Thomas Neff - IFT Drone Lead Instructor

Air Force; SR-71 Ground Crew Chief, Non-Commissioned Officer

FAA certifications: FAA General, FAA airframe certification, FAA Part 107 professional drone licensed instructor Certified Academy of Model Aeronautics flight instructor. Designed, flown, and built remote control aircraft for over 50 years. Taught remote control aircraft flight training for over 25 years.

Teaching Experience: Master instructor for R/C airplane build and drone program for Falcon Aerolab for 5 years. FAA 107 instructor for three years.

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 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.

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 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 Raun - Intro to Aerospace Studies - Western Slope Aera 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 7 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

Air Force born and raised, Tiffany Peters has a background in Outdoor Leadership, is an avid hiker, and an aspiring novelist. She has had the opportunity to work alongside  educational efforts in Guatemala and Rwanda and has traveled to four of the seven continents. Stateside, Colorado is her favorite place and she loves to hike, ski, rock climb, and enjoy the mountains.

In 2023, Tiffany completed the LIFT program, awarded the “Best Outdoor Program” by Outdoor Leaders, located in the beautiful Adirondacks of New York. She is currently finalizing a degree in Business Management and Communications, is passionate about learning new things, and is thrilled to get the opportunity to facilitate learning in the Young Falcon program at Aerolab.  

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 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 & 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

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.