Greetings from a Hoosier native! I was born and raised in DeMotte, Indiana, and I graduated from Purdue University. I have two parents, two brothers, one sister, four nephews, and four nieces. I’m honored to be the husband of fifth grade teacher, Leann Hamstra. We love being parents to our son, Myals, born on November 9, 2017, and growing fast!

After relocating to Cary, North Carolina in 2002, I was blessed to teach fifth grade math and science at Davis Drive Elementary for fourteen years. For the last five years, I’ve been working in another dream position, crafting learning experiences as a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) specialist. It’s been an honor serving the DDE community as an educator; After School Director; Science Chair; and WeatherBug Coordinator for nearly two decades. I’m passionate about facilitating and enhancing student learning experiences through inquiry, technology, and hands-on activities.

I’m honored to be a 2016 ASCD Emerging Leader, a member of the Wake Science Core Leadership Team, and a member of the North Carolina Digital Leaders Coaching Network. I enjoy presenting at conferences like ISTE, NCTIES, NSTA, and ASCD. In May, 2020, I earned my Masters in School Administration (MSA) degree from East Carolina University. Currently, I’m continuing full-time as a STEM Specialist while aspiring to be an administrator and author.

In addition to family time, I also enjoy serving on the Marbles Kids Museum Educator Advisory Group; attending edcamps all over North Carolina; exploring the learning potential and professional certifications for all-things-edtech; blogging; tweeting; connecting with my professional learning network; reading; running charity races; riding my bicycle; and traveling.