OUR TEAM
Catherine Weber, Owner/Operator
Al Rice, Chief Flight Instructor
Chris O'Donnell, Assistant Chief Fixed Wing Instructor
Alisha Sweeney, Director of Sales and Marketing
Timothy Elroy, Director of Operations and Maintenance
Mad Peters, Accountant
Kayla DeRuyter, Student Billing and DOT Manager
Nicole Huntington, Director of Admissions
Mollie O'Marah, Admin Assistant
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
CATHERINE WEBER
Catherine is the owner and operator of Silverhawk. She was born and raised in Cottonwood, Idaho, and lived in a few different states before calling the Treasure Valley home. Catherine and her former partner founded the company in 1998 and, although she is in the office nearly daily, she has many hobbies. She and her husband Nick have horses, chickens, dogs, cats, four children, and four grandkids. They are very involved in their community and church... needless to say, she is busy!
ALISHA SWEENEY
Alisha has been with Silverhawk since 2015; she was the Director of Student Services and, currently, she is the Director of Sales and Marketing. She attended three universities, Seattle Pacific, Arizona State, and the University of Idaho, where she received her BS in Advertising and Business. Outside of work, you can find Alisha with her husband exploring Idaho, camera in hand, or planning their next big trip. She hopes to visit 40 countries before the age of 40!
TIMOTHY ELROY
Timothy is Silverhawk's Director of Operations & Maintenance. He grew up in Fairbanks, AK, working on bush planes and running a shop for his previous company managing Cessna 208B Caravans and some assorted piston aircraft. Timothy is currently studying for his Master's in Business Administration and enjoys helping Silverhawk's various departments meet their goals. Solving problems and keeping things running is his passion! Fun fact, he is currently serving a term as an airport commissioner for the City of Caldwell.
KAYLA DE RUYTER
Kayla is Silverhawk Aviation Academy's Student Billing and DOT Manager. A Boise native, Kayla is a lover of rescue animals, traveling, and food... specifically cake! Previously Kayla worked for a law office in San Diego after completing her bachelor's degree at Point Loma Nazarene University. Her favorite part about her job is working with local charities to provide donations on Silverhawk's behalf. Fun fact, Kayla and her husband had their first child Eloise in July 2021!
MAD PETERS
Mad is the accountant for Silverhawk. She loves animals, especially our office fluff Beau, and spending time with her husband!
NICOLE HUNTINGTON
Nicole is the Director of Admissions. She is a California native, but has lived all over: Utah, Texas, Arkansas, Wisconsin, and Virginia. She wasn't in the military herself, however she is the only daughter of a Navy Captain. Fun fact about Nicole, Barbie bought her first car!
BEAU
Certified Office Fluff. Beau has been meandering the Silverhawk hallways begging for food and looking for the perfect nap spot for years. He typically eats one kibble at a time, runs like a bunny, and leaves tastefully-placed "accidents" when his owners are away from home for too long. Recently, Beau attended a seminar on the future of digital media and aviation operations. Be sure to give him your card to talk strategy or to taste test treats.
MOLLIE O'MARAH
Mollie is the Silverhawk Administrative Assistant. After earning a Master’s Degree in Theater Arts from Northwestern University, she taught middle school and high school drama for 12 years. She has performed roles in over 50 musicals and operas and narrated an audiobook available on Audible! Fun facts about Mollie: She hosts seated dance fitness parties for seniors at a local assisted living community to upbeat oldies! Mollie holds a Sport Pilot Certificate, is active in local aviation clubs, and will be competing in an air race derby Fall of 2023! From age six, Mollie knew she would be a pilot. Flying is "sheer bliss to me because of the mental challenge, humbling personal responsibility required, and the breathtaking views!" She loves the energizing environment at Silverhawk and encouraging students to reach their goals.
CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS
AL RICE
Born in Winnemucca, Nevada, Al earned his private pilot certificate in 1969, and graduated from the US Army Flight School in 1972. Both his father and uncle were pilots, so naturally he followed in their footsteps, and was a US Army Aviator in the military. Al has years and years of experience flying both airplanes and helicopters along with 18 years in US Department of Interior Aviation Program. He is Silverhawk Aviation Academy's Chief Flight Instructor.
