Tom Neff- IFT Drone Lead Instructor
Tom Neff is a Denver-born aviation veteran and R/C flight expert with over fifty years of hands-on experience. A U.S. Air Force SR-71 Blackbird program alumnus and FAA-certified Airframe and Part 107 sUAS pilot, he holds advanced instructorships with the Academy of Model Aeronautics and Wings Over the Rockies. Tom earned his degree from the Community College of Aurora, served six years in the USAF, and has taught drone operations, advanced R/C flight, and STEM workshops through the Civil Air Patrol and multiple school districts.
Professionally, Tom spent 33 years at Hertz as a Master Technician and Supervisor, and for more than two decades has led premier R/C clubs. An eight-time National R/C Champion and Top Gun Pilot for Colorado (2005–2009), he represented the U.S. in international competitions and placed third nationally in U.S. Drone Soccer 2025. His enduring commitment to STEM education and mentorship continues to inspire the next generation of aviators.
Kip Turain- Intro to Aerospace Studies: Northern CO Course Lead
Kip Turain earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the USAF Academy and holds three Master’s degrees. His Air Force worldwide flying career included C-141, KC-10, KC-135 and RQ-4 pilot ratings, operational experience with C-5, C-17, U-2 and E-3 aircraft and has accumulated nearly 4,700 flying hours. Kip was Commander throughout his 30-year Air Force career at the Detachment, Squadron, Group and Wing levels. His non-flying staff assignments ranged from personnel to managing worldwide mobility/logistics operations. His final assignment as Professor of Aerospace Studies/Commander, Air Force ROTC at Colorado State Univ/Univ of Northern Colorado brought him and his wife to Fort Collins in 2015. He and his wife are proud parents of an adult daughter and son.
John Norton-IFT Gliders Course Lead
John Norton is AeroLab’s Course Director 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.
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.
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.
Fernando Verones - Adventure Based Leadership: Course Lead & Build Team Leader
Fernando “Dino” Verones is a 30-year retired Army Sergeant Major, 24 of those years as a US Army Special Forces (Green Beret) Soldier, with a background in HF and UHF communications. As a child, he participated in the Boy Scouts and the Civil Air Patrol. He and his wife, Annette, hold homeschool educators in the highest regard and have five homeschooled children of their own. Annette served in the Army for a short time in the Military Police Corps but her real passion has always been her children and their education. Annette has been a homeschool educator for 21 years and is currently homeschooling her two youngest children who are also enrolled in Aerolab. Dino, Annette, and their children lived in numerous places in the United States as well as overseas but now call Colorado Springs their home.
Patrick O. Moylan- IFT Powered: Chief Pilot
Patrick Moylan earned his bachelor degree and masters degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Cornell University. He spent 28 years in the United States Air Force, primarily flying the F-15C, but also flew the F-3 Tornado ADV with the Royal Air Force as an exchange officer. He retired as the 11th Air Force Vice Commander in 2013.
After retirement, he flew as a CFI for Doss Aviation's Initial Flight Training program in Pueblo and was the chief tow pilot for the USAFA soaring program.
He is currently a Phenom 100 pilot, part time USAFA and Falcon AeroLab tow pilot and leading the Falcon AeroLab IFT-Powered program.
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.
Brenda Martin- STEAM: Southeast Colorado Course Lead
Brenda holds a B.S. degree in Exercise Sport Science with a concentration in Health and Wellness Promotion from Colorado State University. Brenda is a homeschool mom of three. Through these years of homeschooling, she discovered her passion for teaching. Two of her children have graduated and pursued careers in the dental field.
Brenda has been involved in the SECO STEAM program from it’s beginning as an instructor. Southeast Colorado has been her family’s home for generations and she has a passion for facilitating an enrichment program to rural Colorado homeschool students.
In her spare time, Brenda and her husband J.D. enjoy the outdoors and spending time with family.
Alisha Hall- STEAM: Southeast Colorado Course Assistant
Alisha Hall is a native to southeastern Colorado. Now settled on a family ranch south of Las Animas, she and her husband have raised two children and nearly a third one plus cattle and other livestock. Alisha holds a Bachelor and Masters degrees in education. She taught public school for almost 10 years before transitioning into grant writing. She currently operates her own business writing grants for nonprofits all over Colorado. She began homeschooling her older daughter when the family moved to the ranch almost 15 years ago and continued homeschooling when a younger daughter joined the family. Her daughter has been involved in AeroLab since the Las Animas group started, and Alisha began as a teaching assistant in 2022. She loves the opportunities AeroLab gives young people in her rural area and is thrilled to be teaching young people from good families in the Arkansas Valley.
