Your Instructors

Excel Driving offers the most complete driving services available in the Treasure Valley.

Chad Arnell

Hello! I have been an instructor and owner of xldriving.com since 2002. I have been a Spanish teacher in the Boise and West Ada School Districts since since 1997. I earned a B.A. in Spanish and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Boise State University. I was nominated as teacher of the year by colleagues, parents and students at Lowell Scott Middle School in 2003. I also received the "Top 100" educators in Boise award from the Boise Rotary Scholars Program in 2014 in recognition of exceptional teaching and inspirational guidance.

Prior to becoming and educator, I traveled extensively throughout Central and South America. I lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina for two years as a missionary for my church. I also lived in Santiago, Chile for an entire summer with a host family as a student while earning my bachelor’s degree. Traveling Latin America is a passion of mine. I have traveled through the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico 6 times climbing the Maya ruins. I have also white water rafted and zip lined my way through Costa Rica 5 times with my Spanish students. I love the Spanish language and culture! I am happily married with two energetic children. I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking and fishing with my son, running, watching movies, working with the guys and gals of Excel. I am also a huge Boise State fan and am a second generation graduate.

It is a pleasure for me to work with the other talented driving instructors at Excel to provide the Treasure Valley with the best teen driver's training in Idaho!

Welcome to Excel! I look forward to instructing you!

Jason Meyers

I am the vice principal at Lowell Scott Middle School and also teach the Gifted and Talented program there. I am also honored to have been recognized as the LSMS Teacher of the Year by students, parents and colleagues for the 2009-2010 school year.

I have been with XLDriving.com since 2004. I enjoy teaching kids, whether in the classroom or in the car. I love to see these young adults learn skills that they will use throughout their life.

I love to find myself hiking and camping in the backcountry and spending time with my family. I have taught and coached since 1997, and look forward to getting to teach your child life-long skills!!!

Crystal Banning

Hello! I have worked with Excel for over 10 years now. I am the one you talk to when you have questions, need to schedule drives or guidance of any kind! I love what I do the people I get to meet doing this job.

I am a born and raised native Idahoan. I have been married for over 15 years and Drew and I have 2 amazing kids together. I love movies, country dancing, being with friends and family, and late night fire pits.

Welcome to Excel- we are glad you are here!

Chance Wilson

I have been teaching with Excel Driving since 2008. I love working with Excel Driving and the instructors are great! I teach Math and Computer Explorations at Lowell Scott Middle School. I was honored to be the LSMS Teacher of the Year for 2020-21.

My wife Crystal and I have three great kids: Paige, Cooper, and Parker. I like to watch and play football, basketball, and volleyball, and I enjoy running. I look forward to working with you!

Ed Aronson

Hello! My name is Ed Aronson and I came on board the Excel team in the fall of 2008. Prior to Excel, I taught driver's education for 8 years in Texas and I have been involved in education for over 43 years. I have a Masters and Specialist Degree in Administration and currently teach Algebra and Pre-Algebra at Eagle Middle School. I was also honored to be Eagle Middle School's Teacher of the Year for 2014-15.

I enjoy spending time with my wife, coaching football and track and bike riding. My two grown children took driver's education classes when they were 15 and Excel is by far the best program around.

I am pleased and privileged to teach you in the classroom and behind the wheel. Guard your speed and space for safe driving!

Heather Kopecky

Hello! I am a science teacher at Lowell Scott Middle School, teaching all sections of science including 6th grade Gifted and Talented. I have been in the West Ada school district for 5 years working in the SPED, coaching soccer and now officially teaching.

I grew up here in Boise, graduated from Capital High School and then went off to Dakota Wesleyan University in South Dakota, on a soccer scholarship. After graduating and playing in a National Tournament I moved back home, bought the sweetest, fluffiest dog named Emma! I then received my master’s degree at Northwest Nazarene in Education. I am a super auntie to 14 nieces and nephews! I love playing soccer, being outdoors, and socializing with my 6 siblings! I am currently learning and understanding the rough and tough game we call hockey!

I look forward to teaching young drivers how to be safe and confident on today’s growing roads.

Kjirsten Lawton

Hi! I am excited to be a part of xldriving.com. In addition to being a driving instructor, I also teach 7th grade ELA at Lowell Scott Middle school, where I was honored with the title of "Teacher of the Year" in 2017-2018.

Along with teaching, coaching dance is a strong passion of mine. I have coached dance since college, from local middle school and varsity dance teams, bringing home multiple state & national titles. I also was a board member for Idaho Cheer and Dance Coaches Assocation for multiple years and currently have been the Director of our District III Dance Competition since 2020. I started and run the CDC summer dance clinics, which have been helping dancers prepare for middle school and high school dance since 2012.

I have lived in the Boise valley my whole life, attending both Lowell Scott Middle School and Centennial High School, and love every aspect this valley has to offer, from the great outdoors to the amazing community and city activities.

Being able to help others find confidence in what they are doing, brings me joy, and I am honored I am able to do that with XLdriving.com, as teens tackle one of life's biggest milestones: driving.