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Meet our Team
Founder & CEO
Travis Sluss began his journey in business and making at just 11 years old, printing labels for his local community. A few years later, he became the youngest intern accepted at a NYC computer consulting firm, affirming his passion for technology. In subsequent years, Travis interned and worked at recording studios, eventually launching his own production company and recording studio. He also worked as a touring sound engineer and concert producer with renowned acts like the Spin Doctors and Regina Spektor.
Throughout this journey, Travis was consistently teaching his peers and clients, with education as a constant theme over the decades. In 2011, he founded MakeInspires, with a mission to empower individuals and organizations through innovative technology education.
COO & Director of Education
Caleb's passion for technology and the arts began in childhood, using SketchUp, making short films in iMovie, and creating music in GarageBand. His love for music technology led to him relocating from Vermont to Westchester County to study Music Production at the Purchase College Music Conservatory, where he was also introduced to 3D art and programming.
Coming from a family of educators, Caleb believes that art is a vital component of a child's education, and its integration into STEAM can greatly enhance the well-being and future of today's children. Caleb oversees the development of our educational programs, relationships with community partners, and the success of our management team. Caleb earned an MS in Integrated Language and Literacy from Iona University, further expanding the capacity of MakeInspires to craft cross-curricular programs for districts and school partners. In his free time, he continues to work on professional music productions, visual art, and other digital media.
Chappaqua
Makerspace Manager
Deirdre has been a hands-on maker her entire life, learning to use a sewing machine shortly after learning to walk. Her passion for technology was nurtured through programs like FIRST Robotics and personal projects that ranged from dismantling printers for fun to building her own 3D printer from scratch. She pursued her interest in engineering, earning a BSc in Bioengineering/Computer Science from Northeastern University and an MA in Design Products from the Royal College of Art.
With experience in R&D for surgical devices, web development, and scenic design, Deirdre brings a wide range of expertise to the makerspace environment. Now, as the manager of MakeInspires Chappaqua, she is committed to creating a space that fosters creativity and curiosity, while ensuring accessible and equitable opportunities for all makers.
Mamaroneck
Makerspace Manager
Lori Franco brings a dynamic blend of educational leadership, social-emotional learning expertise, and creative program development to MakeInspires. With a background in organizational leadership, child psychology, and bilingual instruction, she has spent over a decade designing engaging, inclusive experiences that support the whole child.
As the Makerspace Manager in Mamaroneck, Lori oversees daily operations, leads hands-on STEAM programs, and supports curriculum development across disciplines. Passionate about empowering neurodiverse learners, she creates joyful, high-energy learning environments where students build confidence through creativity and collaboration.
Upper East Side
Makerspace Manager
Nahall brings a dynamic fusion of architectural expertise and artistic vision to MakeInspires. With a professional background spanning the restoration of NYC facades, overseeing interior renovations, and curating exhibition designs, Nahall has cultivated a reputation for precision. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a passionate artist, expressing herself through painting which enriches her multifaceted approach to creativity.
A graduate of Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Architecture, Nahall further honed her craft at Cornell University, where she earned a Post-Professional Master's degree in Advanced Architectural Design. Her thesis on 3D-printed concrete houses underscores her dedication to innovation in design.
As the new Manager at MakeInspires, Nahall is committed to encouraging a vibrant environment where future makers can explore, create, and thrive.
Brooklyn
Makerspace Manager
Guided by a passion for curiosity and creativity, Sebastian is dedicated to helping others learn by doing. As a kid, he took apart his toys to see how they worked and built sculptures from the pieces. While training as an aviation technician in high school, he found he preferred helping classmates over completing his own assignments. He later began his journey as a STEM educator at his college’s science museum and planetarium, where he discovered the joy of combining hands-on tinkering with inspiring others.
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Sebastian has since worked at institutions like the New York Hall of Science, where he learned that the best classrooms feel like workshops and the best workshops feel like communities. He now creates spaces where students grow confident navigating uncertainty, building not only technical skills but also a strong sense of creative agency. His goal is to help students see themselves as capable makers with something meaningful to contribute.
Darien
Makerspace Manager
Alexander Rivera brings a deep commitment to creating positive, supportive, and inspiring environments for both students and staff. With years of experience leading STEAM programs across Westchester, he is known for building welcoming learning spaces where creativity thrives and every learner feels confident exploring new ideas.
His background spans operations management, curriculum development, and hands-on instruction in coding, robotics, engineering, and digital design. Alexander excels at designing programs that meet students where they are, empowering instructors with effective tools and mentorship, and fostering strong relationships with families. At MakeInspires, he is excited to help shape the culture of the new Darien Makerspace and continue developing programs that spark curiosity, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning.
School Programs Manager
Brandon brings a diverse background in leadership, technology, and the arts to the MakeInspires team. He studied Mathematics and Computer Science at SUNY Purchase while also contributing to the college’s music community as a pianist. Raised in a family of small business owners, he developed an early entrepreneurial mindset at a young age where he taught himself how to code and design his own video games on Roblox. He also earned the rank of Eagle Scout, strengthening his mentoring and leadership skills.
Since college, Brandon has built extensive experience in STEAM education, leading large-scale STEAM camps, writing curriculum, managing school programs all across the New York Tri-State Area. He is passionate about building strong community partnerships, and using his diverse set of skills to enhance MakeInspires’ programs and inspire the next generation of makers and innovators.
Instructional Coordinator
Shane has always been driven to learn and explore various art forms, especially storytelling, which remains his primary passion. While focusing on writing, he also developed a wide range of skills in game development, video production, graphic design, and 3D printing. Shane earned his BS in Interactive Media and Game Design from SUNY Polytechnic Institute of Technology, where he even incorporated marketing and advertising into his degree, demonstrating his multifaceted expertise.
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As a Makerspace Facilitator at MakeInspires, Shane continues to pursue new skills and technologies, believing that there’s always something new to learn. He is dedicated to inspiring creativity and innovation in future generations of makers, helping them discover their own passions in STEAM.
Lindsey Co
Programs Facilitator
Growing up in the arts, Lindsey (she/they) brings a unique perspective to MakeInspires. Her background as a leader and educator goes back to her high school years–from teaching beginning piano to music directing theater productions. She graduated from Rider University with a BA in Popular Music Studies with a concentration in Songwriting.
Her curiosities in the performing arts, film, and the literary arts provide a sharp attention to form, detail, and function that elevate the programs she helps facilitate. She is passionate about helping students discover their interests, cultivate their skills, and stay curious about the world around them.
Makerspace Facilitator
Adrian is a lifelong creator whose passion for technology began with his love of Minecraft and the world of game modding. Before joining MakeInspires, he worked as a software engineer at Modrinth, a leading platform supporting open-source development and the global Minecraft creator community. During his time there, he helped design tools and experiences that allowed creators to bring their ideas to life, fostering collaboration and innovation across the community.
He continues to design and lead community-driven projects in the Minecraft space, bringing that same creativity and curiosity to our Makerspaces. Adrian inspires students to explore, experiment, and discover the joy of hands-on creation, encouraging them to think like inventors and makers in every project they tackle.
Open Positions
MakeInspires is always accepting cover letters and resumes for talented instructors and interns. Interested in joining the MakeInspires Team? Submit this form and we'll be in touch within a day or two.