I love books and discussing their meaning with others, which is why I became an ELA teacher. I believe all individuals deserve the highest quality of education and the opportunity to view the world, and themself, through the lens of stories. This allows us to better understand our role as good, informed citizens of a Democracy, our nuanced roles and obligations as humans on a global scale, as well as engaged, valuable contributors to our local communities. 

I've been teaching literature for over a decade and love interacting with my students, their parents / guardians, and my peers. Chiefly, students help me understand literature through different perspectives and maintain my sense of wonder and curiosity, which is why the classroom is my home away from home. 

I received my BA in English Literature from MSU Moorhead, worked 4 years in nonprofits, 6 years at Mayo Clinic Mankato, and then received my MA in Education from MSU Mankato. My wife and I live in Mankato with our daughter, where we love to garden, landscape, game, and travel. We have a golden retriever, 4 cats, 2 frogs, and a gerbil.