Born in 1978 in Ukiah, CA, I spent my childhood in the Oak Manor neighborhood, attending Oak Manor Elementary School, Pomolita Middle School, and Ukiah High School. My early commitment to community service was evident through my involvement as a Ukiah Fire Department Explorer Scout.

After graduating high school in 1997, I embarked on a significant chapter of my life by joining the United States Marine Corps. During my eight years of service, I had the opportunity to serve at each primary Marine Corps installation, starting from Okinawa, Japan, followed by Camp Lejeune, NC, and Camp Pendleton, CA. My service included a deployment to Iraq from 2003 to 2004, an experience that profoundly shaped my perspective.

Upon returning to Ukiah, I transitioned through various professional roles. I began as an insurance broker, then moved into manufacturing. I grew from a safety manager to production manager and eventual superintendent at Mendocino Forest Products, overseeing the treating plant, sawmill, and log yard. Brief stints as a Safety Manager at Granite Construction in Ukiah and as General Manager at METALfx in Willits, CA, followed before I shifted my career toward education, now teaching in the Ukiah Unified School District, an immensely fulfilling role.