Your camp staff

Sheila Rhodes

Hi campers and families.  I am an Associate Teaching Professor in the Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education at Ontario Tech University where I have taught a variety of courses including Science and Technology, Health and Physical Education and Environmental Education.  I am on the executive of the Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario and I am actively involved in many environmental organizations.  I have been the Camp Director for camps based out of the Faculty of Education for sixteen 16 years (since camps started!). I look forward to meeting new families and renewing friendships with returning families. 

Qusay H. Mahmoud 

Hi there! My name is Qusay H. Mahmoud. I am a Professor of Software Engineering in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Software Engineering at Ontario Tech University. I am the Associate Dean of Experiential Learning and Engineering Outreach in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, where several of our camp programs are developed. Our 2021 camp programs were my first year being involved with Ontario Tech's Child(ren) and Youth camps, and I am excited to hear even more great feedback from campers and their families as we engage the community in future camp programs!

Ellen (James) Istvan

Hello, my name is Ellen Istvan and I am the Women in Engineering and Engineering Outreach Program Supervisor in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. I graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering from Western University, where I was involved in the Women in Engineering program, volunteered for the Engineering Outreach program, and completed an internship at Union Gas. After graduation, I joined Ferrero, the leading global chocolate and confectionery manufacturer (Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, Tic Tac, and Kinder Chocolate) as a project supervisor, and moved to Alba, Italy. Now back in Canada, I am using my experiences to help inspire and lead the next generation of youth to understand the importance of STEM pathways. I hope through our work we are able to transform the way youth interact with STEM concepts by simplifying complex thoughts into actionable ideas that society can use. My door is always open!

Engineering Outreach Coordinators

Sarah Wedge | Women in Engineering & Engineering Outreach Coordinator

Hello! My name is Sarah Wedge and I am the Engineering Outreach Coordinator for our Girls Programs. I graduated from Ontario Tech University with a BEng. in Software Engineering. During my studies, I delved into software development and machine learning by collaborating with a team of fellow students to develop an ASL recognition software. I was also a part of the Women for STEM scholarship program where I received the Westinghouse Electric Canada Women for STEM scholarship. Being part of the Women for STEM program and the Women in Engineering society connected me with many inspiring women in STEM fields. They helped grow my confidence and curiosity, demonstrating how crucial mentorship is to the success of young women pursuing STEM careers. This experience inspired me to explore the impact of providing mentorship and accessible STEM education to girls of all ages. My goal is to create a fun and exciting learning environment which will empower girls and foster their love for STEM.

Alex Piliounis | Engineering Outreach Coordinator - Mobile Design Lab/Teacher Programs

Hi! My name is Alex Piliounis and I am one of the Engineering Outreach Coordinators. I graduated from Queen’s University with a B.A.Sc. in Engineering Physics. After working in research and being a teaching assistant at Queen’s which fostered my passion for teaching, I switched to pursuing a B.Ed. at Ontario Tech University. While studying, I worked to develop engaging STEM activities using microcontrollers, sensors, and coding for numerous classrooms. Now working in Engineering Outreach, I am excited to have the opportunity to support teachers and youth with design thinking in the classroom. One of my many goals is to bring inquiry-based and accessible STEM experiences to a broad range of youth - igniting students' passion for STEM.

Zahraa Bassyouni | Engineering Outreach Coordinator - High School Programs

Hello! My name is Zahraa Bassyouni and I am one of the Engineering Outreach Coordinators. I'm originally from Lebanon, where I completed my bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering at Rafik Hariri University and then worked as a research assistant at the Vision and Robotics Lab at the American University of Beirut (AUB). During my time at AUB, I focused on advancing human-robot interactions using augmented reality and Artificial Intelligence. My next venture led me to Canada, where I completed my MASc. in Mechanical Engineering at Ontario Tech University with a research focus on micro-machining. While studying, I worked as a coding and robotics instructor where I taught students engineering concepts using hands-on-learning activities with lego kits. I'm thrilled to be part of the Engineering Outreach team, and I can't wait to share my enthusiasm and knowledge with others!

