Where did you attend college? Ohio University Southern

How many years have you been teaching? Eight years teaching (all at my current school)

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I’ve always had an interest in science and history, so I wanted a career where I could share that information with the younger generation and spark their interest.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing for fun? I enjoy following/attending sporting events, lifting, concert going, hiking, kayaking and fishing.

What is one thing your students may not know about you? That I can play guitar.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Rocky Balboa. I always admire someone who is willing to work hard and fight through adversity to achieve their goals.

Who are your favorite performers? Too many to name, but Metallica, Iron Maiden, Alice in Chains and Soundgarden are among my favorites.

When you were a student in the grade you teach, what were your interests? When I was in fifth grade, my sports teams were at the center of my attention. I was also an avid gamer at the time as well.

How would your co-workers describe your teaching style and personality? Being a science teacher, I enjoy doing a variety of hands-on activities with my students and encouraging them to learn by discovery and by asking questions of their own.

Who is your biggest role model and why? I would have to say both of my parents, as they were instrumental in instilling my work ethic, always taught me to believe in myself and kept me on the right path.

What is your best advice to parents to help their child continue growing academically? Stay involved in your child’s academic life and let them know that you are their source of support and always hold them accountable for their actions.
If my students learn one thing this year, I hope it is… That whatever it is they choose to do in life, they should always give it one hundred percent of their effort and that they can do anything they set their mind to do.