I was born and raised in Southeast Kansas and developed an interest in sports and fitness early in life. To pursue my passion in teaching and coaching, I received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University in 2007. I taught physical education and coached basketball in a rural community south of Kansas City for 7 years, and in 2012, I completed my Master’s Degree in Human Performance and Wellness.

In 2014, our family relocated to Joplin to be closer to our family and I continued teaching and coaching in the Joplin School District. I currently teach physical education at South Middle School and serve as the head middle school cross country, girls basketball, and track & field coach. 

Through my career as a teacher and coach, I have developed a passion for helping others achieve their goals. For that reason, I have worked to receive certifications from NASM-CPT, Precision Nutrition Level 1, IronMan and Revo2lution Running.

My family is my biggest motivator in all that I do. My wife, Kayla, is currently a pediatric physical therapist for the Joplin School District. We have two children, Emery (age 11) and Cale (age 8). Our family enjoys an active lifestyle, loving to run, cycle, swim, hike and be outdoors together.