A Lifelong Educator
Education has been at the center of my career for almost two decades. I worked as a teaching assistant while earning my Bachelor of Arts degree from Whitman College and my Master of Science degree from Western Washington University. After graduation, I worked as an Education Specialist and Park Ranger for the National Park Service in Utah and Colorado. Today, I teach physical sciences at Yakima Valley College where I also serve as the membership coordinator for the American Federation of Teachers-Yakima.
Rooted in Yakima
I was born and raised in Arizona, but Washington has been my home for over a decade and Yakima for the last six. My wife and I moved to East Valley in 2019 and both of us have built our careers around education – before welcoming our son Jasper in 2024, Michelle was an occupational therapist with the East Valley School District. Having grown up in a desert, Yakima has felt like home since day 1. It’s where we’ve decided to raise our family, and it’s where we’re committed to giving back.
When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll most likely find me enjoying the great outdoors with friends and family. One of my favorite parts of living in the Yakima Valley is having the amazing Cascades in our backyard for hiking, backpacking, camping, and photography.
Community Leader
I am passionate about giving back to the community and creating learning opportunities for all. In 2021, I co-founded the Yakima Valley Astronomy Club and was elected as Treasurer for the Pacific Northwest Section of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. I also lead educational programs for Cowiche Canyon Conservancy and volunteer with Yakima County Search and Rescue.