The safety and security of others has been a priority throughout my life; especially for those more vulnerable members of our society. My tactical thinking stems from my childhood growing up outside New York City and developing the need for situational awareness in my early life. I always believed in avoiding threats or preparing to meet potential threats before they occurred, rather than letting them escalate unnoticed. It’s just the way I think. This sense of healthy “paranoia” evolved into a firm mindset of preparedness—a mindset which evolved over my lifetime. It’s helped me face fears or challenges I was confronted with, whether they involved a schoolyard bully, leading and succeeding in combat or dealing with a threat to my family, friends, and now —my students.
My career as a leader of infantry Marines in various contingency or combat missions (conventional, anti-terrorism, special operations capable) and in joint special operations (counter-terrorism and interagency) groomed me to remain effective under stressful, adverse conditions, and succeed. During my ongoing sixteen-year career as a public high-school educator, observing and sharing the day-to-day challenges of teachers, staff, and administrators in educating students further developed my all-hazards approach to school preparedness. My current educator career (since 2005) coupled with my previous military career provide me with a unique and relevant perspective rarely found in the civilian realm.
I know these varied experiences and developed competencies all add up to my desire to motivate others in becoming AWARE and PREPARED.
