OAK HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

I was born February 7, 1973 at St. Mary Hospital in Apple Valley.  That's right, I was born in the desert and with exception of a VERY brief period I spent living in Utah (about a month) I have lived here my entire life.  Students groan when I say that, but I love the desert.  I feel like we are driving distance away from everything: the beach, the mountains, the river, Las Vegas.  I have no plans to move because as I said, I love it here!

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After high school, I attended a trade school.  This led me to my first career, a truss designer/engineer for a local company.  I loved my job and my co-workers and was devastated when, in 2008, the economy crashed and the company closed its doors.  At that point, I decided I would go back to school and earn my degree along with a teaching credential.  I finished my degree in 2010, and I was hired at Oak Hills High School in 2011.  As much as I loved my previous career, it doesn't compare to the satisfaction I get from teaching.  In 2014, I continued my education by attending Cal State Fullerton.  In December 2015, I was awarded a Master's of Science degree in Educational Technology.

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I have been married to my beautiful wife, Christina, since 1999.  Teaching occupies a lot of my time but fortunately she is very understanding and supportive.  Together, our family consists of 2 kids, Tereneh and Steven, their spouses, Ryan and Ashley, and our 4 wonderful grandkids, Joseph, Abby, Nya, and Charlie.  In addition, my parents live locally and I enjoy seeing them regularly.

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My teaching philosophy is simple: I want students to embrace my classroom as a safe place where they are free to express themselves and be successful.  I strive to build relationships with my students because I think students are far more likely to thrive in an environment they enjoy.  I employ a variety of strategies and technologies that will hopefully turn my students into lifelong learners.