Founder

Nicholas Hutter

Nicholas founded Woodworkers Academy from his Belmont home. His passions for both enriching the lives of his students and the art of woodworking is reflected through his personal woodworking projects and through his class instruction. Apart from woodworking, Nick spends his free time skateboarding, meditating, cooking and spending time with his family and friends. 

LEAD INSTRUCTOR

Ryan Bonner

Ryan is native to Tennessee and began his journey with Woodworkers Academy in 2020. Ryan has a strong background in carpentry and a visibly natural gift for teaching the youth. Ryan’s love for teaching is visible through his animated enthusiasm, as well as the kindness and compassion with which he carries himself. Apart from carpentry, Ryan is a skateboarder, a competitive billiards player and an exceptionally talented lifelong guitarist.

General Manager/Lead Instructor

Joe Skinner

Joe’s dad introduced him to the fundamentals of carpentry and woodworking at an early age while growing up in San Carlos. He began his work with Woodworkers Academy in 2021 and has been immersed in a world of woodworking and child enrichment ever since. Joe spends his free time skateboarding with friends, composing and playing music, and pursuing his fitness goals.

Director of Marketing/Assistant Instructor

Matt Pursley

Matt is a Redwood City native and graduate student of psychology. Matt's woodworking journey began in early adulthood building several large backyard skateboarding ramps with friends. His gentle and patient instructing style has allowed many nervous newcomers to feel right at home in our workshops. In his free time Matt enjoys hiking, skateboarding and keeping us all on our toes by using sophisticated words that his coworkers often cannot define.

Assistant Instructor

Brandon Alires

Brandon was born and raised in pacifica and began his journey with Woodworkers Academy in February of 2024. Brandon grew up doing simple carpentry projects at home with family and friends which equipped him with the skills he now shares with our students. Brandon is currently an assistant instructor, but demonstrates leadership and instructing abilities far beyond that title. Aside from woodworking, Brandon is a true outdoorsman who enjoys mountain biking, archery & hiking.