GenTech Instructors
GenTechs are bright college tech majors and professional techs who bring real-world expertise and mentorship into every classroom. Recruited from Arizona State University (ASU), University of Advancing Technology (UAT), Grand Canyon University (GCU), Phoenix IT Institute, and Maricopa Community Colleges, our GenTechs are passionate about teaching and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.
GenTechEDU instructors are enthusiastic and bring real-world expertise and tremendous energy, into K-12 classrooms.
GenTech Instructors
Mike Simonetti
Training Director, Curriculum Developer, GenTech Instructor
Mike Simonetti is a pro when it comes to coding, robotics, and 3D modeling. As the Training Director at GenTechEDU, he leads with experience and heart—training instructors, mastering classroom management, and helping shape GenTechEDU’s curriculum. He also plays a key role in course development and keeps everything running smoothly on the GenTechEDU LMS.
Christian Perkins
Curriculum Developer, GenTech Instructor
Christian Perkins has expertise in coding animation, 3D modeling, 3D printing, rendering, and LEGO-based engineering. He’s fluent in Java, JavaScript, C+, and Python. Enthusiastic, relatable, and just plain awesome, Christian has a teaching style students love. He makes every lesson fun and inspiring, and his passion for technology is as contagious as it is cool.
For fun, Christian kicks back with Marvel Rivals, Destiny 2, and Warzone. And he loves donuts!
Mohammed Algarawi
GenTech Instructor
Mohammed Algarawi—or just Moh, as the kids know him—is a fun, knowledgeable instructor with a gift for connecting with students. He’s taught courses over numerous GenTechEDU schools since 2022.
From advanced coding and computer builds to drones and 3D printing, Moh brings tech to life with energy, style, and serious know-how. He makes every class engaging and relatable, and always keeps it cool.
Outside the classroom, Moh is all about soccer and music – two things that keep his rhythm going.
Matt Rajewski
GenTech Instructor
Matt is a passionate and curious GenTechEDU Instructor who brings creativity and excitement to every class. With a strong foundation in technology, coding, and problem-solving, they inspire students to explore the world of STEM through hands-on learning and discovery.
Dedicated, dependable, and always eager to learn, he embodies the GenTech spirit—helping young learners build confidence, think critically, and have fun while preparing for the future of technology.
Vladimir Calderon
GenTech Instructor
Vladimir Calderon is a standout instructor at GenTechEDU, known for his joyful attitude, infectious smile, and love for teaching. Since 2022, he’s brought energy and expertise to classrooms across the valley.
Currently studying Cybersecurity, Vlad blends deep technical knowledge with a gift for connecting with students.
Beyond the classroom, Vlad’s rolling with one of the coolest Hot Wheels collections around and enjoys kicking back with friends and family whenever he can.
Wayne West
GenTech Instructor
Wayne West is a true industry pro turned educator. With decades of experience in high-level tech roles—including serving as a Senior Solutions Architect at HP—Wayne has designed and implemented cutting-edge systems for government labs, manufacturing plants, and enterprise clients across the country. His expertise spans cybersecurity, networking, HTML, and AI, and he brings that real-world knowledge straight into the classroom.
For fun, Wayne lives in a custom, tech-filled bus that he hollowed out and transformed into a mobile smart home—always building, innovating, and designing something new.
Emma Schaffner
GenTech Instructor
Emma is a Computer Science student at Grand Canyon University with a passion for sharing her knowledge with others. She has experience teaching GenTech programs to K–8 students and homeschool groups, helping learners build confidence through engaging, project-based instruction.
Emma brings a strong background in robotics and programming. Known for her patient and encouraging teaching style. She strives to create a fun, supportive classroom environment where students feel empowered to explore, problem-solve, and grow their technical skills.
Luis Aguilar Muñoz
GenTech Instructor
Luis has a strong passion for robotics, engineering, and hands-on learning. He has experience working with students ages 10 and up, supporting learners through project-based STEM activities that emphasize creativity, problem-solving, and real-world applications.
Known for his enthusiasm and curiosity, Luis enjoys helping students understand how technology works and why it matters. He believes early exposure to robotics and engineering concepts can open doors for students and inspire future careers in STEM, and he strives to make learning both approachable and exciting.
Ivan Diaz
GenTech Instructor
Ivan Diaz is a recent ASU graduate with a degree in Computer Science. With a strong background in computer science and software development he brings real-world engineering experience into the classroom.
Ivan has experience working with students ages 8–18, including leading educational science and technology activities in school-based programs. His technical strengths include coding with Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, microcontrollers such as Arduino and Micro:bit, robotics platforms, game design tools, and introductory AI concepts.
He is passionate about empowering students through problem-solving, creativity, and project-based learning, and enjoys guiding learners as they build both technical skills and confidence.
Casey Suarez
GenTech Instructor
Casey Suarez is a rising star at GenTechEDU, combining coding skills with a passion for empowering the next generation. Proficient in HTML, Java, and Python, she first discovered her love for software development in high school—and hasn’t looked back since. What started as an internship has grown into a mission: helping young students, especially girls and underrepresented youth, find their place in STEM.
She dreams of becoming a leader in tech and a voice for inclusion, showing others that they too belong in the industry.
Gavin Hull
GenTech Instructor
Gavin is a passionate and curious GenTechEDU Instructor who brings creativity and excitement to every class. With a strong foundation in technology, coding, and problem-solving, they inspire students to explore the world of STEM through hands-on learning and discovery.
Dedicated, dependable, and always eager to learn, he embodies the GenTech spirit—helping young learners build confidence, think critically, and have fun while preparing for the future of technology.
David Martin
GenTech Instructor
David Martin is the definition of techy. With expert skills in JavaScript, HTML, game design, and computer hardware, David brings serious knowledge to every GenTechEDU classroom he steps into. He’s taught Cool Coding, Computer Builds, Game Deisgn, and Drones, always delivering lessons with clarity, excitement, and depth.
There is no geek question he can’t answer because of his deep technical knowledge.
When he’s not in the classroom, he’s diving into the latest innovations and exploring what’s next in the world of technology.