Allison Prinzen | Engineering Outreach Coordinator - Elementary Programs

Hey there! I’m Allison Prinzen, your friendly Engineering Outreach Coordinator for Elementary Programs! My journey began at the University of Ottawa, where I earned my Honours Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Sciences with an Entrepreneurial Option. During this time, I delved into the world of research as a Research Assistant with the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), exploring innovative technologies within the Emergency Department. Now, I am diving deeper into the realm of education, pursuing my Masters of Science in Education at Niagara University, where I am working towards my first publication. When I’m not immersed in Engineering Outreach, you can find me in the vibrant setting of the Durham District School Board as a Supply Teacher, where I infuse STEM concepts into daily lessons. My passion lies in creating inclusive and dynamic spaces where young minds can flourish, exploring STEM in imaginative ways. Let’s inspire the next generation together!

2024 Summer Camp Counsellors

Hi everyone! My name is Aadith, and this is my first year working as a Junior Counsellor! I'm in grade 10, going to grade 11. I volunteered at this camp last year as a Counsellor in Training and am now officially working at Ontario Tech University Summer Camps. Some of my hobbies include badminton, ultimate frisbee, and playing instruments such as the piano or flute. I´m so excited to meet you all this summer.

Hello campers! My name is Adriane. I am a teacher candidate for Ontario Tech University and an Educational Assistant for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. This is my first year as a camp counsellor. I am very excited to meet everyone. I know we are going to have a fantastic time together designing, building, and creating innovative projects. I can’t wait to see where our creative imaginations will lead us in the world of STEAM!

Aisha U.
Hello everyone! My name is Aisha, I am a teacher candidate at Ontario Tech University for Fall 2024. This will be my second summer working as a camp counsellor. I enjoy exploring nature, science, coding, and LEGO® robotics. I am looking forward to meeting all the campers and their families. Let’s have a great summer together!

Hello everyone! My name is Alanna, and I am a current Ontario Tech student studying psychology and part of the concurrent education stream. I enjoy spending my free time outdoors, or on a court where I can play volleyball. This is my first year as a camp counsellor at the camp, so I am looking forward to meeting everyone and taking part in all the fun activities!

Alexis C.
Hello campers!  My name is Alexis. I teach elementary students in the Durham District School Board and come back each year to be a part of Ontario Tech University Summer Camps as I love being with you all! I have been a counsellor since 2011 and have watched many of you returning campers grow in your knowledge and passion for science and nature! Nature, science, STEAM, and art are my passions and I look forward to sharing camp this summer with you! 

Alyssa M.
Hey everyone, my name is Alyssa. I’ve been a Counsellor in Training for the last two years at Ontario Tech and will be returning this summer as a Junior Counsellor! I’ve been a participant in these camps since I was kid and am so excited to be facilitating them. I like to draw, and 3D model in my free time, and love playing piano and listening to music. I’m looking forward to meeting you all and working together in the summer!

Amanda C.
Hello campers and families! My name is Amanda. I am a teacher candidate at Ontario Tech University and am very excited to be joining as a camp counsellor this year. I am looking forward to meeting all of our new and returning campers. I love nature, science and art and I can’t wait to have a fun and exciting summer with everyone! 

Hi everyone! My name is Amanda, and I am an elementary teacher with the Durham Catholic District School Board. This will be my second year at the Ontario Tech University Summer Camps. I am excited to bring my love for STEAM and background in industrial engineering to the camp activities. I love to be outdoors, try new recipes, and spend time with family and friends. I’m looking forward to learning, exploring, and having fun with you all this summer!

Amanda P.
Hello campers and families! My name is Amanda, and this is my first year working as a camp counsellor. I am a current student at Ontario Tech working my way towards a Bachelor of Education for intermediate teaching, I love science and math! I am currently working as a non- certified supply teacher for DCDSB. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and having an amazing summer this year!

Anenddesh M.
Hi everybody, my name is Anenddesh. I’m a grade 11 student, going into grade 12 this September. I am excited, as this is my second year working at the Ontario Tech University Summer Camps as a Junior Counsellor. Also, I have been coming to these camps as a camper ever since I was 10 years old. My hobbies include learning physics, playing sports, and watching basketball. This summer, I am very excited to work with you all in a very creative and fun environment. See you soon!

