No better place to begin your life story than at the very beginning.  I was born in Denville, NJ a very long time ago (we will just leave it at that).  I was born a twin (identical at that) and in the years to follow were my 2 sisters.  I was fortunate to grow up on Lake Hopatcong and it was there my fascination for biology started.  I was a fish and turtle kid.  At the age of 10 I told my mom I wanted to build a pond in the back yard to keep all the critters I pulled out of that lake.  I poured a concrete pond all on my own and I threw in there anything and everything aquatic.  Marine science was my passion and I knew it since I was 5 years old! 

 

I majored in Biology at the University of Maine and went on to graduate school there to earn my M.S. in Marine Biology.  My dream job was to work at Sea World.  I didn't want to train the dolphins like everyone else, I wanted to be in charge of the giant fish tanks there.  I actually applied for a position there upon graduating college (starting salary was $16,800).  I didn't get the job......I didn't even get an interview.  Thousands of applicants from around the world with names ending in Ph.D, MD, and DVM. all had the upper hand.  I was ok with that.....but it is still on my bucket list.  

 

I had done some teaching while I was in graduate school and loved it.  Maybe that was to be my path in life.  My very first interview was at Bridgewater-Raritan High School 27 years ago and I have never looked back.  I am fortunate and honored to be a teacher at Bridgewater-Raritan H.S.  I hope to finish out my career there and then find some tropical beach to retire to.  

 

My wife is also a high school biology teacher.  She teaches out in PA where I live.  I have a daughter who is a senior at Pitt, a goldendoodle who is afraid of boxes (very weird), a little white yippy dog and 2 rabbits.  One of my rabbits is a Flemish Giant, and giant he is, he weights close to 19 lbs!!!  Turtles and fish frequent my house as well.

 

I was an adjunct professor at RVCC for  15 years.  I have taught Principles of Biology, Human Biology, Anatomy & Physiology I & II, and Marine Biology.  I enjoy the change of pace teaching at the college level.

 

One of my passions in life is coaching soccer for Parkland Area Soccer Club (out in Lehigh Valley, PA).  I love being a coach!

 

Living out in PA has required quite the commute to get to work.  I leave my house around 4:30 am and arrive at BRHS at around 6 am.  Yes, it is dark at 4:30 am no matter what time of year.  :)  I do the commute because I love the school in which I teach.  I am very fortunate!