Tell us about your background?
I grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland and attended Mount St. Mary’s where I majored in biology. Later, I received my master’s in educational leadership from Concordia University of Portland.
How did you begin your Career at ACHS?
In 2004, I was working in the industry as a forensic toxicologist when Larry Savoy asked me to come and teach summer school sharing that Carroll needed a biology teacher and I’ve been here ever since. I started as a summer school teacher teaching biology and conceptual physics and then I was hired full-time and I taught biology and conceptual physics. I became the department chair for the science department and also assistant track coach. Nine years later, I was offered a position as vice principal which prepared me for my role now as Principal of Archbishop Carroll High School.
You have enjoyed an incredible transition from working in your industry exclusively to serving as an educator. How do you apply your love for learning to your current role?
I’ve always enjoyed being in the classroom, even as a small person through middle school and high school. I just enjoyed school. That’s the type of love that I want to impart upon our students here at Archbishop Carroll. If you ask me I would be a student for the rest of my life.
How do you incorporate ACHS’s unique culture into the academic school day?
We must continue to invest in the culture and climate here, those go hand-in-hand when you want to provide an academically rigorous learning environment. That means encouraging all faculty and staff to treat our community as a family.
We have a period of time in the middle of the day that is built just for us to be in community. During that period, teachers check in with students and discuss a range of things from social activities to college and career goals.
Why is it important for you to share your unique background to inspire students?
It is very important to me to make sure that my students know my background. I am mentoring a student now who expressed an interest in science. This time it’s very important to make sure that when they see me they don’t just see someone in education, but that they know my story.