Like most students, my love for art started in elementary school and has continued to this day. I started drawing seriously around the age of eight, usually doing portraits and that continued through high school. When I went to college I took a ceramics class, and that is the medium I work in now. Most of my work is done on the potter's wheel and is utilitarian. This is my eleventh year teaching here in Pleasant Valley at Cody and Bridgeview Elementary. Everyday brings challenges, but also great surprises in the art room. I learn just as much from my students as they learn from me, and although elementary art is teaching the basics of art, I still encourage the students to use their individuality when it comes to creating their artwork. Outside of school I try to work in my studio whenever I have the time. I am currently working on my M.A. in Art Education through Nebraska-Kearney. I live in Davenport with my wife Erin and we have two pets, Roxie, our cat, and our dog Ferris.