Camps staff
Sheila Rhodes
Director, Summer Camps
Hi campers and families. I am an Associate Teaching Professor in the 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 am actively involved in many environmental organizations. I have been the Ontario Tech Summer Camp Director for 13 years (since the camps started!). I look forward to meeting new families and renewing friendships with returning families.
Camp counsellors
Syeda Afshan Jabeen
Hi lovely campers, my name is Syeda Afshan Jabeen and I am SUPER excited to start this new position as a camp counsellor for the first time! I am a current student at Ontario Tech in the Faculty of Education pursuing a Bachelor of Education as a P/J Teacher candidate. My learning is ongoing under STEAM and I find it amazing as it has a wide variety of activities to stay engaged. I love exploring and staying active and now I am looking forward with full energy to explore more technology and hands on experiments with you all. Let’s have fun together! See you all soon 😊
Brooke Arruda
Hi, campers! My name is Brooke and I am so excited to be back for my second summer as an Ontario Tech camp counsellor. I am currently a Teacher Candidate in the Primary Junior Program at Ontario Tech University, where I have learned so much about technology, STEAM, and hands on learning. Aside from absolutely loving STEAM activities and technology, I also love being outdoors exploring, and I am looking forward to being able to combine all of these for a summer full of fun! I hope you’re all as eager as I am to see what we will be getting up to. See you all soon!
Nicole Berkaslan
Hi everyone! My name is Nicole and I am currently a teacher candidate at Ontario Tech University in the Intermediate and Senior divisions. This is my second year being a camp counselor at the Ontario Tech summer camps. I have a passion for science and technology and my goal is to get more students involved in science by having them participate in fun, hands-on experiments and activities. I had such a great time last summer and I know we will have just as much fun this summer! I am looking forward to meeting all of you this summer and hope to be able to spark your curiosity for the sciences!
Jason Borg
Hello everyone! My name is Jason and I am an Occasional teacher for Durham District School Board and Durham Catholic District School Board.This will be my third year as a camp counsellor at the Ontario Tech 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 talk to me about anything! I can’t wait to meet each and every single one of you!
Chad Bryant
Hello everyone! My name is Chad Bryant and I am extremely excited to start working at the Ontario Tech University’s technology camps. I graduated from Trent University with my Honors Bachelor’s degree in History and Sociology, completed a Human Resource Management Post Graduate Certificate and more recently obtained my Bachelor of Education (p/j). I am a big video game guy and have all the current systems, along with a custom built PC to run games at max graphics. When I am not playing video games I am usually watching sports or playing goalie for lacrosse. I am always looking for new ways to include technology in my lesson plans. I am excited to teach technology to the newer generations and hopefully I will learn along the way.
Tess Butler-Ulrich
Hi Campers! My name is Tess Ulrich and I am a teacher candidate at the Faculty of Education at Ontario Tech U. I absolutely love all things STEAM and I am so excited to be a part of these amazing summer camps. My absolute favourite things to do are exploring the outdoors in nature, using my telescope, and finding different ways to use science and tech outside of the classroom. I’ve learned so much at the Faculty of Education about the importance of STEAM and inquiry, and think that the best classroom is one that is driven by curiosity and exploration. I cannot wait for summer and to have fun with you all!
Danielle Castle
Hey there campers and families! My name is Danielle. This summer will be my second year as a camp counsellor and I am absolutely thrilled! I’m a Registered Early Childhood Educator and an Occasional Teacher for Durham District School Board and Durham Catholic District School Board. Aside from my passion for STEAM, I love being active in the great outdoors, especially in the summer. I am a passionate, energetic, hands-on learner who’s looking forward to exploring, engaging, and most importantly learning from all of you this summer!
Eric Colwill
Hi everyone, my name is Eric. I completed my undergrad in Kinesiology and I am a certified teacher! I have plenty of years of camp experience and can’t wait for another. My favorite part of camp is getting to know all my campers and making memories that last a lifetime. When I’m not at camp you can find me playing sports, relaxing at the cottage or playing all different types of video games. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and am excited to see what creativity our campers will bring!
Alexis Cooke
Hello campers! As a graduate of Ontario Tech Faculty of Education (Primary/Junior) and of York University (BFA Honours in Visual Arts). I am an Occasional Teacher for the Durham District School Board.
I have been a counsellor for ten summers now, 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 my joy this summer with you!
Maria Coulas
Hello campers and families! My name is Maria and I am so excited for my first year working the Ontario Tech U summer camps. I am currently a primary/junior teacher candidate at OTU and have been learning about all of the fun and exciting activities that can be done using technology and STEAM! I have years of experience with children in a variety of camps, however working with science and technology will be a new experience for me. I am so excited to begin exploring this ever-changing world of technology! I also love to be outdoors, so be sure to get your thinking hats on for a summer full of all things FUN!
