Instructors

Meet the instructors at Roadrunner Driving School.

Mark James

Owner, Operator, Behind-the-Wheel Instructor, and Driver’s Education Classroom Instructor

Mr. James brings a high energy, accomplishment-based curriculum that will ensure your new driver knows the 73 road rules critical for success on the permit test and as they begin their driving experience. In four classroom days, your student gains the purpose, scope, logic and function of the driving rules system that promotes safety and intelligent operation of roadway vehicles.

Mr. James has more than 35,000 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, and more than 4,000 hours in classroom instruction. He began work as a driving instructor at Cotati’s Miller Driving School, and joined the Roadrunner team in July, 2021.

He specializes in working with students who have special needs and is great at helping people overcome and adapt to learning and physical disabilities.  All of our students from NBRC and DOR will drive with Mr. James.

Brian Zander

Behind-the-Wheel Instructor

Brian is a retired California Firefighter, who, when he’s not teaching new drivers, spends his time cycling around Sonoma County.

He is one of our quiet, patient instructors, who enjoys watching the progress possible with consistent training.

He drives the fire-engine red Hyundai Venue named Ruby.

Miriam Bernal

Behind-the-Wheel Instructor

When she’s not driving school busses, Miriam has jumped into the world of driver’s education.

She instructs in both English and Spanish, and is a friendly, encouraging instructor.

She mainly drives the shiny white Hyundai Venue named Sugar.

Rida Hariri

Behind-the-Wheel Instructor

Rida is a former postal carrier and truck driver, who is passionate about teaching new drivers.

He is one of our quiet, patient instructors, who enjoys watching the progress possible with consistent training.

He drives the silver Hyundai Venue named Argentum.

Stacey Alfaro

Behind-the-Wheel Instructor

Stacey is a Sonoma County small business owner, a local volunteer, and a gardener. She joined us as a Behind-the-Wheel Instructor in August 2023.

She drives a grey Hyundai Venue named Smokey.

Leslie Allyn

Founder, Retired

Leslie began teaching Driver Education and Driver Training for other driving schools in 1993. She opened her own Roadrunner Driving School in 1997.

Her background included traffic accident investigation at Santa Rosa Police Department, driving a tractor trailer for several years making deliveries between San Jose and Fort Bragg, and driving a school bus in Sonoma County for 4 years.

Leslie retired in August 2023, and is still on the road traveling.