INSTRUCTOR PROFILE:
I graduated from San Jose State University and spent a short time in the computer industry before starting my teaching career in 6th grade back in 1996. A few years later, my wife and I moved to the San Luis Obispo area, where I continued teaching middle school math and coached a variety of sports. In 2013, we moved to Phoenix with our three kids, and I taught middle school for a couple more years. In 2015, I joined Arizona State University, where I’ve spent the past decade working with future elementary teachers and helping them learn how to teach math.
My experience in education has prepared me to work with students at many different levels. In teaching and tutoring settings, I focus on a hands-on approach to math, using tools like manipulatives, drawings, and diagrams to help students truly understand what they’re doing. I’ve always believed math is more than just getting the right answer; it’s about making sense of ideas. In my work with future teachers, I emphasize the importance of helping students think, reason, and problem-solve rather than simply memorize steps.
I pride myself on building strong connections with my students. I do this by learning about their interests and finding ways to connect those interests to our math work. Since math is everywhere, helping students see how it shows up in their own lives makes it more meaningful and engaging. I also give students choices in how they approach problems, which helps them feel more invested. I encourage them to solve problems in ways that make sense to them and then build on their thinking to deepen their understanding.
I grew up as a big sports fan and played football, basketball, and baseball in high school, then continued playing baseball in college with hopes of reaching the major leagues. While that path didn’t work out, I found a lot of fulfillment in coaching middle school students across a variety of sports, including baseball, basketball, softball, flag football, soccer, volleyball, and track. Beyond athletics, I’ve also performed in several plays and musicals. I spent much of my childhood backpacking in Yosemite and now enjoy hiking in the Sonoran Desert.
For Peak Academics, I offer math tutoring services ranging from foundational number sense in kindergarten through Geometry. I also provide organizational support and homework management through our Integrative Academic & Executive Functions Tutoring service.
Testimonial:
Coming soon…