Principal, Sunset Elementary (formerly Rocky Heights)

When and why did you move to Hermiston?

We moved in 2015 for the job at Rocky Heights Elementary. We are originally from Spokane and have always enjoyed smaller communities.

What is your favorite place to eat in Hermiston?

I would say my family’s standard go to is Ixtapa. We went to The Alebrije yesterday and it was delicious.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love lots of things. I love to hang out with my family, I have more fun with my wife and kids than I do with anybody. I also enjoy hiking and kayaking. I love playing pickleball.

What surprises you about Hermiston?

How community oriented it is. It was immediate when we moved here. The community is very “whatever it takes” about everything.

What was the last book you read?

Professionally, “Leadership Mindsets” by Judy Halbert and Linda Kaser. Personally, “Through Indian Eyes.” It’s a fascinating book about how different Native American tribes perceive the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

What website or app do you use most other than Facebook?

I’m not a social media person. I use Microsoft Excel and the Google Suites a lot. Apple News is how I get my news every day.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

If this was hypothetical, I’d love to travel through history. I would love to visit colonial America, find out what happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke. But in reality, I would love to backpack through Europe.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?

It really depends. When I was a kid I had new Transformer shoes, when Transformers were big. They were really cool shoes because they had holographs. I went to visit my grandparents and was supposed to only wear the shoes to church, but I put them on as soon as I got there. My sisters decided to walk me through a construction site to get my shoes dirty so I’d get in trouble. I was like four. I fell into a ditch where a portable toilet used to be. I remember my grandma hosing me off and yelling. We had to bathe me in tomato juice to get the stench out.

What is one of your goals for the next 12 months?

My primary goal is to begin building on the work at Sunset Elementary. They have a wonderful staff that has been accepting of me, and my ideas. The goal is to build up current systems, and add systems on that are needed.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Certainly my own two children. I’m proud of them, my wife, and the way we raise our kids. Professionally, what I was able to accomplish as a teacher and later as a principal at Rocky Heights. I’m excited to come here to Sunset and see what we can do. Sunset has a lot going for it.