STAFF
Our instructors come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique skills, passions, and experiences to the classroom. From a physics graduate and math enthusiast who loves chess to an aspiring engineer with a passion for outdoor adventures, our team is dedicated to inspiring students. Other instructors have taken the role of leaders founding STEM clubs, while others gained valuable teaching experience working with the community. We foster an environment where curiosity, growth, and collaboration thrive at every stage of learning. Follow us on Instagram.
Meet Ophilia
Working towards her Data Analytics diploma, Ophilia lights up our classes with her coding expertise. She delights in helping others discover the possibilities of programming and developing their tech skills.
What inspired you to become a teacher at Engineering For Kids?
Before joining EFK, I was a Coding Instructor for over three and a half years, guiding 7th to 9th graders in creating games, apps, and websites with various programming languages. Wanting to expand my expertise beyond coding and into science and mathematics, Engineering For Kids was the perfect next chapter for me.
What do you enjoy most about teaching STEM subjects to kids?
I absolutely love witnessing the curiosity and amazement students show when they see the results of the experiments we conduct together. It's incredibly satisfying to know they’re having an amazing experience learning science and engineering concepts.
Can you share a memorable moment you’ve had with your students?
There are so many, but I'll share two. In my last summer camp at Hastings, one of my students, A, told me he loved learning with me—such an "aww" moment! His friends K and N then said it was the best camp they’d had. This was during our Esports camp, which teaches kids about sportsmanship, team building, and cyberbullying. The energy throughout the camp was incredible, and it was great to see the kids understand the importance of respecting each other.
Another memorable moment was during the Jr. Fundamental Engineering camp at Killarney. After teaching civil engineering concepts, the students built structures using toothpicks and Twizzlers candy. One parent later told me how much she appreciated how the concepts were taught and that her child wanted to try building structures at home. It was heartwarming to hear.
What is your favourite experiment or project to do with kids?
That's a tough question because I genuinely enjoy every experiment we do! But if I had to pick a favourite, it would be the electric circuit-building activity. In our Wired Wonders camp, we explore electricity concepts starting with the basics of conductors, insulators, and circuits. We use insulating clay, conductive play-dough, and LEDs, and it’s always exciting to see the LEDs light up. It’s such a fun and engaging way to explore the principles of electricity!
Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself that your students might not know?
Only very few people pronounce my name correctly on the very first try… haha!
What is your favourite book, movie, or TV show?
My favourite TV show is Gotham. And yes, you guessed it - I'm a huge Batman fan!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I'd love to have Dumbledore's ability to apparate anywhere in an instant! As a Harry Potter fan, I'm still hoping my Hogwarts letter just got delayed in the owl post.
Want to join the fun? Our instructors can’t wait to share their favourite experiments and projects with you. Check out our exciting programmes and find the perfect fit for your child’s next adventure. See screen shot for reference.
Meet the Rest of the Team
As a licensed Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA), Alexia brings her enthusiasm for working with young children to every programme. Outside the classroom, she's a proud mum to her buddy Cosmo.
Brandon brings his Physics degree and strong Mathematics background from Chicago to Vancouver, where he shares his curiosity for critical thinking. When he's out in the world enjoying his personal time, you'll often find him strategizing his next chess move.
An inspired leader who brings our programmes to life through projects and experiments, Isabelle helps kids uncover cool moments in their everyday world. Leading her school's science club sparked her passion for teaching, and now she channels that same energy to create fun memories with our young engineers and scientists.
A dedicated camp leader, Isaac, brings fresh energy to his instruction and helps kids understand STEM. He loves playing organized basketball and brings the same team spirit to camp.
Jasmine loves being a camp leader at EFK Vancouver and enjoys inspiring creativity in her students. In her free time, she enjoys baking, reading, and catching up on her favourite shows.
A curious explorer of knowledge, Kai lights up when uncovering new things. Fluent in three languages, his devotion for discovery shines through every programme build and experiment, making each moment magical for young minds in the same way it's always delighted him. Beyond the classroom, he's passionate about fashion and live music.
While working towards her Computer Information Systems degree, Praise brings the same warmth that made her a beloved Sunday school teacher. She has a special ability to make challenging concepts "aha!" moments for the youth attending our camps and classes.
No matter if he's scaling mountain peaks or explaining the difference between mechanical and aerospace engineering, Terenz brings boundless energy to every adventure. Drawing inspiration from his favourite Star Wars films, he shows students that EFK's programmes can turn seemingly impossible ideas into reality. His zeal and commitment to making each class a memorable journey keeps the children coming back to learn more.
Engineering student by day and outdoor enthusiast always, Zinnia channels her curiosity for exploration into engaging hands-on activities. She shares the same thrill of discovering solutions that she finds on wilderness trails with her mum and sister, making each lesson an expedition into fun learning. She guides students to connect what they're learning about to the world around them and gets them excited about their futures as engineers, scientists, and more.
Ophilia is completing a Post-Degree Diploma in Data Analytics at Douglas College. She has extensive experience as a coding instructor and enjoys helping others develop their skills in programming.
