Meet Our Summer Staff 2020!
At ScienceWorks our goal is to make sure your child is learning science in a safe environment, engaged in hands-on learning, and building a community of friends with like-minded individuals. Our incredible staff make it happen!

Education Manager, Summer Camp Manager, Camp Instructor
Melissa
Hello, I'm Melissa. I originally came to the Rogue Valley to complete my master's at SOU and have stayed ever since. I live here with my adorable dog, Mopsey! I now am in charge of summer camps among other things at ScienceWorks! I will also be teaching a summer camp about a topic that is very close to my heart, using my childhood favorite, Spongebob Squarepants, to teach about Marine Biology!

Summer Camp Assistant
Hayley

Camp Instructor, Summer Camp Assistant
Halle
Hey, I'm Halle. Originally I'm from a small town in Alaska called Palmer. I received a bachelor's in education through Southern Oregon University as well as a master's degree through them. I completed my student teaching through Talent elementary which was a wonderful learning experience. I also was a teaching assistant for Pomegranate Preschool of the Arts. I also love reading, writing, paddle boarding, swimming, and hanging out with my friends. This will be my second year with ScienceWorks, I started last year as a college intern, and I am excited about another fun summer!

ScienceLIVE Guy, Volunteer Coordinator, Camp Instructor
Toby
Hey! I'm Toby, I am originally from the Chicago area and am a retired firefighter/paramedic. Now I enjoy doing crazy ScienceLIVE demonstrations, and playing with my two big dogs Grizz and Tuna! I am looking forward to teaching all about Legos this summer!

Education Coordinator, Camp Instructor
Ash
Hi, I'm Ash. I'm from Kansas originally and have lived in various parts of the USA, including Dallas, Kansas City, Tucson, and Saint Louis. I was attracted to the Rogue Valley because I've been coming out to see plays at OSF for years. I'm an illustrator and love collecting and drawing natural objects. I also love reading and writing about science, reading fiction, seeing plays, and writing short stories. My favorite places to go on trips are to museums. I'm really looking forward to teaching this summer!

Camp Instructor
Lisa
Hello, I'm Lisa. I'm originally from California and moved here because I liked the community. I taught environmental policy and management and regenerative studies at Cal Poly Pomona for about 15 years. As a mom, I helped out with Girl Scout camps and earlier was a lifeguard and soccer coach for younger players. My hobbies include art (mainly collage and photography), cooking, hiking, and leading trips. I'm looking forward to my first summer with ScienceWorks!

Camp Instructor
Karina
Hey, I'm Karina. I am currently working on obtaining an M.S. in Environmental Education at SOU. I have dedicated the three previous years, in developing and implementing a science outreach program for public schools and high-risk communities through the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. I have also worked doing natural interpretation in state and national parks in the U.S In my free time, I enjoy reading suspense novels, hiking, dancing, and trying new foods.

Camp Instructor
Mr. Jackson AKA Bug Guy!

Camp Instructor
Rosie
Hello, I'm Rosie! I have been working for ScienceWorks summer camps for 3 summers! I am originally from Carbondale, IL. I have been teaching Kindergarten at Children's World Montessori, and I am so excited to be back for another fun summer at ScienceWorks!

Camp Instructor
Rob
Hello, I'm Rob. I grew up in Silverton, Oregon, and moved to Camas Valley (OR) in 1990 when I got my first teaching job. I taught in Camas Valley until 2000 when I got married. I was hired in the Three Rivers School District and moved to Medford. I have been a classroom teacher for over 30 years, and have taught all grades for kindergarten to 8th grade. In my free time, I enjoy building various types of electric guitars, playing guitar and ukulele, reading, fishing, and hiking.

Camp Instructor
Miss Selina or Seli
I have been teaching Art both formally and informally to people of all ages for years. It has been my lifelong dream to live in Oregon! My hobbies are anything that involves Art and Nature!

Camp Instructor
Linda
I grew up in Seattle, lived in Ashland for three years, then raised my kids in Virginia. My husband and I always dreamed of returning to the Rogue Valley...and in 2018, we did just that! I have over twenty-five years developing and leading nature education and outdoor recreation programs, summer day camps, and much more for kids of all ages! I received a BS in Forestry-Wildland Recreation from Washington State University and have a plethora of training and experience! I have known about Science Works since they began, but this is my first time teaching them!

Camp Instructor
Forrester

Camp Instructor
Kendrah

Camp Instructor
Maya

Camp Instructor
Heather

Camp Instructor
Bashira
I’m a student by day and a mycologist by trade. I manage a mushroom farm and mycology company and I do it because it’s my passion. I’m passionate about Mycology because I believe it can really help us take on some major environmental challenges like soil pollution and environmental degradation. Another thing I really care about is supporting youth in building their desired reality and my first job was being a summer camp counselor and after school program assistant with the YMCA. That job was apart of my life through the end of high school and beginning of college.