SuperCamp Staff Profiles
Wondering what kind of people orchestrate the SuperCamp experience? Each of these energetic educators will lead one of our SuperCamp locations this summer.
Ben Balkwill
Ben joined the Quantum Learning Network in 2003 and has held a variety of SuperCamp positions since then. He attended the University of Windsor, Ontario, where he earned an Honors degree in Business Administration and a Minor in Mathematics, in addition to his Bachelor's education. Ben has been teaching since 2003 and is a triathlon race director and advanced lifesaving course instructor. Winner of Disney's Partner in Excellence Award, he is the head coach of a swim team with athletes that range in age from six to seventeen.
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Karen Borbolla
Karen Borbolla earned her teacher certification in K-12 art education along with her Bachelor of Fine Arts. She also has earned her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership. Most recently, Karen earned a postgraduate certification in brain-based education. She is married, mother of three young children and teaches elementary art by day and college level Para educator curriculum and theory classes by night. She enjoys her role as a figure skating coach, concerts and writing musicals. This will be her Fifth summer with Quantum Learning Network.
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Katie Fierro
Katie Fierro has been teamed up with Quantum Learning Network since 2006. She has Facilitated programs to students of all ages across the globe. Katie also facilitates programs with Quantum Learning for Students throughout the year and contributed in curriculum development for QLS programs. She earned a BA in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication from Long Beach State University in California and graduated with honors. Katie currently resides in Long Beach, CA where she specializes in early childhood development working as the Mobile Programs Director at My Gym Children's Fitness Center. Katie has a passion for doing and coaching gymnastics as well as participating in a variety of outdoor sports including running, surfing and even the flying trapeze.
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Jamie Huffman
Jamie Huffman began her teaching career in 1998 after graduating from Illinois State University in Normal, IL with a BS in Education. She later completed her M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University, Wheeling, IL. Jamie was first introduced to the Quantum Learning Network through their professional development workshops for teachers. In 2006 she began her work with SuperCamp. Jamie is currently teaching in Schaumburg, IL. In her free time, Jamie enjoys working out and spending time with her family.
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Weston Kieschnick
Weston graduated with Distinction from Iowa State University with a B.S. in History. He holds a Master's in Educational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Weston became a full time high school teacher at the age of 21, and has since been afforded the opportunity to work with kids from places like: Bermuda, California, Colorado, England, Illinois, Iowa, Jamaica, New Mexico, New York, Portugal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Tennessee, and Texas. An exercise enthusiast, Weston was a collegiate athlete and is currently training for his second marathon. He currently resides in Denver, Colorado with his wife and newborn son. Weston has been with QLN since 2001.
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Chase Mielke
Chase graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's in English Education and Communications from Western Michigan University. He was born and currently resides in Michigan where he teaches high school Language Arts and Interpersonal Communication at Plainwell Community Schools. Presently, he is working on his Master's in Curriculum and Instruction. Aside from teaching, he loves coaching soccer, fitness and writing/performing music. He has worked with QLN since 2008.
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Jake Smith
Jake Smith is an alumnus of Hofstra University's Hagedorn School of Education and graduated with a B.A. in English and Secondary Education, as well as his New York State Teacher Certification. Over the last ten years, Jake has been a staff member at SuperCamp every summer, holding the roles of Team Leader, Senior Team Leader, Facilitator, and Lead Facilitator. He was brought on full-time with Quantum Learning Network in 2009 and works currently as a developer of Programs and Curriculum with the SuperCamp Programs Department. He is thrilled to be living in San Diego, CA and spends his free time running, playing tennis, and enjoying the abundant sunshine.
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Jessica Smith
Three months after Jessica was born in Baltimore, she was fortunate enough to spend fourteen-and-a-half years living and traveling around Europe with her military family. After returning to the U.S., Jessica graduated from James Madison University in Virginia with her Bachelor's and Master's of Arts in Teaching degrees and is certified to teach both math and science in grades 6-8. Currently, she is teaching 7th grade mathematics in Fairfax County Public Schools. She enjoys reading, watching football, playing Scrabble, and mastering her culinary skills with the aid of the Food Network. She has been with QLN since 2008.
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Interested in joining our SuperCamp staff? Learn more about our summer camp jobs.
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Dan and Erin, SuperCamp grad parents
"The experience allows teens to get in touch with their humanity in ways that school and other programs can't and don't."
Heather, SuperCamp grad
"It's a great experience. It's a lot of fun, plus you learn some important life skills. I made some of the best friends I've ever had at camp."
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