I’ve been in education for 25 years, and almost all of that time has been spent in middle schools — the place I feel most at home. I started with an education degree from the University of Maryland, went on to earn a Master’s in Math Education from George Washington University, and later completed a Master’s in Educational Leadership at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education.

Here at HTMMA, my job as Dean of Students is centered around the student experience. I want every student to feel seen, heard, and valued. For me, discipline isn’t just about rules — it’s about teaching, listening, and helping kids learn from mistakes so they can grow. I try to make sure kindness, joy, compassion, and student voice guide every decision I make.

The relationships I’ve built with students have lasted far beyond their middle school years. I’ve been invited to 15 former students’ weddings, and once, a student even named their child after me. Those moments mean the world to me — they remind me that this work really matters.

Outside of school, I’m a husband to my amazing wife, Sarah, and a dad to two adventurous daughters, 12 and 9. We spend as much time outdoors as possible, usually with our scruffy terrier-mix, Dewey, in tow. Whether we’re surfing, traveling somewhere new, or just exploring the neighborhood, I bring that same sense of curiosity and adventure into my work with students every day.