Inspiring kids to succeed in STEM
Together, we don't just build good robots, we build good people
Friends of Falkon Robotics is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to support and grow Falkon Robotics.
Mission: To inspire K-12 students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math through hands-on, mentor-based robotics programs that are deeply connected to our community.
Our nonprofit supports a wide array of STEM-focused programs in and around Crescenta Valley, including FIRST Robotics Competition Team 589 at Crescenta Valley High School, FIRST LEGO League teams for GUSD elementary & middle school students, and various events to expose and inspire young people to become the next generation of science + technology leaders.
Board Members
Aimee Beck
Board President
Aimee Beck graduated CVHS in 2012. She spent three years on the business and infrastructure subsystems and served as Mentor in Training, supporting the team in Spirit and Business. Aimee has worked towards creating a greater sense of community on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where she and her husband, who she met on the team, have been stationed since 2015. She is also currently working towards her Master’s in Nonprofit Management.
Samuel Sampson
Board Vice President
Samuel Sampson is a Falkon alum from 2008-2010 and graduate of CVHS in the year 2010. He is now a Software Engineer at Google and a Master's student at Georgia Tech. Samuel is passionate about community development and dynamics, and software engineering excellence in robotics programs.
Heather Abrams
Board Treasurer
Heather Abrams graduated from CVHS in 2014, having spent 4 years as a student member of Falkon Robotics in the mechanical and business subteams. Heather currently works as a Project Manager at LA28, the organizing committee for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. She is thrilled to support Friends of Falkon Robotics as a board member - she served as the President in the organization's inaugural year. Her goals are to continue to grow Falkon Robotics and she loves the community outreach programs (particularly FIRST LEGO League) that Falkon Robotics offers.
Jacob Poole
Board Secretary
Jacob Poole graduated from Crescenta Valley High School in 2015 where he spent 4 years on FRC 589. Post high school Poole continued to mentor FRC 589 and added FRC 6960 in Riverside. Currently, Poole teaches Computer Science & Engineering at CVHS and serves as Co-Head Mentor for FRC 589. Poole loves to build communities and create spaces for students to feel involved while learning life and career skills.
Bryan Ghoslin
Board Member
Bryan Ghoslin is an alumnus of 589 Falkon Robotics having participated in the 2010 through 2013 seasons. Inspired by his time on the team, he earned both a B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering but has found a passion for teaching STEM to kids. Since 2014, Bryan has mentored 589 and has even served as the head mentor of FRC 696 for one season. Currently Bryan is working as an instructor for Technix Academy.
Mark Abrams
Board Member
Mark has been engaged with FIRST Robotics since 2002 and is a long-time mentor with team 589. When not working with robotics programs, he serves as Vice President of Engineering for Meggitt Engine Systems Flow Controls Product Group. He has been an aerospace engineer and leader of programs, operations, and engineering teams for over 30 years at companies like Parker Hannifin, Eaton, and General Electric. He holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics from the University of Pennsylvania.
Stephen Beck
Board Member
Stephen Beck is a 2011 graduate of CVHS. He spent one season on the team as a programmer, where he met his wife. He has lived and worked at Ramstein Air Base Germany since 2015. Stephen has worked to better his community through volunteerism and mentorship. He recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Information Security Policy and Management.
Tony Abdo
Board Member
Tony is an alumni from 2012 who has continued his devotion to 589 as an engineering mentor. His greatest passion as a member of the team was Computer Aided Design, which led him to pursue engineering studies at Berkeley, work at Tesla, and now be a Robotic System Developer at a robotics start-up.