Staff

Monique Wilson

Director

As Director, Ms. Wilson oversees the use of technology at the school including the Digital Dome Classroom, Science on a Sphere and an experiential learning center. She also coordinates science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related opportunities for students.

Wilson began her career with Charles County Public Schools in 2001 as a science teacher at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School. She also taught science at Mattawoman and Theodore G. Davis middle schools before accepting a position as an instructional specialist in 2009. In 2010, Wilson was named the STEM Education Coordinator for Charles County Public Schools and was appointed as Director of the Science Center in 2013. Prior to joining Charles County Public Schools, Wilson taught science at schools in Texas and Ohio.

Wilson has a bachelor’s degree in Earth Science and Secondary Education from Kent State University, a master’s degree in Educational Administration from McDaniel College, and a Masters of Arts with STEM/Science focus from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Patrick Rowley

Planetarium + Science On a Sphere Facilitator

As Planetarium and Science On a Sphere Facilitator (or “SphereMaster”), Mr. Rowley uses scientific research and data to create visually-appealing, easy to understand, and scientifically-accurate content for the NOAA Science On a Sphere and Planetarium. He also works with the Science Center team to develop school group and public programming, including our free planetarium shows in Maryland's largest planetarium.

Prior to coming to Charles County Public Schools in 2014, Rowley worked at the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, developing content and training materials for the entire NOAA Science On a Sphere Network (over 200 exhibits worldwide) as part of the EarthNow project, a NOAA-funded Environmental Literacy Grant. Rowley also has experience working at Nauticus, a maritime science and history museum in downtown Norfolk, Virginia.

Rowley has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Geology from William & Mary, and a master’s degree in Geosciences: Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University. Mr. Rowley has worked with the NOAA Science On a Sphere exhibit around the country for over 20 years and has a published article in the Journal of Geoscience Education.

Amy Cruz

Instructional Resource Teacher

Mrs. Amy Cruz serves as an Instructional Resource Teacher at the James E. Richmond Science Center, where she designs and implements engaging, standards-based science lessons aligned with NGSS and county curriculum requirements. She is dedicated to promoting instructional best practices and ensuring all content is accurate, relevant, and inspiring for students.

Mrs. Cruz began her career with Charles County Public Schools in 2006 as a science teacher at Matthew Henson Middle School. She later taught science at Milton Somers Middle School before becoming a Learning Resource Teacher at Indian Head Elementary School in 2021. In August 2025, she joined the team at the James E. Richmond Science Center, continuing her commitment to fostering curiosity and excellence in science education.

Mrs. Cruz earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Salisbury University and a master’s degree in Science Education from Walden University. She also holds an Administrative Certificate from McDaniel College.

Butch Arbin

Resource Teacher

As Resource Teacher, Mr. Arbin maintains Science Center technology and coordinates field trip logistics for the Science Center. He also works with the Science Center team to develop technology-rich content for the Discovery Lab.

Butch has worked for Charles County Public Schools for over 48 years. Prior to his assignment at the Science Center he served many roles in the Office of Instruction, with primary responsibilities being Instructional Technology and oversight of Engineering and Technology Education. His most recent teaching assignment was as an Aerospace Engineering Instructor at Lackey High School. In addition, he taught the Gateway to Technology (pre-engineering) classes at Mathew Henson Middle School, part of the Project Lead The Way Program.

Arbin holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from University of Maryland College Park and a master’s equivalent from University of Maryland College Park.
Arbin’s recognitions include Maryland Physical Education Teacher of the Year (Maryland Association of Physical Education, Health, Recreation and Dance), State Physical Educator of the Year (American Association of Physical Education), and Maryland Teacher/Educator of the Year for his work with professional development.

Jennifer Lennon

Secretary to the Director

Ms. Lennon is the Secretary to the Director of the Science Center. Lennon is a Certified Administrative Professional. Along with coordinating field trips from local schools and community groups, Lennon works on marketing for the science center and special events, including our Twitter page.

Prior to coming to the Science Center, she worked at the CCPS Central Office in the Instruction Department with Gifted Education and Staff Development. Before coming to CCPS, Lennon worked for USDA and volunteered with Charles County Public Schools. She was instrumental in creating the Malcolm Elementary Schoolyard Habitat.