I am the Climate & Culture Coordinator at Monrovia High School in Southern California. In that connection, my responsibilities include being Activities Director, Renaissance Coordinator, and Link Crew Coordinator.
A classroom teacher for 26 years, my passion and goals are to create a school that every student and “staffulty” member calls home and no one wants to leave. I believe that education is the noblest of professions and provides the opportunity to “Sow the Seeds” each and every day.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to my wife Lisa for 26 years. She is a 2nd grade teacher at Plymouth Elementary school. We are blessed with two incredible kids; Steven is 23 and is a software engineer in Northern San Diego, and our daughter, Kaitlyn, is 20 and is in her third year at UC San Diego where she is studying Sociology and Human Rights.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I began teaching in 1995 at Nobel Middle School in Northridge, CA. I came to MHS in 1997 and have never looked back. The best part of my job is easily the opportunity to work with the students I have had the privilege to serve over the years. They make every day an adventure, and the exhaustion of the job is well worth it.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I am a simple guy. Give me a breakfast burrito from JB and I am happy. Jake’s is also great. When in doubt, a trip to Rudy’s is deeply satisfying.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
This is my 24th year at Monrovia High School
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
That is a difficult and unanswerable question.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to get to Iceland and experience the Northern Lights.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite show currently is Ted Lasso. My favorite movie may be Inside Out.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be Kind. It is that simple. Many of our problems would disappear if we could justice practice kindness.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To write a book and have it published
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Ed Sheeran
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Monrovia High School
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Barak Obama – We would definitely go to Jake’s!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
There is truth in the “Small Town” feel of Monrovia. It is something that attracted us to this community and is why we have both worked here for so long.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 10 years I will be retiring, wrapping up my career, and hopefully living near both of our children.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
As a kid, we moved to California right before I started High School.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Yellowstone Park
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
November. Thanksgiving. June 17th – our wedding anniversary, everything in my life would be different without Lisa.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Nothing. Nothing is ever perfect.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife, Lisa
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Old Bay Seasoning. BBQ
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, Loving, Accepting
