TRC Staff
We have a very professional and courteous staff at TRC investing time, effort and skill in the best STEAM programming we can offer.
Meet Coach Mike
Coach Mike fulfills various essential roles at TRC, contributing significantly to its overarching mission and community. As the owner and director, he serves as the main point of contact for any inquiries associated with TRC, ensuring that both parents and students receive the support and information they need. With a Master’s degree in Education from Purdue University, he has cultivated a deep passion for learning technology and engineering education, striving to inspire the next generation of innovators. Coach Mike is not only responsible for instructing the majority of our Voyager and Pathfinder classes, but he also takes on the important task of overseeing mentors and staff in their daily operations, providing guidance and support to maintain a productive learning environment.
Additionally, Coach Mike holds the position of President of the Tennessee Robotics Club, where he plays a pivotal role in guiding all coaches within our TRCompetition program. His leadership and vision help shape the direction of the club and ensure that all participants benefit from a rich and engaging educational experience in competition robotics. This multifaceted involvement reflects his dedication to fostering a supportive and dynamic environment for all members of TRC.
MEET violet
Violet serves as the TRC Program Coordinator and is often the first person you will meet upon entering TRC. In this essential role, she manages our scheduling and tours, ensuring that both new visitors and returning guests enjoy a seamless experience. Violet is the administrative backbone of the team, providing crucial support that keeps TRC operating smoothly.
She teaches K-5 Discovery and Exploration classes, along with 6-8 Voyager classes. Violet's enthusiasm for creative expression shines through, and she plays a key role in overseeing the daily operations of TRC, ensuring everything runs efficiently while creating a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Beyond her administrative responsibilities, she collaborates closely with Coach Mike to develop and implement educational curricula that enhance the learning experience at TRC. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University, Violet offers not only an academic foundation but also a profound passion for art that she shares with many of our students.
TRC Mentors
A number of our classes and teams feature high school and college students serving as TRC Mentors to support the teachers during lessons. This mentoring program enables us to not only educate your children but also guide young adults in developing essential leadership skills and responsibilities. Many of our mentors dedicate their time as part of their outreach hours within our FTC teams. Some selected Mentors are presented with part-time positions at TRC to mentor camps, classes, and programs.
TRC Coaches
Our teams are guided by dedicated volunteers, frequently parents of the students involved. These individuals invest countless hours—often in the hundreds or even thousands—into leadership, mentoring, and coaching, enabling us to maintain the number of teams we offer. Their contributions are truly invaluable to the TRC mission. Additionally, many of our coaches are professionals who balance full-time careers as engineers, directors, and managers, bringing a wealth of insights and perspectives to our team members. While our coaches and mentors are not compensated by TRC, we strive to alleviate some of their expenses through vouchers and discounts whenever possible.
Interested in visiting TRC?
We want to learn about your needs exactly so that we can provide the best program solution and service. Please schedule a tour with us and let us know what you want and we’ll do our best to help.
