Cassidy is a teacher, actor, and yogi. She has been a substitute teacher for five years working mostly with elementary schools during this time and a nanny/babysitter for over twelve years. She prioritizes creating safe spaces for students, encouraging imagination always and fostering creativity. She has a B.A. in Theater Arts from Fresno State and took hands-on classes building sets for in house theater performances. She’d also worked on shows on tour, building and taking apart sets for each location. She is from Paso Robles, CA. She teaches community yoga in Griffith Park and loves connecting and building community.

Before moving to LA, she worked as the drama teacher at Cayucos Elementary school where she taught first through eighth graders. Through her role as the drama teacher she worked hands on with the students creating different sets for the show.

She loves creating relationships with students and making each of them feel important. She’s excited to bond with the students, help out with homework, play games, and create new crafts and projects. She’s looking forward to encouraging a creative and kind workplace with the Forge Makerspace team.

Jackie is a multidisciplinary maker with a strong foundation in both technical and creative disciplines. While they are a jack of all trades within the makerspace, their primary interests include 3D printing, rocket design, and pottery.

Their passion for digital fabrication began in high school with an introduction to 3D printing and CAD software. This interest grew during their time at Loyola Marymount University, where they earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Through coursework and an internship, Jackie gained hands-on experience with 3D printing using plastics, resins, and metals. For their senior capstone, they designed and launched two solid motor rockets, later building a third as a personal project.

After graduating, Jackie worked as a mechanical engineer at a climate technology startup in Culver City, where they developed a system to direct airflow into carbon-capturing materials. Alongside their engineering work, Jackie discovered a love for pottery and now sells their handmade ceramic pieces at local markets across Los Angeles.

With experience as a swim coach and summer camp counselor for youth ages 5 to 18, Jackie brings a well-rounded approach to teaching. At Forge Makerspace, they are committed to inspiring creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning in every student.

Samuel Flores has been making things for as long as he can remember. As a kid, he started with paper, tape, and origami before moving on to cardboard and foam to build props and mechanical designs inspired by his favorite movies. In high school, he built his first 3D printer and taught himself 3D modeling and 3D printing, opening up even more possibilities for creating.

He loves experimenting with different materials and techniques, always looking for new ways to bring ideas to life. Whether it’s designing something small and intricate or building something functional, he enjoys the challenge of making.

Samuel has worked with 7th-12th grade students at Gethsemane Baptist Christian School (GBCS) in Long Beach, teaching creative engineering and 3D modeling/printing. He guided students through the engineering process, from brainstorming to prototyping to final build, and emphasized the importance of having a wide range of tools to execute their ideas. He also volunteered at the Columbia Memorial Space Center, helping with the LA Maker Faire and exploring STEAM exhibits. These experiences deepened his passion for sharing skills and helping others explore their creativity.

At Forge Makerspace, Samuel is excited to support makers of all experience levels in turning their ideas into reality.