At CodeWizardsHQ, instructors often bring fascinating experiences and unique perspectives to the virtual classroom, and Ellie Combs is no exception. From teaching coding to students across multiple time zones to riding horseback through the African Savannah, Ellie’s story is one of exploration, education, and impact.
“I love having a positive impact,” Ellie says. “Whether it is teaching horseback riding in Kenya, helping Costa Ricans get jobs through English, or teaching kids coding here at CodeWizardsHQ—it’s all about helping people develop skills they can use in real life.”
From High School Robotics to CodeWizardsHQ
Ellie’s first experience with coding came during a robotics class in high school. “I really enjoyed it,” she recalls, “but my school didn’t offer anything close to what CodeWizardsHQ does. I really wish I had this opportunity back then.”
Her coding journey resumed when a friend, a software engineer, shared resources with her. “That’s when I realized, wow, you can actually solve any problem or create anything you want with code,” Ellie explains. “And it’s so satisfying to debug an error and see the result on the other side.”
After earning a degree in international business from the University of Washington, Ellie pivoted to teaching, first in Thailand and later online during the pandemic. “I ended up teaching English online until it cleared up,” she explains. “Then I did my boot camp and found CodeWizardsHQ.”
Now a versatile instructor, Ellie teaches everything from Scratch to Python and JavaScript. “I’ve taught all of them,” she says. “They even asked me, ‘Do you have a preferred language?’ and I said, ‘Let’s do all of them!’ I love giving them all a try.”
Teaching Across Time Zones
Ellie teaches from her home in Italy, often in the late evenings. “I prefer morning central time,” she says, “because it’s afternoon or evening for me. I do teach late sometimes, but I’ve adapted to working in different time zones.”
Despite the challenges, Ellie has embraced the experience. “I’ve been at CodeWizardsHQ for over a year now, and I really enjoy it,” she says. “The students are great, and I’ve loved teaching everything from core classes to summer accelerated and AI Intro classes.”
Her favorite moments are when students take pride in their progress. “I enjoy helping the students solve their own problems,” Ellie says. “When they have that moment where they recognize their own achievements, it’s so satisfying. Or when they take leadership with their own projects. That’s really cool.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Ellie’s teaching philosophy is grounded in her belief in empowering students to see the value of their skills. “It’s not all about the grade,” she emphasizes. “It’s about the learning. When students understand that what they’re learning can be applied in real life, that’s the best part.”
She’s a strong advocate for collaboration, which she believes is one of CodeWizardsHQ’s biggest strengths. “The small class sizes allow students to connect with each other and the teacher,” she explains. “I’ve seen them enjoy collaborating and learning together, even across different parts of the world.”
For parents considering coding classes for their children, Ellie has this advice: “Support their interest. Tech has so many different disciplines to explore.”
A Life of Adventure
Ellie’s journey has taken her around the world, with significant chapters in Thailand, Canada, and Italy. “I went to Thailand because I thought, Why not have an adventure? It was a great opportunity to travel,” Ellie explains. “I lived there for a year and taught everything from kindergarten through sixth grade at a private school.”
One recent memorable experience was during a volunteer opportunity in Kenya, where she tutored students and taught horseback riding. “It was my first time in Africa, and it was amazing,” Ellie shares. “The students had just gotten into horses, and I loved being able to share my passion for riding.”
Ellie’s love for horses began in her childhood in the Pacific Northwest, where she competed in eventing. “It’s a tri-discipline equestrian sport,” she says, “testing obedience, endurance, and agility. I still ride when I can—just recently, I did some show jumping in South Africa.”
Passion Beyond the Classroom
When she’s not teaching or riding, Ellie enjoys exploring the outdoors, cooking, and learning Italian. “I’m not really good at cooking,” she admits with a laugh, “but I’m trying to get better.” She also loves skiing, hiking, and surfing, all of which she’s enjoyed during her travels.
Living in Italy has been a highlight, but Ellie is preparing to move back to the U.S. soon. “I think I’ll be back in a few months,” she says. “I’m not sure what’s next, but I’ll figure it out.”
Looking Ahead
Ellie’s journey from teaching in Thailand to coding in Italy has been defined by her passion for learning and inspiring others. “When students understand the ‘why,’ it’s the best moment,” she shares. Her unique combination of global experience and a love for teaching has left a meaningful mark on her students. As she prepares for her next chapter, Ellie’s impact in coding education and her adventurous spirit will undoubtedly continue to inspire.
