I taught 3 ½ years in a catholic school (St. Ambrose – which is now Merit). I taught 3rd graders, 4th and 5th grade science and a split 7th and 8th grade class. At Merit I taught 5th grade for 4 years. I had the opportunity to be a teacher leader and a lead mentor before becoming an assistant principal. I have been the principal of Detroit Merit for almost 2 years.
I love what I do. The students are fantastic and they work extremely hard. Our focus on high school and beyond is sincere and we make extra efforts to ensure our students choose where they attend high school. We have a dedicated staff of professionals that give an enormous amount of themselves to guarantee our students are challenged daily. DMA is like a family that cares deeply for each of its members. I am proud to be a Merit Mustang!
I have been married for 13 years and have two intelligent, talented, and beautiful daughters. For every decision that we make at Merit, I use my daughters as a reference point. As a family we enjoy swimming, baking, going up north, picking berries, doing crafts, logging wood, and hanging out.
US Army Primary Leadership Academy
US Army Basic Leadership Academy
US Army Advance Leadership Academy
US Army Senior Leadership Academy
I like our students and school staff.
I started my teaching career in the Bay City Public Schools as a kindergarten teacher. A year later I found myself at Detroit Merit Academy teaching 7th-8th Grade science. Four years later, I have been blessed with an Administration position at DMA.
I come to work every day with the children in mind. The idea of changing one student’s life for the better is a powerful thing. My peers, co-workers, and team all working together to better educate more children is what I like most about working here.
I once worked at a Funeral Home and thought of becoming a mortician. I also worked at Comerica Park as a crowd manager to watch the Tigers games.
I am a family man with a lovely wife Cari and three daughters, Eilee, Tatum and Avery (Tatum and Avery are twins)...so, I have lots of hobbies because I live with all women! I enjoy watching TV, golfing, fishing and hanging with my buddies.
Prior to becoming a first and third grade teacher at Detroit Merit Academy I worked in a Kalamazoo pre-school. I then was afforded the opportunity to be a first grade and kindergarten teacher for Kalamazoo Public Schools. During my tenure as a classroom teacher I have also had the opportunity to be a mentor teacher to student teachers from local colleges and universities.
I absolutely adore the students and staff, the comfortable feeling of working among people who feel like family and the devotion from all who are involved. Detroit Merit is sincerely second to none.
I have had a plethora of jobs, from working in a florist, to being a server, to even being a nanny for triplets!
I have many hobbies that I squeeze in after work. I enjoy researching genealogy, playing Zelda, reading and playing with my dog!