I grew up on the Central Coast of California in San Luis Obispo County and attended Atascadero High School. Although I was not in FFA during those years, I did raise market lambs in 4H. This project was my first introduction to agriculture and sparked my passion for it. After high school, I attended Cuesta College before transferring to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to major in Agricultural Science and minor in Crop Science. I enjoyed a wide variety of experiences that shaped my understanding of agriculture including interning at Baloian Farms as a QC, working on Cal Poly’s Cheda Ranch managing their sheep & goat herds, and interning for the CDFA-AHFSS. After college I continued working for the CDFA in to help manage virulent New Castle disease in Southern California. I felt called to the classroom and returned to Cal Poly again to attain my teaching credential and M.S. in Agricultural Education. I student taught at Hilmar High School before taking my current position in Holtville. I teach introductory, intermediate and advanced agricultural mechanics classes as well as agrichemistry. I am passionate about what I do, and find the great reward in seeing my students grow into better versions of themselves.