I grew up in the small logging town of Hoquiam, WA on the Olympic Peninsula.  I started volunteering for youth ministries in 1997 while I went to the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and Whatcom Community College.  After receiving a transfer degree from Whatcom, I accepted a Junior High Youth Internship with First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue.  The internship gave me a new passion and desire to pursue youth ministry as a vocation.  I then went back to school and received a BA in Biblical Studies from Trinity Lutheran College. 

My wife Mandie and I have been married for three and a half years.  Our son Keaton is two, and we have a beagle, and a cat.  Some of my favorite things include listening to music like Third Day, Jack Johnson, and Supertones, playing my Guitar, watching movies, reading including books like Mere Christianity, Screwtape Letters, the Wheel of Time series, and the Divine Conspiracy.  I love to try new foods; Greek, Italian, and Mexican food (but only the vegetarian variety) are among my favorites.  Some sports I enjoy are soccer, snowboarding, ultimate frizbee, and bocce ball.  But most of all I am very excited to be a part of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.  I look forward to partnering with the church community to help assist the youth in becoming more fully devoted followers of Christ.