Our instructors are the heart of every Brains & Motion camp and class—and Robert B. shines bright among them. Since joining us in 2022, Robert has sparked creativity and curiosity in countless students through his love of arts and technology. This month, we’re excited to spotlight his journey, teaching philosophy, and the imaginative energy he brings to STEAM learning every day.
Robert, what inspired you to work at Brains & Motion, and what does the opportunity mean to you?
“A few key things inspired me to work at Brains & Motion. First, I could clearly see the passion and commitment to detail and care for people at all levels of the organization. You never feel uncared for or unheard—someone is always there to extend a helping hand.
Second, I wanted to be part of a team that strives for greatness. Brains & Motion is a place where parents can feel confident that their child is in an environment focused on helping and developing their minds and well-being, no matter the STEAM program they’re in.
Third, I believe it’s important to give kids positive role models—just like I was lucky enough to have growing up. I know not every child has positive adult figures in their life, so that makes it even more important for me to show up and bring my best every day.”
What are your areas of STEAM expertise?
“When it comes to STEAM here at Brains & Motion, my areas of expertise are in Arts and Technology. I’ve done countless projects with the kids—making things like zip lines and mini soccer goals using sticks, just to name a few. I’ve also taught robotics classes many times, using tablets to control robots with programs that introduce kids to entry-level coding, such as Scratch and Splats.
When I started with Brains & Motion, STEAM wasn’t something I had a lot of experience in. That made me want to educate myself in at least a few areas, especially the ones I now teach often. Standing here now, I feel much more comfortable with subjects like art and technology and always strive to show that growth through my teaching.”
How long have you been teaching in your areas of expertise?
“I’ve been teaching classes in these fields since early 2022, when I joined the Brains & Motion team. When I first started, STEAM wasn’t a big focus for me because I didn’t know much about it—but I quickly realized how important it is to our society and especially to youth. Now I’m always enthusiastic and excited to teach new STEAM classes. It means a lot to me knowing that many of the kids in these programs have very little experience with STEAM. That gives me the chance to help them learn and enjoy something new.”
What excites you the most about our Summer 2025 camp season?
“What excites me most is the chance for a new adventure with different schools and kids. Even if I see a few familiar faces, I know there will be lots of new ones too. That’s great to me because it means getting to teach and help new kids learn in a variety of STEAM programs. I think that’s what it’s all about.”
How do you incorporate creativity into your STEAM lessons?
“I incorporate creativity into STEAM lessons in a few different ways. One approach I often use is designing projects with no clear answer—this lets kids use their creativity and come up with their own solutions. I also like to have them create things that reflect their personalities, beyond just the surface-level lesson—like putting their own spin on a zip line design.
I consistently encourage the kids to be as creative as they can and remind them there aren’t really “wrong” answers. Thinking outside the box is always a good thing.”
Why is it important for kids to build STEAM skills?
“I think it’s important for a few reasons. STEAM gives kids different ways to approach problems—with a plan, quick thinking, and outside-the-box solutions.
Another big reason is the value of working positively with others. That’s a crucial life skill, and STEAM encourages collaboration with kids from all kinds of backgrounds. It also helps them learn to communicate their ideas clearly and work together as a team.”
What advice would you give to kids trying something new for the first time?
“I have a few pieces of advice. First, don’t see mistakes or struggles as failure—look at them as opportunities to grow.
Second, don’t be too hard on yourself. Learning takes time and patience, whether it’s STEAM or riding a bike.
And finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a teacher. Even if it’s not me, asking questions is part of growth—and it shows you care about learning.”
What do you hope kids will take away from their experience at our camps?
"There are a few takeaways I hope for.
First, I hope kids feel like they’ve grown and maybe even started becoming experts in the STEAM area they explored.
Second, I want them to keep an open mind. Don’t shut yourself off from trying something new—especially in STEAM—because you might discover something you truly enjoy."
How do you stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in STEAM?
“I use a few different tools to stay in tune with what’s happening in STEAM. I follow news sources like MIT News and even tune into local news on TV or radio. Those are great platforms for beginners or anyone looking to keep learning.”
What are your future goals or career aspirations after teaching at Brains & Motion?
“My goals are simple: I want to keep supporting the growth and success of every kid I work with.
The youth are the future, and it’s important for us as adults to pass on our knowledge and life skills. They’ll use what they learn today to teach the next generation—and I want to be part of that positive cycle.”
Can you share a memorable moment from your time teaching at camp?
“One memorable moment was a few years ago, during an art class I was teaching. A few young kids were really struggling with the project that day. I helped them take a step back and try a different approach—we watched a video of the same project to help them understand it better.
After that, they started helping each other and barely needed my help at all. It was amazing to see how a little guidance could empower them to take the lead and support one another.”
Thank you, Robert, for your incredible dedication to helping kids grow through art, technology, and hands-on learning. Your creativity and positive energy make every camp experience better—for BAM! students and staff alike!
Ready to find your child's summer mentor?
