Our Story
As a high school chemistry teacher, Melissa noticed many of her students were coming to her class with the idea that chemistry was going to be terrible and boring. She also noticed that the science budget at most high schools could use some help and personally knew many teachers who were purchasing things out of their own pockets. She decided to start a chemistry summer camp for middle school students called “Chemistry is a Blast!” where she would have a challenging academic curriculum while also lighting every camper’s hands on fire, doing color-changing reactions to music, tie-dying t-shirts to learn about the chemistry of bonding, etc.! Melissa donated proceeds to local high school science departments and hoped these campers would now look forward to high school chemistry vs. dreading it. Years later, some of her campers ended up in her high school classroom and they were VERY excited! Each year, her chemistry camps grew more popular and both parents and campers were asking for MORE of this style of summer learning and engagement. She asked Jake Nonis, a rock star math teacher and theater director she enjoyed working with, to partner with her to start expanding summer camps with a new name: Wise Camps. Each year the camps have grown in popularity and the staff of talented and passionate teachers and volunteers have become a family. There are many stories of campers who eventually became Wise volunteers and are even now Wise teachers! There are also many stories of Wise campers who cite Wise as their inspiration to go into the field they are currently studying.
While Jake and Melissa each have young children of their own and have found themselves working harder than ever for Wise Camps to continue to provide a safe and fun learning experience during the pandemic, they are inspired by the difference this work makes in so many lives. It is the excited voices of the campers and the rave reviews from parents that keeps driving them to offer the best summer camp experience possible–the kind of experience they want for their own children!
About the Instructors/Curriculum Developers
Melissa Baker
Executive Director & Wise Instructor
Melissa Baker has taught high school science (chemistry, physics, biology, nanotechnology, and neuroscience!) for almost 20 years! She now runs the Teaching Academy Program at her high school where she works with students who are considering a career in education! She graduated at the top of her class from the University of Minnesota with a major in biochemistry and she also has a Master’s Degree in Science Education. Melissa has a passion for inspiring a love and appreciation for science in all of her students. She has been teaching summer science camps and courses for over a decade. One of her favorite things to do is design curriculum to both educate and excite campers! Melissa was recognized as “Teacher of the Year” at her high school in 2012 and was selected as the 2015 “Educator of the Year” by the SHINE program (Seattle’s Hub for Industry-Driven Nanotechnology Education). She is well-known for (safely) lighting all of her students’ hands on fire. ☺ She also has 8 year old twins, Ted & Brooke. Their first birthday party had a chemistry theme of course! (and yes, they both already have their own lab coats!!!)
Jake Nonis
Executive Director and Camp Director
Jake Nonis has taught math for 20 years. He graduated at the top of his class from the Honors College at Washington State University with a double major in General Science and Mathematics and a minor in theater; this rare combination of course work earned him the Stanford Award, given to the most well rounded graduate of the Honors College and is what has developed him into the educator that he is today. He is known for his use of technology and engaging teaching style that has earned him such compliments as “I still hate math, but I loved your class”. In 2010 he was awarded the “Teacher of the Year” for his great communication, success with advanced students and his ability to get students to understand math. He has devoted 8 years of his teaching career to coaching a very successful math club that consistently placed in the top 10 at regional and national competitions. He keeps busy with his 2 sons (Ethan enjoying 6th grade and Emerson learning in a dual language program in 1st grade!).
Laurelle Graves
Wise Camp Director
Laurelle Graves is a mixed media artist who has a passion for teaching kids. She is in her 10th year as a teacher and camp director at Wise Camps. She spends the school year serving as Art Docent Chair for the Issaquah PTSA Council where she helps guide and educate elementary schools in the district on arts integration and education. She also teaches adult classes and mentors adults on how to teach art to children. Laurelle has won 2 Golden Acorn awards and an Outstanding Advocate award for her work in the schools and advocating for the betterment of children’s lives. She is Camp Director for the Girl Scout Issaquah Youth Day Camp where she loves getting to plan a week of activities for girl scouts each summer. She also currently serves as Vice Chair of Influence the Choice, a non-profit focusing on substance use prevention and mental health services in youth. Laurelle grew up in this area, and is a graduate of Newport High School and the University of Washington.
