FRC TEAM 2386

The Mentors

None of what we achieve would be possible without the invaluable guidance of our mentors. These dedicated individuals volunteer countless hours each year, sharing their industry expertise, offering valuable connections, and providing constant motivation. Their support not only empowers our team to learn and grow, but also plays a crucial role in keeping us focused and on the path to success.

Shawn Clement
Programing/Lead Mentor

Years involved in BCHS: 10

Years involved in First: 10

Shawn currently teaches Computer Technology and Entertainment Technology at BCHS. He has a background in Theatre Production and Automation. He is still very much involved in theatre and film productions around the GTA. Shawn will be assisting with the programming.

Myles Filkin
Manufacturing/Lead Mentor

Years involved in FIRST: 18

Years involved in BCHS: 13

Myles is a Mohawk College graduate. He was in an industrial engineering program. He was also on the first Central Robotics team when he was in 7th grade (2386 alumni 14′). He teaches Manufacturing and Technology in grade 9,10,11 and 12 in BCHS.

Chris Arnold
Manufacturing

Years involved in FIRST: 28

Years involved in BCHS: 18

Chris “Arnie” Arnold is a retired Manufacturing Teacher at BCHS. Chris started up FRC Team 843 before moving to BCHS and starting up FRC Team 2386 in 2008. Chris has a background in Millwright and is one of the founding teachers of the robotics program within the Halton District School Board. He won the WFA in 2013.

Gord Nicholls
Manufacturing

Years involved in FIRST: 18

Years involved in BCHS: 18

Gord is one of the founding mentors of Team 2386. Gord comes to us from BMP Metals with a background in Precision Metal Fabrication. Gord has worked in the industry for over 35 years. BMP Metals has been a sponsor since the team originated in 2008. Gord assists with the CAD and manufacturing.

Eric Tate
Electrical

Years involved in FIRST: 18

Years involved in BCHS: 18

Eric is one of the founding mentors of Team 2386. He has a degree from Ryerson University in Electrical Engineering. Eric currently works in industry as an Application Engineer for drives and automation from Powerhouse Controls.

Taylor Hawkins
Manufacturing

Years involved in FIRST: 16

Years involved in BCHS: 16

Taylor began his robotics interest in Grade 10 and hasn’t left the shop since. Taylor previously ran the VEX events during the off-season. He is a Mohawk College graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology as well as BA in Commerce from York University. Taylor is currently working in industry at Precision Concepts International.

Elana Grosvenor
Administration
Social Media/Textile Manufacturing

Years involved in FIRST: 16

Years involved in BCHS: 16

Elana became involved in 2010 thanks to her father Gord. In 2013, She assisted with obtaining the largest State Farm Grant had to offer to implement more FLL and FRC teams within HDSB. She is a graduate of both Sheridan College (‘09) and WLU (‘14) with degrees in Social Service Work and Criminology. She was a recipient of the June 2018 – Top 40 Under 40 with the Brampton Board of Trades for her advocacy in STEM Education. Elana currently works in industry as a Jr. Buyer for Second Nature Designs.

Tyler Wiese
Manufacturing

Years involved in FIRST: 14

Years involved in BCHS: 14

Tyler joined the robotics team in Grade 10 and graduated from BCHS in 2013. He has graduated from Mohawk College with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and currently works in real estate.

Terry Ratigan
Manufacturing

Years involved in FIRST: 13

Years involved in BCHS: 10

Terry joined the robotics team in grade 9 and graduated from BCHS in 2016. After graduating, Terry spent 1 year on Team 5409 and 2 years on Team 6323. Terry graduated from the Mechanical Technician Program at Mohawk College. He is currently working towards his Millwright Ticket.

Rebecca Farrell
Administration

Years involved in FIRST: 12

Years involved in BCHS: 12

Becky Farrell is a Student Success and Math Teacher at BCHS. She assists with communication with the parents throughout the season to coordinate the meals for the team.

