Ready to implement FIRST^® programs?

Midwest

Chris Coennen

Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, & Missouri

What do you love about FIRST?

I love witnessing the "lightbulb moment" when students realize they can build the future. Empowering them to solve global challenges through local innovation is incredibly rewarding.

What’s a piece of advice for someone looking to start a team?

Don’t feel like you’re alone! Leverage our massive network of community support and free national resources that make launching a team a shared, manageable lift.

How do you describe your role in helping a team get started?

I bridge the gap between national initiatives and local needs, providing the strategic resources and direct support necessary to build and sustain your FIRST community. 

California

Melissa Schneider

California

What do you love about FIRST?

As a former educator, I love how FIRST builds real-world skills, confidence, and leadership, creating a powerful school-to-career pipeline through hands-on robotics and teamwork.

What’s a piece of advice for someone looking to start a team?

Don’t overthink it. It doesn’t need to be perfect. Find one brave adult, a few curious kids, and press go. Other teams will help guide you!

How do you describe your role in helping a team get started?

I’ll walk alongside you providing helpful resources and steady communication so you feel confident and supported from registration through your first event.

Northwest

Jake Osborn

Washington, Oregon, Idaho

What do you love about FIRST?

We’re not just a program, we’re a community. Students, mentors, and coaches show up for each other and always welcome new members.

What’s a piece of advice for someone looking to start a team?

Ask for help! Veteran teams are always looking for ways to support rookies, so reach out to fellow coaches and mentors with questions.

How do you describe your role in helping a team get started?

I’m your go-to guy for connecting you with resources and community support to build a robotics program that fits your needs.

New England

Kristi Nilsen

Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island

What do you love about FIRST?

I love watching teamwork and workforce skills develop right before your eyes. Knowing these students will make a meaningful difference truly fills you with pride.

What’s a piece of advice for someone looking to start a team?

Lean on nearby teams for guidance and ask questions often. You don’t need every answer immediately—you’ll discover the approach and solutions that work best for you.

How do you describe your role in helping a team get started?

I will assist teams through setup, sharing resources, answer questions, connect them with mentors, and provide steady support so they build confidence and succeed independently.

South

Anna Strutzenberg

Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, & Tennessee

What do you love about FIRST?

I love the opportunities FIRST gives students to not only find what they are passionate about but also to find a community where they belong.

What’s a piece of actionable advice for someone looking to start a team?

Always reach out to someone! FIRST offers resources that answer questions you didn’t know you had, and connecting with your community helps you get started.

How do you describe your role in helping a team get started?

I help new teams connect with those resources and help new coaches navigate the onboarding process!

East

Isriah Keila

Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, D.C.

What do you love about FIRST?

I love how FIRST creates a full journey - building skills, confidence, and community - where students grow into stronger teammates, leaders, mentors, and professionals.

What's a piece of actionable advice for someone looking to start a team?

Ask questions early and often. Connect with experienced teams, mentors, and partners to learn what works, avoid pitfalls, and build a strong foundation.

How do you describe your role in helping a team get started?

I act as a connector and guide - helping teams navigate early steps, access resources, and build relationships that support long-term sustainability and success.

United States

FIRST School Engagement

We focus on supporting school-wide, classroom, and afterschool implementations of FIRST programs.

If you're looking to bring FIRST to your school or organization for the first time or expand an existing FIRST program, we can help!