Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Columbia, Missouri and Kansas City.

Where did you work before you landed at Exploring New Horizons?

I worked as Manager of Strategy & Development for New Teacher Center, an educational non-profit that provides high-quality mentoring and professional development for teachers and principals.

How did you enjoy your time in nature as a kid? How do you enjoy you time in nature now?

I used to go backpacking with my dad and brother in Rocky Mountain National Park. Now I spend a lot of time going on day hikes with my wife, Rebecca, and my two kids, Gabriel (6) and Casey (3).

What do you love about Exploring New Horizons?

I love how ENH embraces the concept of concentric mentoring. Naturalists mentor the students and high school cabin leaders through hands-on learning and fun in the outdoors. Classroom teachers mentor the naturalists and cabin leaders in terms of how to be a teacher in the classroom, and they mentor the students in a new way as a learning peer. Cabin leaders mentor the students as role models, and also the naturalists and teachers about what it’s like to be a teenager. And students mentor everyone by showing the natural curiosity, enthusiasm and deep learning that emerges when you take children outside.

What is your favorite Outdoor School activity?

I love singing a song on stage at campfire about a concept the students learned earlier that day and watching the expressions on their faces as they sing, smile, and learn with their friends.

What do you for fun on your free time?

I like to ride my bike, hike, write, and play with my kids.

If you were a native California plant, what would you be and why?

I would be mugwort because I could grow almost anywhere without much water and I love the smell of the leaves.

What do you hope every student that attends ENH achieves or experiences?

I hope that every student that attends our program sees themselves as a strong, confident, and positive individual who is connected to the natural world and is excited to learn more about what they saw at outdoor school.

If you could have any superpower…?

I wish I had the ability to talk to any animal.

What is your favorite place to hike in Bay Area?

I love to hike on the wild and rocky beaches between Santa Cruz and Pescadero.