Mandy Sin
Wise Instructor
“Mandy Sin is a kindergarten teacher in Bellevue, WA—and a proud graduate of Newport High School! She earned both her undergraduate degree in Education and her Master’s in Teaching from the University of Washington. Originally from Hong Kong, Mandy moved to the U.S. at age 9 without knowing any English. Her personal journey fuels her passion for making sure all students—especially immigrant students—feel seen, heard, and celebrated.
Mandy’s mission at camp is to create a joyful space where every child is encouraged to try something new, work hard, and most importantly—have fun! When she’s not in the classroom, Mandy teaches heels dance classes to adults in the Seattle area.”
Barbara Sneckner
Wise Instructor
This is Barb’s first year helping out Wise Camps. She has worked as a Health/PE teacher in the Bellevue School District the last 8 years. She also is the head tennis coach for both boys and girls at Newport High School.
Sandra Ayala
Wise Instructor
Sandy Ayala Delbrueck (A.D.) has been teaching in the Bellevue School District for 11 years and currently teaches 3rd grade. She earned her bachelor’s degree Magna Cum Laude from Washington State University and holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Go Cougs!!
As a native Spanish speaker, Sandy’s passionate about helping all kids, including multilingual learners, to feel confident, excited, and proud of themselves. Sandy believes students learn best when they’re having fun, so she loves creating new and engaging learning experiences!
Outside of school, Sandy is usually found with a book in hand, hiking, camping, or exploring new places in Washington with her dog, Daisy. She’s excited to be back at camp and can’t wait to help students dive into new STEAM adventures!
Karen Hohenstein
Wise Instructor
Karen Hohenstein is a Chemistry teacher at Delano High School in Minnesota. She earned a Chemistry degree from the University of Minnesota – Morris and a Masters Degree from Hamline University in St. Paul. In her 29 years at DHS, Karen has worked with students in grades 9-12 and has taught Physical Science 9, Honors Chemistry, and College in the Schools Chemistry I and II. Karen is a two time LEEA (Leadership in Educational Excellence Award) winner and was chosen as the 2024 Delano Teacher of the Year. Karen currently serves as the 7-12 Science Department Chairperson and coaches the Delano High School Science Olympiad team. One of Karen’s favorite aspects of teaching chemistry is the opportunity to perform engaging demonstrations and light things on fire (safely!). One of her goals is to make chemistry relatable and understandable for all students. Outside of the classroom, she spends time with her husband and two children, and she enjoys traveling, watching movies, reading, and playing piano.
Macy Nolan
Wise Instructor
Macy Nolan is a second grade teacher in Bellevue. She graduated from Eastern Washington University majoring in Early Childhood & Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education. In addition, she earned her masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University. Macy has a passion for teaching and helping children learn and grow. She strives to inspire, encourage, and motivate her students, and believes that all students deserve a caring, compassionate teacher who is considerate of their diverse needs. Outside of teaching Macy has a love for traveling, sports, music, and is a major foodie! She’s excited to be teaching culinary and can’t wait to share some delicious recipes at camp this year!
Cathi Hervey
Wise Instructor
“Cathi Hervey is a dedicated 2nd-grade teacher with a passion for sparking curiosity and a love of learning in young minds. With several years of classroom experience, she brings creativity, energy, and hands-on learning to everything she does.
This summer, she is excited to combine her love for teaching with the wonders of science at camp! Whether it’s exploring the natural world, building simple experiments, or asking big questions, she encourages campers to think like scientists while having fun.
She is a married mom of 3 boys, and is the shortest in her family (I am 6′ tall). A UW grad with a masters in curriculum and instruction, who loves crafts of all kinds.
When she’s not teaching, you can find her crafting of all kinds, watching dramas, or experimenting with fun science projects at home.”
