Recent History:
I have been working in technology for 20 years both with large corporations and small start-ups, domestically and abroad. I have a passion for helping others through education and project management. When I have an opportunity to streamline a process and then teach others how to use that new process I jump for joy. My career in technology has made me a jack-of-all-trades. You can think of me as a utility infielder on a baseball team, able to help and benefit an organization when needed.
Eight years ago, I needed a change in focus; I wanted to be of service and hoped to use my skills to that end. In 2009, I joined the United States Peace Corps with my wife and we went to Romania. Peace Corps did not have any technology positions for me so I was assigned to work as TEFL instructor. This was new ground and I was wholly unprepared to teach 6th graders about English. I was given three months of training and sent into the field. The learning curve was crazy steep — learning a new language and culture. . . figuring out how to connect with my students. . . teaching them and holding all of us accountable for learning. By the end of my two year service, I was enjoying the work and was hooked on teaching. I extended my service for a third year and supported professional development by designing Web 2.0 courses for adults through a county library. After Peace Corps, I worked with Bibliomist in Ukraine managing a technology department dedicated to supporting libraries through technology distribution and delivering technology courses.
Coming back the US after five years abroad I knew I wanted to continue in education but stay connected to my skill and passion for technology. which led me to the University of South Carolina Master of Education in Education Technology program. I am looking forward to finding work that allows me to transition into education while valuing the myriad skills I have developed as a Web Designer and Project Manager.
Personal:
I am the proud father of three children under the age of five: Erik, Anka, and Dot. I am even prouder that I made it through grad school with two wee ones while holding down a full time job. But I am the most proud that I have a wife who encouraged me to get this Masters and who supported me throughout it. Let’s be honest, I was not always easy to live with. For fun I play video games (mainly sports), follow Liverpool Football Club, the Houston Astros, and yoyo.