About Mr. D

Once again, I’m so glad you’re here to learn more about me and my practice.  Well, first off, I owe huge gratitude to my amazing parents who have continually supported me and my dreams, and as a child, kept my imagination and spirit from lifting me off into the atmosphere.  From a young age, I've had a passion for life and a desire to connect with others.  I was fortunate enough to grow up here in San Diego, and beyond pursuing a teaching opportunity in Colombia, this has always been my home.  Can you blame me for not leaving?!  This region of southern California has cultivated my passion and respect for the ocean, mountains, and deserts.  Soon, I will be married to my amazing partner, Jessica, and we hope to grow our family beyond our main love, our dog Reggie.

After Mount Miguel High School, I attended San Diego State University where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies.  It was during these years that I developed my interest in working with young people, and eventually to pursue a career in education.  As a child, I spent many years attending after school programs and summer camps, and naturally, when I was old enough I followed that route and worked with the Spring Valley-La Mesa’s Extended School Services program for six years.  After graduation, it was time to spread my wings so I set off to explore parts of Central and South America.  I was eventually able to combine my interest in travel and love for teaching while volunteering with an English teaching program in the small town of San Agustín, Colombia.  I could never have imagined how impactful this opportunity would be to my life.  I owe so much of myself to that experience, to my students, and to the Espíritu de la Magdalena.  

It was after my time in Colombia when a friend introduced me to the High Tech High network of schools.  I was fortunate enough to join the organization as an Academic Coach at High Tech Middle Chula Vista for the second half of the 2018-2019 school year.  After working with such a dedicated staff and organization, I knew it was the right choice to pursue my California teaching credential with the High Tech High Graduate School of Education.  This past year I also earned my M.Ed. in Teaching and Leaning from the HTH GSE as well.  I have a passion for creating a community where students appreciate the genius within themselves and others, engage in the productive struggle, and seek truth and justice in our world.