I graduated from Iowa State University with a BA in Curriculum & Instruction and an endorsement in Art Education. I also have a Master’s Degree in Art Education from The University of Northern Iowa. I have enjoyed being a teacher in the Des Moines district for many years. I taught in the general classroom for 12 years. I have taught art at Pleasant Hill for 11 years.

When I am not teaching, I am enjoying life at home and in the community. I have a wonderful son who is a former student here at Pleasant Hill. We like to watch movies and go to farmer’s markets. I also enjoy gardening, walking my very large dog, and spending time with the rest of my family.

I am so excited to see everyone again this fall and meet the new families that will join Pleasant Hill! I can’t wait to see what all of our talented young artists have in store for us this year!

I grew up in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota and attended St. Cloud State University where I played collegiate tennis.  After graduating from college, I moved to Illinois to embark on a 12-year teaching career at a high school, intermediate school and ultimately an elementary school.  I enjoyed teaching Physical Education before deciding to teach tennis full-time for a number of years.  I’m so excited to have landed back in teaching at Pleasant Hill Elementary where we have the best students and staff around!

I have a wife who is also a teacher, a 16-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter.  Both of my children are active in tennis, hockey and baseball/softball.

I love to teach students to be physically active and be the best they can be.  I look forward to meeting our new students and connecting with our current students

I have been the music teacher at Pleasant Hill Elementary since the fall of 2012.  I have been a music teacher in the Des Moines district since the fall of 2006. Since beginning my music teaching career in the fall of 1997, I have taught vocal music at all levels from Kindergarten to 12th grade. During my tenure with Des Moines Public Schools, I have provided many different performance opportunities for students, including extracurricular choruses and show choir.  At Pleasant Hill I direct the Panther Pride Show Choir and our Panther Pride Chorus who enjoy the opportunity to share out in the community, including a performance at the Iowa Cubs.  I enjoy writing music for students, and I have written and performed several compositions over my years of teaching.

I believe in teaching the fundamentals necessary to help students take their music to the next level. I also believe in giving students many different performance opportunities to showcase their talents and develop confidence.

I have a son, John who is in his second year at DMACC with plans to transfer to UNI, and my daughter Emma, who will be a Junior at Southeast Polk both attended Pleasant Hill Elementary.   My wife, Julie, is teaching Third Grade at Pleasant Hill Elementary.  I also work part-time for Colfax Tractor Parts as a farm equipment detailer.

During my time at Pleasant Hill, I have seen growth in the musical talents and involvement of students and am excited about the musical opportunities we will have at Pleasant Hill!