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 6 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

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 5th grade and Emerson learning in a dual language program in kindergarten!).

Dylan Calinog

Wise Camps 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! He enjoys adventuring with his wife and 2 dachshunds, Leo & Hercules.

Mandy Sin

Wise Instructor

Mandy Sin teaches 1st grade in Bellevue, WA and was also a Newport High product herself. She graduated from University of Washington with a Masters in Teaching after studying Education as an undergraduate. GO DAWGS! Moving to the US at age 9 from Hong Kong with no prior English skills, she is passionate in ensuring all students (especially immigrant students) feel noticed, heard, and seen. Mandy’s mission is for every student to feel celebrated for their hard work and success in camp. Outside of teaching, Mandy also performs with three dance companies ranging in style from hop hop to heels.

Laurelle Graves

Wise Instructor

Laurelle Graves is a mixed media artist who has a passion for teaching kids. She runs the art program at a local issaquah elementary school, ensuring that all 700+ students receive an arts education. She is also the Arts in the Schools Liason for the Issaquah PTSA Council where she helps guide and educate other schools in the district on arts integration and education. She writes art curriculum that is used in the Issaquah School District elementary schools, with a current focus on social emotional learning and cultural awareness. 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 also a Girl Scout Troop Leader and is the proud leader of both of her daughters troops. She is the Art Director for the Girl Scout Issaquah Youth Day Camp where she loves getting to plan outdoor art projects for over 250 scouts each summer. Laurelle grew up in this area, and is a graduate of Newport High School and the University of Washington.

Daniel Friesen

Wise Instructor

Daniel Friesen has been teaching middle school and high school science for 8 years in Bend, Oregon. He graduated from Seattle Pacific with a degree in Human Biology and has always gravitated toward connecting with students of any age. Most recently, Daniel has taken an elementary position and has loved the opportunity to inspire younger students. His wife is also a nerdy science teacher, so their 3 kids are bound to be wise campers soon! When not in th classroom, you can find him outside enjoying nature and most likely hauling a child in some manner.

Karla Nyquist

Wise Instructor

Karla Nyquist has taught high school science for 17 years, and still loves the thrill of learning new things. After earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Spanish, she earned her Master’s of Education in Life Science at the University of Minnesota. She taught Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in Minneapolis, MN for 7 years and has been teaching Biology and IB Sports Medicine in Seattle for the last 10 years. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and vegetable gardening. She is also a Beach Naturalist through the Seattle Aquarium and loves exploring the beach at low tides.

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 28 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 first 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, poetry, and music. She’s excited to be incorporating a wide range of STEAM activities in every camp day!

Heidi Friesen

Wise Instructor

I have been teaching science for 12 years in the Seattle area and in Bend, Oregon. I’m passionate about great physics and chemistry instruction–my philosophy is Why teach if kids don’t love the learning experience? Here are a few quotes from my students over the years: “I get outta bed each morning wondering what Mrs. Friesen will blow up today” “I never know what is going to happen in your classroom, but it always includes you jumping on a table, writing on a wall, blowing my mind with science, or making me laugh til my stomach hurts” “School is boring. Mrs. Friesen is not” Aside from teaching, I love being outside with my 3 young kids and playing until the sun goes down. I’m so looking forward to teaching at WiseCamps this summer!

Sung Yoon

Wise Instructor

Sung Yoon has taught Kindergarten and first grade in Woodinville, Washington the last five 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! In his own classroom, Sung has taught robotics, engineering, and science even in his own Kindergarten and first grade classrooms! Through WISECAMPS Sung is so excited to help the students become more excited with science, math, and the world as a whole. With his campers, Sung will teach different science subjects, engineering, math and art. He will cover challenging topics through play and exploration! Sung is excited to have lots of fun and joy with his campers.

Ellie Pham

Wise Instructor

Ellie Pham is an incoming senior at Newport High School who was born and raised in Washington. As a part of the Teaching Academy program and an aspiring educator, she feels passionate about ensuring all kids receive a fulfilling and engaging education. Ellie has gained extensive experience working with students as a Link Crew Leader, interning in a 3rd grade classroom, being co-president of a club for mixed race students, and volunteering for years at WISE Camps. She is a huge lover of all things science and is excited to share her enthusiasm for the subject with students of all ages!

Ethan Lee

Wise Instructor

Ethan Lee is a student at the University of Washington Foster School of Business graduating in 2026. He is pursuing a double major in Finance and Information Systems. He grew up in Bellevue, Washington, and graduated from Interlake High School. He has been a part of Wise Camps for almost half a decade in different capacities. He started as a camper, became a volunteer, and is now a teacher for his own camp! Ethan’s experience in these various roles grants him the unique perspective of understanding different points of view in WISE Camps and how to make camps run smoothly. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling. (Fun Fact: He just finished a study abroad exchange program in Sydney, Australia!) He is extremely excited about being a part of WISE Camps and teaching the next generation about financial literacy.

Brendan Yeh

Wise Instructor

Brendan Yeh is a rising senior that attends Newport High School. He is a current Co-President of Newport’s Rocketry Club and also is the current VP of STEM League and Digital Media club. His passion for STEM (specifically Engineering) has brought him to WISE camps where he hopes to share some of his knowledge with campers. Being a former group leader and rocketry TA, he also has prior experience working with campers. In his free time he enjoys running, taking photos, and playing basketball. He is so excited to make WISE camps a one-of-a-kind experience this year!