CHRIS O'DONNELL
Chris is the Assistant Chief Fixed Wing Instructor. In 1986 Chris watched Top Gun for the first time. Since then he's been hooked on the idea of flying. A Southern California native, Chris retired from the police department and soon thereafter became a fixed wing CFI. He has found he loves teaching and showing students the life as a pilot.
JASON SPICKELMIRE
Jason bounced between small town Riggins, Idaho, and big city life in Denver, Colorado. He felt well equipped to live anywhere, so he joined the US Navy and traveled the world for 20 years. He was a Gas Turbine Systems Technician Mechanic and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. After working in the Landing Craft Air Cushion community his dream of flying led him to Silverhawk. Jason is a helicopter CFI, "helping others attain their goals and dreams", enjoys the outdoors, and spending time with his wife and three kids.
PARKER ROBINSON
Parker grew up in Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico. He moved to Arizona to attend college, where he met his wife. Parker always dreamt of becoming a pilot, but was told it was impossible. After working an office job, he knew he had to make it possible. After his wife finished school they moved to Idaho with their two dogs to begin flight training. Parker loves the outdoors and cooking over an open fire or the smoker.
BRYANT BILLET
Bryant, a helicopter CFI, graduated from Boise State in 2013 with a bachelors in Criminal Justice; you can find him on his off time reading books, pack rafting rivers, or running trails. In the military, he was an Officer/ Captain and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician (Bomb Squad) for six years. He decided to learn to fly because he loves the freedom. Fun fact, Bryant has met and protected a few US Presidents, they might even be friends.
JUSTIN HALL
Justin is a helicopter CFI from Redmond, Washington. His love for the outdoors (mountain biking, rock climbing, fly fishing and backpacking) and seeing places only accessible by helicopter was his primary drive for becoming a helicopter pilot. Justin has lived in desert, tropical, mountainous and agricultural regions. The mountains are his favorite!
NICK WEBER
Nick is the advanced training flight instructor.
QUINN HILYARD
Quinn was born in Elko and raised in Spring Creek, NV. He became a Certified PADI Jr Open Water Scuba diver at the age of 10 and lived in Africa with his dad for two months while in high school. Growing up, his dad told aviation stories, many about the kit helicopter he built. Eighteen days after high school, Quinn left for basic training. He was a Culinary Arts Specialist (only partially by choice). During this time, he went on two combat deployments to Ghazni Provence, Afghanistan. The remaining eight years were spent in the National Guard with the 2/211 Global Support Aviation Battalion based out of West Jordan, Utah. Quinn loves powersports; he owns a snowmobile, dirt bike, street bike, rock crawler, and an airplane!
NICK HALL
Nick is a helicopter CFI, born in Boston, raised in Maine, and a big fan of deep snow! He moved to Big Sky Montana after he graduated high school, then to Idaho a few years later. Aviation is in Nick's blood, so naturally, he loved being in the air and pursued a career that could give him just that. Helicopters were a clear choice for him because of the maneuverability, hovering, and big windshields. Before flying, Nick and his buddies would travel around the states and Canada making ski movies. Ask him to see some of the rad videos!
NICK MAY
Nick is a helicopter CFI.
JON DAVISON
Jon is a helicopter CFI.
BLAINE LARSEN
Blaine is a helicopter CFI that found, as a skydiver, he liked flying the aircraft more than jumping out of them. This led him to a career in aviation. He started an EMS program at the College of Southern Idaho. After earning his basic, advanced EMT and his paramedic certifications, he began a career in EMS. In 2017 he began working with Air St Lukes Boise. Blaine and his wife welcomed their first baby in July 2022!
TYLER EBERHARDT
Tyler is a helicopter CFI from Lewiston. His life is centered around the outdoors... dirt bikes were his favorite thing until he found helicopters! He moved to Billings, Montana, to play college football and get a bachelors in business management. Eventually, he discovered Silverhawk and decided to chase a passion and start a career he was proud of. He was looking for a career with a purpose, "a career like this demands the best from you and there is something to be said about being held to that standard."
