Although I was born in Portland, Oregon, I have lived in Western Pa. most of my life. My early childhood was spent in Regent Square where I attend Swissvale area schools and South Avenue United Methodist Church. My family moved to Murrysville when I was in fifth grade. I graduated from Franklin Regional High School in 1984. While at FR I played soccer, skied, and learned to fly single engine airplanes. My family attended First Presbyterian Church in Murrysville. I maintained ties to the Methodist church and attended summer camps at Jummonville on a regular basis. I eventually became an instructor in photography for a number of years. It was during the wonderful time at Jummonville that I asked Jesus to be my personal Savior.

After High school, I moved to Charleston, South Carolina to attend the College of Charleston. While attending CofC, I worked full time building houses, finish carpentry, stone work and stucco, and furniture building. Later, I got involved in the food service industry. I worked my way from a waiter to a chef working in a number of restaurants in South Carolina and Pennsylvania. I spent my free time sailing, playing soccer, and time at the beach with my dog. I graduated from the College of Charleston in 1991 with at BA in Philosophy and minor in History.

Also while attending CofC, the greatest event in my earthly life occurred; I met my future wife, Jill. We now have three beautiful children; Kevi, Isadora, and Ottto, all of which attend Champion Christian School. Although we were married in South Carolina, we moved to Pennsylvania right after the wedding. We bought a house in Bear Rocks and have lived there ever since. We are currently members of The Buchanan Church of God in White, PA.  We enjoy the outdoors and spend free time fishing, camping, biking, and hunting.

Before we were married, I had gotten out the food service industry and back into construction. I had established a home improvement business specializing in built in cabinetry. After we were married, and Issie was on the way, I decided to take a job in Latrobe at a cabinet/custom woodworking shop to permit me more time for family. I was at that job for eight years before being laid off.

They say that "the Lord moves in mysterious ways." Getting laid off gave me the chance to work here at the center on a full time basis. Since coming here, I have felt a greater sense of purpose than I had before. I truly believe that God is working here every day and I am glad to be part of it.

I went through the CDL program here, and had been driving field trips and sporting events for a number of years. Now, I am driving a full time bus route and working in the garage on a daily basis, along with organizing all other transportation duties.

I am truly thankful for what God has given me...A beautiful family and wonderful place to work. I hope I may honor him in all I do.