Nicolette Cutaia
Hello campers and families! My name is Nicolette and I am very excited to be back for a second year as a counsellor at Ontario Tech Summer Camps! I am a recent graduate from Ontario Tech’s Faculty of Education (Primary/Junior stream) and am currently an Occasion Teacher for Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. I have a strong interest in STEAM, coding, LEGO robotics and outdoor learning. Over the years I have been able to experience the joy that comes from being and working at summer camps and I cannot wait to experience that with all of you!
Terza Dara
Hello everyone! This is my first year as a camp counsellor, I am P/J teacher candidate at Ontario Tech, and I am excited to meet all of you! In my free time, I like to hike and spend time outdoors. I love learning about hands-on activities and l am looking forward to learning more about STEAM this summer!
Sarah Davenport
Hi campers and families! My name is Sarah and this will be my second year as a camp counsellor, I had an amazing summer last year and cannot wait for this summer to come around. I have just completed my third year in the Faculty of Science at Ontario Tech University, majoring in chemistry and minoring in math. After I graduate I will be going into an intermediate/senior education program. I believe that hands-on learning, technology and real life applications are the best way to have fun with knowledge. Let's have fun this summer!
Melita Fernandes
Hi campers! My name is Melita and this will be my second year as a Camp Counsellor. I am an Occasional Teacher with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and have my previous degree in Biological Sciences, from Ontario Tech University. I love all things Science and have also been involved in the annual Science Rendezvous that is hosted at Ontario Tech. Through my experience in the Bachelor of Education program I have discovered how fun learning with technology is and now have a passion of the combination of Science with Technology through STEM and STEAM-related activities. I also love the outdoors and animals and spend quite a bit of time walking my dog. I am excited to meet and get to know you and can’t wait to see what we can create and learn together!
John Hruda
Hello everyone! My name is John Hruda and I am so thrilled to be returning for my second as a camp counsellor here. Currently I am enrolled in the Computer Science undergraduate program at Ontario Tech University and enjoy learning as much as I can. Outside of school, I try to challenge myself with fun coding activities and enjoy creating short films. I can’t wait to help others learn some amazing new skills have tons of fun. Hopefully I’ll see you this summer!
Nicole Irvine
Hi campers! My name is Nicole Irvine and I am so excited to be returning for my second year as a camp counsellor! I am currently a high school student going into grade 12. My favorite subjects are math and science and I enjoy everything STEAM! I am so excited to see all of you at camp and help you develop your skills as well as learn from you. In my free time I enjoy playing sports, playing an instrument, camping and just enjoying the outdoors. I’m so pumped to see all of you over the summer!
Nirusiya Krishnathas
Hello campers! My name is Nirusiya, and I am a first year camp counsellor. I am currently an Ontario Tech Bachelor of Education student in my final year. My teachable subjects are Biology and Chemistry. I am passionate about science, art, and nature and learn best through experiential learning. I am looking forward to exploring STEAM activities with you all this summer. Let’s have fun together! See you soon.
Holly Johnstone
Hi everyone, I am very excited to meet you all! This will be my very first year working here at OTU Summer Camp. I am so excited to begin as I am very interested in science and technology. I come from a background in biology, specializing in life science and I am now currently enrolled in my first year at the Faculty of Education here at OTU. I have a few years of experience working at summer camps with robotics and I am so excited to be a part of this group. :)
Yeng-Ching Lee
Hello everyone! My name is Yeng and I am a first year camp counsellor! I am currently a teacher candidate in the Intermediate/Senior stream at Ontario Tech University’s Faculty of Education with teachable subjects in Biology and General Science. In my spare time you’ll find me reading, drawing, doing something crafty, or playing Dungeons and Dragons with my friends. STEAM is AWESOME, and I look forward to sharing it with you all! I can’t wait to meet you and have a blast this summer!
Keisha Luckman-Gopaul
Hello campers and families! My name is Keisha. This will be my second summer as a camp counsellor at the Ontario Tech summer camp. I’m a recent graduate from the Faculty of Education at Ontario Tech and I have a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Ottawa. I enjoy making crafts, spending time outdoors and tinkering with new technology. I’m looking forward to exploring some technology with you. See you soon!
Magda Luszczynski
Hi campers! My name is Magda Luszczynski and I am a teacher candidate at the Faculty of Education, Ontario Tech University. My teachable subjects are physical education and history at the intermediate and senior levels. Throughout the school year I also work as a skating coach, where my students have given me the nickname “Mango.” I have a passion for comedy, sports, games and science. I enjoy working with children, having fun and learning through play. I cannot wait to discover how much fun we will have this summer!
Bryden MacDonald
Hi campers! My name is Bryden and I am currently a teacher candidate in the Bachelor of Education Program at Ontario Tech. My undergraduate degree is in Animation from Sheridan College. In my spare time I love to read, draw, and go on camping trips! I have four years of camp experience working with children in the arts, but this is my first year with the Ontario Tech Camp. I am so excited to have fun this summer exploring the amazing world of STEAM!