Beside flying and the outdoors, Tyler enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures and ideas!
GRANT RUNG
Grant, a helicopter CFI, is from Pennsylvania, but his roots are in Montana. He's passionate about exploring the outdoors, traveling, flyfishing, and tracking birds with his English Pointer Rae! He hopes to assist with aerial photography, wildlife conservation, and extreme sports. "For me, aviation is about exploration. I want to take jobs all over the world and learn all I can about other cultures and continuously grow as a pilot." In the military, Grant was an infantry team leader and sniper instructor.
AUSTIN NEEDHAM
Austin is a helicopter CFI.
GERALD FRANZ
Gerald, a helicopter CFI, was born and raised in north Idaho. He and his wife are expecting their third child in December. He became a pilot because "helicopters are undeniably cool and I thought aviation would be an exciting way to make a living" —also seeing the world from the air is something he loves to experience. Gerald was a medic in the 101st Airborne. Fun fact, although he claims he isn't very good at it, he enjoys cooking.
JOHN GROMMET
John is a helicopter CFI from Wichita, Kansas. You can find him either studying, flying, with his German Shepherd, or at the gym. While in the military, John was Paratrooper with the 82ND Airborne Division. He says, "The possibilities are endless when it comes to helicopters. There is an aspect of excitement in every flight and a curiosity within the world of helicopter aviation." Fun fact, John is a third-generation aviator.
GUNNAR BRADSHAW
Gunnar is a helicopter CFI.
JOE FOSS
Born and raised in Littleton, Colorado, Joe chased his dream as a ski bum for 15 years. While working a trail crew in New Mexico, he developed a strong desire to fly a helicopter. A few years and many study hours later, Joe is living out his goal of being a professional helicopter pilot. Fun fact, he has spent over 75 days on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.
JOSH SLOWIK
Josh is a SkyWest Airlines Captain and a fixed wing stage check CFI.
STEVAN DUNKIN
Stevan is a fixed wing instructor in Ontario, Oregon. He earned his PPL while in the Air Force. When he left the service, he began a 20-year Software Engineering career. It provided him time to spend with his family. Now that his two daughters are older, he wanted challenge himself and get back into flying. "I enjoy the freedom flying provides and the ability to travel long distances quickly."
Stevan volunteers with Civil Air Patrol as SAR/DR Mission Pilot and Instructor Pilot. He enjoys providing Orientation flights to CAP and JAFROTC Cadets.
BEN CRIPPS
Ben, a fixed wing instructor, moved to Boise in August 2020. Ben and his wife like to get out and explore all the Treasure Valley has to offer. They enjoy skiing, traveling, and flying! He grew up around aviation in Tacoma, WA. Both of his parents worked for Alaska Airlines, and he has been a flight attendant for Alaska since 2016. "There is no other feeling like being behind the controls in the air. Everything else melts away! The lifestyle and benefits are an added perk!" Fun fact, Ben took his first non-rev (standby) trip to Chicago when he was 10!
TYLER SCHLADOR
Tyler is a fixed wing instructor with a passion for traveling, backpacking, and exploring the world. Some of his hobbies include snowboarding, soccer, and dirt biking. Growing up around helicopters caused him to dream of seeing the world from a new perspective. His goals are to bring joy to others through flight and to travel as much as possible!
DELLA ROSENCRANZ
Della is a fixed wing CFI.
MICAH CURRIER
Micah is Silverhawk and TVCC CFI in Ontario, OR. He grew up in the Los Angeles area and married his childhood sweetheart in 2019. He graduated with his flight ratings and BS in Aviation Flight from California Baptist University. How he discovered his love for aviation, "The moment the wheels of that Cessna 172 left the ground, I knew the career of a pilot was what I wanted to pursue. The perspective of the world from the sky was unlike any other experience. As a pilot, I have the privilege to enjoy this perspective every day." Fun fact about Micah, he sang as a Baritone for five years touring around the United States and performing in over 100 concerts!
