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Professional History

Vision Statement

A learner at heart and a leader by example, I make thoughtful decisions that empower others and create lasting, positive change.

Mission Statement

I cultivate growth and resilience by mentoring others, leading with integrity, and making thoughtful, informed decisions. Through continuous learning and compassionate leadership, I create opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.

Core Values


I live with authenticity.

I choose to lead a life true to who I am, not shaped by expectation or performance. I make decisions that reflect my values, even when they are hard, and I let go of roles or paths that no longer serve the person I am becoming. Authenticity grounds everything I do—in my leadership, my creativity, and my relationships. 

I practice reflection before action.

I believe in the power of thoughtfulness. I pause, listen, and weigh possibilities with care. My choices—whether in education, leadership, or life—are shaped not by impulse, but by a desire to do what is right and lasting. I learn from my experiences and allow them to guide my next steps. 

I act with justice and compassion.

I stand for fairness, especially for those who are too often forgotten. I have devoted my life to creating opportunities for students and communities on the margins. Justice to me means meeting people where they are and believing in who they can become. 

I endure with quiet strength.

I have known hardship and kept going. I don’t seek out struggle, but I face it when it comes—with resilience, patience, and resolve. Fortitude for me isn’t about being unshaken; it’s about rising again and again, guided by purpose. 

I seek balance and know what is enough.

I choose a life of temperance—of meaningful moments, not endless striving. I find peace in quiet rituals, in tending to what is mine, and in knowing that joy is often found in what is small, steady, and honest.

I am a learner at heart.

I am committed to the pursuit of wisdom—in books, in people, in experience. My love of learning is not confined to classrooms; it lives in art, in writing, in difficult questions and unexpected answers. I grow by remaining open, curious, and engaged.

I live with awareness of mortality.

I know this life is brief. That truth doesn’t bring despair—it gives shape to my days. I honor the past, reflect on loss, and hold close what matters. I want my life to mean something: to be remembered not for its noise, but for its integrity, its care, and its presence.

My Philosophy of Education



I believe education is a social contract with the future, a promise to prepare students to become informed, responsible citizens who lead lives of purpose and integrity. My philosophy centers on creating supportive, inquiry-driven learning environments where students develop critical thinking, ethical reflection, and the resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges. As a facilitator of learning, I guide students toward self-discovery and lifelong growth, blending the thoughtful integration of technology with a deep respect for tradition and enduring human values. Through this balance, education becomes not just a pathway to academic success, but a foundation for meaningful participation in society.

Professional History

Adjunct Instructor

  • Missouri Southern State University, 2024
    • Upward Bound

Teacher

  • Joplin Schools, 2007-Present
    • North Middle School, 2007-2010
      • Title-V (At-Risk), Grades 6-8
      • Alternative Education, Grades 6-8
      • ARISE
    • Joplin High School, 2010-Present
    • Roi S. Wood Campus, 2018-2019
      • Administrative Assistant
    • Joplin Schools Virtual Academy, 2020-Present
      • Assistant Virtual Instructor
      • Teacher of Record

Student Teacher

  • Carthage Senior High School, 2007
    • Supervisor, Dr. Conrad Gubera
    • Economics, Mr. Brown
    • Geography, Mr. Grundy

Junior Internship

  • Webb City High School, 2005
    • Supervisor: Dr. Vikki Spencer
    • United States History: Ms. Ponce

Substitute Teacher

  • Carthage R-IX, 2004-2005
    • Carthage Junior High School
    • Carthage Senior High School

Assistant Football Coach

  • Carthage Junior High School, 2004
    • 7th Grade
    • Head Coach Robin Hicklin 

Cadet Teacher

  • Carthage Junior High School, 2001
    • 7th Grade Reading
    • Cooperating Teacher: Ms. Jones

A+ Tutor

  • Steadley Elementary School, 1999-2000
    • Early Childhood Reading
    • Cooperating Teacher: Ms. Nobel

Additional Experience

On-call Employee

  • City of Carthage, MO, 2025-Present
    • Carthage Civil War Museum

City Councilor

  • City of Carthage, MO, 2017-2014
    • Ward 2 Representative 
      • Chair of the Public Works Committee
      • Vice-Chair of the Insurance/Audits and Claims Committee
      • Budget Committee Member
    • Council Liaison
      • Civil War Museum Advisory Board
      • Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation Commission

Attendant/Custodian

  • City of Carthage, MO, 2007-2007
    • Carthage Civil War Museum
    • Carthage Memorial Hall

Education & Training

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

William Woods University

  • Certificate: eMINTS Professional Certificate, 2012

Missouri Southern State University 

Carthage Senior High School

  • Graduate with Academic Honors, 2001

Educator's Certificate



High School

  • Agricultural Education 9-12
  • Biology 9-12
  • Business Education 9-12
  • Earth Science 9-12
  • English 9-12
  • Journalism 9-12
  • Marketing 9-12
  • Speech and Theatre 9-12
  • Social Science 9-12
  • Technology and Engineering 9-12

