This is my first year at Polytechnic School, and I am thrilled to be here! I come to Pasadena by way of Savannah, Georgia, where I taught physics and algebra for three years, coached soccer, and served for a year as Dean of Students. I'm here with my dog Cody (at right), and I'm lucky to have my older brother and his family and several cousins close by living in the LA area.
Prior to teaching in Savannah, I served in the U.S. Navy for 5 years aboard the nuclear submarine USS Michigan in Seattle, Washington. My Naval assignments included Officer of the Deck, Reactor Controls Officer, Tactical Systems Officer, and Anti-Terrorism Officer. I loved my time in the Navy mostly because of the opportunity to serve as a role model and mentor to younger sailors. I am proud to continue to serve as a Lieutenant in the Navy Reserve.
I was commissioned in the Navy after graduating from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA on a Navy ROTC scholarship.
Born in Minnesota and raised in St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, I have a fine appreciation for all different types of weather. I've walked to school in -30 degree weather climbing 6-foot snow drifts, I've experienced the destruction of a category 5 hurricane (Hugo, 1989), and I've been spoiled by the bathtub 80 degree water of the Caribbean Sea (Pacific Ocean = COLD!!!!!).
The water notwithstanding, I am truly enjoying the Southern California weather and people, and am eager to explore my new home. Come on by my office anytime - Mudd Office West, South Campus - to say hi, introduce yourself, or give me tips on where to go and what to see in SoCal!
Cool Stuff... I am an active student of martial arts and have studied for most of my life. I have black belts in both Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido.