Meet the Instructors

Welcome to the vibrant world of art and crochet with me. As an enthusiastic art lover and seasoned crochet and knitting artisan, I have been passionately creating beautiful pieces of art from yarn since my early years. My journey with crochet and knitting began as a personal joy (thanks to my mom for teaching me), and over time, it blossomed into a deep-seated craft that I love to share with others. From intricate patterns to cozy handcrafted garments, I thrive on using my hands to bring creativity to life. Whether you're new to crochet or looking to refine your skills, I am dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process. I have had the pleasure of instructing friends and family, helping them unlock their creative potential, and completing their crochet projects with confidence. Join me in exploring the art of crochet and knitting, where each stitch is a step towards creating something uniquely yours. Let's embark on this creative journey together and transform simple yarn into stunning works of art.

Meet Gino The Dancer: He started his dancing at the age of 26! Yes 26!!! Gino came from an acting background, and he only delved into dancing in his mid-twenties. What he has created in Bella&Bello in such a short time is a testament to his philosophy of Success, Work Hard Play Hard, 'It's Never too Late', and 'Grow as a Human Being'. His training in Performances, Theatrics, and Directing has allowed him to focus Bella&Bello in both the theatrical performance and competitive arenas. "I wanted a space for dancers and directors alike to have the opportunity to be Creative, have a Team that is a Family, and a Philosophy that allows dancers not only to grow as dancers but as Individuals, and to use the tools they learn in class in their day to day Lives" In 2012 Gino was Nominated for Best Actor at the AMPIA awards alongside some of North America's best actors. A live performance for the CCMA awards put him center stage dancing for the Best Artists in 2013 in front of over 15,000 people. So if he can do it at the start of 26, anyone can!

Introducing tennis and helping players develop their game is a true passion for Karen. As a Tennis Canada Certified Instructor, Karen utilizes the progressive tennis method to build skills and focus on making lessons fun with lots of games. A late starter, Karen began taking lessons in her thirties and soon fell in love with the sport. Knowing the profound positive effects tennis has, including healthy living and lifelong friendships, Karen is excited to share her passion with the community and help players improve their game.

Karen started playing pickleball with some friends for fun and exercise in 2022, and only played a handful of times. In January 2023, she took her first clinic to learn the finer details of the game and was instantly hooked. She continued to attend monthly clinics and receive additional training, quickly progressing to a competitive level by August 2023. Pickleball is Karen’s first sport, as in her teenage and adult years, she focused on playing the piano and singing, which she learned at a young age. She’s proof that even at 50 years old, you can try something new, develop a skill, and excel at it. Karen was asked to start coaching at Edmonton Pickleball Center in July 2023 because of her tenacity to challenge herself in furthering her development and passion for the growing sport. Karen finds joy in teaching new players how to play and grow their own skills and love for pickleball. Pickleball is a game for all ages and skill levels, so come and learn the fastest growing sport in North America.

Melissa is a fur mama and full time nurse with a passion for everything fitness. On her days off from the hospital she teaches group fitness to help spread the love! She has been certified in over a dozen group fitness formats but the most popular have remained the same for several years now, HIGH Fitness and UpBeat Lift! "I grew up dancing, moving and shaking so group fitness is an amazing way to keep that part of my life going."

From left to right: Ogri, Francine, Hannah, and Jimmy!

Ogri
Hey!! I’m Ogri, and while it’s my first summer camp season, you might recognize me from PD Day camps☀️. I’m heading into my fourth year of Biological Sciences at the U of A. I love travelling and music, and I’m most excited for Week 8: Agents in Training‼️💝

Francine
Hi! I’m Francine, and this is my second year as a camp leader. I’m a Math and Computer Science double major who loves basketball, coding, building electronics, gaming, and playing piano. I can’t wait for Week 5: Sports Week! 🏀🎮🎶🤪

Hannah
Hey! I’m Hannah, back for my third year as a Summer Camp Leader at the Orchards! I recently completed my BSc and am heading into Medical Radiologic Technology. I love snowboarding, hiking, camping, and cheering on the Oilers! I’m most excited for Week 4: Mad Science Lab! ⛰️☀️🏂🎀

Jimmy
Hi, I’m Jimmy, returning for my second summer at The Orchards! I study Rehabilitation Medicine and enjoy hiking and swimming in my free time. I’m a big Oilers fan and super pumped for Week 4: Mad Science Lab! 🤠☀️🚴⛰️

Puddle of Mud Productions is an arts organization that caters to movers, shakers and thespians of all ages and specializes in programs to get children active and moving.  Puddle of Mud Productions has catered to thousands of students since its inception in 2007; they pride themselves on the unique focus put on the creative side of learning, and use that as a catalyst for skills in any discipline.

Samantha ( Teacher Sammy), has always had a love for movement having a background in dance & creative arts. She fell in love with the path of Yoga during the height of the Pandemic. Finding a calling to teach others about this incredible way of living she took her certified 200hr Yoga Teacher Training at Prana in 2021. Her love & passion for yoga spread to her family motivating her to take additional training through "Little Wonders Yoga" Mindfulness & Movement program. A Mom of two, Samantha loves to incorporate mindfulness & good intentions in all aspects of her life. Her kids yoga classes are aimed at helping children focus on breathwork, body movement & overall awareness as tools to help cope with BIG feelings. Her classes combined also with storytelling, music & imagination allowing even the youngest of yogis to blossom & grow.

The Sportball team are like a family. They spread more smiles per square mile than anyone around, united in the belief that every kid deserves to play, laugh and develop a life-long love of movement and sport. Each coach is trained through several levels of professional development, and ties every game, skill or activity into the Sportball Methodology. Coaching with purpose, and passion!