Sung Yoon
Wise Instructor
Sung Yoon has taught Kindergarten and first grade in Woodinville, Washington the last seven years. Sung also taught preschool for five years before that! He majored in Early Childhood Education at Western Washington University and a Masters in Critical Educational Leadership at University of Washington. Sung loves teaching early childhood because he loves the curiosity and the critical thinking that they bring to the classroom. Sung sees the importance of fostering the inquiry process in STEAM subjects for his students and helping the students answer the curious questions and develop even more curiosities! Sung has brought science in his own classrooms too! Through WISECAMPS, Sung is so excited to help the students become more excited with science, math, and learning about the world as a whole. With his campers, Sung will teach different science subjects, engineering, chemistry, biology and so many more. He will cover challenging topics through play and exploration! Sung is excited to have lots of fun and joy with his campers.
Dylan Calinog
Wise Instructor
From Nevada to Hawaii and now Washington, Dylan was raised in Reno, where he grew up playing sports and games. After finishing high school he started at the University of Nevada-Reno thinking of going pre-med. University was tough at first so he transferred to a community college program to become an EMT. During that phase, he became eco-conscious and decided to go back to UNR to continue his biology degree, focusing on wildlife conservation. After graduating, he became an outdoor educator on Maui and Port Angeles doing whale watches and kayak trips. Once the pandemic hit, tourism slowed so he went through Western Governor’s University masters program to be a science teacher. Now he is at Newport High School loving his 3rd career change!
Brandon Purcell
Wise Instructor
Hi! I’m Brandon Purcell, a chemistry teacher at Sammamish High School in Bellevue, Washington. I enjoy working with young people and helping them build confidence, learn new skills, and have fun through positive, engaging experiences. Outside of teaching, I love playing soccer, staying active, and spending time outdoors. I’m excited to be part of camp this summer and look forward to creating a safe, encouraging, and fun environment where every camper can grow, make new friends, and have a great time.
Malika Rosenfeld
Wise Instructor
Growing up in Shoreline, Malaika spent her childhood exploring the green and blue spaces of the PNW. After graduating from Macalester College in 2019 she hopped back and forth between Washington and Minnesota teaching environmental science at outdoors schools until landing in Port Townsend for a couple years at her dream job as an aquarist and ocean educator at the Marine Science Center. A 2026 graduate of UW’s Masters in Teaching Elementary Education Program, she is thrilled to begin her classroom career with WISE camps sharing her love for the outdoors and experiential education.
Olivia DeJong
Wise Instructor
Olivia is a lifelong Seattle resident. She is a recent graduate of the UW Elementary Education Masters Program. She is committed to arts integration and multimodal communication in the classroom regardless of the subject. Olivia is a practicing artist herself, working in the mediums of ceramics and painting. She is very excited to be a part of WISE camps this summer!
Graci Evers
Wise Instructor
My name is Graci Evers, and I will be one of the preschool teachers at the Newport location this summer! I recently got my Master’s in Elementary Education at UW Seattle, and also have my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood and Family Studies. Besides my love for teaching, I also enjoy hiking, pilates, and spending time with family and friends. I can’t wait to have an amazing summer with your kiddos!
Charissa Holcomb
Wise Instructor
Charissa Holcomb recently graduated from the University of Washington with a Master’s in Teaching. She loves working with children and enjoys creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable being themselves, building confidence, and trying new things! Outside of the classroom, Charissa loves trying new foods, spending time outdoors, and taking long walks with her three dogs. She is excited to spend the summer getting to know campers and being part of all the fun and learning that happens at WISE!
Riley Mitz
Wise Instructor
Riley Mintz is a recent graduate of the University of Washington’s elementary teacher program. She student-taught in a 2nd grade classroom and is passionate about creating warm and welcoming learning environments. Riley’s favorite parts of working with children are building genuine relations and getting to know each of her students!
Riley loves arts and crafts and feels strongly about the integration of the arts in schools. You can often find her planning a fun craft for her students or working on a crochet project!
