About Us
At the Coding & Robotics Club, we built the kind of place we wish existed for kids who love technology. Too often, coding and robotics happen alone—on a screen, at home, without a community around it. We wanted to change that. Here, kids get to build, code, experiment, and figure things out together. It’s social, it’s collaborative, and it’s a place where being into this stuff actually feels normal—and even a little bit cool.
As a team, we care a lot about what happens beyond the projects. Yes, kids are learning real skills, but they’re also learning how to stick with something when it’s hard, how to solve problems, and how to take pride in what they create. Our goal is simple: help kids build confidence, find their people, and realize they’re capable of more than they thought.
That sense of community is what allowed us to grow from Bellingham into Skagit, building strong, connected programs in both communities and now serving over 1,000 families each year across our Washington locations. And when one of our favorite team managers AND one of our amazing instructors independently made the move to Missoula, it didn’t feel like the end of something—it felt like the beginning of something new. Expanding to Missoula means bringing the same energy, values, and sense of belonging to a new community, led by people who truly understand what makes the Club special. Go Griz!
Our Team
ROBIN SMILEY
The Club started because I was trying to find something that didn’t really exist—a place where kids who love technology could build, create, and be around other kids who get it. I’m not a coder by background, just a mom who saw how much this stuff mattered to my own child and how hard it was to find the right environment for it. What began as a small idea has grown into something much bigger than I ever expected. This Club has truly been a labor of love—shaped by the kids, the families, and the incredible staff who have been part of it along the way. It’s brought a huge amount of meaning to my life, and I feel incredibly grateful to get to build something that makes kids feel confident, capable, and like they belong.
ASHLING CRUZ
I’m a robotics educator and STEM mentor with over five years of experience teaching coding, robotics, and engineering to elementary and middle school students. What started as joining the Club as its first instructor quickly became a passion for creating programs where students feel excited to learn, create, and collaborate. Over the years, I’ve grown into leadership roles including Robotics Program Coordinator, Director, and Manager, helping with curriculum development, instructor training, and program expansion across multiple locations.
I love making coding and robotics approachable for all experience levels through hands-on, student-centered learning. I’ve coached VEX IQ and FIRST LEGO League teams, led camps and after-school programs, and worked closely with students to build confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while making STEM learning creative, engaging, and fun.
HUNTER STAFFORD
I’ve been teaching coding and robotics with The Coding Club for the past four years, working with students in both after-school classes and summer camps. What started as a summer job quickly became something I genuinely love—helping kids build confidence, solve problems, and get excited about technology and STEM. One of my favorite parts of teaching is watching kids work together, get creative, and feel proud of what they build and accomplish.
I’m currently attending the University of Montana and am excited to help Ashling and Robin open a new branch of The Coding Club in Missoula. Having grown up with the Club and spent years teaching in it, I’ve seen firsthand how important it can be for kids to have a place where they feel connected, challenged, and inspired to create.