Drawing on her own joyful experiences as a young camper and her years as a youth tutor, volleyball coach, and Crazy 8s math club leader, Brains & Motion instructor Tracy O. knows how to spark curiosity and confidence in every child! This Boston University graduate student believes learning should be fun, messy, and full of discovery—and she’s on a mission to help kids embrace new challenges, express their individuality, and develop a lifelong love of exploration, one creative activity at a time.
Read on to learn more about her journey, teaching philosophy, and what excites her most about being part of the BAM! family.
Tracy, what are your areas of STEAM expertise?
"My passion for working with kids stems from my own experiences as a child camper. My parents always enrolled me in extracurricular activities and summer programs. I’ve done everything from science, arts, music, math, and community service work.
Specifically, I have a lot of experience working in math programs for youth. I used to run a 'Crazy 8’s' math club at my local library for elementary school children. It was a great way to introduce math to kids that made it fun. We used to do activities like glow-in-the-dark geometry and a coordinate treasure hunt."
How long have you been teaching in your areas of expertise?
"While I’m not a formal classroom teacher, I’ve been working with children in a variety of roles for about seven years. I’ve acted as a volleyball coach, academic tutor, and mentor. I’m always seeking new opportunities to connect with children, and I hope to continue working with them in the future. My experience across different settings has helped me connect with kids in meaningful and developmentally appropriate ways."
What inspired you to work at Brains & Motion, and what does the opportunity mean to you?
"I’m excited to work for Brains & Motion because it allows me the opportunity to positively impact children’s lives every day. From a developmental perspective, childhood is arguably the most important time in a person’s life—the experiences and knowledge gained during this period are carried with them into adulthood.
I wanted to be involved in creating enriching, supportive, and engaging environments where children can grow not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. Working with Brains & Motion aligns with my passion for fostering confidence, creativity, and resilience in young learners, helping set the foundation for their lifelong success."
What excites you the most about the Summer 2025 camp season?
"I’m most excited to meet the campers and be part of the energy and joy they bring to camp! With school behind them, kids are eager for fun, creativity, and new experiences—and I’m looking forward to helping make their summer memorable, engaging, and full of growth."
How do you incorporate creativity into your STEAM lessons?
"I love making activities hands-on. Kids love to craft, so being able to build, color, cut, and glue things together makes the process more involved and lets the kids contribute to their learning. Being able to make something themselves allows for creativity as well as individuality. Campers will be proud of their creations and invest more in their learning."
Why is it important for kids to build STEAM skills?
"STEAM skills are so incredibly important for how we conceptualize and make sense of the world around us. They promote critical thinking, logic, problem-solving, and curiosity. Getting kids thinking about STEAM topics prepares them for being curious, knowledgeable, and competent adults in the future."
What advice would you give to kids trying something new for the first time?
"It doesn’t have to be perfect—what matters most is that you’re trying something new and giving it your best. That’s how we learn and get better! Letting go of the idea that they have to be masters of everything and perfectionists often discourages kids from taking on new experiences. Getting rid of this mindset and reminding them that it’s okay to make mistakes is what truly matters."
What do you hope kids will take away from their experience at our camps?
"I hope kids take away a curious attitude towards learning. Being able to interact with STEAM concepts in a fun way will hopefully challenge any negative associations with STEAM topics as they’re typically introduced in an academic school setting. Learning about these ideas in a new way is a great way to create a learning environment centered around fun and inquisitiveness."
How do you stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in STEAM?
"I regularly review and peruse the Brains & Motion curriculum materials I work with, as they often integrate current best practices, emerging technologies, and innovative approaches. This helps me stay aligned with what’s new in STEAM education and ensures I’m delivering content that’s both relevant and engaging for students."
What are your future goals or career aspirations after teaching at Brains & Motion?
"I’m currently in school to become a mental health counselor. I’m about to start my second year of my Master’s program at Boston University in their counseling psychology program. I also have a specific concentration in child and adolescent mental health and hope to work with younger populations in the future. A new venture I also recently started pursuing is my certification as a personal trainer. I love staying active and moving my body, and personal training will fit perfectly under my umbrella of holistic wellness I subscribe to."
Thank you, Tracy, for your dedication to nurturing not just knowledge, but confidence and curiosity in every camper you meet. Your commitment to supporting young learners—both inside and outside the classroom—helps create the positive, engaging environment that makes BAM! camps so special.
