Joe Slifka is a graduate of Boardman High School (2001) and Youngstown State University (2007) with a B.S. in Middle Childhood Education with concentrations in mathematics and science. He earned his M.A. in Teaching and Learning in K-12 Technology Integration from Nova Southeastern University in 2011.

Coach Joe is in his 19th year of teaching at LaBrae High School. He teaches technology and robotics classes and is the founder of the RoboVikes, FTC Team #14518. He spends most of the summer watching his daughters play travel softball & soccer and works at a local bicycle shop fixing and selling bikes, as he has done since 1999.

John Wolford is an educator at LaBrae High School, where he teaches Culinary Arts and serves as Athletic Director. With a strong background in hands-on, project-based learning, John focuses on helping students build practical skills, confidence, and adaptability that transfer beyond the classroom.

As a mentor with RoboVikes, John is excited to support students through collaboration, problem-solving, and real-world applications of engineering and design. He values teamwork, perseverance, and learning by doing, and looks forward to contributing to the continued growth of the robotics program.