Meet our Instructors
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Mimi Bull
Fledglings Lead Instructor North Gate
Mimi Bull has spent the past 21 years serving children and their families as a dedicated classroom teacher. Her experience spans preschool through third grade, and she has taught in private, charter, and public schools. Throughout her career, Mimi has remained committed to nurturing young learners and inspiring a lifelong love of learning in every classroom she enters.
Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Mimi moved to Colorado Springs in 2007 and has proudly called it home ever since. She and her husband, Jack, have been married for 28 years and are the proud parents of two adult children—John, 26, who lives in Phoenix, and Rachel, 24, who resides in Denver.
When she’s not teaching, Mimi enjoys hiking Colorado’s scenic trails, getting lost in a good book, and taking long walks with her goldendoodle, Murphy.
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Laura Niichel
Certified Flight Instructor
I began my aviation journey in 2019 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where my passion for flight truly took off (haha, get it?)! Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to growing as a pilot and sharing my love for aviation with others. My ultimate goal is to fly for the airlines and continue advancing my career in the skies!
What I value most about aviation is the amazing connections I’ve made along the way. I love being part of a community that shares the same excitement and curiosity about flight. One of my favorite aspects of instructing is introducing people—especially those new to aviation—to this incredible industry. There’s something truly special about helping someone experience flying for the very first time!
I’m passionate about what I do, and I am incredibly proud to be part of the Falcon AeroLab team. I can’t wait to fly with our students and help spark a lifelong love of aviation!
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Tiffany Peters
Young Falcons: Course Assistant
Tiffany Peters has been helping students get excited about science since 2018, both in the US and internationally. She has a Bachelor of Science degree and loves to explore STEM in the classroom with hands-on learning and unique activities. She is passionate about helping students feel empowered to tackle STEM centered challenges, build social skills, and problem solve.
Outside of AeroLab, Tiffany is an avid rock climber, hiker, skier, and all-around adventurer. She completed a year long outdoor leadership program in the Adirondacks of New York and has had a passion for helping students expand their comfort zones ever since. She is thrilled to get to partner with AeroLab in the Young Falcons program
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Ed Anderson
Adventure-Based Leadership: Course Lead
Ed Anderson is a retired U.S. Army Colonel with over 29 years of service. Commissioned as a field artillery officer, he later transferred into the Army’s Space Operations career field serving in assignments ranging from the 1st Space Brigade to the Army Staff and Air Force Staff in the Pentagon. He has been passionate about the outdoors and teaching others how they can enjoy it for years. Ed has been a member of the Colorado Mountain Club (CMC) since 2018. He is a CMC Trip Leader and instructor in the Basic Mountaineering School including Alpine Snow, Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing and their High Altitude Mountaineering School. He also volunteers with Teller County Search and Rescue. Ed is certified as a Wilderness First Responder and is an American Mountain Guides Association Single Pitch Climbing Instructor.
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Natalie Gramer
IFT Powered Lead Instructor, Centennial
Natalie Gramer graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation & Aerospace as well as a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing from MSU Denver. In her time there, she co-founded the collegiate Women in Aviation Chapter and reawakened one of the nation's oldest aviation fraternities, Alpha Eta Rho. Both chapters immensely served the local aviation community but also shaped Natalie into a professional with a passion for servitude to others. Working for Falcon AeroLab only furthers that devotion, and she enjoys helping others pursue their goals and uncover their potential.
Flying in the contrails of her father and godfather, Natalie has flown in the Denver Metro area for eight years, now holding a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, a certified flight instructor certificate, as well as advanced and instrument ground instructor certificates. Currently she is working to obtain her multi-engine class add on as well as instrument instructor certificate. When not in the classroom for Falcon AeroLab, she works as a certified flight instructor flying out of Centennial Airport.
In her spare time, Natalie enjoys photography and writing and has published a variety of poems, short stories, and narratives.
