The vision of Camp Captivate is to provide exceptional Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) educational experiences. S.T.E.A.M. is the thoughtful integration of 2 or more pillars of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics, providing a meaningful “weaving together “of various core disciplines.
Through hands-on, project-based learning, our team of outstanding camp teachers and assistants are passionate about igniting the fire of curiosity and creativity in children. By fostering a positive and nurturing learning environment, they provide stimulating and diverse activities to keep kids “captivated.”
Ildiko Stennis
Ildikó is an experienced teacher who is passionate about S.T.E.A.M. education and is the founder of Science Smart Kids Inc. and Camp Captivate. In addition to being an entrepreneur, Ildiko is employed full time as a science teacher with Santa Clara Unified School District. Ildikó has a BS in Geology and a Secondary Clear Credential in Physical Science and a supplemental teaching credential in Mathematics. On December 6, 2019, she was 1 of 12 teachers in the San Jose area to receive the “Extra yard for teachers” award by the Pac-12 football organization for her work in S.T.E.A.M. education. “I am passionate about igniting the fire of curiosity and creativity in children—through hands-on S.T.E.A.M. education.”
Rea Vallarta
Rea is a Catholic school teacher for the Diocese of San Jose. She attended San Francisco State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies. She also attended Santa Clara University where she received her Master’s Degree in Teaching and Multiple Subject credential. Her experience is in the primary grades and in various leadership positions. She believes in creating a safe and engaging learning environment that can help each child develop a love of learning. Rea is a mother of two and has recently become a first-time dog mom. She enjoys spending time with her family and reading in her spare time. She is excited to join the Camp Captivate team!
Kristen Santos
Kristen is currently a Kindergarten teacher for the Diocese of San Jose. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in teaching from Sonoma State University. She also received a Master’s Degree from Santa Clara University in Education. Kristen is incredibly passionate about early childhood education and believes that all children deserve to be supported in their learning and developmental journeys. In her spare time, Kristen loves gardening, working out, and spending time with her family and friends. She is so excited to spend the summer with Camp Captivate!
Cecelia Hinz
Cecelia Hinz is a current middle school math teacher in the Diocese of San Jose. She earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX. She also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Santa Clara University. Cecelia is passionate about instilling a love of learning in her students and exploring the many ways they encounter math in their daily lives. In her free time, she enjoys running, going to the beach, and spending time with her family. This will be her first time teaching at Camp Captivate and she is looking forward to working with the STEAM Jr. campers at the San Jose campus!
Alejandro Shydlowski
Alejandro has a BA in Theatre and works as the Theater Teacher at Presentation High School in San Jose. He will be pursuing his teaching credential in the coming year. In his free time he enjoys tabletop games, walking his dog, and going to the beach. He is very excited to teach P.E. and extended care this summer for the second year at Camp Captivate!
Brianna Roberto
Brianna just finished her undergraduate program at Santa Clara University, earning a B.A. in both Child Studies and Studio Art. She is continuing her graduate studies at SCU to earn her credential and Masters in Elementary Education. She has worked at her university daycare for the past three years, and works part time as a private art tutor for young children. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks with her miniature schnauzer, painting, thrifting, and reading. She is excited to work at Camp Captivate again as both a director and art teacher at St. Leo’s this year!
Andres Wemiz
Andres Wemiz is an artist and educator born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and has been with Camp Captivate for four years. He has a Bachelors of Art in Studio Art with a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Art. As a teacher for the enrichment program at Camp Captivate for over three years, Andres is a strong advocate for integrating the sciences with the arts, and enjoys working with children.
Brendan Stennis
Brendan just finished his sophomore year at Indiana University. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a degree in Eastern European Studies. Brendan has previously attended CC as a camper and then worked with Camp Captivate as a leader for the past 3 years.
Kevin Stovich
Kevin is a recent graduate of Archbishop Mitty High School who is looking forward to returning as a leader for the third year in a row. He will be attending Loyola Chicago in the Fall. He enjoys listening to music, singing, thrifting, and spending time with his friends. He can’t wait to return to camp this summer!
Eliana Aschheim
Eliana has recently graduated from high school and is heading to college at Santa Clara University. She has an interest in working with children and has been with Camp Captivate for the past 3 years.
Lilah Cubacub
Lilah Cubacub has recently graduated from The King’s Academy. She first attended Camp Captivate as a STEAM Jr. camper, and went on to be a LIT in 2022 and then a leader in 2023. This is her second year in the role of Leader at Camp Captivate. She loves to draw and play videogames in her pastime, and also plays softball at school.
Taylor Rogers
Taylor has been a teacher in the Diocese of San Jose for 6 years and has taught a variety of grades. She currently works at Queen of Apostles School as the Resource Teacher. Taylor earned her Master’s Degree in Teaching from Santa Clara University and her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Redlands. Taylor is excited to join the Camp Captivate team at St. Justin’s this summer as Director!
Lisa Ross
I teach kindergarten in the Santa Clara Unified School District. I have taught at the same school for 38 years! I have a Masterś degree in education from Santa Clara University. I have a 27 year old daughter who is also a teacher. She teaches 7th grade math in Texas. I will be at the St. Justin site this summer. In my free time, I belong to a local gym where I take U-jam and Zumba classes 4 times a week.
Martha Barajas
I have a 9 year old daughter, which is the main reason for specializing in Special Education. I am currently working in both Santa Clara County Office of Education and Santa Clara Unified School District as a SPED Sub para. Pursuing my Masters and teaching Credential in Special Education. I have BA’s in Spanish Literature and Economics as well as an AA in child Development from Gavilan College. I have 20 + years working with children, as a preschool teacher and pre-kinder, such as Challenger School, Head Start and SCUSD after school family care program. I also volunteer for CCD at Our Lady of Peace and St. Lawrence de Martyr. I also do a children’s bilingual bible study for the bible study group Escuela de Agradecimiento. I enjoy baking cookies and cakes such as pumpkin bread or Lemon/ Blueberry cake. I also enjoy hiking, gardening, sewing, and crafts. But mostly, I love being around my family. So, this will be my first year at Camp Captivate and I am excited to meet and work with you all.
Rishub Shah
Rishub is a rising sophomore at UT Austin studying Mechanical Engineering. He has started a non-profit to teach low income students. This is his first year at Camp Captivate
Rebecca Powell
Rebecca just finished her first-year at CSU Long Beach, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. She enjoys cooking, art, and CAD modeling. Rebecca has previous experience volunteering at her local VBS and working at Smart Start Creative Learning Center. She is very excited to start her first year at Camp Captivate.
Jeanne-Claudius Martin
JC is a math and science teacher at Stratford Middle School, currently teaching 5th grade. They have a BS in Science for Education from Cal Poly Humboldt, and 4 years of experience as a camp counselor with Girl Scouts of Northern California. This is their fifth summer teaching science for STEAM Plus and Steam Jr, having been with Camp Captivate even when it went online! JC loves to help kids make connections between everyday phenomena and scientific concepts.
Stay tuned for updates as we hire more staff!
All staff members are fingerprinted and undergo a comprehensive background check. Our director and teachers are CPR/First aid certified.