I am 44 years old. I am married with 2 young boys. (8 and 11) I have been a high school math and computer science teacher for 18 years. I previously worked for Honeywell for 5 years as a Department of Defense Software Engineer, but it did not feel like what I wanted to do long term. It just didn’t make me happy. My parents were both in education but never thought of myself as being a teacher. But one day it occurred that I really should try teaching and coaching, and I’ve never looked back since! I have been coaching varsity ice hockey for 8 years and I also coached girls’ volleyball for 4 years. Mahwah is a special place for me as I grew up here since I was 6 and had a great experience in the Mahwah school district and town. I love my job as a teacher and coach, and it is a very big part of my life. I also value health and fitness and really try to live a healthy lifestyle.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife and I have been married for 13 years and I have 2 young sons 8 and 11 years old. They play football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. They are my world and as I tell them every day, family comes first.
Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love teaching and coaching. It is my second career, so I have a deep appreciation for the profession. Teaching brings in my love of math and computer science along with kids and being active all day. Coaching lets me incorporate my love of hockey and competition and to bring something special to the kids here at Mahwah. We did not have a hockey team when I was here, so it is very important to me that I provide something great for them.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Sonny and Tony’s of course!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Almost all of my life. I lived here since I was 6 and then I moved to Oakland, but I taught here as well.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Mahwah has a lot of very successful people come out of it. One of them being Chris Wragge or one of my good friends growing up Frank Chamberlin.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Hawaii, I love to surf. I picked it up later in life and have a passion for it now.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Favorite movies: The Matrix, Caddyshack. TV shows: Friends, Sopranos, Breaking Bad
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Love what you do! It’s the most important tool to be successful in life. Everything else will fall into place. Your motivation has to be sincere. And of course, be yourself!!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Surf in Hawaii, Snowboard in Alaska, or Mountain Bike in Utah
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Right now, any reggae band is great. I also love EDM. opposites I know but love them both.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Mahwah Deli or Janeks. We always went there for off campus.
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?
Jocko Willink. He’s a navy seal who has great insight on life. I listen to his podcast all the time and is incredibly interesting.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The diversity of our population and the landscape of Mahwah
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Honestly right here. Hopefully win a state championship and live a full life. Maybe cross a few things off my bucket list!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Both my parents worked at Mahwah High School. My father was principal, and my mother was a French teacher.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Lake Tahoe
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
August is the best. vacation and beach. My favorite holiday is probably Christmas. The best single day on calendar is first day of vacation!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
going to the beach
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
my father’s work ethic always inspires me. He got up every day at 4:45am and was incredibly disciplined.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
ocean water and sauteed garlic and tomato sauce. I’m half Italian!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
happiness and relaxation
