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Maxwell Driving School

Meet Our Amazing Team!

Max Maxwell

Founder & Owner

Max Maxwell founded Maxwell Driving School in 1994 and has been the guiding force behind its growth and reputation for excellence. Retired from the Memphis Police Department, Max brings decades of law enforcement experience to the school. Over his 27-year career as a motor officer, he also served five years as an instructor at the training academy, five years in the organized crime unit, and taught anti-terrorism techniques to the FBI Hostage Rescue Team. Beyond law enforcement, Max is a professional stuntman and has worked as a stunt coordinator on numerous motion pictures, including the Academy Award–winning film Hustle & Flow.

Lisa Maxwell

Co-Owner

Lisa Maxwell joined as co-owner in 2013, bringing her entrepreneurial background and passion for service to the business. Prior to Maxwell Driving School, she founded and operated a successful home décor workroom. Lisa also worked as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, and following 9/11, continued her aviation career with World Airways, a military charter airline. A proud mother of three daughters, Lisa is deeply committed to family and community. She and Max are also passionate advocates for the welfare and humane treatment of animals, and together they care for their many rescue dogs.

Heidi Maxwell

Executive Director

As the daughter of the Maxwells, Heidi proudly leads our team of instructors and drivers while carrying forward her parents’ legacy of excellence in driver education. She has assumed the role of Executive Director and is committed to continuing the school’s tradition of safety, professionalism, and community service. In addition to leading our team, Heidi is also a Certified Driving Instructor.

Her professional background includes work as a registered nurse and a military flight attendant. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and she has obtained certification as a Certified Autism Specialist through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. In her free time, Heidi enjoys traveling and spending time with her teenage daughter.

  • TN State Certified Driving Instructor
  • IBCCES Certified Autism Specialist
  • Registered Nurse, BSN

Lauren Cook

Assistant Executive Director

Lauren joined Maxwell Driving School in 2024 and combines her love for teaching with a supportive and encouraging approach that helps every student succeed. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology and also brings her expertise as a Certified Autism Specialist, creating an inclusive and understanding environment for all learners. When she’s not instructing, she enjoys traveling, listening to true crime podcasts, thrifting, and working on DIY projects.

  • TN State Certified Driving Instructor
  • IBCCES Certified Autism Specialist

Nic Garrard

Lead Driving Instructor

Nic has been part of Maxwell Driving School since 2008 and serves as our Lead Driving Instructor. He provides students with hands-on driving practice, personalized feedback, and helps prepare them for their driver’s test. Along with behind-the-wheel instruction, Nic also leads our online driver improvement courses and court-ordered classes.

Outside of Maxwell, Nic is a proud husband and father. He and his wife recently welcomed a baby girl, who joins their four boys in filling the family’s home with energy, laughter, and love. When he isn’t teaching, Nic enjoys cheering on the North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball team.

  • TN State Certified Driving Instructor
  • Certified Skid Steering Instructor
  • TN State Certified Driver Improvement Program Instructor

John Blaker

Lead Classroom Instructor

John joined Maxwell Driving School in 2007 and has been a key part of our educational team ever since. He leads our classroom instruction and simulator training, delivering engaging lectures on driving theory, traffic rules, and automobile maintenance. John’s focus is on helping students not only learn the material but also apply it effectively to real-world driving. In addition, he provides valuable support and management to our administrative department.

Outside of work, John enjoys traveling with his wife.

  • TN State Certified Driving Instructor
  • TN State Certified Driver Improvement Program Instructor

Kathy Burke

Office Manager

Kathy brings a strong entrepreneurial background to Maxwell Driving School, having previously served as President and Owner of a mortgage servicing company. As our Office Manager, she plays a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly—overseeing customer inquiries, coordinating instructor and student schedules, and managing important records and documentation. Her role demands excellent organization, multitasking, and communication skills, all of which she demonstrates daily.

In her free time, Kathy enjoys traveling.

Lexie Garrard

Office Support

Lexie has been part of the Maxwell Driving School family for over a decade. During the busy summer months, she helps keep everything running smoothly in the office, supporting instructors and students alike. When she’s not at Maxwell, Lexie is a dedicated 4th-grade teacher who loves making an impact in the classroom.

A fan of the Cowboys, Grizzlies, and Tigers, she also enjoys spending time with her cat, Remy, and catching up on her favorite pastime—sleep.

Michael Gaffney

Lead Simulator Instructor, Driving/Classroom Instructor

Michael joined Maxwell Driving School in 2024 and serves as both our Lead Simulator Instructor and one of our Certified Driving Instructors. He guides students through realistic virtual driving experiences using our advanced simulator equipment, helping them build confidence before getting behind the wheel. Michael also provides behind-the-wheel instruction, giving students a strong foundation for safe and responsible driving.

When he’s not teaching, Michael enjoys reading, playing video games, and has a unique love for alligators.

  • TN State Certified Driving Instructor

IBCCES Certified Autism Specialist

Daniel Cook

Driving Instructor

Daniel joined Maxwell Driving School in 2024 and is known for his patience and steady guidance behind the wheel. Outside of Maxwell, he enjoys Formula 1 racing, hunting, and embracing his inner Star Wars enthusiast. His balance of discipline and humor helps students feel at ease as they build confidence on the road.

  • TN State Certified Driving Instructor

Monique Taylor

Driving Instructor

Monique has joined Maxwell Driving School as one of our newest Driving Instructors, bringing with her a strong background in education and a passion for helping students succeed. She is a Special Education teacher with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, a Master’s in Special Education, and an Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction (+45). She also holds a certificate in Phlebotomy, showcasing her dedication to lifelong learning and professional growth.

Outside of teaching, Monique is a proud mother of three. She enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, and cheering on the Memphis Grizzlies at basketball games.

  • TN State Certified Driving Instructor

Yvette Love

Driving Instructor

Yvette is one of Maxwell’s newest Driving Instructors, bringing with her a wealth of experience in both education and transportation. She is a Professor at Morris Brown College and a retiree of American Airlines. Yvette’s professional driving background also extends into the motion picture industry, with transportation film credits on Hustle & Flow, Black Snake Moan, Nothing But the Truth, Soul Men, and more.

Known for her warm and kind personality, Yvette creates a supportive environment that helps students feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel. A devoted mother to two daughters, she enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and cherishing time with her family and close friends.

  • TN State Certified Driving Instructor

John Hanna

Driving Instructor

John joined Maxwell Driving School in 2015 and has been a valued member of our team ever since. In addition to his role at Maxwell, he serves as a Lieutenant of Communications for the Germantown Police Department. His law enforcement background brings a strong sense of safety, responsibility, and professionalism to his teaching, helping students feel confident and secure behind the wheel.

In his free time, John enjoys traveling with his fiancée and hopes to make it to Alaska soon.

  • TN State Certified Driving Instructor
  • Reserve Officer Emergency Vehicle Certification