Dan & Cassidy Towriss IDEA Space KC

The Community Resource for STEAM Education

Welcome to the Dan & Cassidy Towriss IDEA Space, where science, technology, engineering, arts and math are the conduits that spark children’s creativity, imagination and innovation. 
Through consistent and ongoing STEAM  experiences, students of all ages and backgrounds learn to create, communicate and collaborate.

In our thoughtfully-designed learning center, K-12 students learn to use the technology and tools that will power tomorrow's workforce. Educators connect for meaningful professional development. And community partners have access to specialized spaces and equipment that turn regular lessons into real-world products and projects. Here, anything is possible. So what's your idea?

Cassie Banka, Director

“We recognize how important STEAM skills are for the future. Providing meaningful, hands-on opportunities for every child to apply these skills will shape future generations of innovators.”

List of 1 items.

  • Our Mission

    IDEA Space KC provides a mutually supportive space in south Kansas City where students and educators explore Innovation, Discovery, Entrepreneurship and Arts through consistent, ongoing learning experiences.

Our Vision

IDEA Space empowers learners and educators today to create the Kansas City of tomorrow, a community resource where students in preschool-grade 12 engage in STEAM learning through hands-on activities and experiences. Through collaboration with regional private, public and home school programs, students acquire important 21st century skills: creativity, communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving.

IDEA Space will broaden and diversify pipelines into four key workforce development areas: skilled trades, engineering, advanced manufacturing and computer science. Students participate  through after school programs, summer courses, school and non-profit partnerships and receive increase their comfort and confidence in STEAM fields.

 

Leadership

List of 1 items.

  • Cassie Banka '05

    Director
    Cassie Banka '05 brings more than a decade of classroom STEAM instruction and educational leadership to IDEA Space. After graduating from The Barstow School in 2005, Cassie earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Mathematics and a Master of Science in Curriculum from Kansas State University, and a Master of Science in School Leadership from Baker University. Her goal is to facilitate the development of impassioned problem solvers.

Facilitators & Staff

List of 4 items.

  • Bree Pusey

    Community Outreach Coordinator
    Bree Pusey comes to IDEA Space with several years of teaching experience, including Physical Science, Engineering and Computer Science courses. She is an alumnus of Teach For America’s Milwaukee Corps and has focused on combating educational inequity throughout her career.
    Read More

  • Aaron Dalton

    Design & Fabrication Coordinator
    Aaron Dalton comes to IDEA Space with over a decade of teaching engineering, woodworking, Drafting/CAD, and coaching FIRST Robotics. Aaron is an alumnus of the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and Technology Education and a Masters degree in Career and Technical Education Leadership.
    Read More

  • Bradley Evans

    IDEA Space Educator
    Brad Evans comes to IDEA Space KC with 13 years of teaching experience in South Korea and China. He brings experience teaching social studies, design, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary learning experiences, utilizing project- and inquiry-based learning approaches to create engaging learning experiences. Brad is an alumnus of Illinois State University and received his advanced degree from State University of New York.  
    Read More

  • Tristan Jordan

    Receptionist and Assistant Program Coordinator
    Tristan Jordan brings a diverse background in education, from directing summer camps to coordinating a public school education foundation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from the University of Central Missouri, with additional studies in Sport Communication and Theatre.
    Read More

List of 1 items.

  • The Barstow School Board of Trustees

    Executive Committee
    Robert Rothhaas, Chair
    Greg Graves, Vice Chair
    Peter Vrooman '88, Treasurer
    Jennifer Gille Bacon, Secretary
    Jason Backstrom '03, Member at-Large, Advancement
    Mira Mdivani, Member at-Large, International
    Tiffany Simpson, Member at-Large, Building & Grounds
    Srikala Subramanian, Member at-Large, Trustee Governance

    Members
    Nicole Baker
    Andrea Becker '08
    David Bell
    James Byrd
    Tim Cowden
    Neha Doshi
    Erin Garrison
    Soni Patel
    Jennifer Thiessen Waldeck '90
    Art Hall, Ex-Officio

Join Our Team

Be part of something amazing! IDEA Space is seeking qualified volunteers who want to inspire and mentor the next generation of makers, doers and leaders. Email us for information.

Be a Volunteer

List of 3 items.

  • Professional in Residence

    Put your expertise to work helping to grow and diversity the next generation in your field.

  • Mentor

    From leading global STEM companies to successful local start-ups, we invite you to share your expertise with today's students.

  • Community Learning Partner

    Support IDEA Space students and work with our partners and stakeholders on a variety of special projects.
  • For Educators
    Are you an educator or STEAM professional interested in teaching an after school class? Get started by submitting this form. Questions? Contact us.

Inclusion, Diversity and Equity

IDEA Space KC is committed to inclusion, diversity and equity for those who enter into our space, for our students, for our educators and for our community. Our staff is dedicated to offering a culturally competent curriculum and promoting workplace diversity. 

The Barstow School's Inclusion, Diversity and Equity department will oversee efforts to create a community that values and supports racial equity and justice and promotes equal opportunities for all.

Media Gallery

List of 3 news stories.

View All News

List of 3 news stories.

List of 2 news stories.

List of 4 items.

  • Dan & Cassidy Towriss IDEA Space KC

    12200 State Line Road
    Leawood, KS 66209
    913-766-IDEA (4332)

     

  • Art Hall

    President and Head of School
    816-277-0304
    Email

  • Cassie Banka '05

  • Siobhan McLaughlin Lesley

    Vice President Advancement
    (816) 277-0433
    Email