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
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.
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. Yes, "I am BATMAN"
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I wish I could teleport like Albus Dumbledore. Since I'm a muggle, that’s not possible… sigh. Still waiting for my letter from Hogwarts.
Welcome Ophilia! We’re thrilled to have her share her passion for STEM with our campers.
Meet the Rest of the Team
With a background as a licensed Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA), our Camp Leader, Alexia, has extensive experience working with young children. She loves animals and is a proud cat mom to Cosmo, her sweet kitty.
Brandon is originally from Chicago and holds a bachelor's degree in Physics with a minor in Mathematics. He is an avid chess player and also enjoys sharing his passion for the Isabelle: game as an instructor.
Isabelle is currently in Grade 11. She was an active member of Girl Guides and took the initiative to organize a STEM club at her school.
Our Camp Leader, Isaac, is a Dr. Charles Best Secondary student who brings fresh energy to his instruction. He also loves playing organized basketball, showing the same team spirit he brings 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.
Kai, our EFK Vancouver Instructor, is passionate about empowering the next generation of STEM superstars. Fluent in three languages, Kai also enjoys sustainable fashion and live music.
She is currently studying Computer Information Systems at KPU and has previous experience teaching Sunday school at her church.
Originally from Cebu, Philippines, our Instructor, Terenz, is currently studying at Vancouver Community College (VCC). A dedicated hiker, he also loves Star Wars, particularly the action-packed and hopeful Revenge of the Sith.
Zinnia is entering her second year of Engineering studies at UBC. She enjoys backpacking and often goes hiking and camping with her mom and sister.
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.