Hadyn Brouwer
Strategy/Manufacturing

Years involved in FIRST: 11

Years involed in BCHS: 9

Hadyn joined the robotics team in grade 7 (VEX Robotics) and continued to participate in FRC at the High School level, graduating in 2016. He spent 2 years mentoring Team 6323 before returning to support his alumni team. Hadyn has also completed the Millwright program with Mohawk College. Hadyn works in industry with i-Cubed.

Jake Josiak
Manufacturing

Years involved in FIRST: 10

Years involved in BCHS: 10

Jake joined the robotics team in Grade 9 (VEX) and graduated from BCHS in 2013. He is a McMaster University graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Jake currently works in the industry at Kilmer Environmental Inc.

Tyler Fowler
Manufacturing/CAD/ Field Components

Years involved in FIRST: 5

Years involved in BCHS: 5

Tyler was Professor at Mohawk College and is a civil engineering technologist. He is a former Gold Medalist for the Ontario Skills Competition and supports the dual credit program at BCHS teaching CAD. Tyler now works with the City of Burlington on

Derek Sharpe
Automation/Electrical

Years involved in FIRST: 3

Years involved in BCHS: 2

Derek is a parent of a student on our team. He has been involved with volunteering at events and joined this year. He has a background in automation and programming. Derek attended Mohawk College for Electrical Control Systems Technologist. Derek has been in the industry for 28+ years and works in industry for Rockwell Automation as a Business Leader.

Drake McGillivray
Programming

Years involved in FIRST: 5

Years involved in BCHS: 5

Drake has returned after going to post-secondary school for Computer systems Engineering at Carleton University. He is a former student of the Robotics program. He specializes in programming and automation. Drake currently works in industry at Powerhouse Controls. Fun Fact: Drake was a driver in his senior year that destroyed the robot (that was made from 16g steel). During Drakes driving career we had to change out the backplate twice and reinforce it. They won that year and went to Worlds to compete in St. Louis.

Tyler Ustrzycki
CAD/Electrical

Years involved in FIRST: 2

Years involved in BCHS: 2

Tyler is a student teacher here at Burlington Central. He has been an Electrical Engineer for over 15+ years. He has worked for Tesla in the past, has a Masters in Space Engineering and decided to go into teaching. Tyler is currently at Brock University for his Teaching Degree.

Brendan Dunne
CNC/Manufacturing

Years involved in FIRST:

Years involved in BCHS: 1

Brendan teaches manufacturing at BCHS and Georgetown, as well as tech design at LC McGill. With a background in mechanical engineering and tool and die making, he has a passion for supporting the intellectual growth of young people. Brendan’s motto is that “if you have time, refine.” He emphasizes that perfectionism in an industry of growth is counterproductive, and putting up an honest effort in a certain amount of time is the best thing to do. 

Nathan Dykstra
Electrical

Years involved in FIRST: 1

Years involved in BCHS: 1

Nathan is a new mentor to the team and has experience mentoring for FRC teams in the past. He has a degree in electrical engineering from McMaster University and works for ArcelorMittal Dofasco. Nathan brings experience from a wide range of leadership roles in engineering, such as power systems engineering, control systems engineering, and project management. He has a love for supporting future leaders and “likes to challenge what people know and how they can further develop.”

Glen Herbert
Marketing/Comms

Years involved in FIRST: 1

Years involved in BCHS: 1

Glen is a parent on the team and offers his extensive experience as a writer, editor, and marketing director at Rosseau Lake College. He is also the executive director of the Grenadines Initiative and applies his expertise in non-profit work to our program.

Tyler Mcdiarmid
Programming

Years involved in FIRST: 1

Years involved in BCHS: 1

Tyler is a parent and sponsor of the team, as he is the CEO of Ironwood Management Corp. He has a Bachelor of Commerce from Queens University, which is where he learned software and programming skills that he brings to the team.

James Orr
Manufacturing

Years involved in FIRST: 1

Years involved in BCHS: 1

Bio coming soon…