Trivium Preparatory Academy
Goodyear, AZ
Mindy Brinker is currently a Student Dean and Chemistry teacher at Trivium Preparatory Academy in Goodyear, Arizona. In 2015, Mindy started the Mock Trial program at Trivium Preparatory Academy, serving as an attorney coach. In 2017, she also began teaching at the school and since then has served as both an attorney and teacher coach. During this time, Trivium has advanced to the State Tournament five times, with two second place finishes and two third place finishes. The team has also placed at the Regional Tournament five times with two Regional championships (including in their first year), two second place finishes, and one fourth place finish.
Mindy started the team at Trivium when her oldest daughter was a freshman. She wanted her and her classmates to benefit from all of the amazing opportunities and learning experiences that Mock Trial has to offer. They started with two teams and have fielded three teams for the past three years. She hopes that each student she coaches has a greater understanding of and appreciation and respect for our legal system. She also stress the importance of integrity in competition.
Having participated in Mock Trial herself both at the high school and college level, Ms. Brinker believes that every student can benefit from the skills mock trial offers—public speaking, persuasive writing, analytical organization, thinking on their feet, and a little flair of drama. Although they gain experience in trial skills and courtroom decorum, the practical skills and self-confidence they gain in mock trial will be beneficial to them in whatever path they choose beyond high school. Mock trial is truly one of Mindy's favorite things, and she wants to pass her love for it along to others!