Our Mission Statement
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“Our mission is to create interest, involvement, and understanding of engineering and technology. We encourage critical thinking, creativity, and diligence to achieve, and to work together to overcome challenges. We endeavor to promote the development of real-world skills through hands on experience in the engineering and design process, involvement in a team based organization, and presenting in public environments.” |
We Owe it to them
FIRST is dedicated to cultivating and inspiring young minds in STEM—a mission that wouldn’t be possible without the incredible contributions of our mentors. Their unwavering commitment of time, resources, and expertise has been instrumental in helping us grow and learn. We owe them our deepest gratitude, as none of the amazing achievements over the years could have been accomplished without their support. Thank you for making this journey possible.
OPErations
Lexi Gilardi
Lexi has been a mentor Team 5459 Ipswich TIGERS and now Team 4909 Bionics. She has a degree in Liberal Arts from NHTI, and currently works for FRC. They discovered the joy and excitement of FIRST when they joined 3467, and they are now approaching the 10th anniversary of their first experience. Their lives revolve around FIRST, and they have put in the commitment this community requires. By combining fun with robots and critical STEM education with essential concepts such as Gracious Professionalism and Core Values, we strive to prepare today's youth for tomorrow in a way they haven't seen before. In addition to FIRST, they enjoy design, arts, and gardening, thriving on hands-on tasks. |
Joshua 'Winch Whisperer' Marcille
Josh is a BMHS paraprofessional with a background from Lyndon State College in Vermont. His journey in robotics began with Team 2370 IBOTS from Rutland, VT, where he developed a passion for teamwork and innovation. Always seeking a place where he belongs and can forge new friendships, Josh has found a true home in the FIRST community. He plays a key role in inspiring students, both in the classroom and in the shop, fostering a supportive environment where learning and laughter go hand in hand. With a strong understanding of operations and the business side of FIRST, he helps students develop valuable skills beyond robotics, preparing them for future success. Outside of FIRST, Josh enjoys photography, capturing moments that tell a story and reflect his creative perspective on the world. |
Theresa Mondor
Theresa is an alum of Team 238 Crusaders and currently studies at Merrimack College. She was first introduced to robotics by watching her brother participate in the program, sparking her own passion for STEM. During her time on the team, she loved the challenge of designing and building a robot under tight deadlines while forming lasting friendships with teammates. A unique and memorable aspect of Theresa’s journey is her dual pursuit of electrical engineering and music, blending technical problem-solving with artistic expression. She also had the exciting opportunity to participate in the Disney College Program, further expanding her skills and experiences beyond the world of robotics. |
Melanie Mondor
Melanie was previously a mentor of Team 238 and has been involved in FIRST for 15 years. She was introduced to robotics through her children and quickly became passionate about the program. She loves watching students collaborate, innovate, and bring incredible robots to life while working together toward a common goal. A memorable part of Melanie’s journey is her experience in the Disney College Program, a path now followed by two of her three children. Beyond robotics, she enjoys fostering creativity and problem-solving in young minds. Mentoring alongside her daughter makes her involvement in FIRST even more special, as she continues to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation. |
Avani Agrawal
Avani is a BMHS alum who competed in FRC throughout middle and high school before going on to major in Biology and Economics. Initially drawn to robotics as an extracurricular activity, she became increasingly involved in the operations and marketing side of FRC, discovering a passion for teamwork and problem-solving beyond just engineering. Avani loves how FIRST fosters collaboration among students with interdisciplinary interests, allowing them to learn from peers and mentors across various fields. The program equipped them with invaluable skills that not only helped them navigate college but also shaped her approach to their future career. |
Kim Buckholz
Kim was a dedicated mentor for Team 238 Crusaders and now for Team 4909 Bionics. She first got involved in FIRST when her son joined the team, and she is now in her ninth year as a mentor. Robotics has become a passion for her, as she enjoys the friendships and connections she has built over the years. She finds great fulfillment in giving back to students, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and explore new opportunities. She believes there are no limits to learning and loves helping students grow both personally and technically. A memorable part of Kim’s journey is her role as a judge for the FIRST LEGO League State Championship, a responsibility she takes on each year with enthusiasm. |
MECHANICAL
Chris Johnson
Chris began his journey in high school as a founding member of Team 3958 Schrödinger’s Cat before later joining Team 246 Lobsterbots, where he earned his first blue banner. While attending Michigan State University, he mentored Team 4362, the CSPA Gems, helping them secure five blue banners and a Michigan State Championship victory. His passion for robotics was sparked by watching FIRST with his dad, who is now a mentor for Team 88 TJ Squared. For Chris, the most rewarding part of FIRST is seeing students take on challenges and grow. He loves inspiring the next generation of engineers, embracing the competitive spirit, and tackling the challenge of improving innovation each year. Having experienced FIRST from multiple perspectives—as a team member, mentor, and competitor—Chris values robotics not just for the technical skills it develops, but for the strong community it builds. To him, FIRST is about learning from one another, pushing boundaries, and continuously striving for excellence. 
