I was born and grew up in Alabama, but I escaped the cotton fields by enlisting in the US Army.  I spent almost 6 years on active duty, working as an Air Traffic Controller and having a great time!  I kept my time going and eventually retired as a LCDR, after having transferred into the US Navy, with 23 years, 6 months, and 11 days, but who's counting?  I loved serving my country and would not trade a minute of that time for anything.

I went to college while I was on active duty, and got out to finish my degree.  I spent two years at Auburn University in Engineering, and then transferred to the University of Texas at El Paso.  I graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering.  I worked in that field for over 20 years, and along the way obtained a Master's in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.  I've taken and am taking classes to help me in teaching, and with teaching more advanced mathematics.  I was lucky enough to be selected for the Teacher Excellence program, and spend one day per month in class, learning strategies for teaching calculus.  It is a two year program, with one week in each of the two summer breaks.  The first week, I had an incredible time at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

One thing that I've loved to do and continue to do now, is train dogs.  I am a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT), and maintain that certification by continuing my education in canine learning theory and application.  I am also a Team Evaluator for Delta Society, getting Pet Partner teams in the field.  I also do canine behavior modification, specializing in aggression cases.

In 2004, I packed up and moved from California to Tennessee.  I did this to be near my family and help with the care of my Mother.  I have enjoyed being back in the South, and decided to change my occupation as well.  I became part of the Governor's Teach Tennessee program in 2005.  

I am now in the process of moving to Henderson, NV.  I do not know if I will teach kids there, or train dogs there.  I'll let you know how that decision progresses.

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