Ariadne M.
Hi all! My name is Ariadne, and I’m a secondary teacher in the DDSB. Before I started my career with DDSB, I studied marine biology at the University of Guelph and completed my Bachelor of Education at Ontario Tech University. I love science, parrots, Minecraft, and singing. This is my second year as a camp counsellor, and I am so excited to have another awesome summer at Ontario Tech University camps!

Bazza B.
Hello everyone! My name is Bazza, and I am currently an occasional teacher with DDSB and YRDSB. I enjoy nature - which leads to my love for science - and comedy. So, if you have a knock-knock joke to share, I am all two ears! I also have a Bachelor of Science degree, which means I am eagerly looking forward to fostering the spirit of ‘eureka!’ within all the budding scientists. With it being my second year at the Ontario Tech University Summer Camps, I’m excited to turn this summer into another experience full of learning and fun with you all.

Caden S.
Hello everyone! My name is Caden, and I am looking forward to being part of the summer camps again this summer. I am currently in university studying computer science. Some of my favourite subjects are math, and the sciences. These camps always bring back fun memories from when I attended the robotics camp, and I hope that I can help create these same memories for you! I look forward to seeing you all this summer!

Chioma (Click here for bio)

Christopher C.
Hey all! My name is Chris, and I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Education program at Ontario Tech University. This will be my first year at Ontario Tech’s summer camps, but I’ve been part of other programs that Ontario Tech offered when I was student. My favourite subjects are English and History, but I am enthusiastic about several elements of STEM! I like to play pretty much any kind of game, read both fiction and nonfiction as well as explore new places. I am excited to meet everyone and have an amazing summer!

Deven (Click here for bio)

Devon M.
Hey everyone! My name is Devon, and I am a student at Western University. I major in medical science and hope one day to be a doctor. This is my first year as a camp counsellor, however I attended the camps at Ontario Tech University for many years when I was a kid too. I look forward to seeing all of you and I hope your camp experience will be as good as I remember mine!

Erwin (Click here for bio)

Fareeha (Click here for bio) 

Georgia C.
Hi campers and families! My name is Georgia, and I am a teacher within the Durham District School Board. This is my third year as a camp counsellor, and I am very excited to be a part of Ontario Tech University Summer Camps again this year! I have previous experience working as a camp counsellor for summer camps, and I have a great passion for teaching and working with youth. I am very interested in STEAM, LEGO®, and coding camps, so I look forward to inspiring campers in learning, creating, and exploring!

Griffin C.
Hello everyone! My name is Griffin and this summer I will be one of your camp counsellors. I am currently a teacher candidate in the intermediate/senior stream of the Bachelor of Education program here at Ontario Tech, which means that by the end of this year I will be certified to teach grades 7-12 in Ontario. My hobbies include reading, playing video games, going for walks in nature, and the occasional DIY project. I value learning through meaningful interactions between one another in a fun, safe, and sustainable environment. I look forward to meeting you all soon!

Hailee P.
Hey everyone, I am super excited to meet you all and get to know you better. My name is Hailee, and I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Education Program at Ontario Tech University. I am in the Primary/Junior Stream and have had the opportunity to be in placement classes in Kindergarten and Grade 1. I love working with others and kids, which is why I am looking forward to camp. I also love being outdoors, learning new things, and meeting new people. 

Hailey (Click here for bio)

Haley G.
Hello campers and families! My name is Haley, and I am a Teacher Candidate in the primary/junior stream at Ontario Tech University. I am currently a member of four university associations, unions, and committees. It is really important to me to be involved in my community and advocate for my peers and those around me. I love spending time outdoors and meeting new people, which is why I’m so excited for this summer!

Hannah (Click here for bio)

Hariini S.
Hello! My name is Hariini, and this year I will be returning to the camps as a Junior Counsellor! After experiencing the excitement of last year's camps, I am overjoyed to get the opportunity to return to be a part of the summer fun. I’m passionate about the arts and love to get crafty. I enjoy reading, drawing, crochet, and of course, watching movies. I’m super excited for the camps this year and hope I can contribute all I’ve got into making summer even more fun and engaging!

