Meet Lindsay Rothe

Committee Member of the Sarasota Children’s Museum

1. What inspired you to get involved with the Children’s Museum?

My involvement with the Children’s Museum is a natural extension of my lifelong love of learning, my passion for science, and my background in creative writing and performing arts. Throughout my career as a nurse, I have seen firsthand the importance of curiosity and discovery in healthcare, and I am continually inspired by the ways in which science and creativity intersect to improve lives.

From a young age, I have been captivated by the joy of exploration and the thrill of immersing myself in new and unfamiliar experiences. This passion for learning has been complemented by my background in performing arts, which has allowed me to craft engaging narratives and communicate complex ideas in an inspiring way.

The Sarasota Children’s Museum’s mission to provide child-centered experiences that spark wonder, creativity and joyful learning for children and adults resonates deeply with me. My experience in nursing has given me a practical understanding of science and a commitment to education and outreach, while my love for the arts and creative writing has taught me how to make learning engaging and accessible.

A particularly memorable moment for me was visiting an out of town children’s museum with my two young boys. Seeing their excitement and engagement with the exhibits reaffirmed my belief in the power of interactive and imaginative learning. Witnessing their curiosity and creativity in action has strengthened my desire to contribute to an organization that provides such enriching experiences for children. I am eager to bring my background in science, passion for the arts, and creative writing skills to help develop innovative content and programs that inspire and educate, all while supporting the next generation of curious minds, including my own boys.

1. Can you share a favorite childhood memory that sparked your passion for Sarasota to have a children’s museum and you being a part of bringing that to reality? 

One of my favorite childhood memories that sparked my passion for having a children’s museum in Sarasota involves a series of visits to art and science museums, as well as local aquariums and zoos. I recall the thrill of exploring interactive exhibits, marveling at artistic creations, and observing wildlife up close. Each visit was an adventure that ignited my curiosity and fueled my love for learning.

When a local children’s museum in Sarasota closed its doors, I felt a significant loss in our community. The closure meant that children no longer had easy access to a space where they could engage with creative and educational exhibits. This gap in our community’s resources left me reflecting on how vital such institutions are for inspiring and educating young minds.

This sense of loss, combined with my own enriching childhood experiences, fueled my desire to see a new children’s museum established in Sarasota. I am passionate about bringing back those invaluable experiences for local children, so they too can explore, learn, and grow in a supportive and interactive environment.

Being involved in the effort to create a new children’s museum feels like a meaningful way to address this gap and contribute to our community. I am excited to be part of a project that will offer children the same joy and educational enrichment that I experienced, and to help ensure that future generations in Sarasota have access to engaging art, science, and interactive learning opportunities. My goal is to help build a place where children can continue to explore and imagine, just as I did during my formative years.

1. What’s your an interactive exhibit or educational program you would love to see at the museum, and why?

One interactive exhibit I would love to see at the Children’s Museum is the “Journey Through the Human Body” exhibit. This immersive, medical-themed experience would .allow children to explore the wonders of human anatomy and health through interactive and hands-on activities.

The exhibit could feature a giant, walk-through model of the human body with different sections dedicated to various systems such as the circulatory, digestive, and respiratory systems. To keep the experience fresh and engaging, the museum could rotate the focus each month, with each rotation highlighting a new body system. For example, one month might feature the heart and circulatory system with a “Heart Pumping Station” where kids can simulate blood circulation, while the next month could focus on the digestive system with a “Digestive Adventure” that follows the journey of food through the body.

Each rotation would include interactive elements and role-playing stations, where children can dress up as doctors or scientists and engage in hands-on activities related to that month’s featured system. This rotation approach not only keeps the exhibit dynamic but also provides an opportunity for repeated visits, with each visit offering new learning experiences.

This concept aligns with educational goals by combining science with hands-on learning, helping children understand complex medical and biological concepts in a tangible and engaging way. It also promotes awareness about health and wellness from an early age.

Personally, as a nurse with a passion for science, I see tremendous value in making medical education accessible and exciting for children. This rotating exhibit would provide an opportunity to inspire future scientists and healthcare professionals while making learning about the human body and health both fun and memorable. By blending interactive elements with educational content, we can foster curiosity and a lifelong interest in science and medicine among young learners.

1. If you could have any superpower to help you in your role, what would it be and why?

If I could have any superpower to help me in my role at the Children’s Museum, it would be the ability to instantly identify each child’s unique learning style and create a museum experience that speaks to them personally. This superpower would allow me to tailor educational exhibits and programs to match the individual needs and preferences of every child who visits.

Understanding each child’s learning style—whether they are visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or a combination of styles—would enable me to design and adjust exhibits and activities that effectively engage and educate them. For example, I could create interactive displays that incorporate visual elements for visual learners, hands-on experiments for kinesthetic learners, and auditory features for those who learn best through sound.

This ability would ensure that every child receives a museum experience that resonates with them on a personal level, enhancing their engagement and making learning more meaningful. By catering to their unique learning preferences, I could help maximize their enjoyment and educational outcomes, fostering a deeper connection to the museum’s content.

This superpower aligns with my goal of creating a highly personalized and impactful learning environment at the museum. By being able to tailor experiences to each child’s individual learning style, I could ensure that the museum provides a dynamic and inclusive space where every child can thrive, explore, and develop a lifelong love for learning.

1. What are your hobbies or special talents that might surprise people?

One of my special talents that might surprise people is my ability to create unique characters with distinct personalities and voices, including a penchant for silly voices and goofy dancing. I love bringing characters to life through elaborate backstories and engaging vocal expressions, often using humorous and playful tones to captivate and entertain. My talent also extends to incorporating silly voices and spontaneous dancing, which adds an extra layer of fun and energy to my storytelling and character performances.

This talent could significantly enhance the museum experience by making educational programs and exhibits more interactive and memorable. Imagine a storytelling session where I embody different characters with exaggerated voices and lively dance moves, or a themed event where I use my goofy antics to engage children in learning activities. This playful approach can create a joyful atmosphere and help children connect more deeply with the content.

Additionally, my ability to use humor and movement in character creation can encourage children to embrace their own creativity and self-expression. By incorporating these elements into the museum’s programs, I can help foster a fun and inviting environment that inspires curiosity and a love for learning.

Overall, my skill in creating dynamic characters and my love for silly voices and goofy dancing offer a unique way to make the museum experience engaging and enjoyable for children, turning learning into a playful adventure.

1. If you could host a dinner party with any three characters from children’s books or movies, who would they be and why?

• Luca Paguro from Luca: Luca’s curiosity, bravery, and journey of self-discovery would bring a fresh and adventurous perspective to the dinner party. His experiences exploring the world beyond his sea-home and embracing his true identity highlight themes of acceptance, friendship, and overcoming fears. I’d be excited to discuss his adventures and the insights he gained about embracing change and finding one’s place in the world.
• Tod and Copper from The Fox and the Hound: Tod and Copper’s enduring friendship despite their natural differences would add a poignant and heartfelt dimension to the dinner party. Their story of friendship, loyalty, and overcoming societal expectations would spark discussions about the importance of acceptance, understanding, and staying true to oneself. I’d love to hear their perspectives on maintaining connections despite challenges and how their bond shaped their lives.
• Merlin from The Sword in the Stone: Merlin’s wisdom, wit, and magical prowess would bring an enchanting and intellectually stimulating element to the dinner party. His guidance and mentorship of young Arthur, along with his humorous and insightful perspective on life, would provide thought-provoking discussions about the nature of leadership, learning, and the power of knowledge. I’d enjoy exploring his experiences and the lessons he imparts about personal growth and education.