Lexi Gilardi
Lexi, a mentor for teams 5459 (Ipswich TIGERS) and 4909 (Bionics), holds a Liberal Arts degree from NHTI and currently works for FRC. They discovered FIRST with Team 3467 and are approaching their 10th Anniversary in the program. Passionate about combining fun, robotics, and STEM with Gracious Professionalism and Core Values, they help prepare youth for the future. Beyond FIRST, they enjoy design, arts, gardening, and hands-on projects. 
Avani Agrawal
Avani, a BMHS alum, competed in FRC throughout middle and high school before majoring in Biology and Economics. Initially drawn to robotics as an extracurricular, she became involved in operations and marketing, discovering a passion for teamwork and problem-solving. FIRST's collaborative environment helped her throughout college and continues to shape her career approach. |
Joshua 'Winch Whisperer' Marcille
Josh, a Lyndon State graduate, began his robotics journey with Team 2370 IBOTS in Rutland, VT. Passionate about teamwork and innovation, he has found a home in the FIRST community, inspiring students in both the classroom and the shop. With expertise in operating and the business side of FIRST, he helps students build skills for future success. Outside of robotics, Josh enjoys photography, capturing moments that reflect his creative perspective. 
Kim Buckholz
Kim has been a dedicated mentor for Team 238 Crusaders and Team 4909 for nine years. She got involved in FIRST when her son joined and has developed a passion for robotics, valuing the friendships and connections she's made. Kim enjoys helping students grow personally and technically, encouraging them to explore new opportunities. A highlight of her journey is serving as a judge for FIRST LEGO League State Championship each year. |
Chris Johnson
Chris began his robotics journey in high school as a founding member of Team 3958 Schrödinger's Cat, later joining Team 246 Lobstah Bots, where he earened his first blue banner. At Michigan State University, he mentored Team 4362, the CSPA Gems, helping them earn five blue banners and a Michigan State Championship. Inspired by watching FIRST with did dad, now a mentor for Team 88 TJ Squared. Chris loves seeing students take on challenges and grow. Having been a team member, mentor, and a competitor, he values FIRST only for the technical skills it builds but for it's strong community. For Chris, FIRST is about inspiring the next generation, embracing competition, and continuously pushing the limits of innovation.\ 
Amélie Behaeghel
Amélie studied at the University of Technology of Compiègne in France and discovered FIRST through her oldest and younger children. A strong advocate for inclusivity, she loves how FIRST invites everyone to collaborate. She enjoys building, brainstorming, and creative problem solving. Outside robotics, she keeps bees, knits, and learn new languages. As a bilingual speaker, she values communication and brings a unique perspective to every challenge. |
Blake Bourque
Blake our head mentor, has made a lasting impact on both students and fellow mentors. With a Computer Science degree from the University of Maine, he now works at Amazon Robotics and is passionate about inspiring other to explore STEM. He creates a supportive leaning environment, proudly teaching mechanical design and electronics to new members while motivating returning members to keep growing. As a core pillar of our team, Blake's dedication helps us thrive, pushing us to think differently, expand our skills, and discover new perspectives. 
Caleb Kinscheck
Caleb is a biomedical engineering student at Wentworth Institute of Technology and a proud three-year 4909 Bionics alumni. Passionate about science, math, and engineering, he found robotics to be a fun, rewarding way to grow these skills. He credits BMHS with providing an environment that nurtured his interests and sees robotics as an interdisciplinary field full of complex, exciting challenges. FRC gave him opportunities to build technical skills, learn life lessons, and experience the "miracle" of creating something from nothing. It was a key stepping stone toward his engineering career, and now he's grateful for the chance to give back and inspire the next generation. |
Luis Teixeira IV
Luis is the Head of Cloud Engineering and Program Management for a company in San Francisco. He grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and studied at Sulfok University and UMass. His interest in robotics began when his sons started high school, and he has been hooked ever since. Having seen the impact of hands-on learning throughout his career, he believes FRC gives students valuable real-world experience and technical skills. A fun fact: Luis loves Star Wars, robots, and droids, and he even built his own R2-D2. His passion for technology inspires students 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 Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering and now works at Amazon Robotics. Introduced to FRC in 2018 by fellow mentor Blake, he's been involved ever since. He finds it rewarding to see the team's robot come to life on the field and is driven by a passion for engineering and problem-solving. Christ mentors students to help them grow 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. |
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 involved in FIRST for over a decade. Her journey began as a coach for her son's FIRST LEGO League team, a role she held for 11 years. She has been part of the team since its inaugural year, with both of her children participating. Denise is passionate about the transformative impact of FIRST, valuing how it helps students grow personally and technically. This commitment has kept her involved for 14 years. Even after moving away, she continues to support the team remotely and is excited to see it reach new milestones. |
Melanie Mondor
Melanie, a longtime FIRST volunteer with 15 years of involvement, was introduced to robotics through her children and quickly developed a passion for the program. She loves seeing students collaborate, innovate, and build impressive robots together. A highlight og her journey is her time in the Disney College Program, a path later taken by two of her three children. Outsie Robotics, she enjoys inspiring creativity and problem-solving in young people. Monitoring alongside her daughter made her experience in FIRST even more meaningful as she continues to share her knowledge with the next generation. |