Gabriel Korsmo
Wise Instructor
Hi, I am Gabriel Korsmo. I am 25 years old and just completed my Master’s in Teaching. I am extremely excited to get to know you all and have lots of fun this summer. I am a dual citizen of Austria and can speak Spanish at a conversational level. In my free time, I really enjoy hiking, rock climbing, playing video games, and hanging out with friends.
Andrea Tang
Wise Instructor
Hello I am Ms. Andrea. I am working towards becoming a teacher. I have lived in WA my entire life so is very familiar with the PNW. I have worked within the BSD and SPS school districts for over 4 years in varying positions. I enjoy reading and has a big love for cats. Please feel free to always show we pictures of your pets!
Elizabeth Gue
Wise Instructor
Elizabeth Gue is a violinist and music teacher who has been teaching in the greater Seattle area for almost 30 years. She started violin at age three at the Suzuki Institute of Seattle and played in the Seattle Youth Symphony before studying music at Western Washington University and the University of Texas at Austin.
She has taught private lessons and group classes as well as coached for the Bellevue Youth Symphony. She lives in Bellevue with her husband, two sons and two dogs.
Daniel Wang
Wise Instructor
Daniel Wang is a rising Senior at Newport High School. In his free time, he enjoys going on walks, solving rubiks cubes, programming robots, and playing Minecraft! He has a pet cat named Lily and an older sibling. His favorite subjects in school are math and physics.
Adair Garcia
Wise Instructor
Adair Garcia has been involved with theatre for 7 years and is in the process of pursuing a career in education! She is thrilled to be working with WISE Camps to produce an experience that will help campers, whether new to theatre or not, build and grow their confidence in the arts. Adair will lead campers through warm-ups, games, activities, workshops, and mindfulness breaks to give campers an introduction to all that theatre can be!
Claire Oshima
Wise Instructor
Claire is a Chemical Engineering student at the University of Michigan who loves all things science and chemistry related. Before college, she graduated from Newport High School and volunteered as a teaching assistant with WISE Camps. Now, she works in a microfluidics lab as an undergraduate researcher, leads a chemical engineering project team, and teaches physics to first-year engineering students. Outside of academics, Claire loves to dance, bake, and hike. She’s super excited to be teaching at WISE this year and looks forward to meeting the wonderful campers and doing some fun experiments!
Dina Bui
Wise Instructor
Hi, my name is Ms. Dina! I’m teaching the Dance camp this year. I’ve been a dancer for 14 years with experience at Backstage and Pacific Northwest Ballet for ballet, contemporary, and more! I’m so excited to see everyone in camp so you can show us all you moves!
Chloe Harper
Wise Instructor
Chloe Harper formerly attended WISE camps as a camper before the COVID-19 pandemic and has volunteered at WISE for the past three years. She’s had experience teaching classrooms full of students as an ASPEN educator, and is currently on track to complete a Biological Sciences major with minors in Neuroscience and Spanish Language. Growing up with 5 siblings, she has had a lot of experience settling disputes and comforting others. She hopes to create a welcoming and engaging environment for all campers so that they can get excited about the STEAM topics and have a fun and memorable experience at WISE.
Heather Gemmell
Wise Instructor
Heather Gemmell is a rising sophomore at Texas Christian University and is studying psychology and child development with a global awareness in healthcare minor. In 2025, she graduated from Newport High School where she was a part of the Teaching Academy program for two years, developing a passion for working with kids and making a positive impact on her community, and served as a varsity member and senior captain of Newport’s dance/drill team. Additionally, she has received training at the Pacific Northwest Ballet school for 10 years in classical ballet and contemporary dance. Through these experiences Heather has gained extensive experience working with students from diverse backgrounds. She hopes to help provide an unforgettable camp experience!
Kiki Graves
Wise Instructor
Do you love animals? Well then (name of station) is going to be fun for you! We will be diving deep and looking at 5 different animals this week. We will be doing science experiments, dissecting frogs, and more!!
