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.


julia mathers

Classic Camp Instructor

Julia is a graduate of Queen's University’s Art History International Studies programs. Her passion for art extends beyond academics as she is an avid creator. She loves to paint, sculpt, and build! In her spare time, she also loves reading and playing D&D. She is very excited to be returning to camp this summer! She is eager to work alongside and encourage young and passionate makers in an environment that supports creativity and individuality.


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.


Nikki McMulkin

Classic Camp Instructor

Nikki is a maker from Kitchener. She started out with sewing over 10 years ago, and along the way she's picked up lots of other skills like crocheting, felting, and embroidery. She has a passion for cosplay and handmade plushies. She's currently working to start up a small business and YouTube channel showing her process of making things!  

Nikki doesn't believe there is a "right" or "wrong" way to do anything when it comes to crafting. She thinks some of the most fun and valuable experiences come from stepping away from the "proper" way to do things and following where your creativity leads you. She can't wait to encourage the free flowing creativity the kids bring to camp!


Sophie corbett

Classic Camp Instructor

Sophie is an artist from Waterloo currently studying at Sheridan in the Honours Bachelor of Animation Program, where she is going into her third year in this fall. She is a Storyboard Artist, Illustrator and aspiring Filmmaker. She has a passion for storytelling and experimenting with cinematography in her films and enjoys exploring ways she can use composition, lighting, music and atmosphere.

Outside of school, you can find her painting plein air (on location outdoors) with watercolours and ink in the summer and spending time with friends and family. She is excited to explore and create with campers this summer!


bella richards

Mini Makers Camp Instructor

Bella will be entering her final year at the University of Guelph this fall to complete her Honours BA in International Development and Creative Writing. She is a maker from Kitchener whose artistic passions include sketching, painting, literature, and various styles of dance. Bella likes to leverage her creative outlets to explore and interact with the world around her. She believes that our unique experiences help shape the works that we create and is looking forward to encouraging campers to make meaningful connections through their art!


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.