Middle School

  • Agricultural Education 5-9
  • Business Education 5-9
  • General Science 5-9
  • Language Arts 5-9
  • Mathematics 5-9
  • Social Science 5-9
  • Speech and Theatre 5-9
  • Technology and Engineering 5-9

Elementary

  • Early Childhood Education B-3
  • Early Childhood Special Education B-3
  • Elementary Education 1-6

K-12

  • Art K-12
  • Family and Consumer Sciences K-12
  • Health K-12
  • Physical Education K-12
  • Mild/Moderate Cross Categorical Special Education K-12

Administration

  • Director of Special Education (in progress)
  • Principal 7-12
  • Superintendent K-12 (in progress)

Additional Certifications and Honors

United States Marine Corps

  • Marine Corps Educators' Workshop
    • Honorary Marksman, Issued April 2024

Abide University

  • Doctor of Divinity, Issued 2023
    • Major: Dudeist Studies

Youth Mental Health First Aid, USA

  • National Council for Mental Wellbeing; Issued August 2022 - Expired August 2025

Notary Public 

  • State of Missouri, Issued March 2021 - Expired March 2025

Basic Training in the Trauma-Skilled Schools Model

  • National Dropout Prevention Center, Issued March 2021

Adaptive Schools Foundation Seminar Certificate of Completion

  • Thinking Collaborative; Issued: October 2019

Cognitive Coaching Foundation Seminar Certificate of Completion

  • Thinking Collaborative; Issued: December 2018

Golden Apple Award Finalist

  • Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, 2017

Golden Apple Award Nominee

  • Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, 2017, 2019, 2021 

First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification

  • American Red Cross; Issued August 2016

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) Blue Card

  • Crisis Prevention Institute; Issued: September 2016 - Expired: September 2018

Golden Eagle Award

  • Joplin Schools
  • Roi S. Wood Campus, 2011-2012

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency; Issued: December 2010

Affiliations and Associations

Battle of Carthage, Inc.

  • Board Member, 2023

Cognia

  • Engagement Review Team Member, 2022

Missouri Municipal League

  • Economic Development and Human Resources Policy Committee Member, 2021-2024

American Association of Notaries

  • Member, 2021-2025

Missouri Association of Secondary Principals

  • Member, 2018-2021

Mother's Brewing Company

  • Volunteer, 2018 - Present

Missouri State Teacher's Association

  • Member, 2017-2020

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

  • Member, 2016 - Present

Grand Lodge of Missouri

  • Fellowship #345 AF &AM, 2013 - Present
    • Master Mason, 2014
    • Fellowcraft, 2013
    • Entered Apprentice, 2013 

Missouri Alternative Education Network

  • Member, 2013 - Present
  • Presenter, 2013, 2014

National MS Society

  • Community Council Chairman, 2012

Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary

  • Rosary Center & Confraternity
    • Confrere, 2012

The Associates of Assumption Abbey

  • Order of the Cistercians of the Strict Observance (O.C.S.O.)
    • Lay Cistercian, 2012

Confraternity of Saint Gregory’s Abbey

  • Order of St. Benedict (O.S.B.), Episcopal 
    • Oblate, 2012

National Education Association

  • Member, 2009 - Present
  • Joplin NEA
    • Executive Board Member, 2010-2012; 2020-2024
    • Vice President, 2021-2023
    • President, 2011-2012; 2023-2024
    • Collective Bargaining Team, 2021-2024
    • Political Committee Chairman, 2021-2024
  • Missouri NEA 
    • Political Action Committee Executive Board Member, 2011-2012; 2020-2022

Church of the Latter Day Dude

  • Ordained, August 4, 2008

MSSU History Club

  • President, 2005-2006

Watered Gardens - Joplin, Mo

  • Volunteer, 2002-2006

Spring River Southern Baptist Association

  • Baptized, 1990
  • First Baptist Church - Carthage, MO
    • Youth Worship Team, 1998-2002
  • Spring River Baptist Association - Joplin, MO
    • Summer Worship Team, 1999-2006
    • Summer Camp Counselor, 2002-2006
  • Missouri Southern State University Baptist Student Union
    • Discipleship Leader, 2004
    • Community Worship Team, 2004-2005
  • Wildwood Southern Baptist Church - Joplin, MO
    • Youth Worship Team, 2002-2006
    • Worship Team, 2003-2006
    • Sunday School Teacher, 2003-2005
    • Assistant Youth Minister, 2004

Special Olympics

  • Volunteer, 1997-2007

Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America

  • Grace Episcopal Church - Carthage, MO
    • Christened, 1983
    • Conferatur, 2012
    • Parishioner, 2016
    • Lay Minister, 2012-2020