Ellie Pham
Wise Instructor
Ellie Pham is an incoming sophomore at Georgetown University this fall and is studying Government and Justice and Peace Studies. She graduated from Newport High School in 2025 and was part of the Teaching Academy program for 2 years. As an aspiring educator, she feels passionate about ensuring all kids receive a fulfilling and engaging education. Ellie has always felt strongly about equity in education and creating a classroom environment that is safe for all students. She has gained extensive experience working with students and volunteering for years at WISE Camps. Ellie is super excited to share her enthusiasm for science and civics with students of all ages this summer!
Sahaj Bhardwaj
Wise Instructor
Sahaj is a rising senior in high school in Bellevue, Washington. She has a passion for literature, biology, and economics! In her free time she enjoys reading, playing basketball, and baking.
Kate Cocorocchia
Wise Instructor
Kate Cocorocchia is an incoming freshman at Santa Clara University. She graduated from Newport High School and grew up in Bellevue, Washington. Kate was part of Link Crew at Newport, worked with WISE last year, and has volunteered with Boys and Girls Club, Kelsey Creek Farm, and Emerald Ballet Theater. She also has experience teaching ballet to kids. In her free time, Kate likes to cook, bake, and watch movies. Kate is so excited to be working with wonderful campers and teachers/volunteers at WISE again this year!
Maxwell Li
Wise Instructor & Marketing Director
Maxwell Li is a Biological Sciences & Economics student at Northwestern University. Having grown up in Washington, Maxwell is an avid skier and hiker. At Northwestern, he works as a clinical research in the Department of Neurology where conducts circadian rhythm and sleep medicine research at Northwestern Memorial Healthcare and is currently leading his own independent NIH project on overnight fasting and glucose regulation. Maxwell has been teaching biotechnology at Wise Camps for three years and finds joy in making learning exciting, accessible, and fun. Outside of school, he enjoys playing piano & violin, hanging out with his four dogs (Snowy, Lori, Dora, and Pepsi), and chasing new adventures!
Fora Xiang
Wise Instructor & Marketing Director
Flora Xiang is a senior at Newport High School and plans to attend the University of Washington in the fall to pursue a STEM-related field. She has a passion for working with children and has gained teaching experience through her Teaching Academy internship at Somerset Elementary School, where she works with kindergarten students in literacy, phonics, and classroom activities. Flora also serves as a teacher assistant at Northwest Chinese School and is fluent in Mandarin. She enjoys creating a supportive and engaging environment for students and is excited to be part of WISE Camps this summer.
Jessica Ni
Wise Instructor & Marketing Director
Jessica Ni is a student at the University of Michigan (Go Blue!!) and is thrilled to be working with WISE for her fourth year. Going from group counselor, to teaching assistant, to working the front desk, and to finally being a teacher this year, she has made many new friends and memories over the years and is incredibly excited to make even more this summer! Jessica has also been involved in Model UN, Girls Who Code, and Link Crew, but her passion for teaching started when she joined a peer health education program her junior year of high school. Outside of school, she can be found playing soccer, skiing, and traveling around the world. Jessica truly loves the fun and energetic environment at WISE each year. She is so excited to meet all the wonderful campers and can’t wait to be a part of yet another amazing year of WISE!
Javier Guapilla-Diaz
Wise Instructor & Lunch Coordinator
I am currently a student at the University of Washington, pursuing a degree in Applied & Computational Mathematical Sciences. Having grown up in Issaquah, Washington, and attended Newport High School after my freshman year, I found my passion for science through my involvement with WISECAMPS. Initially I became involved with WISECAMPS when I realized “wait, I need volunteer hours?” However, after my first summer at WISECAMPS I became passionate about spreading their message: Science is fun! Throughout my time volunteering and employment at WISECAMPS, their message inspired me as well, and prompted my journey at the University of Washington. Outside of academics, I have a interest in languages, though I’m still working towards fluency. I enjoy connecting with people on a deeper level, something that I have found is only really possible through language. I’m excited to return to WISECAMPS for the 5th time and continue spreading the message that science is not only important but also incredibly fun and rewarding. I will give it my all to make it an amazing experience for everyone!
