Valley Born, Visalia Bred. 

I became a resident of Visalia in 1973 and attended Royal Oaks Elementary School, Divisadero Junior High School and graduated from Mt. Whitney High School in 1980. I became a COS Giant during the 1980-1981 school year and eventually transferred to U.C.L.A, graduating in 1985 with a degree in political science. In 1988, I graduated from the University of Pacific McGeorge School of Law with a Juris Doctor. In 1988, I returned to Visalia and began my legal career as an associate attorney with a prominent local law firm, and 5 years later formed a law firm with multiple law partners.

 

In 2004, I interrupted my legal career to become an educator earning a multiple subject credential and a single subject social science credential. I taught at Mt. View Elementary as a 5th and 6th grade teacher and moved over to Mt. Whitney High School teaching all four grade levels of students. In 2014, after earning an administrative credential I became an assistant principal at Mt. Whitney High School. The last 7 years of my educational career were as principal at Divisadero Middle School for 4 years and 3 years at Mt. Whitney High School, retiring in June, 2024. In August, 2024, I returned to the courtroom serving as a conflict counsel for criminal defendants unable to be represented by the Tulare County Public Defender’s Office.

 

Throughout my career, I have learned the importance of an education and the opportunities it presents for a successful adulthood. I believe knowledge is power, and I have spent a great deal of my life supporting students through their educational journey. As a trustee of a collegiate institution, I further my efforts in supporting, guiding, and mentoring students toward a successful career through their education. It is a path I take very seriously as I am a product of an education that has provided multiple opportunities to be successful as an adult. I bring to the board of trustees my experience of leading a school institution that includes the academic demands that must be met and the financial responsibilities

that are paramount to a vibrant and engaging school environment and culture.

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My wife, Melinda, and I have been married for 36 years this October. We have 3 children, Brandon, Ariel and Alyssa.  Brandon is an Air Force veteran and resides in El Paso, Texas.  Ariel is married to Frankie Roman, and they have two children, Amelia and Emet living in Henderson, Nevada.  Alyssa and her husband Jesse Singer live in Visalia with their daughter, Alina and their adult son lives in Fresno.