I grew up in Washington, North Dakota and Montana, and am the oldest of four. I have been married since 1990 to my wonderful wife Brenda. We have four children: Ryan, Joseph, Teresa and Sarah. In 1991 I began teaching seventh grade at All Saints, and in 1995 moved to eighth grade where I currently teach Religion, English and Literature. I have also been vice principal at the middle building since 1996.
When I decided to become a teacher, I knew without question that I wanted to teach in a Catholic school. From first grade to my master's degree, I have attended Catholic schools my entire life. Catholic schools have given me more than I could ever hope to give back, but I am glad for the chance to contribute something to their mission. I love working with junior high students, especially in Religion and language arts. Eighth graders have so much to say, and they find so many unique ways of expressing themselves.
I have a great passion for reading and writing, and I am currently working on a novel. Some of my favorite authors include J.R.R. Tolkien, Patrick O'Brian, C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton. I love baseball (go Mariners!), Gonzaga basketball, and music (classic rockers like Eric Clapton and the Eagles, country musicians like Alan Jackson and Brad Paisley, and contemporary Christian artists like Caedmon's Call, Jennifer Knapp and Jars of Clay). I am also a fan of Doc Savage and own a complete set of all the Doc Savage stories. My current passion is collecting DVDs, especially the great films.
Other interests of mine include: the Liturgy of the Hours, computers, bird watching and playing electric guitar.
Educational History:
Bachelor of Arts in History - Gonzaga University, 1988
Teacher Certification - Washington State, 1989 (endorsements in Elementary
Education, History and English)
Master of Arts in Teaching - Gonzaga University, 1995
Awards:
2001 NCEA Distinguished Teacher for Region 12 (Alaska, Idaho, Montana,
Oregon, Washington)
Other:
Owner/Manager of the West
Coast Wilburys fantasy baseball team.