August 25, 2026 – Byers & Co hit the road to celebrate 30 years of Byers & Co and broadcast live from The Children’s Museum of Illinois, presented by Oshea Builders. Listen to the podcasts now!
Exective Director Rikki Parker joined Byers & Co to talk about exciting updates at the Museum, including new camps and programs like Curious By Nature, SheBuilds, and Teach the Tutor, a partnership with the Simons Foundation, bringing six figure gifts into the community that will impact math literacy for local students in Decatur and the surrounding communities. Listen to the podcast now!
Rachel Moran, CMofIL Board member and incoming Board chair for 2027, and Rikki Parker, join Byers & Co to talk about Rachel’s goals as Board president for 2027-2028, the Museum’s strategic plan, and how they impact central Illinois families. Listen to the podcast now!
CMofIL’s Melanie Bilbrey-Snively and Kylie Spence join Byers & Co to talk about Kylie’s journey at the Museum. Kylie has worked at the Museum for over three years and has transitioned into a leadership role within the Museum’s education team, thanks to a partnership with DCLI and Workforce Investment Solutions. She plans to enroll at Richland this year and will continue to grow in the Museum’s education department. Listen to the podcast now!
Student Sophia Hargrove and Melanie Bilbrey-Snively join Byers & Co to talk about Sopia’s experience as a graduate of ChemGirls and Girls Who Code. She has also served as a volunteer helper for CMofIL summer art camp. Listen to the podcast now!
Rikki Parker and RCC’s Julie Melton joined Byers & Co to talk about the partnership between CM of IL and Richland to construct and operate a Teaching Kitchen inside of the Museum. With the help of partners like the Lumpkin Foundation, the Children’s Museum has constructed numerous outdoor spaces, including raised garden beds and a greenhouse. These spaces are utilized to grow food that will be used inside of the kitchen, teaching families about where their food comes from, nutrition, and opening their minds to new career pathways. Richland is invested not just in the construction phase of the project, but also in continued support for programming. Their commitment represents an almost $200,000 investment in the lives of central Illinois families. Listen to the podcast now!
CMofIL volunteer Kathy Tschosik and Rikki Parker joined Byers & Co to talk about how Kathy originally connected with the Museum, her volunteerism, and why she supports the CMofIL. Listen to the podcast now!
Local educator and Board Member Sarah Brice and Melanie Bilbrey Snively joined Byers & Co to talk about the development of the curriculum for the Teach the Tutor program and the CMofIL education committee. Listen to the podcast now!
David Lane, Assistant Director of Field Service for Greater St. Louis Area Scouting, joined Byers & Co to discussing STEM Twilights Camp and partnerships between Scouting and the Children’s Museum of Illinois. Listen to the podcast now!
Rikki Parker joined Byers & Co to talk about the CMofIL’s partnership with Oshea Builders, their newest and upcoming projects, and how to become a member at the CMofIL. Listen to the podcast now!
