A Lifelong Passion for Learning, Leadership, and Human Potential
For more than 30 years, I've been exploring a question that continues to shape my work: What helps people discover their potential and become who they're capable of being?
My journey as an educator has taken me through university classrooms, community colleges, private schools, charter programs, and homeschool communities. I've also spent more than 20 years homeschooling my five sons, giving me a unique perspective on education both inside and outside the classroom.
Throughout these experiences, I've become convinced that education is about far more than acquiring knowledge. It's about cultivating curiosity, developing character, discovering abilities, and preparing young people for meaningful lives.
My Journey in Education
My academic background includes a Master of Arts in Education, a Master of Science in Apparel, Interiors, Merchandising & Design, and a teaching credential in Social Studies.
Throughout my career, I've worked as a classroom teacher, college instructor, homeschool parent, mentor, and educational leader. I've also designed educational programs, developed project-based learning experiences, and created resources that help parents and educators bring meaningful learning to life.
Along the way, I was honored to receive the student-nominated Crystal Apple Award for teaching excellence.
But some of my most meaningful discoveries haven't come from formal classrooms. They've come from watching young people grow when someone recognizes their potential, honors their individuality, and invites them to take responsibility for their own learning.
THE EXPERIENCE BEHIND THE PHILOSOPHY
Experience & Expertise
Decades of teaching, mentoring, and designing meaningful learning experiences.
Two Master's Degrees
Education and Apparel, Interiors, Merchandising & Design
Credentialed Educator
Single Subject Teaching Credential · Social Studies
30+ Years
Teaching in diverse educational settings
20+ Years
Homeschooling 5 sons
Learning Experience Design
Educational programs, projects, and mentor resources
Educational Leadership
LEMI Director of Operations, educational community development, and conference leadership
2019 Crystal Apple Award for Teaching Excellence
Discovering a Different Approach
Over the years, I've come to believe that one of the most important questions we can ask about education isn't simply What do students need to know?
It's Who are they becoming?
What abilities are they developing? What inspires their curiosity? How are they learning to think independently, make meaningful choices, take responsibility, and lead?
These questions have shaped my commitment to mentoring, classical literature, project-based learning, and leadership education.
I believe education can do more than prepare students for the next test or academic milestone. It can help them discover their unique genius and develop the capacity to make meaningful contributions to the world.
Developing Mentors. Inspiring Leaders.
As Director of Operations at the Leadership Education Mentoring Institute (LEMI), I help equip parents, educators, and community leaders with the principles, skills, and resources to create transformative learning experiences.
My commitment to educational change extends beyond the classroom. I've helped establish learning communities, designed educational programs and project-based learning experiences, trained mentors, and organized conferences that bring parents and educators together to explore new possibilities for education.
These experiences have strengthened my belief that lasting educational change happens through people—especially those who are willing to grow, lead, and share what they've learned.
Today, I'm particularly passionate about mentoring those who are prepared to carry these ideas forward, extending their influence into classrooms, families, and communities.
Sharing What I've Learned
As co-author of The Learning Zone and Developing a Mentor's Heart: Educating a Generation of Leaders, I share principles and practical insights drawn from decades of experience.
Through speaking engagements and professional development workshops, I help educators, parents, and organizational leaders explore new possibilities for learning, mentoring, and leadership.
My presentations are designed to challenge assumptions, encourage thoughtful reflection, and provide practical approaches that participants can apply in their own educational environments.
Through coaching, I invest more personally in individuals who are ready to deepen their understanding, strengthen their abilities, and carry meaningful educational ideas forward.
The Journey Continues
I believe learning is a lifelong pursuit.
The principles that help young people discover their potential are the same principles that help us continue growing throughout adulthood.
Whether we're teaching, mentoring, raising children, leading organizations, or entering a new chapter of life, there's always more to discover and more potential to cultivate.
That's the journey I continue to explore, and I invite you to explore it with me.
Let's Connect
Whether you're interested in rethinking education, bringing fresh perspectives to your school or organization, or growing as a mentor and leader, I'd love to connect.
Explore My Books | Invite Me to Speak | Explore Coaching