What made you decide to join the Crew at Alma?
I'm looking forward to have a full school year to implement an exciting curriculum and explore music with the students.
What do you hope to contribute to Alma?
I hope to contribute a music program that students feel personally connected to and a program that can complement school events and community connection.
What teacher made a difference in your life, and how?
There are so many teachers in my life over the years that made a difference! Professor Frederica Tilona in undergraduate school challenged me to find out how much I was capable of academically. Mr. Larkin, my high school Physics and Math teacher, found a way to make me interested in material that didn't usually speak to me purely with excellent and animated teaching. Ms. Veira, a creative writing teacher, helped me find my passion for writing and creative composition.
Why did you become involved in education?
I come from a family of teachers, and there were always teachers around me. Ironically, I didn't think of it as a family trade when I got started, but I guess it is. I definitely benefited from lots and lots of great advice and mentoring, and I'm endlessly grateful for it.
Where did you go to college or post-secondary school, and what did you like about it?
I attended UMass Lowell. My college was bigger than my high school in every way. There were more people, more kinds of people, people from more places, and more class types. I loved all of it, and also, I loved and still love the city of Lowell.
What is your favorite food?
My wife's lasagna.
What is your favorite book?
My favorite book is Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut.