Professional Background
I enlisted in the US Navy in 1994 as a Torpedoman’s Mate where I built & serviced submarine torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles. While on active duty, I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and became a commissioned officer in the Surface Warfare community (ships). After 12 years in the Navy, I separated from service and returned to my home state of Texas to become a high school Social Studies teacher. In addition to teaching Advanced Placement (AP) Government, I was the Senior Social Studies Team Leader, Head Coach of the National Champion Cheer Squad, Senior Class Sponsor, and Student Government Advisor. After moving to Nebraska, I served as the Law & Public Safety Career Pathway instructor at Grand Island Senior High where, in addition to teaching, I was responsible for advising academy teachers, administration, and district personnel on the development and implementation of curriculum and best practices in Career Technology Education (CTE).

Education
MEd. Administration, University of St. Thomas, Houston, TX
MS Politics, University of Nebraska-Omaha
BA Political Science, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

My Educational Philosophy
I believe every student is unique and deserves a caring, inspiring, and engaging atmosphere in which they are able to grow emotionally, academically, and socially. As an educator, I strive to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing a safe and collaborative learning environment where they are free to explore, question, and take risks that develop their individuality, character, and skill sets. In addition to ensuring all students have opportunities for success long after they leave the halls of Kenesaw High School, I want our students to develop positive character and leadership traits which are essential to becoming a productive citizen.

Favorites
Sport: Football
Teams: Texas Longhorns & GB Packers
Food: Mexican
Snack: Hot Tamales & Strawberry Twizzlers
Drink: Diet Coke & Coffee
Holiday: Easter
Hobby: Studying Politics & Shooting Pool
Color: Pink
Season: Fall

Professional Background
I graduated from Lincoln Northeast in the spring of 2003 and moved out to Kearney in the fall to attend UNK. My freshman year started out as a redshirt member of the cross country and track and field teams. Following nagging running injuries, I hung up my shoes and focused on my studies. While attending UNK, I completed degrees for K-6 Elementary Education, K-12 Health and Physical Education, and 7-12 Interscholastic Coaching. I took my first teaching position at Windy Hills Elementary School in August of 2011. Over the next 8 years, I taught in a 5th Grade classroom. During this time, I worked towards my masters degree in PK-12 Education Administration. In 2019, I took the Kenesaw Elementary Principal position.

Education
MEd. PK-12 Administration, University of Kearney – Nebraska, Kearney, NE
BA K-6 Elementary Education, University of Kearney – Nebraska, Kearney, NE
BA K-12 Health and Physical Education, University of Kearney – Nebraska, Kearney, NE
BA 7-12 Interscholastic Coaching, University of Kearney – Nebraska, Kearney, NE

My Educational Philosophy
We are all learners gifted with different abilities. As an educator, we are tasked with supporting learners in their development of the abilities they have been gifted. The challenge in all of this is that sometimes the abilities we have as educators don’t align with the learners we have, therefore as a community of educators, parents, and students we must come together to collaborate on helping all learners achieve excellence in who they are and what they want to do.

Favorites
Sport: Football
Teams: Cornhuskers and Bears
Food: Anything from the grill or blackstone
Snack: Regular Kettle Chips, Blue Ranch Doritos Drink: Coffee and Gatorade Zero
Holiday: Christmas
Hobby: Construction and tools, outdoor games
Color: Gray
Season: Summer