Welcome to the personal side of my web site! I have provided the following information so that you may learn more about me as a person.
Although I was born in Oklahoma, I was raised both in Colorado and Oklahoma. I love different aspects of each of these states, though I am especially glad to be living in Colorado again. I graduated from Oklahoma State University in the spring of 1999 with a bachelor's degree in English and both middle and high school teaching certificates. Unlike many college students, I never changed my major; I knew that I wanted to teach.
I have taught eighth grade language arts at Powell Middle School since 2002. Before I came to Powell, I taught English at Triumph High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming for two years and one year of ninth grade English at the high school in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. My wife (who teaches 8th grade language arts at Newton Middle School) and I were married in July of 2000, and our son Cormac was born in January of 2006. While teaching English is one of my passions, I also enjoy most sports and outdoor activities, especially skiing and soccer. My favorite mountain is Vail, and the club team I support is Arsenal, one of the great football clubs in the English Premier League.
In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I am also the Intramural Director and 8th grade head volleyball coach for Powell Middle School. I love getting to know our students outside of the classroom, and athletics provides me this avenue. Our excellent coaching staff knows how to get the best out of athletes, and I feel lucky to have them in our program. I am busy with athletics most days after school, so the best time for parent meetings is before school, and the best time for student help sessions is Tuesdays during lunch. However, I may also be available at other times by appointment.