About Us

Meet the Team.

Dr.Anelynda Mielke-Gupta, Ph.d

Founder & Director

Ane started Camp Wonderstruck because she believes that imagination and the power of belief are two of the most under-rated and impactful forces in the universe. The best days of her childhood were spent in a forest, creating worlds in her mind. Ane strives to foster that sense of wonder and magic for her own kids as well as others.

Ane is a seasoned camp counsellor with experience in program design and leadership. She previously co-founded a social enterprise that grew to more than 50,000 members, aimed at helping Canadian retirees find social purpose by sharing meaningful skills with one another. She holds a PhD in Sociology, has years of corporate work experience and writes Young Adult and Middle-Grade Fiction. She lives in North Vancouver with her partner, daughters, and their two cats.

Emma Van Ryn, PDP

Product Wizard and Potions Master

Emma brings nearly a decade of teaching experience to her role at Wonderstruck. She is an expert in selecting and pricing Wonderstruck products designed to delight children of all ages (including the child in each of us). She is a seasoned program specialist, storyteller, entertainer, counsellor and leader in the education space.

Michelle Gleason, B.Ed.

Program Advisor

Michelle Gleason is a Certified Teacher with over 7 years of classroom experience. Beyond the walls of the classroom, Michelle thrives outdoors, finding joy in activities like running, hiking, skiing, and cycling. Passionate about fostering a love for nature, Michelle encourages children to explore, discover, and appreciate the world around them. With a unique perspective, Michelle serves as a valuable asset to day camps, bringing not only classroom proficiency but also personal experience as a former camper. Michelle is dedicated to fostering holistic learning and creating lasting memories for the next generation.

Scott Alton, CSM

Operations Advisor

With a wealth of experience spanning over 8 years, Scott has established himself as a seasoned professional in managing operations for sports camps, events, and businesses throughout Canada. He has worked with world-class organizations including RBC, Nike, Chevrolet, Golf Canada, and Bauer Hockey to create unforgettable experiences for clients. One of his favourite projects to date involved travelling Canada introducing kids to the game of hockey through the Bauer First Shift program. Outside of work, Scott has dedicated over four years to Community Living and Big Brothers Big Sisters, where he has served as a mentor for youth in his community. He is passionate about paying forward what he has learned from his mentors and his own life experiences to help shape a better future for our youth. You can find Scott snowboarding, cycling, and playing hockey in his spare time.