I grew up in Winchester, Kentucky, and graduated from George Rogers Clark High School in 1984. I went on to attend University of Kentucky as the first member of my family to attend college. Most of my teen years were spent with my grandparents farming and working with carpentry and auto mechanics within the family businesses. From my grandparents I learned hard work and responsibility while helping with the cattle, tobacco, and an enormous family garden. In 1984 I began my undergraduate studies at UK, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science in 1988. From graduation until 1995 I worked in multiple areas of agriculture including farm management, sheep shearing, livestock sales, farm equipment sales/parts, and public health. During this time in my life I began working with 4H and FFA students throughout Kentucky doing showmanship and livestock judging clinics. This led me to Fleming County to manage a 500 ewe sheep operation and 70 milk cows. While in Fleming County, Mr. Charles Berry, ag teacher; Mr. Steve Kelly, 4H agent; and Dr. Monty Chappell, UK sheep extension specialist, encouraged me to return to UK and obtain an agriculture teaching certificate. In 1996 I completed my masters degree, received my teaching certificate, and began my ag teaching career at Bourbon County High School.

 I currently live in Bourbon County and maintain 60 ewes for show lamb/slaughter lamb production. In conjunction, 200 feeder lambs are fed each summer for the slaughter market. I also maintain a 12 head cow/calf operation on my grandfather's farm in Clark County. Each year approximately 18 show lambs are housed in my facilities for Bourbon County students. I spend most of the summer hauling and showing market lambs. In my lifetime I have had the opportunity to work with great kids in all aspects of livestock exhibition. My main emphasis has been small ruminants, and I have used the accumulated knowledge in my classrooms for over 20 years.