing the importance of fostering curiosity and growth in a supportive environment.

In her spare time, Annelise enjoys a variety of activities, from indulging in literature and music to crafting and spending quality time with her feline companion. Although relatively new to Ohio, she finds solace and entertainment in its natural beauty and cultural offerings.

Inspired by individuals who demonstrate unwavering integrity and catalyze positive change, Annelise admires historical figures like Jordan Peterson, drawing motivation from their commitment to purposeful living. Despite her adventurous spirit, Annelise humorously admits to a former fear of garbage disposals, showcasing her relatable and down-to-earth nature.

Annelise Trout’s presence on the board of Kool Kat Science enriches the organization with fresh perspectives, technical acumen, and a genuine passion for empowering learners of all ages.

Ed Bellner, currently serving as the West Toledo CedarCreek Pastor, brings a profound spiritual perspective and extensive non-profit experience to the board of Kool Kat Science. As a spiritual guide, Ed plays a vital role in ensuring that the Kool Kat mission remains true to its core values, emphasizing the importance of faith, family, and community. With a keen understanding of organizational dynamics, Ed fearlessly offers his insights, challenging the organization leaders to consider the long-term implications of decisions.

Ed’s personal journey aligns closely with Kool Kat Science’s mission, as he recognizes the inherent connection between intellect, creativity, and faith. In his spare time, Ed finds solace in woodworking, disc golf, and biking, which reflect his love for hands-on creativity and outdoor adventure.

Despite his busy schedule, Ed cherishes moments spent with family and finds inspiration in his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, as well as in the love and support of his wife. His commitment to personal growth and community engagement is further evident in his transition from coaching football to serving as a color commentator for BCSN, embracing new opportunities to connect with and inspire others.

Greg brings a lifelong passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and community to his role as a board member at Kool Kat Science.

Raised on a farm in Northwest Ohio, Greg learned the value of ingenuity and hard work from an early age. His parents and grandparents were leaders in their community and church, inspiring him with stories of resilience and the strong German work ethic of his immigrant ancestors. As the youngest of four, Greg grew up listening, learning, and embracing a culture of making and serving.

After his father retired from farming to become a furniture maker, Greg found his own creative spark in woodworking, photography, and graphic design. His curiosity later expanded into keyframe animation, modeling, 3D printing, and digital tools—blending practical skills with imaginative expression. Earning degrees in Product Design and a Master’s in Career and Adult Education, he’s a lifelong learner—from participating in conferences, and community connections, to building web applications, always driven to improve client products through core web vitals.

Today, Greg channels his diverse skills into his business, Shrinkray Interactive, based at the Toledo Tech Loft, focusing on accessibility, web performance, and UX engineering. For over a decade, he’s organized tech talks and events in Toledo, earning a reputation as a leader and speaker in the tech community.

Greg’s involvement with Kool Kat Science reflects his commitment to empowering the next generation through creativity, STEM learning, and inclusive opportunities. He never misses a chance to advance their goals, build connections, and strengthen the community.

Arika Owens is a parent, STEM advocate, and lifelong learner who enjoys new experiences—whether it’s exploring the Metroparks, solving a challenging puzzle, or traveling to a new destination. Her passion for hands-on discovery is what drew her to Kool Kat Science.

Kool Kat Science’s mission resonates deeply with Arika because she believes every child deserves to feel the spark, the joy of discovering something new, and the confidence that comes from building and solving things together. As a parent and STEM advocate, she has seen firsthand how powerful project-based learning can be in transforming not just skills but attitudes toward learning. Being part of Kool Kat allows Arika to help open those doors for more families and ensure STEM feels accessible, fun, and empowering for all children.

Paula Schoeff currently serves as the Executive Director of Kool Kat Science. She is a founding member of th board and has been editing and writing project-based and STEM lessons since 2007. Her work has been used in Elementary science curriculum in schools across the United States and several of her lessons are included in the STEM Road Map curriculum series. Paula’s BS in middle school education is from Taylor University and includes science, math, and technology endorsements. She earned her MS from the University of Cincinnati where she focused on science curriculum writing. While at U.C., Paula worked under Dr. Carla C. Johnson and Dr. Kelly Obarski educating teachers in STEM practices as part of a STEM of Ohio grant initiative sponsored by Battelle for Kids.

Before working in STEM, Paula taught for twenty years in Indiana and Ohio public school classrooms ranging from preschool education to middle school math and science. Her math and science teaching expertise guides Paula’s writing decisions as she integrates STEM academics and twenty-first-century skills into engaging and authentic problems and projects.

Dave Schoeff currently serves as Secretary Treasurer of Kool Kat Science. He is a founding member of the board and has been writing engineering-based STEM lessons for over five years. His work has been used in Elementary science curriculum projects ranging from physical science and mechanics to life science and astronomy. Dave graduated from Franklin University with a B.S. in Software Engineering and earned his MBA from Heidelberg College. His STEM lessons reflect twenty years of manufacturing experience ranging from CAD designer to technical analyst and IT manager. This real-world expertise produces solid science explorations wrapped in design activities that are both challenging and engaging.

Interested in becoming a board member?

As a board member, you will play a critical role in shaping the direction of our organization and ensuring that we are fulfilling our mission. You will work alongside other passionate and dedicated individuals who are committed to making a positive impact in the world.

We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to creating a board that is inclusive and representative of our community. If you are interested in joining our board, please complete the Board Application form. We look forward to hearing from you and learning more about how you can contribute to our mission.

Learn more about Kool Kat Science

We may consider additional board members. If this is an interest to you, Please take a look at our business documentation.