Instructor+Biography

My interest in teaching reflects my desire to provide young people with the knowledge and intellectual tools necessary to further their educational growth as well as their development into informed citizens. I believe that the young are uniquely positioned to be the champions of the American ideal and I feel a personal drive to act as steward to their educational and personal growth. This stewardship is how I view education in general and teaching in particular. It is a mix of the application solid methods, direct coordination and subtle guidance that not only provides for academic success but intellectual and personal accomplishment. My personal history begins having been born in Boston Massachusetts in 1972 to a mixed Hispanic and Slovak family. Eventually my family settled in Minnesota. I attended Wayzata High School then majored in Sociology with a focus on Criminal Justice. While attending St. Thomas I enlisted in the Marine Corps (Reserve) and served as a Military Police Officer. After graduating and completing my military commitment I worked as a police officer then as a youth councilor and then moved to the private sector. Eventually I made the decision to return to school to get my teaching degree and it is that decision that brings me to this current position. My personal interests include backpacking, photography, writing, politics, art history, military history as well as having traveled in 23 different countries.
 * Instructor Biography **