our team

Ryan Marciniak - Director

Daniel Lee-Ying - Program Presenter

Ryan saw a solar eclipse at age 7, kick-starting his lifelong passion for astronomy. After earning his M.Sc. in astrophysics, he has spent over 12 years travelling across Ontario, performing live science shows, developing interactive exhibits, and reaching hundreds of thousands of people with planetarium programs! Constantly developing new ideas and content for the planetarium, his passion for astronomy and space science is infectious!

Ryan has also appeared as an expert astronomer for media appearances with CBC, CTV, History Channel, 680 News, and many more.

Since he was young, Daniel always had a vivid imagination. Witnessing the Aurora borealis and a nighttime shuttle launch at a young age solidified Daniel’s interest of our night sky.

As a professional Science Communicator for over 20 years and having delivered and developed Planetarium shows for over 18 years, Daniel has brought unforgettable wonder, excitement, and awe to audiences of all ages.  Daniel has also appeared as a Science Communicator for media appearances on Global, Rogers, CP24, City TV, Breakfast Television, and many more.

Jackie Otaguro - Office Manager

Caitlin Ryan - Program Presenter

From a young age, Jackie had a passion for learning. After earning her H.B.Sc. in Physics & Astronomy with Astrophysics specialization, she went on to complete her M.Sc. in Astronomy.

Living in Winnipeg for the past 13 years, Jackie spent much of her time volunteering with and working for Manitoba’s first registered charity no-kill animal shelter. She also served as Executive Director for a major political party and spent 10 years as an Executive Assistant with the City of Winnipeg. She gained invaluable experience in office management, project management, and accounting/ bookkeeping, which she has now brought to Astronomy in Action after her return to Ontario.

Caitlin's enthusiasm for stargazing is tied to her love for storytelling. She has an MA in Classical Civilizations and Myth, and is fascinated by the way people groups from around the globe have used constellations to illustrate folk tales.

She has spent over 16 years as a museum professional, delivering and developing interactive and dynamic programming to many diverse audiences. Caitlin has appeared in media as a Science Communicator for Accessible Media Inc., and as a Historical Interpreter for CTV, the Toronto Star, and more.

Mark Kingston - Program presenter

Alyssa Rashid - Program Presenter

From a young age, Mark has been a natural night owl, and his passion for the night sky has only grown stronger over the years because of it. With his trusty telescopes in hand, he’s always ready to explore the cosmos alongside family and friends. Whether he’s tracking the changing phases of the moon or guiding people through the dance of planets and constellations throughout the year, Mark loves sharing the wonders of the universe.

His mission? To spark a greater interest in the beautiful, mysterious world that unfolds above us each night.

Alyssa’s passion for astronomy began at a young age after her first planetarium show sparked a lifelong fascination with the cosmos.

An Ontario Certified Teacher with an M.A. in Child Study and Education, she enjoys engaging with audiences and making astronomical concepts exciting for learners of all ages. Alyssa is dedicated to inspiring curiosity and wonder about the cosmos, from the marvels of our solar system to the mysteries of deep space. Through inquiry-based learning and interactive experiences, Alyssa strives to inspire a lifelong appreciation for astronomy.