I came to Rivendell in 2006, in the midst of a career change after working at Hewlett Packard for 15 years as a software engineer. While working at HP, I also coached for the Fort Collins Soccer Club, so I decided to go into coaching full time. When the chance to branch out and teach PE at Rivendell came along, it seemed like a perfect fit. Then I was asked to help with Rivendell's IT and website because of my computer science background, and came full circle when I became the teacher for technology as well, in 2014.

While I was coaching, I earned a number of certifications, including the National Youth License which specialized in developmentally appropriate methods of coaching kids ages 3-12. That knowledge from working with kids of all ages on soccer can be applied to all sports. And for technology, I can use real-world, industry experience to enhance kids' understanding of computers.

In any subject, I believe kids enjoy learning more if they understand the "why" behind what they are being taught. I always try to relate topics to real-life situations and stories that illustrate the importance of what they're learning.

In my spare time, I am a musician (guitarist and singer), and occasionally play locally as well as accompany the kids for Group Sing every week at school. I also enjoy cooking, and getting out into the mountains to hike or fish.