Natalie Loh

Wise Instructor

I am a student at Northeastern University studying Cell and Molecular Biology graduating in 2027. I grew up in Bellevue, WA and graduated from Newport High School. I have been apart of WISE camps going on four years now, and look forward to camp every year! While I might be studying biology in college, I got involved with WISE through my passion in the culinary arts. In high school, I started Newport’s first baking club, worked at a local bakery, and ran my own baking business. I find any excuse to make a sweet treat for a get together and adore making cakes for birthdays. Spreading my passion for one of my favorite hobbies meshed with the excitement from the campers makes teaching with WISE so easy to love. Outside of baking, I also enjoy skiing, playing tennis, and travelling (I just spent my first semester of college abroad studying in Greece!).

Rita Liu

Wise Instructor

This is Rita’s fourth year of helping out at Wise Camp. She is currently a junior at Newport High School and an avid member of Newport Rocketry Club. Freshman year, she won the American Rocketry Challenge out of 700 other competitors. This pushed her to compete in the International Rocket Competition in London, winning silver. Sophomore year, she represented the US again, but in the World Space Modeling Competition with her 1/100th scale model of the N-1 rocket, winning two bronze medals. Rita is enthusiastic about encouraging the next generation to explore the galaxy and beyond.

Besides working on rockets, she loves to bake and go on hikes with her dog Oreo. She typically spends her weekends with an ice matcha and a good book by the lake.

Maxwell Li

Wise Instructor & Marketing Director

Maxwell Li is a rising senior at Newport High School who is ecstatic to be working with Wise Camps for the third year. He has volunteered with Wise for several years and has been the Wise Marketing Director for the past year creating social media posts and videos. At school, he is President of Newport’s National Honor Society, promoting community involvement and service. He is also a DECA Vice President, focusing on developing the competition readiness and career skills of chapter members. Additionally, he serves as a Link Crew Commissioner, guiding and mentoring incoming freshmen, ensuring a smooth transition to high school. Outside of school, he’s known for his three amazing dogs (Snowy, Lori, and Dora). He has a keen interest in science, especially biotechnology, and is overjoyed to share his passion with campers this year!

Kyle Chung

Wise Instructor

Kyle is a recent graduate of Newport High School and is intrigued by anything STEM-related. He attended Wise Camps as a camper when he was in elementary school, which played a role in developing his love for science! He plans to major in chemical engineering, having almost completed his associates degree at Bellevue College through the Running Start program. He has helped at Wise Camps’ chemistry station as a teacher’s assistant for 2 years and is excited to have a chance to host the station himself. He looks forward to conducting some fun experiments with the campers this year!

Jessica Ni

Wise Instructor & Marketing Director

Jessica Ni is a rising senior at Newport High School and is thrilled to be volunteering with WISE for her third year. She loves the fun, energetic environment at WISE, and she is incredibly grateful to have met so many amazing people and made so many fun memories these past few summers. Jessica is also involved in Model UN, Knights Who Code, and ASPEN, which is an HIV/AIDS prevention and education program at Newport. Outside of school, she can be found playing soccer, skiing, and traveling around the world. Jessica is super excited to meet all the campers this year and can’t wait to be a part of the best year of WISE yet!

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!

Eugene Li

Wise Instructor

Eugene Li is a rising senior at Newport High School, and while this is his first year at Wise Camps, he has had plenty of experience teaching kids at other summer camps in his community. He has been part of the Newport Rocketry Club for 3 years, and with all the amazing experiences he’s had in it, he wants other kids to get excited about rocketry too! In addition, Eugene loves anything STEM related, and he’s also been in a robotics team for 4 years. In his free time, he likes listening to music (his favorite artists are Eminem and Lorde) and swimming.

Michael Lilley

Wise Instructor

Professor Lilley (aka Professor Lilley) was one a humble middle school student with no fun and engaging educational summer camps to enjoy. Then, Professor Lilley’s mom enrolled Professor Lilley in WISE Camps, and Professor Lilley’s life was changed. Professor Lilley had fun and did some things and then did it again the next year until finally, Professor Lilley was old enough to volunteer to help run the camp. Seven years later, Professor Lilley continues to work for WISE camps and is currently attending (well not currently, since it’s summer now and Professor Lilley is doing this instead) the University of Washington to become a teacher. Professor Lilley looks forward to helping a new generation of campers have fun and do some things just as Professor Lilley once did as a young camper.

Tyler Chung

Wise Instructor

Tyler is a student at Bellevue College working towards a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity. Growing up in Bellevue, Tyler began attending Wise Camps as a camper starting in elementary school. Attending Wise Camps at a young age, Tyler gained a passion for Wise Camps as an organization, leading to working with them as a volunteer starting in 2019. Tyler has worked roles as a Teaching Assistant for the Math Station, Lunch Coordinator, and Aftercare Staff and is excited to continue providing lunch and aftercare services this year.

Marie Andrews

Wise Instructor

Marie is entering her senior year at Newport High school and grew up in Washington. She is a part of the Spanish Immersion Program and developed a love for teaching after spending multiple summers tutoring math in Spanish at the Bellevue School District Summer School. Marie intends to pursue a life of stem education and is passionate about inspiring kids and cultivating a love for learning math and science. Marie has always loved working with children and after studying neuroscience at Newport she is ecstatic to walk all ages through the in’s and outs of the human brain. Marie is confident she can create a welcoming and fulfilling environment at Wise Camps this year. Besides math, Marie loves cheerleading, music, exercising, baking/cooking, the outdoors and her dog Sophie

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!