The Mountain Man's Hideaway

Here is a little about me. I was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, graduating high school in 1982. I moved to Boulder, Colorado to go to school and haven't been back. I love this state and its incredible varied landscapes, natural beauty, and unique weather. I graduated from the University of Colorado in December 1988 a "semester early" with a major in Political Science and a teaching certificate in social studies (CU does not offer education as a major, so you have to tack it on at the end of your major and graduation requirements, which is why it took me 6 1/2 years). I have taught in several places in Colorado, my absolute favorite being in Nucla, Colorado. I coached two state runner-up wrestling teams while I was there and was a member of the volunteer fire department. Unfortunately, student enrollment dropped so low that I was laid off as a result of being the last hired by almost 6 years. I hope to get back there some day.

I am currently not teaching, getting away from the profession 4 years ago after suffering burn out. Not from the students, however, but after encountering my first really abrasive and non-supportive administrator. He managed to take all the fun out of teaching and I lost my creativity trying to please the man. I couldn't subject my students to my "new" bland teaching style so I became self-employed and dedicated my new found free time to my children (Contrary to popular belief, teachers don't have THAT much free time.

I am currently enrolled in the University of Phoenix to earn my Masters degree for Integrating Technology into the Curriculum. This program is designed to help educators become more proficient with the use of technology and bring this wonderfully exciting educational tool to the desktops of our students. I have always loved using technology to enhance my lessons so leaping into this program was a no-brainer. I have not been disappointed with my decision as I have discovered many useful tools and ideas along with new educational websites. Most importantly, I have learned from fellow students/colleagues new ideas and methods to adapt existing "old" technology into new and exciting hands-on lessons for students. Overall, I am becoming a better teacher from this program and can't wait to bring my new arsenal of "fun" strategies to a classroom again.

In addition to the beautiful children I have pictured on this page (the pictures are about 7-8 years old now), I have two wonderful step-sons and a 6 year old boy, Collin.Click here for Collin's Miracle Story. Unfortunately, the boys' mother and I are no longer together but we are still friends and totally committed to being the best co-parents for these boys. The links you will find on this page will direct you back to a website my ex-wife and I developed while we were together. This website for the most part has not been changed much since the divorce because I, at least, want to keep it as somewhat of a snapshot of the good things our family experienced together so that our children will be able to look at it and see part of their history. To see pics of my step-sons in their younger days, click the link at the bottom of this page.

Here is a pic of me doing what I love best to do in the summer time, climbing mountains. This is on top of Mount Elbert the first time I climbed it. It is the highest peak in Colorado and the second highest in the continental United States, but is well down the list for elevation gain.

At this time I would like to show off the number one joy in my life: