Our Coaches

A woman wearing glasses and a floral jacket stands smiling in front of a robotics competition at an indoor arena filled with spectators and participants.

GRACE JOHNSON

Grace is a Mechanical Engineer and has been involved in FIRST since 2008, having previously been a student and mentor on Team 2481. Grace's involvement with Golden Gate Robotics is primarily lead mentor, mechanical design, manufacturing, strategy, and coaching. Her lifelong dream is to drive the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile.

A man with glasses and a beard smiling, holding a framed award certificate and a transparent trophy, standing against a red and white background.

PEDRO CAFASSO

Mr. Cafasso has been a Spanish teacher since 1995, starting at San Francisco's St. Ignatius College Prep in 2002. As a very curious person that likes to know how things work, Mr. Cafasso was drawn to the FIRST’s goals and has been involved with Team 5924 since its rookie season (2016 Stronghold). When not in school or in the 5924 shop, he may be wandering the country on his motorcycle.

A man with glasses and a shaved head smiling while holding a clear rectangular award. He is wearing a black polo shirt with a logo and text related to robotics, sitting against a red and white wall.

BRIAN MURPHY

Mr Murphy is a native San Franciscan who has been teaching math for 26 years. Starting as a mentor with Team 5924 during FIRST Steamworks, it was not enough! As a past Volunteer Coordinator for the San Francisco Regional, he continues to offer his services to the SFR every year since on the Planning Committee.  Normally, he likes to learn coding in his spare time (when his kids allow him to).

A young man holding a trophy at a robotics competition, standing next to another person clapping, with a large black banner with 'FIRST' in the background.

JACK DOHERTY

Jack is a Software Engineer and started his journey in FIRST during 2014's Aerial Assault. He is originally from Massachusetts, has lived in Indiana and North Carolina. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Computer Science/Software Engineering. In addition to being a mentor, Jack also is a FIRST key volunteer, planning committee member, and on the FIRST Indiana Board of Directors. Likes Boston sports, Disney, good commit messages, and pineapple on pizza.

MARISA HOOSEN

Marisa a Controls Engineer, began her journey with FIRST in 2016, having previously been a student on Team 2481. She is originally from Illinois and a recent graduate of MIT (EECS). Marisa joined the team for the 2023-2024 Crescendo Season and immediately helped streamline the Scouting program as well as assisting with the programming component of Golden Gate Robotics.