Code Ninjas Set to Open Location in Nixa, Missouri

“Rob and Tracy will be a fantastic addition to the Code Ninjas family,” said Navin Gurnaney, CEO of Code Ninjas. “Their deep-rooted commitment to empowering young minds through hands-on coding education perfectly aligns with our mission. They bring a wealth of experience in both education and technology, which will be invaluable in fostering a vibrant learning environment in Nixa.”

After meeting in New York, the couple spent time living in Chicago then Kansas City before moving to Nixa in 2024 with their son, Darius. Rob’s affinity for STEM education is highlighted with his computer science degree from Missouri State where he was a first-generation college graduate. The Rogersville, Missouri, native is currently a principal architect in AI at Microsoft, responsible for setting the technical direction and mapping out how different systems work together. Prior to joining the Microsoft team, he was an architect for DraftKings.

“With my background and passion for technology, opening a Code Ninjas in our hometown felt like a natural choice,” said Rob. “I’ve spent years teaching coding to adults, and I genuinely enjoy helping people understand how to leverage technology. I truly believe that it’s all about providing the right support and resources to ignite that understanding.”

Tracy brings a unique blend of experience to the team, having earned three degrees in education: early childhood, elementary, and special education from Hofstra University. While her career has primarily focused on human resources, most recently serving as Vice President of People for Affinitiv, an automotive software company, her passion for education remains strong.

“As parents ourselves, we are acutely aware of the opportunities available for kids, particularly in the education sector,” Tracy said. “There is nothing like this in the area, and we want to create a space where our son, as well as other children in the community, can learn the importance of coding and develop essential skills for the future.”

The Hedgpeth’s goal with their new Code Ninjas location is to expose the Nixa community to the coding world and what it has to offer. They believe in the potential of every child and want to highlight the importance of coding skills for the future, especially because learning it can shape incredible opportunities for the next generation.

Code Ninjas allows children ages 5-15 to immerse themselves in a fun and inclusive environment that provides an opportunity to empower their young minds through interactive and playful technology.