Our Staff
Dana
Parker
Executive Director
Dana was born and raised in South Florida. She found her forever home here, in Elizabeth City, with two awesome boys and their dad. They love doing all things outdoors in their free time!
Dana has worked with children of all ages and abilities. She has experience opening and running childcare centers, shadowing children with special needs, nannying for twins and triplets along with sleep training, plus coaching families in positive behavior and redirection. Dana's passion has always been educating children
and watching them thrive!
Gavin
White
Educator
Gavin was born and raised right here in Elizabeth City. From a young age, he had a strong interest in engineering, computers and robotics. He has worked hard on his school's FRC (robotics) team and loves doing it! He has put many hours into volunteering at Port Discover and is also a soon-to-be Eagle Scout! Gavin is very excited to grow and expand Port Discover's computer and robotics programs.
Kelly
Harris
Educator
Kelly was born and raised near Dayton Ohio. She served in the Air Force for six years and moved to Elizabeth City in 2007. She and her husband, Chris Harris, have 3 incredible children who love to travel and spend time exploring outdoors. Kelly taught Preschool and Kindergarten in the Elizabeth City area for 10 years. She loves seeing children learn and grow while exploring the world around them.
Maria
Hilton
Educator
Maria was born and raised in Ohio where she earned her bachelor's degree in Tourism Administration and Event Planning from Bowling Green State University. She moved to Elizabeth City when she took an internship at Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City where she met her husband. They have three beautiful daughters who love dancing, swimming, and exploring nature! She has experience with homeschooling and helping children with special needs and sensory processing challenges. She is passionate about caring for people and is excited to grow with the local community!
Monica
Nelson
Educator
Monica was born in California but grew up in Ramstein, Germany. She eventually moved to the United States to pursue a career in Broadcasting and Media Studies. Monica volunteered with children's organizations, as a teenager, and served as an Ambassador for the Boys and Girls Club of America. She later became a Computer Science Teacher and Educator for Port Discover. Monica also communicates fluently in Spanish as a second language.
Monica enjoys watching children learn and hearing their stories. She can also be seen working in media design at Port Discover!
Andrea
Rosewall
Educator
Andrea Rosewall is a longtime resident of Elizabeth City. She was born and raised in Chapel Hill, NC. She has worked as an educator in the community for over a decade. She loves spending time outdoors and reading. She especially enjoys summer vacations to Cape Cod with her four children. She hopes to encourage a love of life-long learning and curiosity about the world with the visitors of Port Discover.
Board of Directors
2022-2023
Clayton Rodgers, Chair
Abe Meilich, PhD, Secretary
Adam McKee, Elizabeth City State University
Jennifer Bradshaw, North Carolina Child Care Resource and Referral Center
James Reynolds, Elizabeth City State University
Margaret Young, PhD, Elizabeth City State University
Randy Whitehead, Community Member
Timothy Witwer, M.D., Retired