Meet the Staff
Education Department Staff
Meet the staff of our Interpretive Education Department
Gretchen Henrich
Director of Curatorial, Education, and Museum Services
Phone: 307-578-4061
[email protected]
Gretchen Henrich began her journey at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in 1999 as Children’s and Family Program Coordinator, arriving from West Virginia where she led education efforts at Oglebay’s Good Zoo. Throughout her career, she designed engaging humanities and science programs for museums. In 2025, after years directing the Center’s education division, she stepped into her current role overseeing Curatorial, Education, and Museum Services. Gretchen champions collaboration, innovation, and meaningful learning experiences across all areas she guides.
Alex Martin
Director of the Interpretive Education Division
Phone: 307-578-4028
[email protected]
Alex Martin directs education at the Center of the West, where her journey began as an intern in 2022. She spent three years shaping school programs and curriculum before stepping into her current leadership role. Alex drives strategic planning, exhibit interpretation, program development, fundraising, evaluation, and leads the IDEA staff team. She holds a master’s in Natural Science Education and Environment and Natural Resources from the University of Wyoming and a biocultural anthropology degree from the University of Washington. Eastern Washington roots and a science-loving family sparked her passion early.
Digital Education
George Miller
Digital Outreach Educator
Phone: 307-578-4121
[email protected]
George brings 45 years of experience in education as an instructor, administrator, and former president of a training company in China, Japan, and South Korea. For the past decade, he has delivered Virtual Field Trips from the Center to thousands of students worldwide, blending videography and course design. His work explores the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and museum collections. A lifelong learner, George dives into geology and hydrology, while skiing, rafting, mountain biking, composing music, painting, and filming fuel his creative side.
Ruby Gray
Virtual Field Trip Educator
Phone: 307-578-4037
[email protected]
Originally from Seattle, Washington, Ruby now calls Cody, Wyoming home, drawing inspiration from its striking landscapes and deep history. At the Center of the West, she leads Virtual Field Trips, connecting students worldwide to the museum’s collections and the stories of the American West. Ruby holds a Multidisciplinary Degree in Art and Culture and channels her curiosity into travel, outdoor adventures, and savoring great food. Her work blends creativity, education, and a passion for sharing place-based experiences with global learners.
Denise Greve
Virtual Field Trip Scheduler and Educator
Phone: 307-578-4037
[email protected]
Denise blends a rich background in art education with a deep love for nature—especially animals. She earned her undergraduate degree from Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati and a master’s in Art Education from the University of Louisville. Over the years, she has taught students from kindergarten through high school across five states. Now rooted in Wyoming, Denise finds inspiration in its rugged beauty and thrives at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, where art, education, and wild landscapes converge.
School & Family Programs
Heather Bender
Native Education Outreach Specialist
Phone: 307-578-4096
[email protected]
Heather Bender serves as Native Education Outreach Specialist at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, guiding educators in integrating Wyoming Indian Education for All standards into their teaching. She builds collaborative networks among museum staff, Indigenous communities, schools, universities, and visitors to support inclusive, place-based learning. With three decades in education and museums, Heather shapes classroom practice, curriculum design, and teacher training. She holds a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and a certificate in Teaching American Indian Children from the University of Wyoming.
Luke Deurmier
Interpretive Specialist
Phone: 307-578-4005
[email protected]
Luke Deurmier serves as Interpretive Specialist at the Center. Raised in South Dakota’s Black Hills, he explored the outdoors from an early age, sparking a lifelong passion for nature and history. He earned a degree in History with a minor in American Indian Studies and completed a master’s in Secondary Education at Black Hills State University. After two fulfilling years teaching high school social studies, Luke now helps connect learners to the American West through engaging, thoughtful, and inspiring educational experiences.
