I was born and raised in Shoreline where I graduated from Shorecrest High School. I have been married to my wife Julie for 33 years; we have two grown sons that both work in construction, and two grandchildren.  I earned a BA in English from the University of Washington in 1989, have a Masters in Education from Central Michigan University, a Masters in Teaching from Seattle University and my Administrative Certificate from Western Washington University.  I was first inspired to teach at age 14 when I worked at a summer camp and instructed rowing, canoeing, swimming, and lifesaving.  Later, I taught college English on-board the USS Peleliu while serving as a combat photographer in the Marine Corps. I started my career as a public school teacher in 1999 in Edmonds and have been teaching in Seattle for the last 11 years. I have taught English, History, Leadership, Photography, Theory of Knowledge, been a Dean of Students, an Activities Coordinator, and Carpentry and Construction Trades. I’ve worked for construction companies and have been a general contractor.