After graduating from Texas Tech University in December 2008 with a B.A. in Psychology, I did what any psychology major naturally does—I went into banking. 😄

I spent nearly 20 years in finance and banking, working my way from teller to lobby manager, then into lending, and eventually becoming a mortgage loan officer. In 2024, I decided it was time for a completely reasonable career change and traded interest rates, loan applications, and spreadsheets for paint, pencils, clay, and middle schoolers.

I married my wife in December 2011, and together we have three awesome kids: Preston, Ella, and Adley. They keep life entertaining and have provided me with years of valuable experience in negotiation, conflict resolution, and answering the question, “Why?” approximately 47 times a day.

I’ve always loved art and creativity, which eventually led me to the classroom. When I’m not teaching or making something, I enjoy traveling, music, astronomy, horticulture, and DIY home-improvement projects. Basically, if it involves creating something, growing something, staring at the night sky, taking a trip, or tearing apart a perfectly functional room because “I have an idea,” I’m probably interested.

I’m excited to continue this latest chapter as an art teacher—helping students be creative, take chances, make mistakes, and hopefully learn that “I’m not good at art” is a valid excuse but not an acceptable one. :)