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Becky Clemons
Intro to Aerospace Studies - Western Slope Area Team
Becky Clemons graduated Cum Laude with honors from Colorado State University. She holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing. She is highly enthusiastic about hands-on education and STEM-related opportunities so she was naturally drawn to Falcon Aerolab. She currently homeschools her two sons and enjoys the extra time she gets to spend with them. Her favorite interests in life are reading, hiking, golfing, camping, hunting, 4-wheeling, skiing, and adventuring to new places with her family.
Joining her team is Britny Rauen who helped kickoff their program on the Western Slope. Britny is a homeschool mom of 3 and the whole family loves to take to the slopes during the winter. You will find Britny and her family camping, dirt biking, and playing board games together.
Together, Becky and Britny have a combined 21 years of teaching talent. They are enthusiastic about hands-on education and STEM opportunities and are happy to be a part of bringing Falcon AeroLab to the Grand Junction Area!
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Alan Onufrak
Intro to Aerospace Studies: Parker 1A and Centennial 1B Course Lead
Alan Onufrak is a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant with 30 years of service. During his tenure in the Air Force Alan spent 25 years working in all facets within the Air Force Dental Services and culminated his career spending 5 years in the medical group superintendent role. Alan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Rollins College and a Master of Science degree in Management from Troy State University. Upon retiring from the Air Force in February 2014, Alan worked in healthcare and then in retail sales where he recently semi-retired. He joined Falcon AeroLab in Aug 2023. Alan and his wife have been married for over 35 years are the proud parents of three adult children and they have two grandchildren. In his spare time Alan likes to camp, fish, ski, hike and bike.
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Crystal Bloeman
Aerospace Studies: NoCo Course Lead
Crystal Bloeman is a retired science teacher of 34+ years in public schools and am in my 42nd year working with students. During my tenure I have always included aerospace in some fashion. I received the A. Scott Crossfield National Teacher of the Year Award, was a finalist as the Colorado Teacher of the Year, and in Who’s Who in America Teachers, Science and Engineers. In addition, I was on the Board of Advisors for the Space Coalition with my name listed between Buzz Aldrin and Robert Crippin. I am a teacher liaison for the Space Foundation and continue learning about all that is related to aviation and space.
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Erik Henrikson
Cyber Course Lead
Erik Henrikson has been teaching cybersecurity and computer technology topics to Falcon Aerolab students since 2019. He currently coaches CyberPatriot teams both with Falcon Aerolab and Civil Air Patrol as well as encouraging students to master fundamental computer engineering skills such as programming, system administration, and network administration. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Northeastern University. Prior to shifting his career to teaching in 2016, his industry experiences include a wide variety of roles including technical support, quality engineering, systems engineering, software engineering, and cybersecurity.
An active member of ISC2 and ISSA, he currently maintains ISC2 CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), ISC2 CSSLP (Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional), as well as CompTIA Security+ certifications. He has been married to his wonderful and patient wife for over 30 years and is the proud father of four children.
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Matt Durfee
Computer- Aided Design Instructor
Matt has worked in software development and engineering for over 22 years. He has designed and supported software and hardware for the waste industry that runs in offices and vehicles in several businesses throughout the world.
He began soldering at the age of five and the desire to design, engineer and create never stopped. From the age of 5, the desire to design, engineer, and create captivated Matt, eventually leading him into 3D design and printing. One project he undertook involved a simple 3D printer that quickly expanded into several specialized machines utilizing exotic and specialty materials in order to keep up with demands.
Matt has been involved in youth groups his entire life as well as serving in several church worship teams for the last 30 years. He has been married to his wife Heather for 22 years and has four amazing homeschooled children.
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Helena Witzel
Young Falcons Instructor and Intro to Aerospace Assistant Instructor North Gate
Helena has worked with children in an official capacity for 12 years. This time was spent working closely with children across a variety of caregiving roles, including extensive experience supporting children with special needs. Her work as a nanny and CNA fostered a strong foundation in attentive, compassionate care, shaped by meaningful, hands-on engagement.