Holly  J.
Hi everyone, my name is Holly, and I am looking forward to returning to camp this summer. I am currently a teacher for Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. My favourite subjects are science and math. I also really love coding and robotics! This will be my fifth year at Ontario Tech University Summer Camps. I’m excited to do lots of hands-on STEAM activities. This summer I am most looking forward to meeting some new campers and seeing some returning faces, but most of all, I can’t wait to get building, creating, and exploring!

Hunter J. (Click here for bio) 

Isabelle M.
Hi campers and families! My name is Isabelle, and I’m in my fourth year of university at Ontario Tech for math. This will be my first year as a camp counsellor and I’m very excited to be meeting everyone! I love reading, playing video games, and I’ve always loved playing with LEGO®. Let’s try and have as much fun as we can!

Jadyn (Click here for bio)

Jamie X.
Hi everyone, my name is Jamie, I am a teacher candidate at Ontario Tech University in the primary/junior stream. I love outdoor activities including fishing, camping, kayaking, and so forth. I am glad to be one of our camp counsellors and I can’t wait to meet everyone. Let’s learn and have fun during this summer in our summer camp!

Jason B.
Hello everyone! My name is Jason, and I am a grade 7/8 teacher for Durham District School Board. This will be my eighth year as a camp counsellor at the Ontario Tech University Summer Camps and I look forward to meeting some new campers as well as welcoming some returning campers. I am extremely excited to be back at camp this summer and I just know we are going to have TONS of fun! I love anything related to Minecraft, coding, and LEGO^® robotics so don’t hesitate to come talk to me about anything! I can’t wait to meet each and every single one of you!

Jason T.
Hi Campers! My name is Jason, and I am going to Durham College this fall to become an Electrician. This is my fourth year as a counsellor and before that I was a camper here for seven years. I have been in all the camps at least once, so I know just how awesome they are! I love STEAM, nature, and having fun and I can’t wait to do lots of STEAM activities with you all this summer! I am looking forward to meeting our new campers and welcoming back returning campers and having an amazing summer with you all!

Jenna K.
Hi everyone! My name is Jenna, and I am currently a Phys. Ed teacher with the DDSB. This is my second year at summer camp, so I am looking forward to seeing all the wonderful familiar faces and welcoming a new group of friends too!! I am passionate about being creative in STEAM, learning in the outdoors, and using our passions to drive our learning. I can’t wait to learn and have fun this summer with all the campers!

Hello campers and families! My name is Kait, and this will be my first summer as one of Ontario Tech’s camp counsellors. I am a teacher candidate in the intermediate/senior stream of the Bachelor of Education program at Ontario Tech University; by next Winter, I will be certified to teach English and History to grades 7 through 12 in Ontario. In my free time, I love to go for walks in nature, exercise with yoga or Pilates, read, and play video games. I look forward to meeting and making memories with you all in our upcoming summer!

Kaitlyn B.
Hello campers and families! My name is Kate, and I am a teacher with the Durham District School Board. This will be my third year as a summer camp counselor at the Ontario Tech University Summer Camps. I love nature, staying active and STEAM. I can't wait to meet you all and to have a fun filled summer!

Kaliyah M.
Hello, campers and families! My name is Kaliyah, and this is my third year as a camp counsellor with Ontario Tech University Summer Camps. I am currently a teacher with the Durham District School Board. I have had the pleasure of working with students and children for over seven years as an Early Childhood Educator. I have worked as a camp counsellor and a camp coordinator with the Toronto Catholic District School Board for four years. I have a passion for learning and teaching! In my working career, I have taught LEGO® robotics to children 4-6 years of age and science at an afterschool program. I enjoy playing video games, building with LEGO®, and working with my hands! If I can say anything about this summer, I can say it will be FUN! I look forward to learning more with, about, and alongside you! 

Karthic J.
Hi everyone, my name is Karthic, and this will be my first year as a Junior Counsellor. Last year I was a Counsellor in Training and before that I was a camper at Ontario Tech University Summer Camps. In my free time I like to read, play video games, and spend time with my family. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone in the summer!

