Born and raised in the Silver Valley; public school teacher, 20+ years; Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction, STEM education emphasis, Boise State University (2020); Boise State University Distinguished Alumni, 2021; Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, Idaho Human Rights Educator of the Year, 2020; National Education Association Foundation Awards for Teaching Excellence, National Teacher of the Year, 2017; children: MacKenzie and Max.