Our Driving Team
Dedicated To One Mission
Saving Teen Lives
Our Leadership Team
Maria Wojtczak
CEO, Co-Founder
Maria is a graduate of the University of Michigan. She is responsible for managing the administration and operation of DrivingMBA. Maria brings her expertise of more than 20 years of organization development along with her experience in large systems change and organization learning principles to her leadership role at DrivingMBA. Her extensive experience in the field of adult learning and in the design and facilitation of adult learning experiences and interventions has been instrumental in developing the research and evidence-based approach to driver training at DrivingMBA.
Richard Wojtczak
Co-Founder - Retired
Richard has over 30 years of diversified information systems experience and over 20 years of management experience within the automotive industry. His experience in Information Technology provides him with a solid appreciation of the possibilities for application of high technology tools. He brings a solid business background and possesses an MBA. Richard has training and practical experience in Organization Development and has consulted with diverse companies in the general area of organization development, including strategic planning, executive and team development, and skill building. Richard is highly skilled in problem analysis and change implementation. He is responsible for the emphasis on utilizing high end simulation as a tool to produce safer, better equipped drivers to make our roads safer for all users.
Enrollment and Administration
Heather Penwell
Lead Administrator
Heather has 4 children and 4 dogs that are her world. Her children are all in their 20s and her dogs are 4 years and younger. Heather has lived in Arizona for 24 years. Heather’s father was in the military and traveled quite a bit. Eventually, they ended up settling in Arizona and Heather followed. Heather was in the Security field for 20 years and she decided to go back to school about 7 years ago. She completed the Medical Assistance program and also has her Bachelors in the Medical Administration field. Heather joined DrivingMBA 4 years ago, she left for a brief couple of months in 2019 when she was offered a position in her field, but she decided she wasn’t happy there and came back to DrivingMBA. Heather loves what she does and we’re glad to have her back!
Phillip Cruz
Administration and Enrollment
Phillip was born in California, spent some time in Dallas, and settled in Arizona just a couple of years ago. Phillip has worked for Marriott International in various capacities, including accounting, loss prevention, and the front desk. His background in customer service makes him a great addition to the DrivingMBA team. Phillip is kind and enjoys helping others. He loves chatting with students and parents when they come into our office. Phillip is the front desk Administrator for the Glendale location, and also supports the Scottsdale team when needed... He also loves dogs and currently has two furbabies.
DrivingMBA Trainers
Kayla Lilley
Lead Trainer
(MVD Certified)
Kayla moved to Arizona from Milwaukee, WI, in 2023 to get a fresh start for herself and her three children. Kayla is passionate and loves working with children/teens of all ages, especially those with special needs. Kayla has been in the education field for 15 years. She recently furthered her education by studying Special Education because of her frustration with the lack of resources and support her child received after their diagnosis. Kayla owned and operated a respite care business before relocating and enjoys her new career instructing and building positive relationships with students as they become safe and competent drivers.
Zach Benn
Driving Fundamentals, On-Road and Defensive Driving Programs
(MVD Certified)
Zach (aka Benn) was born in Southern California, lived in Northern Nevada for 5 years until finally calling Arizona home with his family in 2008. Zach graduated from Highland High School in 2014 and continues his education in Criminology/Criminal Justice. Zach completed the Driving MBA program in 2011. He is extremely proud of his impeccable driving record and credits the Driving MBA program for his driving success. Zach enjoys target practice, road trips, gaming, camping and is a diehard Green Bay Packers fan.
Joshua Ashinoff
Driving Fundamentals, On-Road and Defensive Driving Programs
(MVD Certified)
Joshua is from Phoenix, AZ, and attended Northern Arizona University for his Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. He has taught in the Washington Elementary School District and the Peoria Unified School District and taught music for a non-profit organization. He enjoys working for DrivingMBA because he understands the vital importance of safety and awareness while driving on Arizona roads. Some of Joshua's hobbies include hiking, reading and playing guitar.
Denise (Nise) Prince
Driving Fundamentals, On-Road and Defensive Driving Programs
(MVD Certified)
Nise Prince is a native Arizonan with 5 years of instructor experience. She has a varied background that includes working for DCS as a Parent Aide, helping to reunite families and taught parent education classes. She truly loves driving and hopes to help build a new generation of thoughtful, responsible and educated drivers.
Misty Vincent
Driving Fundamentals and On-Road Programs
(MVD Certified)
Misty has a Bachelors Degree i Psycho9logy and over 25 years of experience in management and training, along with a background in coaching and public service. She brings patience, clear communication and encouragement to each lesson at DrivingMBA. Misty enjoys helping students build confidence, develop safe driving habits, and progress at their own pace.
Tanika Gradillas
Driving Fundamentals and On-Road Programs
(MVD Certified)
Tanika was born and raised in Arizona and had spent her entire life in North Phoenix, giving me a strong connection to the local community. Her professional background includes experience in both education and the medical field, where she developed a passion for helping others, building meaningful relationships, and providing excellent service.
She is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree while continuing to grow professionally. She enjoys learning, taking on new challenges, and finding ways to make a positive impact in the lives of those she works with. At DrivingMBA she is committed to supporting students throughout their journey and helping them achieve their goals with confidence and success.
Bo Brinson
Driving Fundamentals and On-Road Programs
(MVD Certified)
Bo was born and raised in Rome, Georgia. After high school, he moved to Denver, Colorado, where he pursued a career in physical rehabilitation as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) and licensed massage therapist. In 2017, he decided to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a commercial pilot and enlisted in the United States Air Force to help make that career change possible. After completing his enlistment, he relocated to Arizona to continue his flight training at UND Aerospace. He is currently a multi-engine, instrument-rated commercial pilot and flight instructor.
Bo has always had a passion for driving, motorsports, and aviation, and like his late mother, he's always enjoyed teaching. He strives to bring the values she instilled in him, along with the discipline, professionalism, and commitment to excellence he developed through military service and aviation into everything he does—including his role at Driving MBA.
Thomas Deming
Driving Fundamentals, On-Road and Defensive Driving Programs
(MVD Certified)
Thomas grew up in the Redwoods of Northern California. He served in the U.S. Navy as a jet mechanic on two aircraft carriers. He graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Since then, he has served as a 7th Grade Social Studies teacher for over 20 years in the Deer Valley Unified School District. He enjoys coaching basketball and working with students to grow into excellent citizens. He has a wife and two teenage sons who love to go on road trips and hike on trails to enjoy nature. Thomas comes to the DrivingMBA knowing this premier program will help his children and society as a whole to become safe and competent drivers.
Ryan Chotras-Yager
Driving Fundamentals and On-road Programs
(MVD Certified)
Ryan comes with a robust background in Instructional Design and Corporate Training, Ryanunderstands that learning to drive isn't just about memorizing rules—it’s about how information is delivered and retained. Ryan leverages this experience to help make complex skills feel manageable, ensuring each lesson is engaging and that students actually internalize the skills needed for a lifetime of safety. He is driven by a passion for mentorship and loves the process of watching students gain confidence and grow into better versions of themselves behind the wheel. When he isn’t teaching, Ryan is usually tending to his garden, playing video games, or enjoying the Arizona outdoors.