I am very happy teaching first grade.  In fact, I feel Called to do it, as though I am serving a Greater Purpose.  This is my 20th year teaching.  I enjoy teaching children of this age because they are so eager to learn, and the tremendous progress they make gives me great satisfaction. 

    My family comes before my chosen profession.  I married my high school sweetheart, and we have three children, ages 15, 17, and 19 (three teenagers).  We have one in college, and two in high school. 

      This is not my first career.  Prior to teaching, I worked at SCDHEC in the Bureau of Water essentially as a scientist.  I used  computers to model riverine characteristics to protect water quality, and I conducted site visits to protect wetlands and minimize impacts to them.  Before that, I attended the University of South Carolina conducting research in estuarine wetlands.

      I enjoy many different activities including guitar, landscaping, and home renovating.  I'm an avid disc golf player, I love to read books, and I enjoy traveling with my family.  This summer, we visited six National Parks and three National Monuments in Utah and Arizona. I enjoy relaxing, but I do not seem to do it much.