Hello friends, family, former and future students and their parents!  Thanks for visiting my website!  This is my third year teaching at North Sashabaw Elementary and ninth altogether (I taught my first year at Bailey Lake and spent five years at Andersonville both in Clarkston). North Sashabaw is a very special place with amazing students and staff and a very supportive Principal and I'm very happy to be part of such a great team!

I have an undergraduate degree from Bethany College, WV, with a concentration in marketing and a minor in graphic design.  I played football and lacrosse at Bethany too. In addition to my teaching certificate earned through Oakland University, I have a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education (ZA) from there as well.  Previous to my teaching career, I worked in the automotive marketing arena for over 10 years.  I was involved with business management, sales, and project management.  I became a teacher mostly to help make a difference with children and more specifically, help children who have some difficulty with school in general.  This is because of the negative experiences I had when I was in elementary school.  I also felt compelled to be an educator due to the tremendous volunteer opportunities I had with Clarkston SCAMP and Independence Twp. Parks & Rec. - my wife and mother who are both lifelong educators were also significant influences. I have always enjoyed working with children and helping to provide them with positive enrichment opportunities in the areas of cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and linguistic development. I sincerely value my role as an educator and realize how significant my influence is on your child.  I will do my best to uphold your highest expectations and maintain a positive experience for your child.

More 'personal' information about me ...

I was born and raised in Youngstown, OH.  My dad is originally from Pittsburgh PA, and my grandmother still lives there - which is why I am a Steelers fan.  Unfortunately, my wife is a Browns fan originally from Geneva, OH.  I have been married for 20 years to Jodi and we have four children: Nathan (17), Erica (16), Ike (10), and Annabelle (8).  We reside in Clarkston and our kids attend Clarkston Community schools.  I have one younger brother (Adam) who lives in Chicago with his wife and 3 children.  My mom (mathematician by degree) has worked as an educational technology consultant, classroom teacher, and an administrator - and needless to say was a major influence on me and my teaching career pursuits.  My father (now retired- and a historian by degree) ran our family business while growing up, which was a furniture and undertaking business.  In my spare time I like to camp with my kids, shoot bow, read, write, and I also play bass, regular guitar and a little North Carolina strum-stick.    

Please contact me if you have any other questions or inquiries.

Thanks!