Ava Lo
Wise Instructor & Lunch Coordinator
Ava Lo is a rising senior at Newport High School and is excited to be teaching this summer! This is her second year with WISE Camps, and she has also previously volunteered as a teaching assistant and group leader. She is passionate about STEM and music as a member of rocketry, band, and Tri-M at Newport. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends, participating and coaching Future Problem Solving, and playing the flute and violin in her free time.
Marie Andrews
Wise Instructor
Marie is a recent graduate of Newport High School and will be a Sophomore at Montana State University, studying mathematics and education. She also completed the Spanish Immersion Program and developed a love for teaching after spending multiple summers tutoring math in Spanish at Bellevue School District’s Summer School. Marie intends to pursue a career in STEM education and is passionate about inspiring kids and cultivating a love for learning math and science. She has always enjoyed working with children, and after studying neuroscience at Newport, she is ecstatic to guide students of all ages through the ins and outs of the human brain. This is Marie’s third year as a teacher for WISE Camps, and she is excited to create a welcoming and fulfilling environment for everyone! Outside of STEM, Marie enjoys cheerleading, music, exercising, all things outdoors, and spending time with her friends, family, and dog, Sophie.
Edie Tehan
Wise Instructor
This is Edie’s second year teaching rocketry at WISE camps. A member of Newport High school Rocketry, Edie has competed in the American Rocketry Challenge for three years and recently attended nationals. In her free time Edie enjoys physics, baking, and dance. Edie is excited to meet and work with your kids this summer!
Chloe Zheng
Wise Instructor
Chloe Zheng is a rising senior at Newport High School. This is her second year with WISE Camps. She is passionate about biology, computer science, and anything STEM, and spends her spare time volunteering and as the president of a local bilingual speech club for children! Chloe is super excited to be working with campers again this summer!
Lina Marie Ohrbeck
Wise Instructor
A rising senior at Interlake High School, Lina has been involved with WISE Camps since her freshman year and is beyond excited to teach business and design this year for WISE! Involved in DECA and the chief marketer for a published author, she is thrilled to apply her experience to teach campers about business tactics, product design, and the market. Outside of her love for business, she also loves attending MUN conferences, playing tennis for her school, and being in marching band!
Simone Cimprich
Wise Instructor
Simone has been involved with WISE Camps for more than five years, from being a volunteer to being a camper in elementary school. She is a recent high school graduate and will be heading to McGill University in the fall to study Kinesiology and Environmental Science. She has always had a passion for STEM, and from a young age WISE has helped her explore STEM topics outside of the traditional classroom, as well as meet amazing friends and mentors. Outside of the classroom, Simone has been involved in her school’s theatre, choir, and fine arts programs, as well as helped lead her school’s Multiracial Student Union. She is excited for what the upcoming summer holds!
Kimi Oshima
Wise Instructor
Kimi Oshima (she/her) recently graduated with her Masters of Public Health from the University of Washington. She has a passion for the sciences, for learning, and cannot wait to spend another summer sharing her passion with students. She has been working at WISE Camps for 9 years as a forensic science teacher and assistant director and has loved every minute of it. Kimi also has experience working with kids as a ski instructor, student choreographer, Link Crew Leader, and drama camp director. She is so excited to be a part of the fun, one of a kind experience at WISE camps.
Zach Wang
Wise Instructor
“Zach Wang is a pre-med student at New York University studying biology and mathematics, graduating in 2028. In high school, he was involved in Jake Nonis’ theater program was in many musicals and plays! Zach has been in wise camps as both a camper and a volunteer and he is eternally grateful for how much he’s grown being on both sides. He believes that STEAM can be extremely difficult for many students, but having the passion for it changes everything. These campers will be the next generation of doctors, artists, engineers, etc., and he hopes to help Wise Camp foster the passion for learning in each camper. ❤️
He loves Wise Camps because not only was he given the opportunity to help individual kids find their passion in science, arts, engineering, etc., but Wise Camps has actually helped him find his passion of helping others, which is why he hopes to pursue surgery one day. So thanks big thanks to Wise Camps for having such an impact on even the volunteers!”
