"I love teaching! I spent 15 years teaching at the high school/college level in the philosophy department of St. Petersburg College. I only gave it up when a family member’s declining health necessitated a move from Florida to the Detroit, Michigan area.

Academically, I first earned a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences. Shortly after graduation, I secured a "real" job which involved planning and reviewing state mass transportation projects for the California Department of Transportation in Sacramento. If you haven't heard of the BART system in the San Francisco Bay Area, I'm sure you've heard of the Cable Cars - I was responsible for reviewing and implementing extensions and renovations of those projects and others that were less well known.

After moving from Sacramento to Fresno, I became a City Planner. In an effort to increase my understanding of public service, I completed a Master of Public Administration. Eventually I became frustrated by my inability to address the needs of less affluent residents and neighborhoods. At the same time, I was impressed by the influence of religious leaders in those communities and I moved across the country to attend seminary.

Since obtaining a Master of Divinity Degree, I've had three major positions. The first was as a chaplain for Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. My second major position was as a Visitation Supervisor/victim advocate for CASA in St. Petersburg. Finally, I spent 15 years as a manager for an agency which serves the needs of people who have issues with mental illness, substance abuse, homelessness or aging. Some of them were veterans who have PTSD and substance abuse issues.

I tell potential students all this to illustrate that, not only do I have extensive teaching experience, but I have had unique personal encounters which have made me compassionate and understanding. They have also made me tough! The people I serve know that I always have their backs, as long as they do their part to achieve their goals." less...