Agnes Niewiadomski

Camp Director

Agnes graduated from OCAD University’s Sculpture/Installation program in 2008 and hasn’t stopped making things since. Her desire to spread the joy of maker culture led her down the path to create Mindful Makers, founding the camp in 2016.

Agnes has expanded her capacity to reach students remotely by producing a line of DIY craft kits and hosting her own Maker TV Show which currently airs on Rogers TV and Cable 14.

She is an active member of kwartzlab makerspace, and past president of Maker Expo. Participating in community events is a big part of why Agnes loves living in Kitchener-Waterloo. Her latest crafting obsessions include all things basketry. You can follow along with her latest adventures in making on Instagram account @agnesmakes,  and view her online portfolio at agnesmakes.com.

Meet Our Instructors:

All of our staff are First Aid and CPR Certified and have passed a Vulnerable Sector Screening.

Marta Orlowska

Assistant Camp Director & Leadership Coordinator

Marta is a maker who loves nature. She graduated from UW’s Fine Arts program in 2012, and has applied her skills in a plethora of ways since then; the rich unfolding of her journey as an artist has included working with local arts organizations (CAFKA, NIGHT\SHIFT), designing and leading arts programs for all ages, and performing her songs in costumed characters.  She believes that every day is full of opportunities to express creatively, from getting dressed in the morning, to how you plate your dinner in the evening. 

Over the past few years she has transitioned to working with children in a larger capacity, and loves to share her love of the natural world with younger generations. She is endlessly inspired by the beauty that surrounds us.

Donia Neekman

Classic Camp Instructor

Donia is a young artist from the K-W area, who is always learning and experimenting with different types of artistic mediums. She is a graduate of Conestoga College’s Animation program and is currently pursuing a career in Storyboarding. Her hobbies include making funny birthday cards, playing games, watching space movies, and learning new crafts/skills. She is excited to be crafting together this summer and to show others how fun it is to learn.

Caleigh Stone Scott

Caleigh is currently studying Marine and Freshwater Biology at the University of Guelph. She is a maker from Kitchener whose interests include making jewelry, painting, designing and creating miniature ecosystems. Caleigh loves spending time outdoors and enjoys using the natural world both as inspiration and as a canvas. She is very excited to have the opportunity to help campers learn new skills and express themselves through art this summer!

Adele D’Souza

Classic Camp Instructor

Adele is currently studying Architecture at the University of Toronto and will be starting her second year in the fall. She has always loved designing spaces, and studying architecture has allowed Adele to grow in her abilities to think critically and creatively when designing. She enjoys growing her hands-on skills which through her program includes making digital drawings and physical models.

Outside of school, Adele enjoys crocheting, dancing and playing music. She is excited to join the Mindful Makers team and think creatively with campers this summer!

Ella corbett

Classic Camp Instructor

Ella is an undergraduate student entering her second year of Biomedical Science at the University of Guelph and hopes to someday become a paediatrician which stems from her love of working with kids and researching human health. While she enjoys science, she has also had a love for art and crafting since she was little.

She has explored various crafting techniques including Tunisian crocheting, needle felting, knitting, hand sewing, weaving and many others, however her favourite is crocheting. Ella loves creating different patterns and designs in her crochet pieces and she shares her passion for this artform at local markets within the community. Ella is super excited to be joining the Mindful Maker team and inspire the love of art and creativity in campers this summer!

bella richards

Mini Makers Camp Instructor

Bella is a recent graduate from the University of Guelph with an Honours BA in International Development and Creative Writing. She is a maker from Kitchener whose artistic passions include sketching, painting, writing, and dancing. Bella likes to explore and interact with the world around her through art and she believes that our unique experiences shape the works that we create. Bella is thrilled to spend another summer encouraging campers on their artistic journeys!

CAILEY HUDSON

Mini Makers Camp Instructor

Cailey is an undergraduate student at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec where she is currently studying Studio Arts and Art Education. While her specialty lies more with painting and drawing, Cailey is always trying to experiment in as many different techniques, styles, and mediums as she can.

It is her own personal philosophy that as educators we must also be open to constantly learning ourselves. Both learning and aiding others to discover all that the arts have to offer is what Cailey is truly most passionate about - and she is excited to share this passion at Mindful Makers this summer.