He loves Wise Camps because not only was he given the opportunity to help individual kids find their passion in science, arts, engineering, etc., but Wise Camps has actually helped him find his passion of helping others, which is why he hopes to pursue surgery one day. So thanks big thanks to Wise Camps for having such an impact on even the volunteers!”
Jadyn Hung
Wise Instructor
Jadyn is a first-year biology student at Seattle’s University of Washington, and is excited to be back for his third year at WISE camps! He’s had fun every year, whether he was a teacher’s assistant or a teacher himself. He looks forward to providing a super fun before care program this year. Outside of school, Jadyn likes to draw and explore the city.
Brandon Purcell
Summer Camp Science Guide Extraordinaire!
Get ready for a summer of excitement and discovery with Mr. Purcell! By day, he’s a high school chemistry teacher at Sammamish High School, but during camp, he brings his passion for science, creativity, and fun to kids of all ages. Whether it’s launching rockets, making slime, or solving cool chemistry mysteries, Mr. Purcell knows how to make learning unforgettable. When he’s not in the lab or the classroom, you might find him exploring the outdoors, geeking out over science facts, or cracking the best (and corniest) science jokes around. This summer, he’s here to spark curiosity, encourage experiments, and make every camper feel like a real scientist!”
Lucas Long
Wise Instructor
Hi! I’m an incoming senior at Newport High School! I’ve been volunteering and teaching at WISE Camps for 4 years, and have been with the program since I was a camper! I’m super into STEM and love to learn new things! Outside of school, I love filming with my camera and making cool videos with my friends!
Sophia Xu
Wise Instructor
Drea Martino
Wise Instructor
Drea is a rising senior at Newport High School, taking classes at Bellevue College through the Running Start program. She has been attending WISE camps since elementary school as a camper which has created so many fun memories and has deepened her love of STEM. Drea is excited to continue attending WISE camps in another capacity through volunteering and teaching. She looks forward to sharing her love and excitement for STEM with campers for yet another year!
Ella Leung
Wise Instructor
Vee is a rising senior at Newport high School.
Nathan Yi
Wise Instructor
Nathan Yi is a student at the University of Washington, and has worked with Wise Camps for 3 years! He has worked with hundreds of youth athletes through camps, clinics, and recreational soccer programs across the Bellevue and Seattle area. Nathan combines his passion for soccer with education, helping students develop not only their athletic skills but also important life skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and perseverance. This summer, he is excited to lead camps, and teach at Wise Camps!
Bethany Tan
Wise Instructor
Bethany Tam is a rising senior at Newport High School who is very excited to share her passion for STEM with campers this summer! She has been involved with WISE camps for many years, first as a camper, then as a volunteer, and now as a teacher. Outside of STEM, she enjoys reading, music, and spending time outside.
Ethan Lee
Wise Instructor
Hi, I’m Ethan! I just graduated from the University of Washington Foster’s School of Business with a degree in Finance and Information Systems. I have been coming to Wise Camps as a camper since I was 13. After being a camper, I was a volunteer for a couple of years before leading my first camp in 2023. I taught the financial literacy camp in 2023 and 2024. I am excited to come back to Wise Camps this summer as an Aftercare Director! Wise Camps has been a huge part of my life, and I can’t wait to create that same experience for this year’s students.
How We Got Started
A couple years ago, Melissa thought it would be fun to have the chance to teach chemistry to some younger kids over her summer break. She thought it’d be refreshing to work with a different age group, but that it would also give her the chance to try out some new demos and lab experiences on a forgiving audience. To her surprise, her camp was very popular without much marketing to help spread the word. Between word of mouth and more marketing the following summer, her camp completely sold out within a couple weeks of opening registration. Students were loving their experience and parents were loving how much their kids were learning! Due to popular demand, Melissa decided to offer more classes and asked Jake, a very popular and engaging math teacher, to join forces with her to create even more options for motivated students to expand their minds! As a result, WISE was born and they are both so excited to get to spend part of their summer teaching such amazing kids!