Becky Clemons and Britny Rauen- Intro to Aerospace Studies - Western Slope STEAM 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!
Jim Kranich- Build-A-Plane Instructor
After graduating from Virginia Tech with a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering and an Air Force ROTC commission, Jim spent 16 years in the Air Force flying the F-4, T-41 and F-16. Other Air Force duties included Civil Engineering instructor at the USAFA, Chief of Flight Safety and Chief of Training.
After leaving the Air Force, Jim worked for Estes Industries as director of Educational Services, working with all types of youth groups and educators and running seminars and workshops on the construction and use of model rockets for education. The call to fly was overpowering so he returned to the skies, flying for TWA, American Eagle and American Airlines. After 17 years and 15,000 flight hours with American Airlines, he worked as a Civil Engineer doing structural analysis and design. Now, he enjoys flying his own RV-7A that took him 4 ½ years to build. Jim has been married to his wife, Jane, for 42 years and is thrilled to participate with and contribute to AeroLab.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Mike Vidovich - 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.
Alan Onufrak– Intro to Aerospace Studies: Parker 1A and Centennial 1B Course Lead
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.
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.
Natalie Gramer- IFT Powered Lead Instructor, Centennial
Mark Gabriel- Intro to Aerospace Lead Instructor Falcon
While I am not a “native” Coloradan, I moved here in 1961. Graduated from Widefield High School in 1969. After graduation I enlisted in the Navy and became an Airframe Mechanic. Discharged honorably in 1973, I went to Georgia Southern College where I got a BS in Biology. I also got a wife! Paula and I met there and got married. We have three children, Katie, Melissa and Timothy. We are blessed to have them all living within driving distance here in Colorado. After college, I once again entered the Navy, this time as an officer, specifically an Aircraft Maintenance officer. We did 21 more years and somewhere in there I was privileged to go to the Air Force Institute of Technology where I earned a MS in logistics management. I retired from the Navy in 2000. We then came back to Colorado Springs where I taught high school science for 15 years at Discovery HS, Widefield’s alternative high school. I retired again in 2006. I am blessed to have found Falcon Aerolab so I can continue to give back and perhaps influence young people to explore what’s possible. Aviation promises so many opportunities for great careers. This upcoming year, 2025-2026 marks my fourth-year teaching/facilitating/leading the Falcon 1A classes both Wednesdays and Thursdays, again this year at Meadowlake Airport, the best teaching venue of all the realm. See ya out there!
Angela Selman
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 & 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.
Bev Morgan Fledglings Lead Instructor Falcon
Bev Morgan is a dedicated and passionate educator with over 30 years of teaching experience. Throughout her career, she has touched the lives of countless students, inspiring a love for learning and fostering a supportive nurturing classroom environment. Bev’s commitment to education and her belief in the potential of every child have been the cornerstones of her long-standing success in the field. Outside the classroom, Bev is a devoted wife to her husband, Michael. Together, they have built a loving family that includes two children and two cherished grandchildren. Family is at the heart of everything Bev does, and she treasures the time spent with her loved ones.
An outdoor enthusiast, Bev enjoys camping trips with family and friends, finding joy in nature and simple pleasure of shares stories around the campfire. They look forward to the times spent traveling to new areas in their camper. At home and on the road she is often accompanied by her dog, Ollie, who is always ready for the next adventure. Bev’s life is a beautiful blend of professional dedication and personal warmth, making her not only an exceptional teacher but also a beloved friend and family member.
Mindy Nelson Fledglings & Young Falcons Lead Instructor Multiple Locations
Mindi Nelson has been teaching for 16 years, from Kindergarten through high school. She is entering her 2nd year with Falcon Aerolab Instructing Fledglings and Young Falcons. She taught kindergarten for 7 years, homeschooled her own children for 4 years, and taught grades k-12 when her husband was active duty. She especially enjoys working with homeschool students, finding joy in their natural curiosity, eagerness for adventure, and willingness to try new things.
Mindi is passionate about teaching and adventure, both in and out of the classroom. Married to her husband Joel—affectionately known as “Mr. Adventure”—for 23 years, they’ve built a life centered around exploration, learning, and family. Together with their three children (ages 18, 16, and 13), the Nelsons love to camp, boat, ski, play games, and travel the country in their RV. Their favorite destinations are National Parks, and they’ve proudly visited around 37 so far.
