I grew up in Philadelphia and moved to Bucks County after I married my wife. We love living in this area, and it’s a wonderful place to raise our three amazing children. My wife grew up in Langhorne, and we’re fortunate to have so much family living nearby. I graduated from Archbishop Ryan High school and have earned degrees from four different colleges – LaSalle University, Holy Family University, Delaware Valley University, and California University of Pennsylvania. I began teaching in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in the 1990’s and then taught in the Central Bucks School District. I’ve been blessed to have been given the opportunity to serve as a building administrator in both Central Bucks and Council Rock. Being a father is my favorite and the most important role that I have in life. My children are the center of my universe and provide me with so much happiness. I coached baseball and soccer for over ten years, was a leader in the Boy Scouts, and thoroughly enjoy giving my time to work with children outside of school.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’ve been married to my amazing wife, Colleen, for 23 years, and we have three incredible children. Colleen is a Physician’s Assistant in a family practice in our community, and she’s a dynamic practitioner who is an even more impressive mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. Our oldest child is a Junior at Duquesne University who previously attended the Merchant Marine Academy. Our middle child is a freshman in a Doctoral of Physical Therapy program at Lebanon Valley College where he also plays football. And our youngest is an eighth grader who is a dancer, singer, and artist, and she’s the kindest and funniest person that I know. What I love most about my family is that we truly have fun together.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I thought that I had the best job in the world as an elementary school teacher, but then I became a principal and realized that’s the best gig around. I’ve had the good fortune of being an administrator for the last 16 years with most of that time in Council Rock. I have my Superintendent’s Letter, but I’m not sure that I could ever have a position that doesn’t involve seeing children each day and helping them learn, grow, and have fun.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
It can be such a treat to start my day with breakfast at Jake’s Eatery in Richboro. Also, to celebrate special events with students, I really enjoy getting pizza and meals from Jersey’s Tomato Pies and Bistro.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve worked in Council Rock for the last 15 years as both a principal and central office administrator. I was the principal at Rolling Hills, Maureen M. Welch, and Holland Elementary Schools. Each school community is absolutely amazing with the students, their families, and the staff. Each community supported me and each other, and I developed wonderful relationships at each school.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Without a doubt, Mark Klein (former Council Rock Superintendent) is the most interesting person I ever met in our community. Mark touches the lives of everyone he meets with his compassion, intellect, and sense of humor. I’ve learned so much from Mark, and he left such a positive imprint on our community as a teacher, principal, and superintendent.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’d love to travel to Europe with my family to visit Normandy, France and then take in an Everton F.C. soccer match at Goodison Park in Liverpool.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
One of my favorite movies of all time is Elf. Of course, I find Will Ferrell’s performance so hilarious, but watching that movie always reminds me of the most special time of the year and spending time with my family.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I try to help others by asking them to reflect on their worries. Often, it helps to consider the size of our problems based on how long they last. There are many who have significant issues that they deal with each day of their lives, and some of our problems are resolved in a few weeks. I also encourage others to reflect on their good fortune and realize that the things that they think that they HAVE to do are actually things that they GET to do.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Since the Eagles won the Super Bowl, I don’t feel that there are too many things that I need to experience. However, I think that I’d like to travel more with my wife in the future.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I really enjoy listening to the latest contemporary music, but I can never go wrong with listening to the Beatles. Any time and any occasion.
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?
Having breakfast at Jake’s Eatery with the other principals in Council Rock would be awesome and we haven’t had opportunities to do this in a long time. This is such a strong and supportive team, and they always make me smile and provide me with ideas that allow me to grow as a person and educator.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I really enjoy the fact that there are so many people like me who grew up in NE Philly and now live in our community. There’s an instant bond as we have shared experiences and relationships, and we all have such an appreciation for family and the local community.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Each year, I get to know more students and their families. These are people that I stay connected with through the years and follow their growth and successes of the children. In several years, that number of relationships will grow and I look forward to getting to know more children and their families.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Many people don’t know that I’ve played in a band since I was 16 years old. I sing and play piano, drums, and guitar, and I feel that playing in a band is such a big part of my life experience. This hobby brings me so much joy, and I appreciate that I can still do this now.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Lincoln Financial Field. After growing up watching games a Veterans Stadium, I’ve come to appreciate that stadium so much, and it’s an amazing site watching the Eagles run on to the field before a game.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
December during the holiday season is amazing. There’s a magical feel in an elementary school and I truly love seeing the excitement in children this time of the year.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The three days when my children were born.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Without a doubt – my children. They are such kind people with an incredible work ethic and positive approach to life. I learn so much from them each day.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Pizza – that means that it’s Friday night with my family.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Together, and Laughter.