At the beginning of 2024, she started work with Falcon Aerolab. She is passionate about providing stimulating and unique experiences through Aerolab’s Young Falcons and 1A programs to reach children from a variety of demographics, and instilling a curiosity and intrinsic desire for learning. From personal and professional experience, she is sensitive to the specific and nuanced needs children have in the classroom. She is dedicated to making the classroom a welcoming place for all people.
Outside of work, Helena is busy pursuing a Bachelor’s of science in Biology with a focus in teaching. Her passions include making art, writing poetry, learning new things, playing games with her friends, gardening, cooking, exercising, and spending time with her cat and pet snails
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Randi Dotter
Intro to Aerospace Studies: Central CO Course Lead
Randi is a 1985 USAFA graduate and retired KC/EC-135 pilot who turned teaching into her 2nd career. She is a veteran of Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Before discovering AeroLab, Randi taught Chemistry, Physics & Physical Science at Cotopaxi Jr/Sr High School from 2007-2020. Randi was honored as the “Teacher of the Year” by the Challenger Center for Space Science Education and the State of Colorado’s Air Force Association. Her passions are teaching and “all things aerospace!” She’s excited to be able to combine those passions and return to her flying “roots” with AeroLab. Randi strives to offer her students inspiring, engaging, authentic & hands-on learning experiences. Randi is married to Gregg, an instructor pilot for Air Force IFT (Initial Flight Training) and retired AF U-2 pilot, and they share 3 adult children. They enjoy fly-fishing, hiking, backpacking, traveling, and relaxing at their rural mountain home.
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Chad Koldenhoven
Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAM) Instructor
Chad has worked in manufacturing since age 19, but began making things by age 5.He has manufactured components for Medical, Aerospace, Electronic/Computer, Civil Infrastructure, and more. He started in manufacturing as a machinist, while completing his Bachelor’s degree, and moved into the Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) side of the industry 10 years later. He wants to encourage students to explore the career opportunities in the manufacturing industries and understand how everything around them is made.
Chad is a native of Colorado Springs, has been married to his wife, Amanda, for 25 years and is principal to their two homeschool children, Ian and Tava.
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John Norton
IFT Gliders Course Lead
John Norton is AeroLab’s Course Dirrctor for Introductory Flight Training - Gliders class. He is a retired Air Force pilot, part-time flight instructor, and aerospace educator. John teaches technical short courses for Practical Aeronautics, Inc. and the National Test Pilot School, as well as volunteers as a tow pilot for High Flights Soaring Club in Peyton, CO. He also spends time as a character instructor at the Air Force Academy. John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Academy and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, and he is the proud Dad of three grown children.
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Tim Hannan
Lead Young Falcons and Intro to Aerospace Lead Instructor Multiple Locations
Tim Hannan has been a Charter and HomeSchool advocate for several years. Tim served six years on The Classical Academy Board of Directors and two years as Board Chair for the Education Alliance of Colorado . After his service he took a job on TCA's staff as an in class instructor and paraprofessional.
Tim moved to Colorado in 1999 after completing his degree in Cartography, Meteorology and Weather from Ball State University. Although Tim has held many titles over the years, his true love is as a Professional Fly Fishing Guide. Tim is currently a Fly Fishing Guide during the summer with The Broadmoor.
Tim was an invited guest speaker at Falcon AeroLab during the 2024/25 school year. He talked to the students about aquatic biology, insect and fish behavior, and even led a section of his lecture on fly tying.
Tim is familiar with the mission and vision of Falcon AeroLab and is very excited to help our students realize their full potential.
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Angela Selmin
Lead Instructor Young Falcons Northgate
Angela Selman is a Texas native, who as a Marine brat and Air Force wife, has traveled quite extensively in her life. She is a retired teacher of thirty plus years, with her main emphasis on Middle Eastern studies. She holds a B.S. degree from Texas A&M, with a double major of history and English, and a Masters in Education from Colorado College. She is a classically trained pianist and plays for her church and the Tri-Lakes orchestra. The three great loves of her life are God, family and country. She has been married to the love of her life, Larry, for over 45 years and has two children and six grandchildren. Her hobbies include music, reading and anything outdoors.