Nora Duerte- SOAR Learning Lab Spanish Instructor
Noraima has been a teacher with three years of experience in the classroom, seven years of experience in educational administration and two years Spanish teacher homeschool. She has strong creative and analytical skills.
Mimi Bull Fledglings Lead Instructor North Gate & Director of Outreach
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. Mimi is thrilled to join Falcon AeroLab as both a teacher and outreach director, where she looks forward to combining her passion for education with meaningful community engagement and innovation in learning.
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.
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.
Mary Childs SOAR Learning Lab Math Instructor
My name is Mary Childs and I am originally from Rochester, New York by way of Clemson South Carolina and then finally Denver, Colorado. I moved to Denver in 2012 to pursue my master's degree in tax at the University of Denver.
Once I graduated with my Master's, I worked in public accounting until taking a break from that in 2020 to pursue my real estate career. I started teaching in 2022 and absolutely fell in love with it.
I've taken my love for math and translated that to become a math teacher with my strongest subject being algebra.
I have a 6-year-old daughter and a husband and we live in Littleton with our four dogs and two cats. In whatever spare time we have, we like to get out and enjoy the outdoors.
Melinda Ronka SOAR Learning Lab Forensics Instructor
Melinda Ronka holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry-Molecular Biology from the University of California, at Santa Barbara. She spent many years working in the crime lab as a criminalist (aka: forensic scientist) for both the California Department of Justice and the San Diego Sheriff’s Office.
She has taught Crime Scene Investigation for Central Texas College in Spain and Japan. She has also taught a variety of STEM programs for multiple grade levels in her community.
During her free time, she likes to read (mysteries, of course!) to hike with her husband, and to visit her son who is attending university in Scotland.
Jeff Thompson SOAR Learning Lab Math Instructor
Jeff Thompson is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and a Command Pilot with 28 years of service to include flying, staff and command tours in America, Europe and Asia. Following his retirement from active duty, Jeff taught Secondary Mathematics in the public system prior to joining Falcon AeroLab where he continues to enjoy helping students in their studies and, ultimately, the pursuit of their dreams. He and his wife have three grown daughters.
Mariel Riechert SOAR Learning Lab Science and Math Instructor
Mariel has a Bachelor of Science in Geoscience, focusing on Geochemistry, and a keen interest in Physics, I've always been drawn to the mysteries of the natural world. While I may have been a few hours short of a Physics minor, my passion for the subject remains as strong as ever.
While pursuing my passion for education, I enrolled in classes towards a Master's in Education at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). Although my journey towards this degree is ongoing, my dedication to enhancing educational practices and fostering a culture of learning is unwavering.
In addition to my academic pursuits, I've spent over 15 years honing my skills as a tutor. Guiding students through complex concepts, fostering a love for learning, and witnessing their growth has been incredibly rewarding. It's this hands-on experience that has fueled my commitment to education and inspired me to make a difference in the lives of others.
Before my journey into academia, I served in law enforcement, where I gained invaluable insights into community dynamics, problem-solving, and communication. These experiences have equipped me with a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the importance of education in shaping individuals and communities.
Dawson Harrell- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Bio Coming Soon
Laura Niichel- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Bio Coming Soon
Kier Eastvold- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Bio Coming Soon
Gavin Ortiz- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Bio Coming Soon
Tim Hurley- CFI Manager
Bio Coming Soon
Annette Verones- Substitute Instructor
Annette is a retired military wife of over 30 years, a homeschool mom of five, and a proud grandmother of six. She first became involved with Falcon AeroLab in 2019 when two of her children joined the program. Inspired by its hands-on learning and mentorship, she began serving as an assistant and substitute instructor—and chose to stay involved even after her children graduated.
Annette has a deep passion for youth education and community service. She and her husband continue to sponsor cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy, including international cadets. In addition to volunteering, she also runs a small business and loves investing in the next generation.
She is honored to be part of a team that empowers the next generation of thinkers, makers and leaders.
Vitalia Strait- Young Falcons Lead Instructor Boulder
Bio Coming Soon
Ben Miller- IFT Drones Exploration Lead Instructor North Gate
Bio Coming Soon
Jeanette Feeder SOAR Learning Lab Science Instructor
Bio Coming Soon
Mariel Richter Sahcon SOAR Learning Lab Math and Science Instructor
Bio Coming Soon
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
Dylan Neff- IFT Drones Exploration and Part 107 Lead Instructor, North Gate
Bio Coming Soon
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