Kimberly D. (Click here for bio) 

Krystal K.
Hello campers and families! My name is Krystal, and I am a primary/junior teacher candidate at Ontario Tech University. This is my first year as a summer camp counsellor and I am so excited! I love STEAM, arts and crafts, playing sports, and exploring the outdoors! It is a passion of mine to create a safe, inclusive, and fun space where everyone feels like they belong. I cannot wait to meet you all – we are going to have so much fun!

Lade O.
Hi, campers and parents! My name is Lade. I am a senior camp counsellor. I recently completed my first year at Queens University, where I am a health sciences student. I am really interested in science and robotics. In addition to enjoying STEM and science experiments, I enjoy playing video games like Valorant and Minecraft. Prior to working here, I spent seven years as a camper myself. I had a great time at this camp when I was younger, and now I want to make the campers' experiences even better. I am looking forward to meeting all of you soon. For the campers, have a fun and adventurous summer. And for the parents, hang in there!!!

Lani O.
Hello everyone! My name is Lani, and I am excited to be working as your Junior Counsellor this year! I am a grade 11 student; interested in physics, human biology, and chemistry. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, watching documentaries, and playing tennis. While this may be my first year working at the camp, I have been a camper for nearly seven years! These camps have always been the highlight of my summer, and I hope we can all have an amazing time together!

Logan C.
Hi everyone! My name is Logan, and I am currently an elementary grade teacher. This is my second year at camp, and I am thrilled to be back with the Ontario Tech community! I love to make learning fun and engaging, especially through outdoor activities and exciting STEAM projects. I can't wait to create amazing memories with all of you this summer!

Max L.
Hello, campers! My name is Max, and this will be my third year as a camp counsellor. I am currently a student at Ontario Tech in Commerce as well as a Bachelor of Education Candidate. I used to attend these camps when I was younger, and I really enjoyed going every single day, now it’s amazing that I have the opportunity to be a counsellor at the same camp. I love basketball, as well as other sports. I enjoy LEGO®, math, and enjoy having fun. Can’t wait to have fun this summer.

Megan C.
Hi campers! My name is Megan, and I am currently in the primary/junior stream of Ontario Tech’s Bachelor of Education program. I love the outdoors! In the winter I go skiing and snowboarding, while in the summer I go camping and paddleboarding. Music is another one of my passions! I can play the guitar, ukulele, flute and piano. This will be my first year as a summer camp counsellor and I’m super excited to run activities with everyone!

Melita F.
Hi campers! My name is Melita, and I am so excited to be returning this summer! I currently teach Junior and Intermediate Science and Math. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning and experiencing all aspects of summer camp, especially coding, building, and playing with robots and watching campers show off their skills on Minecraft! I am excited to meet and get to know you and can’t wait to see what we can create and learn together!

Michael (Click here for bio)

Michelle M.
Hi campers and parents! My name is Michelle, I'm a current student at Ontario Tech studying biotechnology, I am also enrolled in the concurrent education program! This will be my first year at the Ontario Tech University Summer Camps however, I've spent multiple summers at other camps. I love science, biology and chemistry are my favourite areas. I’m hoping to pass on some of my enthusiasm and passion for the subjects onto the campers! I also love theatre, music and reading! I’m looking forward to an amazing summer with everyone!

Hello! My name is Nahid, I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) and recently graduated from Ontario Tech Bachelor of Educational Studies and Technology. I am very excited to join Ontario Tech STEM focused summer camps for young engineers. I am a big fan of LEGO® and can never have enough of it. I enjoy building almost anything with my kids. I also enjoy building houses in Minecraft. It is so creative and imaginative. I am very much looking forward to meeting everyone and have fun summer.

Natalie M.
Hello everyone! My name is Natalie, and I am a Biological Sciences student at Ontario Tech as well as a candidate for the Bachelor of Education program. This will be my second year as a camp counsellor with Ontario Tech! Some of my interests are STEAM, especially math and science, and having fun outside. I am excited to meet you all this year and look forward to another fun summer!

