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 “Ty” 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
Harrison Sayle
Driving Instructor
Harrison is one of Maxwell’s newest Driving Instructors, bringing both dedication and enthusiasm to the team. A retired police officer and current master’s student, he has a passion for history and education, with the long-term goal of becoming a history teacher.
Outside of teaching, Harrison enjoys reading, traveling, and eating pasta.
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
Andy Griffith
Driving Instructor
Andy joined Maxwell Driving School in 2015 and has been a valued part of our instructional team ever since. In addition to his role at Maxwell, he works as a State Officer at UT Health Sciences, bringing a strong sense of professionalism and responsibility to his instruction.
In his free time, Andy enjoys cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats, whether it’s basketball season or football season.
- TN State Certified Driving Instructor
Our Owners
Max & Lisa Maxwell
Max Maxwell, founder and owner of the Maxwell Driving School, established the company in 1994. In addition to leading a business, Max recently retired from the Memphis Police Department. Max served as a motor officer for 27 years, an instructor for the training academy for 5 years, 5 years in the organized crime unit, and taught anti-terrorism techniques to the FBI Hostage Resolution Team. He is also a professional stuntman, who has worked as the stunt coordinator on numerous motion pictures, including the Academy Award Winning film “Hustle and Flow”.
Lisa Maxwell, his wife, joined as co-owner in 2013. Prior to joining the business, Lisa was the founder and owner of a home decor workroom. She also served as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines and after 9/11 she continued her flight attendant career for a military charter airlines, World Airways. Lisa has raised three daughters and both she and Max are passionate about the welfare and humane treatment of dogs, including their four rescue dogs.
Our Leadership Team
Executive Director
Heidi Maxwell
Heidi is the daughter of the Maxwell’s and leads our team of instructors and drivers. She recently assumed the leadership role and is dedicated to continuing the success and vision of her parent’s legacy. In addition to leading our team, she is one of our certified driving instructors. Prior to joining us, her career includes working as a registered nurse and a military flight attendant. She has earned a BS in Nursing and a BS in Psychology. She recently obtained certification as a Certified Autism Specialist through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. In her free time, she is teaching her own teenager how to drive and also enjoys traveling.
- Certified Driving Instructor
- Certified Autism Specialist
- Registered Nurse, BSN
Lead Driving Instructor
Nic Garrard
Nic joined our team in 2008 and is our lead driving instructor. Nic leads our team of drivers, providing students with hands-on driving practice and feedback for driving improvement. Nic specializes in preparing and testing students for their driver’s test. He also leads our online courses focused on driver improvement as well as court ordered classes. In his free time, Nic enjoys spending time with his wife and four boys and is a dedicated fan of the North Carolina Tar Heels Men’s basketball team.
- Certified Driving Instructor
- Certified Skid Steering Instructor
- Certified Driver Improvement Program Instructor
Lead Classroom Instructor
John Blaker
John joined our team in 2007 and co-leads our classroom instruction as well as our simulator instruction. John provides lectures covering driving theory, traffic rules and laws, and automobile maintenance. John focuses on teaching students how to understand and apply the information presented in the classroom. In addition, John provides support and management to our administration department. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his wife.
- Certified Driving Instructor
- Certified Driver Improvement Program Instructor
Office Manager
Kathy Burke
Kathy comes from an entrepreneurial background having been President/Owner of a Mortgage Servicing Company. Kathy is responsible for ensuring smooth administrative operations, managing customer inquiries, coordinating schedules for instructors and students, and maintaining records and documentation. Her role requires excellent communication and multitasking skills. In her free time, she enjoys traveling.
- Administrator Coordinator
Our Drivers
Lead Simulator Instructor
Michael Gaffney
Michael joined our team in 2024 as our lead simulator instructor as well as one of our driving instructors. Michael guides our students using our simulator equipment to provide a virtual driving experience that includes real-life scenarios for the students prior to their driving sessions. Additionally, he provides behind the wheel instruction. In his free time, Michael enjoys reading, video games, and alligators.
- Certified Driving Instructor
Certified Driving Instructors
Daniel and Lauren Cook
Daniel and Lauren are a married couple who joined us in 2024. They have been a very welcomed addition to the team. They are the parents of four children ranging from 8 to 21 and they love their three dogs! In their free time, Daniel enjoys F1 racing, hunting, and is a major Star Wars nerd. Lauren enjoys traveling, true crime podcasts, thrifting, and DIY projects.
- Certified Driving Instructors
Certified Driving Instructor
John Hanna
John joined our team in 2015. He serves as a lieutenant of communications for the Germantown Police Department. In his free time, John likes to travel with his fiancé and hopes to make it to Alaska soon.
- Certified Driving Instructors
Certified Driving Instructor
Andy Griffith
Andy joined our team in 2015. He works as a State Officer at UT Health Sciences. In his free time, Andy enjoys Kentucky Wildcats basketball and football.
- Certified Driving Instructor