Amélie Behaeghel
Amélie previously attended the University of Technology of Compiègne in France. She became involved in FIRST through her oldest and youngest children, who both participated in the program. A passionate advocate for inclusivity, she loves how FIRST welcomes everyone and fosters a collaborative environment. Amélie enjoys building, brainstorming, and problem-solving, always seeking creative solutions. Outside of robotics, she has a wide range of interests, including beekeeping, knitting, and language learning. As a bilingual speaker, she values communication and teamwork, bringing a unique perspective to every challenge she takes on. |
Blake Bourque
Blake, our head mentor, has had a significant impact on both students and fellow mentors. He earned a degree in Computer Science from the University of Maine and now works at Amazon Robotics. Blake is passionate about empowering and inspiring team members to explore STEM, fostering a learning environment where students can develop their skills. He takes great pride in teaching mechanical design and electronics to new members, while also encouraging returning members to continue growing and expanding their knowledge. As a key pillar of our team, Blake’s dedication helps us all thrive in the world of STEM. His guidance challenges us to think differently, push our limits, and discover new perspectives we may not have considered before. 
Caleb Kinscheck
Caleb is a biomedical engineering student at Wentworth Institute of Technology and a proud 4909 Bionics alumnus of three years. He has always been passionate about science, math, and engineering in general, finding robotics to be a fun and rewarding way to develop these skills. To him, BMHS provided an incredible environment to cultivate his engineering interests. Caleb sees robotics as an interdisciplinary field filled with complex problems and exciting challenges. He appreciates how FRC offers opportunities for growth, allowing students to enhance their technical skills while learning valuable life lessons. He loves the process of creating something from nothing, calling it nothing short of a miracle. For Caleb, FRC was a crucial stepping stone in his journey, shaping his path toward a career in engineering. Now, he is grateful for the opportunity to give back and help the next generation of students experience the same inspiration and growth. |
SOFTWARE
Luis Teixeira IV
Luis is the Head of Cloud Engineering and Program Management for a company based in San Francisco. He grew up in Cambridge, MA, and attended Suffolk University and UMass. His journey in robotics began when his son started high school, and he has been hooked ever since. Throughout his career, Luis has seen firsthand the power of experiential learning compared to purely theoretical classroom instruction. To him, FRC embodies these principles, providing students with invaluable real-world experience and technical skills that prepare them for future success. A memorable fact about Luis is his love for Star Wars, robots, and droids—so much so that he even built his own R2-D2. His passion for technology and innovation continues to inspire students, encouraging them to explore, create, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. 
Andrew Buckholz
Andrew is a Computer Engineering major at Merrimack College in Massachusetts and has been involved in robotics since 2016. He enjoys the teamwork between members and the strong sense of community that FIRST fosters among teams. A memorable fact about Andrew is that he owns a cherished photo with his mother, Dean Kamen, and Woody Flowers—an inspiring reminder of his connection to the FIRST community and its impact on his journey. |
Chris Wise
Chris holds both a BSME and an MSME in Mechanical Engineering and now works for Amazon Robotics. He was introduced to FRC in 2018 through fellow mentor Blake and has been involved ever since. Chris finds it incredibly rewarding to see the team’s robot in action on the field, knowing the hard work and collaboration that went into making it a reality. His passion for engineering and problem-solving drives him to mentor students, helping them develop their technical skills and confidence in STEM. 
Jeremy Grace
Jeremy holds a degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. During graduate school, he researched strategies to improve team collaboration. As a mentor, Jeremy most enjoys designing and building robots while engaging with students. He finds it exciting to apply real engineering principles in a fast-paced environment, helping students develop problem-solving skills and technical expertise. His passion for hands-on learning and teamwork makes him a valuable part of the team. |
Mentors near and far
Denise Comeau
Denise is a Program Director at Raytheon, where she has worked for 39 years. She holds a degree in Computer Engineering and has been deeply involved in FIRST for over a decade. Her journey began by coaching her son’s FIRST LEGO League team, a role she embraced for 11 years. She has been an original member of this team since its rookie year, with both of her children also taking part. Denise is passionate about the transformative experience that FIRST provides, offering students an incredible learning environment that shapes their futures. She loves seeing students grow both personally and technically, finding it immensely rewarding—so much so that she has remained dedicated to the program for 14 years. Even after moving away, she continues to support the team remotely, eager to see it thrive and achieve new milestones.
Denise is a Program Director at Raytheon, where she has worked for 39 years. She holds a degree in Computer Engineering and has been deeply involved in FIRST for over a decade. Her journey began by coaching her son’s FIRST LEGO League team, a role she embraced for 11 years. She has been an original member of this team since its rookie year, with both of her children also taking part. Denise is passionate about the transformative experience that FIRST provides, offering students an incredible learning environment that shapes their futures. She loves seeing students grow both personally and technically, finding it immensely rewarding—so much so that she has remained dedicated to the program for 14 years. Even after moving away, she continues to support the team remotely, eager to see it thrive and achieve new milestones.