Introduction

Previous work experience: 

YMCA Greater Grand Rapids Area, teen counselor; Grand Rapids City High-Middle School, AP English teacher at an urban magnet school; Sparta High School, psychology and English teacher in a rural setting; SPH International, English teacher at a distinctly Christian IB school outside of Jakarta; St. Timothy's School, English teacher at an all-girls internation boarding school outside of Baltimore.

Where I am From:

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI. I'm the youngest, least spoiled child and I was definitely a surprise. I am a product of white privilege and the middle-class myth. I have three older sisters, and four older step-siblings. Growing up, my house looked nothing like The Brady Bunch's but I wish Alice could have swept away my anger and my room. 

I went to Christian schools for my entire schooling. I was a complete momma's boy but she died when I was twelve. I then set up house with my dad. He started dating and so did I, but then he got married and I got angry. I like to think that I was raised by my best friends Mike and Pete, but in all honesty I had an amazing dad and an incredibly supportive community.

I attended Calvin College and fell in love with teaching when I realized I couldn't be a YMCA camp counselor for the rest of my life. I chose to study English because it felt personal not because I was particularly good at it.  

I'm an avid outdoorsman. If I'm not outside, I'm stealing glances out the window. I enjoy running, camping, playing and coaching soccer, catch and release fishing, singing in chorus, and hiking.