Who is This Guy?
Working with kids has been part of my life since I was 13 years old! From teaching swim lessons and working as a camp counselor at my local YMCA to coaching my own kids' athletic teams, I've had the opportunity to connect with young people in all kinds of settings. What started as something I enjoyed became something much bigger—a lifelong passion for teaching, coaching, and helping kids grow.
What keeps me doing it after all these years is simple: Nothing makes me happier than seeing a kid feel good about who they are and realize what they're capable of!
I'm currently in my 27th year as an educator! My teaching career began in the Colonial School District as a 4th grade teacher, followed by teaching 3rd grade at Gladwyne Elementary in the Lower Merion School District. Today, I teach 5th grade math and science at Black Rock Middle School. Along the way, I've earned a master's degree in Elementary Education, a Reading Specialist certification, and certification as an Adventures in WISDOM Life Coach™. I was also honored to be recognized as a Philadelphia Phillies "All-Star Teacher" in 2008.
I've always believed that great teaching doesn't have to be all serious business! My classroom has always had room for humor, laughter, and a lot of fun. But behind all of that is something I take very seriously: building genuine relationships with kids. When children know you truly care about them, they're more willing to take chances, make mistakes, and believe in themselves. That's the kind of connection I've always worked to build.
But don't just take my word for it... ask the kids and families I've had the good fortune to work with!
How Did He Get Here?
Growing up, I struggled with anxiety, stress, and perfectionism. I had a tendency to overthink just about everything, worry about making the wrong decisions, and sometimes get in my own way. Looking back, I simply didn't have the tools or understanding to manage my thoughts and emotions. Those were things I was never really taught.
In my late twenties, after facing some difficult personal challenges, I realized I needed some guidance of my own. That decision led me to Dr. Philip Friedman, who helped turn my life around. Through his guidance, I began to understand myself in ways I never had before. I became fascinated with personal growth and began reading, learning, and putting these strategies into practice in my own life.
As the years went on, I began hearing from more and more parents of my elementary school students who were concerned about their children's mental and emotional well-being. That's when the lightbulb went on!
What if I could take what I'd learned through my own experiences and use it to help kids develop these skills now, instead of waiting until adulthood like I did?
That question became the inspiration for T-Kids Youth & Teen Coaching. I can't prevent kids from experiencing setbacks, disappointments, or difficult emotions, but I can help give them the tools I wish I'd had growing up!
A Little More...
First and foremost, I'm a proud dad of three amazing kids! Over the years, I've had the opportunity to coach them in baseball, softball, basketball, and flag football. These days, I'm just as happy sitting on the sidelines, cheering them on with a warm cup of coffee in my hand!
When I'm not teaching, coaching, or being Dad, I enjoy relaxing at the pool or beach, listening to just about every kind of music, and catching up with my childhood and Shippensburg buddies. I'm also a huge Philadelphia sports fan, and you'll find me rooting for the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturdays!
I'm also a big believer in continuing to work on myself. Whether it's meditating, journaling, reading personal growth books, listening to podcasts, or hitting the gym before the sun comes up, I try to practice many of the same principles I teach. I'm certainly not perfect, but I believe there's always room to learn, grow, and become a better version of ourselves.
