Q: Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in Abington PA, attended Abington High School and was a member of the football and track teams. I went on to play Division II football and ran track at Mansfield University in Mansfield PA where I studied Business Management and Computer Science. I played semi-pro football for Northeast for two years after graduation and coached high school football and track.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have two sons, Mack (8) and Hudson (6) who both attend Holland Elementary. My wife Krista grew up in Holland, went to Holland Elementary and graduated from Council Rock (North) before the split. We even live in the house she grew up in and added an addition for my in-laws, Walt & Pam Breuninger who are Neshaminy High graduates. My boys have done a lot of modeling which has exposed them to some really cool experiences. Mack has been doing Ninja Warriors and even qualified for the World Championship. Both boys keep us very busy. We love spending our free time in the Poconos.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career.
Currently I am the Director of Career Readiness for Reach Cyber Charter School (3 yrs) which serves 7,000 students across the Commonwealth of PA. My wife is also the Assistant Principal for elementary education at Reach Cyber. Prior to this I was a business, computer, and information technology teacher then assistant high school principal for Commonwealth Charter Academy (10 yrs total). Before I got into education I worked in human services as a foster care worker for Delta Community Supports and as a residential treatment worker for Bethanna in Southampton, PA.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I love empowering our students to learn about the different career opportunities that are available to them. Giving all students equitable access to the careers that interest them allows them to make a more informed decision about their future before graduation. That is why I love the Charter school model. I think it is misunderstood. Charter schools, like Reach Cyber Charter School, are public schools. We are not like a private school where parents pay us tuition. Instead, if a parent is unhappy with the district they are assigned, they can have their kids enrolled in a charter school and the taxes they pay go to the school they choose instead of the school assigned to them. We provide all the equipment for each student and have a curriculum based on the STEM model so our students are exposed to a wider range of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in all the courses they take.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Ota-ya, Iron Hill Brewery, Bomba Taco, Oishi, Vecchia Osteria and Johnny Apples!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
5 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Matt Bellina. Through his illness, he maintains positivity and hope even though he is dealing with ALS. His intelligence shines through his Facebook posts and he destroys misconceptions that those who don’t know him have about people with differing abilities. He is an excellent father. His wife and children respect and adore him.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Any of the countries on the continent of Africa, just to connect with the culture and the beauty of those countries.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Rick and Morty is my favorite but the Terminal List with Chris Pratt is my second favorite.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind and never let your TV tell you how or what to think. Your lived experience is not the only one so be open to other lived experiences.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Deep sea fishing
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Anything EDM (Electronic Dance Music) or Wu-Tang Clan
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Author Clint Smith, I would probably take him to Iron Hill Brewery and just ask him about his experiences and how he can bring readers along with him on his journey in his book.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The current turnover that has so many kids the same age as my children. It is a great community to grow generations of families that become lifelong friends.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I would like to be the leader of a school so I can have a larger impact on the futures of students.
Q: What is something interesting that even your friends of family may not know about you?
I love art, particularly urban art. I love to isolate myself, put on music and draw or create something.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Jamaica
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
September (football starting), Christmas, April 6th (birthday)
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Sushi from Ota-ya
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife Krista and my boys, Mack and Hudson
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Collections of food trucks and carts in a city
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, Healing, Relax