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George "G-Dawg" Poli
Intro to Aerospace Studies: CMA Course Assistant & Young Falcons: Castle Rock Course Assistant
George is originally from New York and joined the US Air Force in 1988. He started his career refueling aircraft at Kadena AB, Japan. During his time in the Air Force, he assumed many roles, teaching and supervisory, and earned his teaching degree. His next move was to become the Honor Probation Superintendent at USAFA. Here, he counseled USAFA cadets who had violated the Honor Code through a six month character building program. He retired from the USAF after almost 21 years, and continued his passion for assisting others by working as a Transition Specialist for over six years. He earned his masters degree in HR in 2014 and is currently working on a second masters in Leadership and Management with a completion date in 2024. He began working with Falcon Aero Lab in 2022 as an assistant instructor and enjoys working with kids to foster their interests in aerospace technologies.
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Dylan Neff
IFT Drones Exploration and Part 107 Lead Instructor, North Gate
Bio coming soon
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Dawson Harrell
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Bio coming soon
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Kier Eastvold
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Bio coming soon
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Ben Miller
IFT Drones Exploration Lead Instructor North Gate
Bio coming soon
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Vitalia Strait
Young Falcons Lead Instructor Boulder
Bio coming soon
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Randy Seibert
Lead Welding Instructor
Bio coming soon
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James Durfee
Lead IronWorks Instructor
Bio coming soon
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Jack Carpenter
IFT Powered: CMA Course Lead Orientation Powered Flight Pilot
Jack Carpenter is a Colorado native who grew up around aviation with both parents serving in the United States Air Force. In 2020, he pursued an aviation career by becoming a private pilot in Longview, Texas before moving back home to Colorado Springs. He spent 3 years working with children ages 6-12 at a summer camp in Pryor, Oklahoma called New Life Ranch where he served as a counselor, activities lead, and summer activities leader.
Now, Jack is finishing a degree at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and pursuing an instrument rating with the goal of becoming a commercial pilot. He is grateful for such an incredible opportunity with AeroLab where he can combine his two passions together: aviation and setting children up for success in the future. In his spare time, Jack likes to spend time with his friends and family going on camping trips in the summer and ski trips in the winter.
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Sarah Bishop
Young Falcons Assistant Instructor Northgate
My name is Sarah Bishop and I love working with students and encouraging them to grow in confidence and curiosity. I have experience working with kids across multiple environments and stages of life, which helps me connect easily with each student. At Falcon AeroLab, I enjoy creating a positive, supportive space where students feel seen, heard, and excited to try new things. I am passionate about helping kids discover their true potential.
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Mike Vidovich
Lead Instructor Aircraft Mechanics Classes
Mike Vidovich is a lifelong mechanic with over 45 years of experience and more than 80,000 hours in the field. He has held his FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic license for over 20 years and has earned multiple industry certifications across various mechanical disciplines. A former business owner and expert in race technology, suspension systems, and bike mechanics, Mike brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to Falcon AeroLab.
Since joining AeroLab in 2020, he has been dedicated to mentoring and instructing high school students (ages 12-18), sharing his expertise in aviation and mechanical engineering.
Personal Note: It is truly an honor and pleasure to instruct, mentor, and work with our Aerolab lab students and parents, as these students are our future and our future is bright.
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Debbie Cassel
STEAM Lead Instructor Fort Morgan & IFT Powered Virtual Lead Instructor
Bio coming soon
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Dalton Duke
Intro to Aerospace Lead Instructor Boulder
Bio coming soon
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Janet Harrold
Young Falcons Lead Instructor North Gate and Fledglings Assistant Instructor Castle Rock
Bio coming soon
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Kelli Matott
Young Falcons Lead Instructor Elizabeth
Bio coming soon
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Ben Mead
IFT Gliders Lead Instructor Boulder
Bio coming soon
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