How Mad Science Got Its Spark
What started as a teenage laser show became a global mission to spark curiosity. From living room experiments to worldwide enrichment programs, Mad Science was built on one belief: science should inspire wonder—and be wildly fun.
A teenage idea. A laser light
At 15, Ariel Shlien was running laser light shows for local DJs when a friend invited him to bring his setup to a kids’ science event. With smoke effects, bouncing beams, and contagious enthusiasm, Ariel lit up the room—and a few young minds. The kids were hooked.
He was asked to return the next year, and soon found himself leading rocket-building sessions at local camps. The excitement was immediate. As interest exploded, Ariel began training others and running sessions out of his family home.
His brother Ron soon joined him, and together they grew Mad Science into something bigger—developing original programs, building a team, and reaching kids across schools, camps, and birthday parties worldwide.
What started as a side project became the world’s leading provider of science enrichment for kids—fueled by one belief: science should spark curiosity, ignite wonder, and be wildly fun.
Ariel Shlien - CEO and Founder
Ariel Shlien is the founder of Mad Science, the world’s largest children’s STEM enrichment company, with 140+ franchises and partners like NASA and Crayola. He also built Quebec’s largest daycare network and founded SureFire Capital. His work has earned national awards for impact in education and entrepreneurship.
Ron Shlien - Co-Founder
Ron Shlien co-founded Mad Science, growing it into the world’s largest kids’ enrichment company with 140+ markets and partners like NASA and Crayola. A lifelong innovator, he’s led global growth and operations, earning top honors for contributions to education—all while staying committed to community and family.
Leadership Team
President
Marco Holstvoogd
Marco Holstvoogd is a seasoned executive with 20+ years of experience scaling global brands like Nespresso and Nanuk. Known for building high-performing teams and driving growth across B2B and B2C, he combines strategic vision with hands-on leadership. Originally from the Netherlands, Marco is a former pro runner who now lives in Montreal with his wife and two sons.
VP R&D and Franchise Operations
Sharon King
Sharon King, VP of Franchise Operations at Mad Science, brings over 20 years of experience in franchise development, program design, and youth enrichment. A longtime Girl Guide leader, she champions STEM, leadership, and hands-on learning for young girls across Canada. Outside of work, Sharon enjoys hiking, trying new recipes, and spending time with her family.
VP Finance
Julien Magnan
Julien is a CPA with over 10 years of experience leading Finance teams and driving 10+ M&A deals across North America and Europe. He’s all about fast-growth strategy, business integration, process optimization, and good governance — but when he’s off the clock, you’ll likely find him on a soccer field, riding a jetski down the St. Lawrence River, or diving into his next hobby obsession.
Director | Marketing
Samantha Superstein
A passoinate marketer with over 20+ years of experience in brand building, traditional & digital marketing, social media strategy and team leadership. When she is not creating compelling campaigns and driving brand awareness, you can find her working in her garden, cooking up a storm, or snuggling with her French Bulldog, Vida.
Director | Business Development & Government Relations
Sofia Marquez
A global-minded strategist with 15 years of experience in sales, partnerships, and government relations across North America, Europe, and Latin America. Equal parts deal-closer and creative soul, Sofia spends her time painting, dancing to any beat, and chasing the horizon on her motorcycle.
Chief Snuggle Officer
Vida
Don’t let the tiny paws fool you—Vida the French Bulldog takes her job as Mad Science HQ’s Chief Snuggle Officer seriously. She boosts morale, supervises snack breaks, and claims every sunny spot and available lap. When she’s not snoring through meetings, she’s stationed in the hallway demanding belly rubs from every passerby with irresistible charm and snorts.
Our Program Development and Testing Process
Beta Test Phase
During the beta phase of the testing process, several of our franchisees roll-out the program to their schools and give us their customers' and instructors' feedback, so that we can create and deliver science programs that are truly outstanding. The entire development process takes about 18 months!
