About Us

We are the champions of play.

Play isn’t killing time. It’s creating character.
Everything we want from our children is already in them. And play is how they unlock it.

Welcome to PCM

As a young child in South Boston, I didn’t feel that museums belonged to me. They existed outside of who I was, where I belonged, and certainly not something I could see as a career choice. Now, having spent my career in design, education, and museums, I know how untrue that narrative was. But I also recognize the importance of access to creativity on a personal level. The opening of the Creativity Initiative in 2019 marked an important step for PCM and the children of southern New England. Here, children know that this welcoming and joyful spot to play is theirs. Our access programs make sure that no matter what their circumstances, we are their spot to play. And we want all the grown-ups in their lives to understand that this is the first stop on their children’s cultural pathway – that their ownership of this cultural institution will lead to a greater comfort and passion for creativity, arts and the other cultural institutions they may visit, contribute to, or lead.

Meet Our Directors

About Us

We are the champions of play.

Play isn’t killing time. It’s creating character. Everything we want from our children is already in them. And play is how they unlock it.

Welcome to PCM

As a young child in South Boston, I didn’t feel that museums belonged to me. They existed outside of who I was, where I belonged, and certainly not something I could see as a career choice. Now, having spent my career in design, education, and museums, I know how untrue that narrative was. But I also recognize the importance of access to creativity on a personal level. The opening of the Creativity Initiative in 2019 marked an important step for PCM and the children of southern New England. Here, children know that this welcoming and joyful spot to play is theirs. Our access programs make sure that no matter what their circumstances, we are their spot to play. And we want all the grown-ups in their lives to understand that this is the first stop on their children’s cultural pathway – that their ownership of this cultural institution will lead to a greater comfort and passion for creativity, arts and the other cultural institutions they may visit, contribute to, or lead.

Meet Our Directors

Visitor Services

Jordan Towle
Visitors Services Manager

Dani Del Portillo
Experience Coordinator

Abby Gangl
Experience Coordinator

Hector Moreno
Experience Coordinator

Jade Peters
Experience Coordinator

Annabelle Paiva
Experience Coordinator

Wendy Rose
Experience Coordinator

April Sullivan
Experience Coordinator

Development +
External Relations

Jen Kowal
External Relations Manager

Salena Deane
External Relations Coordinator

Education

​Hannah Lally
Community Outreach Manager

Stephanie Cramer
Education Program Coordinator

Finance + Administration

Diane Dallow
Bookkeeper

James Robinson
Assistant Director of Facilities

Roseann Houser
Senior Housekeeper

Arthur Dunkley
Housekeeper

Families Together

​Cindy Ogando
Assistant Director

Fabio Moreno
Office Manager

Megan Lamoureux
Family Clinician

Amber Massed
Family Clinician

Erica Meredith
Family Clinician

Celeste Rosales
Family Clinician

Morgan Steele
Family Clinician

Javier Nunez
Program Assistant

Maria Paz
Program Assistant

Joana Perez
Program Assistant

Juan Rodriguez
Program Assistant

 

 

Caroline Payson, Executive Director

Caroline was previously the Director of Education of the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. In that role, she was responsible for conveying the importance of design and design thinking in everyday life education programs for audiences including teachers, students, professional designers, scholars and the general public. Major initiatives included the website’s Educator’s Resource Center (400 standards-based lessons in all curriculum subject areas and videos modeling best practices); Design-in-the-Classroom, the Harlem Design Center; and National Design Week. The Museum’s annual outreach and impact included 25,000 students, family events for 5,000, after school programs for 1000 students, public programs attended by 1,200 people and a school tour program for 6,000 students.

BYRON PENNEY, Director of Exhibits

Byron joined us to create PCMs first digital exhibits (launching Spring 24’) and currently leads the Verizon/NYC Media Lab partnership, exploring how virtual and augmented reality with 5G capabilities will transform cultural institutions and the communities they serve. His 30 year career includes experience design, brand strategist, product development and creative direction for iconic media brands. “My goal is evolving PCM to reflect what PLAY means today, making it accessible and engaging for all kids.”

Heidi Brinig, Director of Families Together

Heidi founded the Families Together program in 1992. From the building in Pawtucket to the Museum in Providence, Heidi came to the Museum as a volunteer in April 1991, working to launch the renowned program. She has a bachelor’s in early childhood education and a master’s degree in human development and family counseling.

Andrew Leveillee, Director of Education

Andrew is an educator and program developer with expertise in the social sciences, humanities, English language acquisition, STEAM education, as well as years of combined experience in content design, educational leadership, and classroom teaching. As a driving force of his career, Andrew credits his passion for positively affecting the way children and adults explore and think about their world – the spaces they inhabit, the objects they create and use, the people they meet – and helping facilitate the work of other educators and community leaders in their efforts to do the same.

Victoria Picinich, Director of Development and External Relations

Victoria has spent the last 12 years making a significant impact in the nonprofit sector as a fundraiser and Director of Development. Her commitment to improving the lives of others has led her to work with a diverse range of nonprofit organizations. She holds a degree in Social Work and Women's Studies from Providence College, which laid the foundation for her deep understanding of social issues and her commitment to addressing them. Throughout her career, Victoria has consistently demonstrated her ability to raise critical funds for causes close to her heart. 

Yuyan Brady, Director of Finance and Operations

With over 15 years of experience, Yuyan Brady has a proven track record in managing budgeting and forecasting for top-tier corporations. Additionally, Yuyan brings extensive expertise in Category and Project Management, showcasing a highly diversified background in the field. In this capacity, Yuyan is responsible for overseeing budgeting and forecasting, P&L analytics, human resource strategies, safety and security, office systems, supplies and equipment, as well as the management of mechanical, structural, and operational building components.

About Us

Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning for all through play, creativity, and exploration.

Hours and Admissions

Wednesday - Sunday
9:30am to 12:30pm and 
1:30pm or 4:30pm

Reservations are available online. Reserve your ticket now, or purchase walk-up tickets when you arrive.

Masks are optional for most activities at PCM.

Group Visits

Providence Children's Museum is the ideal place for school field trips, camp outings, homeschool and community group trips and Scout excursions.

For Families

We’ve collected an extensive resource of creative activities that will engage kids and their caregivers wherever you may be.

About Play

While society often overlooks and undervalues play, we are here to celebrate and elevate it. Because we know play isn’t frivolous. It’s foundational.

PCM Lesson Plans

Check out our library of lesson plans for teachers and families. PCM has created a variety of lesson plans for teachers by teachers for children pre-k through early elementary.

Become a Partner

PCM has brought the magic of learning to life for over 40 years. As a trusted resource for families and children in southern New England, PCM is an anchor in our community.

Become a Partner

PCM has brought the magic of learning to life for over 40 years. As a trusted resource for families and children in southern New England, PCM is an anchor in our community.

More than a Museum
PCM is committed to serving the children of southern New England – regardless of their financial ability. 40% of the Museum’s budget is dedicated to welcoming one-third of the Museum’s total audience free of charge or at greatly reduced rates through a variety of outreach programs.