I am a graduate of the SDSU Applied Design School, with a focus in Woodworking and Furniture design. Before teaching at HTMMA, I worked as a bench carpenter in a small residential cabinet shop, an Assistant Project Manager at one of San Diego's largest architectural millwork firms, and also designed and built custom furniture. 

As a teacher I strongly believe that students produce their best and most interesting work when driven by their own intrinsic motivations. When students find interest and meaningful challenge in their work they create with greater purpose. 

The goal for my class is that students will develop strategies for answering problems inside and outside the classroom. As students' catalogue of solutions grow, so will their skills and understanding. As a teacher it is important that I am able to support the students with skill building and understanding of concepts so that they are able to execute their ideas to the highest quality. To truly value student voice and to develop original work I think it is important that students develop the skill then ask them to use that skill to solve a unique problem. 

Knowing each student is very important to me. When I was a student, I wanted my teachers to know who I was, and for them to be an adult to talk to. I want my students to feel that each day they can walk into my classroom and know they will be seen and heard as who they want to be. Understanding my students this way allows me to be honest and give pointed feedback in way that is meaningful to them. 

I truly value the voices and ideas of my students. I believe that students hold a great influence in our society and should feel empowered that they can answer real world problems with confidence.