What Makes Him Tick?

My love for teaching began as a college student working as an instructional aide in Santa Cruz elementary schools. It seemed like a natural fit, because I enjoy sharing my knowledge, and over the years, accumulated a well-rounded amount of it. From math to writing to ecosystems, and everything in between, there really isn't any subject matter that isn't interesting to me which I haven't formally and informally studied.

After receiving my undergraduate degree in philosophy at UC Santa Cruz, my next step took me back there to pursue my master's and credential at the same time. My first teaching job happened in 1999, working in the primary grades (k-2), shifting up to upper (3-5) and in 2012, moving up to middle school.

Personally, one of the greatest loves of my life, besides my wife and children, is music. I began learning to play guitar at 11 years-old, following my dad's footsteps, as well as influenced by my mom, who was a music teacher for 20 years.

I also developed a love for gardening from my grandparents, who grew everything from watermelon to black-eyed peas.

This interest also extends to my love for nature and everything within it. I have to thank my brother and mom for providing opportunities to make it a part of my life.

Having an awareness of local, national, and global issues, I actively fight for environmental and social justice causes, to make sure everybody is treated fairly, and grows up on a healthy planet