Nathanael (Click here for bio)

Nessa (Janessa) L.
Hello everyone! My name is Nessa, and this is my first year as a summer camp counsellor with Ontario Tech! I am currently a teacher candidate in the intermediate/senior stream (grade 7-12) of our Bachelor of Education program specializing in teaching biology and chemistry subjects. In my free time I enjoy going for nature walks, playing video games, and spending time with my cat Godzilla! As a female student of colour myself, it has always been my goal to create a safe and inclusive environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. I am super excited to work with all you campers and family members this summer, and hope we have lots of fun! 

Nicole C.
Hi Campers! My name is Nicole, and I am a senior camp counsellor. Previously, I was a Counsellor in Training, and I attended these camps as a camper for many years. I recently completed my first year here at Ontario Tech for Educational Studies. Outside of school and camp, I play the piano and compete in track and field, specializing in javelin throwing. I am looking forward to seeing you all this summer!

Paula (Click here for bio)

Rowan M.
Hello everyone! My name is Rowan. I am one of your Junior Counsellors! This is my first year working with the university as a camp counsellor but have had a similar position at the art gallery. I know a fair bit about science, especially biology, so feel free to ask me any questions you’d like. I’m looking forward to meeting you all, and I hope you enjoy these camps just like I did!

Sarah  D.
Hi campers and families!  My name is Sarah, and this will be my sixth year as a camp counsellor; I absolutely enjoy every second of it and I cannot wait for this summer to come around and have fun!  I have been teaching high school math since I graduated from Ontario Tech, but I am excited to get back to camp and have lots of FUN! I LOVE science (especially fun science experiments), math, robots, you name it; any STEAM- related activities! I believe that hands-on learning, technology, and real-life applications are the best way to have fun with knowledge. So, let's have fun this summer!

Hey everyone! My name is Savannah, and I am currently a teacher candidate (primary/junior) at Ontario Tech University. I have a huge passion for exploring the outdoors, connecting with others, and trying/learning new things. Some of my favourite hobbies include camping (anywhere, anytime), hiking, playing hockey and pickleball, spending time with friends and family, and going on endless adventures. As I eagerly anticipate the upcoming summer, I am thrilled to meet all of you very soon! 

Hello everyone, my name is Taara. I am going into grade 11; I was previously a Counsellor in Training and I have been attending summer camp at Ontario Tech since I was young. I am very excited to say that this will be my first year as a Junior Camp Counsellor! I love drawing, playing sports, and really anything STEM. I hope to make everyone’s camp experience fun and engaging and I look forward to meeting everyone!

Hello everyone! My name is Trent, and I am in Grade 11. Last year I volunteered as a Counsellor in Training at the Ontario Tech summer camps, and this year will be my first year as a Junior Counsellor. I have been loving coming to these camps as a child for as long as I can remember, and I had so much fun with these camps, that I hope that I can make these summer camps fun for everyone this summer!

Trisha F.
Hi campers and families! My name is Trisha, and this is my first year working as a Junior Counsellor for the Ontario Tech University Summer Camp program. Previously, I volunteered as a Counsellor in Training and got to experience the many different camps Ontario Tech has to offer. I am currently in high school and enjoy painting, baking, science, math and playing sports. The opportunity to work as a counsellor this year and to get to know you all is extremely exciting for me. I can't wait to see all of you this summer!

Ustat K.
Hello campers! My name is Ustat, and I am super excited as this will be my first year as a Junior Counsellor at Ontario Tech University Summer Camps! Last year I was here as a Counsellor in Training, and I also have been a camper here before! I am currently in high school and will be going into grade 11 this year. I love arts and crafts, LEGO®, math, as well as being outdoors! I can’t wait to see you all this summer!

Vishwa  C.
Hey there, campers! I am currently a teacher candidate at Ontario Tech University for the Bachelor of Education program in Primary/Junior. I am extremely excited to let out my crazy and passionate side towards STEM with this incredible camp and all the amazing campers! Science, arts, coding, designing, and creating, and spending time in nature fuels me and I hope I can make you experience it, too! I have prior experience working as a camp counsellor with young children at a summer camp, and I can’t wait to enjoy the company of my curious and creative group!

Wasay (Click here for bio)