History of the Academy

Nanan STEM Academy Inc. was founded to address gaps in traditional education by providing engaging, hands-on STEM learning. Built on the belief that early and meaningful exposure leads to confidence and competence, the academy helps students explore math and science through experiential learning.

Today, Nanan Academy offers structured STEM and entrepreneurship pathways for youth and post-secondary learners, supporting the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and a lifelong love of learning.

Meet the Nanan Academy Team

Our dedicated team comprises passionate educators, experienced engineers, and enthusiastic mentors who are committed to inspiring the next generation of innovators. Our instructors, creators and advisors bring diverse expertise in education, coding, robotics, and engineering ensuring that each student receives personalized guidance and support. Together, we strive to empower young minds to explore, create, and excel in the ever-evolving world of technology and science.

Shaun Nanan

Academic Director

zlatan-profile-image

Zlatan Fazlagic

Operations Director

Stacey Piercey

Instructor and Course Creator

Mandana Bidarvand

Partner

Thayne Winder

Instructor and Course Creator

Reid Gillis

Instructor and Course Creator

Amanda McCann

Instructor and Course Creator

Rosemarie Zaba Stewart

Indigenous Relations Advisor

Max Wainewright

Course Creator

Stephanie Morrison

Instructor

Michael Lamothe

Instructor

Bri Colenutt

Instructor

Rhys Turcotte

Instructor

Do you want to study at Nanan Academy?

Please fill out the form below to tell us a bit more about your future creator of technology, and we will do our best to meet their learning needs.

General FAQs

  • Just fill out the Contact Us form at the top of our website and tell us a bit more about your learner. We will match you with the best teacher in your area. 

  • At Nanan STEM Academy, we’ve designed a program that ignites a passion for learning. Through dedicated mentorship and a hands-on, project-based approach, we inspire students to explore and master complex concepts across science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Our curriculum aligns with Canadian educational standards, ensuring students receive a well-rounded and rigorous education.

    We meet students where they are and guide them toward post-secondary pathways, all while equipping them with essential future-ready skills. To learn more about how our academy stands apart from other STEM programs, read this blog post. For deeper insight into our educational philosophy, watch this TEDx Talk by our co-founder.

  • Students work on a variety of projects, including designing video games, building robotic devices, and creating animations, all of which help them apply their learning in practical ways.

    We assess student progress through project-based evaluations, regular feedback, and skill assessments to ensure they are meeting learning objectives.

  • Course durations vary, ranging from short-term workshops to longer, ongoing programs that run throughout the school year. We have courses that take students all the way to post-secondary bridging programs.

  • Coding boosts children’s critical thinking and problem-solving abilities as they break down complex problems into manageable parts. It nurtures creativity by encouraging them to create and design unique projects. Through collaboration on coding projects, they build teamwork and communication skills. Additionally, coding enhances logical reasoning, patience, and perseverance as children debug and refine their code. Altogether, it prepares them with a toolkit of essential skills for a tech-driven world.