Shawna McCracken
Hi everyone! I am excited to be a part of the team this summer as a camp counselor here at Ontario TechU summer camp. I am currently a Teacher Candidate for Ontario TechU, in the Primary/Junior program. I completed my undergraduate degree at Ontario TechU as well, in Communications and Digital Media. In my spare time I enjoy doing yoga, reading, being outdoors and spending time with family and friends! Looking forward to meeting everyone and having a fun summer together as we adventure through everything STEAM!
Lianna Metauro
Hey there campers! My name is Lianna and this is my first year working with the Ontario Tech University Summer Camps. I completed my undergrad degree in Mathematics Education & Biology at York University and now I am an Intermediate/Senior Teacher Candidate at OTU. I enjoy the mathematical aspects of the sciences. I also like to engage creatively in the tasks I complete. In my free time I like to be outside, make different crafts, and read. I am looking forward to working with all our campers this summer and fostering growth in coding, STEAM, and robotics! See you this summer!
Mark Mizzi
Hello campers and families! My name is Mark Mizzi and I am very excited to join what seems to be a great group of Ontario Tech camp counsellor’s. I completed my undergraduate degree in Business at UOIT in 2009, and began working for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) as a Premium Account Manager for over seven years. Although this career was an incredible experience for myself, over time I found that this profession was not conducive to family life, which is very important to me, so I decided to make a change. I am currently a Teacher Candidate in the P/J program at Ontario Tech University, where I’ve had the opportunity to learn a great deal about STEAM activities. I am looking forward to a fun filled summer, and can’t wait to get started.
Mathew Mizzi
Hey friends, my name is Mathew Mizzi. I am a Child and Youth Care Worker and an Educational Assistant. I will be starting my Bachelor’s of Education at Ontario Tech this upcoming fall. I am a big fan of STEAM activities and l really enjoy playing video games, especially Minecraft! I am looking forward to meeting you all soon, and, obviously, having a great time this summer!
Joey Munarriz
Hello There! My name is Joey and I am an eager, excited new member of the team here as a counsellor at Ontario TechU summer camp. I completed my undergraduate degree in Economics and Business Management at UOttawa. I’m a huge lover of math and making things around the world make sense with math. My current interests include, sports, weightlifting, hip hop music, and critically acclaimed movies. Growing up, I have always been so interested in video games and I’m excited to integrate it into the learning environment here at the camp. I am excited to work with you as we develop our appreciation for STAM this summer!
Allison Saunders
Hello campers! My name is Allison, and I am super excited to start my fifth summer at Ontario Tech summer camps and my second summer as Camp Program Director. I am an occasional teacher with the PVNCCDSB and I have a Bachelor of Science in Biology, therefore my specialty is our Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math (STEAM) camp. I'm also a very passionate coach and I love to play sports such as soccer, volleyball, and tennis. I can’t wait to share my love of science and knowledge of technology with all of the new and returning campers this summer!
Divjot Singh Kamboj
Hello campers! My name is Divjot and I am currently in high school. I am very excited to be here as a Junior Camp Counsellor this Summer. This will be my second year at the camp as last year I was a C.I.T member. I love to play sports and I am excited to learn about your passions! I am interested in LEGO robotics and love video games. Subjects I am most interested in are Math and Science. I can't wait to learn more about you guys!
Joey Slegtenhorst
Hello everyone, my name is Joey. This is my second year at the Ontario Tech summer camps, but I spent many years as a camp counsellor for the Ajax Playground Program. I am excited to be at camp once again! I am a Primary / Junior Teacher currently working with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. I am a creative person, and have a strong interest in music and drama, I hope that I will be able to share these passions with you. See you soon!
Caden Snelling
Hello everyone! My name is Caden Snelling, and I am looking forward to being part of the summer camps again this summer. I am currently in high school, and will be attending my first year of university this fall. 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!
Caitlin Spearing
Hello campers and families! My name is Caitlin. This will be my second year as a camp counsellor at Ontario Tech summer camps and I am beyond excited for another summer of fun! I have just completed my second year of my Honours Bachelor in English at the University of Ottawa. My long-term goal is to be a French and English High School teacher. I have been a dance instructor, a gymnastic coach and a Girl Guide Leader for many years, and I have a passion for learning and creating! I am looking forward to working with all of you! See you soon!
Brie Tavone
Hello Campers! My name is Brie and I am a first year camp counsellor. I am currently a Primary/Junior Teacher Candidate at Ontario Tech University. I have an educational background in Health Science and enjoy designing, building and creating of all kinds! In my spare time, I enjoy being outside, playing sports and scrapbooking. I am so excited for all the fun and learning we will get to do this summer!
Kyra Trinidad
Hi campers! I’m Kyra, and I will be starting my first year of university in the fall. I’m super excited to be returning to the Ontario Tech summer camps for my second year! My interests span from video editing to programming and so much more related to STEAM. I learned so much about Lego Robotics last year and am eager to learn even more, this summer, with you. I’m looking forward to meeting you all and hope to share a memorable, fun-filled summer experience!