MATT MARTINEZ
Matt is a fixed wing CFI. He recently wrapped up a 20-year-long Air Force career and began teaching in October 2022. He worked on F-16s and F-15Es for seven years, then earned his degree and became an F-15E Weapons System Officer (WSO) for 20 years. "It’s been a blast being able to travel to the world and fly around in one of the most advanced fighter jets in the U.S. inventory".
Aviation has been a lifelong passion for Matt. "Being able to hop in a plane and go wherever you want is a felling that’s hard to match."
Matt is married with three dogs who all look forward to staying in one place for longer than a couple of years!
DAYTONA ARNZEN
Dayton, named after the Daytona 500, is a fixed wing CFI from Lewiston, Idaho. She began racing when she was six years old and still races today. She loves motorsports, skiing, hockey, flying, and anything outdoors! She believes the best parts about flying are how different each day can be... and the people you meet in the community.
COLE BAXTER
Cole is a fixed wing CFI from La Grande, OR. He grew up playing all types of sports, his favorite being football. When he was 15 years old, he took ground lessons but had to pause due to finances. After living in Bolivia, he married his wife and worked as a wildland firefighter to save money for college, then COVID hit. His friend Dawson, a Silverhawk CFI, convinced him the time was now to follow his pilot dreams. Cole and his wife moved to Caldwell and now he flies airplanes for a living! Outside of Silvehawk, Cole is a blacksmith!
HAYDEN LEAVITT
Hayden took his first discovery flight with Silverhawk when he was eight years old! He began training in high school with the goal of becoming a CFI by 20; he met this goal with a few days to spare! Outside of aviation, he loves to golf, rock climb, camp, and when the weather allows, he's up at Bogus "shredding that pow pow!" He pursued aviation because of the various opportunities it can open up. "Traveling the world flying a jet sounds like the coolest job in the world to me" and the views are unbeatable.
SAMUEL MENJIVAR
Samuel is a fixed wing CFI.
KYLE HAWKINS
Kyle, perhaps our favorite native Hawaiian, is a fixed wing CFI. He loves adventuring throughout the PNW and cooking delicious foods... one of which is the beloved poke bowl.
DAWSON KENNON
Dawson is a fixed wing CFI from Union, OR. He grew up an outdoorsman and was involved in athletics all the way through college. Dawson wanted a rewarding career, so he learned how to fly! He feels the best part is helping students feel the same sense of accomplishment he felt while going through training! In 2017, Dawson was a State Champion Javelin Thrower and a two time national qualifier at the collegiate level. He will possibly compete in the outdoor 2022 season. His older brother Johnny, who Dawson said "is an excellent role model in his life" is a former Silverhawk helicopter CFI. Now we have met the entire Kennon family!
NOLAN M. HASH
Nolan grew up in Auburn, Washington, and moved to Boise in May of 2022 to continue his aviation journey. His dad, a fellow pilot, introduced him to aviation at a young age and became his CFI for his Private Pilot License.
"A career in aviation is so rewarding and it's an incredible opportunity to meet some really cool people. I wanted to become a CFI to help other people accomplish their goals."
Some of Nolan's hobbies include hunting, fishing, and golf.
CODY MELCHIOR
Cody was born and raised in the Bay Area. After receiving his BS in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana, Cody moved to Wyoming to work as a field biologist. He spent many hours in a small aircraft conducting surveys which led him to wonder what life as a pilot would be like. He loved the endless opportunities in aviation and how it connects our great big world. After his time as a fixed wing CFI, he would like to pursue a career in conservation as a wildlife pilot. Fun fact, Cody spent his summers in college as a professional "snorkeler" for Idaho Fish and Game.
ALEXEI CORK
Alexei is a fixed wing CFI from Boise. The excitement of traveling the world and the awesome office views are what led him to aviation. Outside of flying, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, biking, hiking, kayaking, and growing Bonsai Trees.
