I've been teaching here on Outschool since May 2020. It has been my pleasure to teach more than 2200 students here this last year. I find that a dialog with parents is very helpful for encouraging success for students.

Truth, Beauty, and Goodness drive my values in life. Everything I do fits into one of these.

I'm a late bloomer. Learning to (1) read well, (2) think critically, and (3) write finally sunk in when I was in my forties. I was homeschooling my 2 sons at the time. Of their required reading list, one of the books I read was How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler. I was done with grad school (seminary) at the time, but this book rocked my world as a learner (reader) and revolutionized not only my reading comprehension but opened the learning process because of how it changed my reading and thinking process. Over the last 20+ years, I've taught these concepts to elementary-age kids, middle schoolers, high school students, and many guys who are CEOs. All CEOs have a stack of books that they need to read but never get to. There's a funny story here that I'll capture in one of the intro videos I'll put together.

Other subjects I'm passionate about include: social compassion (reaching the disenfranchised), sales and marketing, cooking, dog training, singing opera, counseling/mentoring, and building personal financial success.

Education and License
•    Masters Degree, Biola University, 1995. Emphasis on communication, teaching, counseling, and religion.
•    Bachelor of Arts, Azusa Pacific University, Religion, minor in Business, 1985
•    Licensed, credentialed, and ordained with the Evangelical Free Church of America, 1998.

Profession History
I worked as a pastor for almost 20 years with children, youth, college, and adults. I was a teacher, counselor, mentor, and combined everyday life issues with growth in faith.

In 1999, I transitioned into business and started my first company selling computer components online. This began the next 20 years of business as a successful entrepreneur. The next business was in mortgage banking and real estate. Through both of these industries, marketing and sales were a consistent strength and became specifically focused. Over the last 10 years, my business specialized in digital marketing, content marketing, PR, and advertising.

Spiritual Leadership Summary
- San Diego Rescue Mission, Community Life Ambassador Lead, (2019).
- Brothers of the Leaf Men’s “Cigar” Bible Study, Teacher, Spiritual Leadership Mentor, (2012-present).
- Purpose Funding Company Bible Study, Teacher, Shepherd, (2010-2012).
- Laguna Hills Evangelical Free Church, Associate Pastor, (1989-1999). 
- Orange Evangelical Free Church, Youth Pastor, (1987-1989).
- Lake Avenue Congregational Church, Pastoral Assistant, (1981-1987).
- Arcadia Presbyterian Church, Jr High Intern, (1980-1981).

Community Involvement - NPO
- Big Brother Program, Big Brother Volunteer, (2012-2014).
- Opera Pacific, Opera Chorus Vocalist, (2001-2003).
- John Alexander Singers, Vocalist, (2000-2001).
- Pacific Symphony, Board Guest/Member, (2004).
- Pacific Chorale, Board Member, (2002-2003).
- Pacific Chorale, Vocalist, (1997-2001).
- Bill Glass Prison Ministry, Volunteer (1994-1996).
- Orange County Rescue Mission, Volunteer, (1988-1999).
- Los Angeles Rescue Mission Volunteer (1984-1988).

Why Teaching?
Perhaps my greatest teaching lessons were learned as a substitute teacher in the downtown LA area back when I started grad school (seminary) and then again this last year working again as a substitute in the San Diego area. 

I grew up in church and was bored to tears and usually got in trouble. When I felt called to be a teacher, I thought, no way do I ever want to be another boring teacher. I was only willing to go in this direction with a commitment to never be boring and always offer great value. Early on, I was influenced by the book, Teaching to Change Lives (Hendriks) who left a deep impression on me - to teach in such a way to change the trajectory of a student toward growth and success.

Teaching "how to think" is very central as I teach any subject. This is often missed as a central goal of education. It's not about "how to entertain." I want to offer something much greater. If I can help frame "how to think" and instill the "love of learning" then I've reached my goal of teaching. 

Last, I came out of a good high school with a 3.0 GPA but failed my first year of college. I was not prepared at all. I didn't know how to read, think, or write (and had no study skills). A year later I entered Azusa Pacific University ON academic probation and was required to take English for Dummies (my name for the class), and a study skills class. I was still a hot mess and nearly failed College Comp. It still took me 2 more classes before I finally started to get Cs on my essays. I'm grateful for all the loving, kind, patient teachers, and books that made a difference.