Our Instructors

Neydy Gomez

Lead Instructor

Javier Gomez

Office Manager

Rafael Morales

Senior Instructor

“My name is Rafael Morales, I'm a Mechanical Engineer who specializes in math, 3D design, 3D printing, physics and robotics. During my college years, I started working as an SAT, ACT, and TOEFL instructor and I continue to do so until today. Through that experience, I learned the importance of education and how teachers could positively impact students' future and outlook. I have a strong inclination to help people and collaborate to make the world a better place, as a Mechanical Engineer I believe that a great skill combined with a creative mindset is the right recipe to build the great minds that will lead to the projects of our future, and that math taught the right way can be a fun and enjoyable experience for children. I will commit every day to work towards teaching those things to our Zaniac students.”

Alex Kliger

Senior Instructor

“Hi! My name is Alex. I majored in Biomedical Engineering and I’ve been teaching math and coding, physics, Test Prep tutoring and web design at Zaniac since 2016. Since every student is different, I believe that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and strive to cater my lessons to each individual student. When I’m not tutoring, I enjoy hiking with my dog, learning foreign languages, designing websites and coding personal projects.”

Kaylee Hawkins

Instructor

“Hello! My name is Kaylee Hawkins and I am currently a full-time college student completing my Associates degree in pre-nursing. As an aspiring nurse, I hold a great affinity for the STEM field. Caring for the well-being of others, and visualizing progression is also something I greatly value. Which is why I love teaching kids, I can watch them grow and develop emotionally and intellectually. I am grateful to be part of the Zaniac team as it allows me to explore both of these passions in one place!”

Rodolfo Jaspe

Instructor

“Hi! I’m Rodolfo Jaspe, a software engineer who thrives on curiosity, constant learning, and the joy of creating something out of nothing. While coding is my primary domain, my passions extend far beyond lines of code. Arts and sports have also played a significant role in shaping my creative outlook. Whether it’s designing visually captivating user interfaces or crafting elegant lines of code, my artistic sensibilities drive my approach. Additionally, my love for sports has taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, and pushing boundaries. As a STEM instructor, I’m thrilled to blend my passions and influences to empower students to think outside the box and create magic with technology.”

Ruben Escobar

Instructor

Hi there! My name is Ruben Escobar, and I’m an Aerospace Engineer with expertise in mathematics, 3D design, 3D printing, and robotics. During my time in college, I had the opportunity to tutor engineering students, focusing on courses that required advanced calculus, through the Pi Tau Sigma honor society. This experience highlighted the crucial role education plays in shaping students' futures and how impactful a supportive teacher can be. I am deeply passionate about helping others and believe in the power of collaboration to create a better world. As an Aerospace Engineer, I’m dedicated to staying at the forefront of technological advancements, continuously learning and adapting to new innovations. I also understand the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and I strive to instill these values in young minds. My mission is to prepare our Zaniac students not just for academic success, but for a future where they can confidently navigate and contribute to a rapidly evolving world.

Alessia Lacanale

Instructor

Hi there! I’m Alessia Lacanale, a mechanical engineering student at FIU, with a special passion for robotics. I joined Zaniac because I loved how they open up the amazing world of STEM to young kids, and I thought it’d be the perfect way to share all the cool things I’ve learned so far! My goal is to have every kid leave the classroom feeling excited and blown away by all the awesome possibilities in STEM. I want them to understand each lesson and, hopefully, be even more eager and curious for the next class!

Oscar Molina

Instructor

Hi there! I’m Oscar Molina

Dylan Pravia

Instructor

Hello everyone, my name is Dylan Pravia. I am currently pursuing a career in mechanical engineering and I have a big passion for 3D design, robotics, and programming. Throughout my high school years, I actively engaged in dual enrollment courses with both FIU and UF, focusing on engineering coursework and making use of my skills in CAD design using applications such as Fusion 360 and SolidWorks. Simultaneously, I delved into programming languages, mastering C++, Java, and Python. This drive has manifested in my participation in competitions like VEX Robotics and Riders Robotics League, where my team achieved notable success, securing first place in districts and states, and second place worldwide. At present, my focus is on learning about aerospace mechanics and ensuring that the future is bright by teaching all of these valuable skills to Zaniac students!

Lorena Vazquez

Instructor

Hi my name is Lorena Vazquez, I work as a Junior Instructor at Zaniac Learning! I help teach lessons about robotics using Legos, minecraft’s biosphere, and the basis of electricity. I graduated from Miami Dade Honors College with an Associates Degree in Computer Science and now I am full-time student at Florida International University studying Computer Science completing my last two years. In my free time, I do undergraduate research about the implications of Artificial Intelligence in our day-to-day lives. Outside work, I enjoy painting, gardening, and reading.

Tomas Gonzalez

Instructor

My name is Tomas Gonzalez, and I’m an enthusiastic Geological Engineer who loves exploring the great outdoors through hiking with my dogs and ecotourism. I also enjoy building computers and playing video games, which helps me connect with students in a fun and engaging way. Throughout my college years, I gained extensive experience teaching subjects like chemistry, math, physics and paleontology. I believe that education should be both engaging and enjoyable, so I strive to make complex concepts accessible and exciting for everyone I work with. As an instructor at Zaniac, I am committed to providing personalized attention and support to help students build confidence and achieve their academic goals. Together, we can create a positive learning environment that enhances understanding while encouraging curiosity and exploration.

Andrea Matos

Instructor

My name is Andrea Matos. I'm a physics student pursuing a PhD in Astrophysics. During my undergraduate education, I tutored in a wide range of subjects in the STEM fields and it gave me the opportunity to really familiarize myself with the learning process. I'm passionate about early mathematics education, as I believe it is the key to increasing a student's confidence and potential when reaching higher learning. I hope to encourage my students to find a love for learning, just like my own.

Kelly Puello

Marketing

Hi there! I’m Kelly Puello

Aranza Ortega

Instructor

“My name is Aranza Ortega, I’m currently a Junior, attending School for Advanced Studies at Wolfson Campus. I’m part of a dual enrollment high school with Miami Dade College. Since 2019, I have worked for Zaniac, a STEAM enrichment program for children, teaching the afterschool Minecraft Architecture and Engineering programs amongst other STEAM programs. I have always loved architecture and my experience teaching these Minecraft programs to kids have solidified my passion in this area. My goal is to pursue a Major in Architecture in College... this is what I would like for children, to find through their Zaniac experience, a passion for a STEAM program that later they would want to pursue it in life”

Aitana Ortega

Instructor

“My name is Aitana Ortega, I am currently a student at University of Florida. I have worked with Zaniac teaching various programs such as; coding, photoshop, 3D Design, Math, Reading, French and Tinkering since 2018. My two biggest passions are learning and working with young kids. Working with Zaniac has allowed me to infuse this passion for learning in kids, getting them excited about new things and how they can apply it to real life is always one of my main goals when teaching”

Ana Colitto

Instructor

Hi there! I’m Ana Colitto