Current Instructors
Greg Rae (he/him)
Greg has been teaching CNC Router 101 at Makerlabs since 2019. He has mentored STEM students in the Science World Future Science Leaders program: CNC, 3d printing, basic electricity and circuits, programming, and design. He has a BASc in mechanical engineering and automation from the University of Waterloo. Greg currently works as a designer and sculpture artist.
Classes Taught: CNC Router 101
Website: www.gregrae.com
Thanh Nguyen (she/her)
Thanh is a multi-media artist with over a decade of experience in teaching creative technology to students between the ages of 6 and 60 years.
With a degree in Game Art and Design and a specialty with 2D vector graphics, she teaches game design and programming, interactive storytelling and storyboarding, 3D modeling and animation, and 2D digital drawing and animation.
Since 2020, she has been one of MakerLabs' go-to instructors for computer related classes, including 3D Printing 101, CNC Embroidery 101, and 3D Modeling 101. Occasionally stepping in for LaserLab 101, CNC Router 101 and TextileLab 101.
She is available for hire as a private tutor if interested in learning Inkscape or Blender.
When not teaching classes or running the day-to-day operations at MakerLabs, she dabbles in various crafts, journaling and streaming video games.
Classes Taught: 3D Modeling 101, 3D Printing 101, CNC Embroidery 101, LaserLab 101, TextileLab 101, CNC Router 101
Classes Taught:
Email: Aria.arts.design.media@gmail.com
Instagram: @aria_adm
Rachel Lytzki (she/her)
Rachel completed the Tools for Change program in 2020 and stuck around at MakerLabs to work mainly on 'projects used to store the supplies to make more projects'. She enjoys keeping her options open and refuses to become anything more than competent at any one skill. Rachel enjoys teaching laser cutting because who doesn't want to cut things with lasers? Nobody.
In her continuing quest for extra 'pew pew pew' Rachel teaches both Laser Lab 101 and Fibre Laser Engraving 101.
Classes Taught: LaserLab 101, Fibre Laser Engraving 101
Instagram: @crafty_rach
Will Donaldson (he / him)
Will is a maker with a focus on robotics, embedded systems, and interactive exhibits. He has been working with electronics, Arduino, Fusion 360, and 3D printing for over 5 years in academic research, product prototyping for business clients, and numerous personal projects. Will is passionate about educating and inspiring others to explore these areas; he as been teaching at MakerLabs since 2021, leads a monthly electronics meetup event, and offers private tutoring and additional courses on topics including robotics, Arduino, and programmable RGB lights.
Classes Taught: Soldering & Electronics 101, Creative Technology Residency
Personal Website: https://www.willdonaldson.io
Business Website: https://www.bytesizerobotics.com/
Instagram: @_willdonaldson_
Darla Zary (She/Her)
Darla is a former Tools for Change resident, and present member of Maker Labs.
A former Honour Graduate from Emily Carr, she has 25 years of instructing different fine art programs through continuing education and is the sole proprietor of "Darla Zary Art Thru Soul".
A collaboration of Soul paintings, wood ornaments, and circle gatherings)
You do not have to be an artist to do any of Darla's classes.... you simply have to have an open heart and desire to create and discover!
Classes Taught: TextileLab 101, Ceramics 101
Website: www.darlazaryart.com
Instagram: @darlazary
Sandra Bérubé (She/Her/They/Them)
Sandra Bérubé is a French-Canadian metal sculptor and installation artist that works with steel and bronze. He artworks include sculptures, functional art, and large-scale art. She graduated with Honours in Sculptural Metal at the Kootenay School of the Arts and is a Canada Council of the Arts grantee. She has several public art pieces installed across British Columbia and exhibited some of her work internationally.
Classes Taught: MIG Welding & Metal Fabrication 101
Website: www.sandraberube.com
Instagram: @sandra___berube
Evelyn Elgie (they/them)
Evelyn (they/them) joined Makerlabs as a Tools for Change resident in February 2021, and has been an instructor with Makerlabs ever since. Their teaching style draws on ten years of instructing experience as a paddle guide and outdoor educator, plus their years as a teaching assistant at the university level.
In their own practice, Evelyn specializes in miniatures and found materials, working with reclaimed wood and resin to sculpt intricate, surprising pieces. Their work aims to disrupt the waste stream and challenge our assumptions about material, metaphorically and physically exploring the possibilities for finding joy in an age of climate grief.
Beyond the walls of Makerlabs, Evelyn currently works as a contract instructor for Outward Bound Vancouver and spends a lot of time making friends with other people's dogs.
Classes Taught: WoodLab 101, WoodLab 102, LaserLab 101, Lathe 101
Instagram: @heliotropedesign
Lesley Newlands (She / her)
Lesley is a nurse by day and a hobby woodworker on days off. She's obsessed with woodcraft and will talk your ears off about woodwork, projects, tools and tree species. She's currently building functional and adorable furniture for her home. She can't help but walk by a furniture store and say "I can make that". Join her and learn how to use tools safely, so you don't have to visit her at her day job.
Classes Taught: WoodLab 101, WoodLab 102
Instagram: @melliferadesign