MAINTENANCE CREW
ZACH BANNER
Born and raised in Star, Idaho, Zach and his wife are proud parents to their two kids. When he's not working on aircraft, Zach likes to fish, golf, hunt, and fly helicopters! Before Silverhawk, he was an Avionics Electrical Technician for seven years in the US Coast Guard. Zach flew as a crew member on USCG aircrafts conducting law enforcement, counter drug operations, and search and rescue. Zach loves the challenge his job presents and he is left handed!
DAVID ASH
David is an A&P mechanic from Marshall, Minnesota. He was homeschooled through his sophomore year, then attended a technical college. "I was a part of speech and robotics. I have always loved learning and building new things, and strive to glorify God in every aspect of my life." While earning his degrees and certificates, he did the maintenance on wind towers in Minnesota. Fun fact, David has his PPL and worked as a blacksmith throughout high school.
JOSH SIMON
Josh is a former helicopter CFI who continues to fly and work full-time in maintenance!
TARA CHAMBERLAIN
Tara, our meticulous Parts Manager, is from Challis, Idaho. She grew up playing multiple sports and riding horses on her family ranch. Tara went to TVCC and played basketball for two years while getting her associate's degree in business management. She is excited to see where this career takes her. Sweet tidbit, Tara has a 3-year-old lab mix puppy named Creed.
SETH BERKENMEIER
Seth was born in Boise and is the youngest of five boys in his family. He is an A&P mechanic who loves aviation! When he isn't working on an aircraft, he is outside, riding dirt bikes, camping, fishing, or boating. Or, perhaps studying, as he is a full-time engineering student!
IAN SIENKIEL
Ian works in the Silverhawk maintenance department.
BRE WINDER
Bre is an A&P mechanic.
NOLAN MCQUEEN
Nolan is an A&P on the maintenance team. He grew up in Kalispell, Montana, alongside five sisters and one brother. At 18 years old, he realized he wanted to be a mechanic while fixing his 1994 F-150. After completing the Aviation Maintenance Technician program at MATC, Nolan earned his A&P license. During this time, he met and married his wife Michaela and, after a few years in Wisconsin, they moved to Middleton, Idaho. Nolan hopes to test for his Inspection Authorization which will allow him to perform annual inspections. During his free time, he backpacks, kayaks, and works on my small farm.
JT HAYES
JT is an A&P mechanic in Ontario, Oregon. He is a father of two boys, a husband, and a private pilot (currently working on his instrument rating). He stated, "Working on aircraft is much different from other mechanically inclined jobs because there is a reference for every single task that you complete." His favorite part about flying is letting friends and family try out the controls. There is a bit of fear at first and then excitement. Fun fact, JT is a Master Scuba Diver Trainer and he loves ice diving!
PATRICK DRUM
Patrick was in the Air Guard as a Crew Chief on the F-15 Eagle for six years. For the past 14 years, he worked as a machinist setting up CNC mill machines and building things out of blocks of aluminum, steel, and plastic. Patrick has made parts for aerospace, semiconductors, and gun parts. His interest in the aviation world led him to work as an apprentice for Silverhawk. "The best part of tearing apart and putting an aircraft back together is seeing it fly again!"
BRETT SIMMONS
Brett is an A&P mechanic.
MATT PERKINS
Matt (his friends call him "Bearclaw") is a mechanic on the Silverhawk maintenance team. He is from Paradise, California, and worked as a fisheries tech before joining Silverhawk. Interesting fact, Matt's grandfather was a competitive aerobatic pilot!
RONNIE TERRY
Ronnie is an apprentice.
PAMELA LARSON
Pam is the assistant to the Parts Manager. She grew up in Hawaii and moved away from the island when she was 17 years old. Pam has lived in four different states in the past two years. She enjoys cooking, riding her motorcycle, surfing (whenever possible), and painting!
ETHAN ROSS
Ethan, an Idaho native, is a mechanic apprentice. He enjoys shooting, hunting, and camping - all that good outdoor stuff. He received an apprenticeship when he was in high school at Silverhawk and says, "it has been awesome". Interesting fact, Ethan is pretty good at driving a wheel barrel!