I graduated from Cathedral High School in 1988, having completed my elementary school education at Most Holy Trinity School. There was no question that I would attend Cathedral High School because my family was already a part of the Cathedral community, having formed a cherished relationship with the Christian Brothers. While a student, I was involved primarily in Yearbook, Campus Ministry, Fine Arts, and Student Council.

After graduating from Cathedral, I attended the University of Texas at El Paso where I earned both a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics. While earning my M.A.T., I taught pre-algebra and pre-calculus at Cathedral as well as algebra, pre-calculus and mathematics for pre-service elementary teachers at UTEP. After completing my master’s, I attended the University of Texas at Austin, where I earned my Ph.D. in Mathematics Education in 2004.

Upon completing my doctorate, I returned to El Paso and earned the rank of Associate Professor of Mathematics Education in the Department of Teacher Education at UTEP. I teach undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral courses in many areas in mathematics education. My research focuses on various aspects of teaching and learning mathematics as well as the professional development of mathematics teachers. I currently serve the College of Education as Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Educator Preparation.

Being the product of a Lasallian education, I feel I bring a unique perspective to my job of preparing teachers. For me, what constitutes meaningful and impactful teaching rests on the five core Lasallian values: having faith, providing opportunities to learn, showing concern for the underserved, showing respect for oneself and for others, and valuing diversity.

My time at Cathedral is a critical chapter in my life. My memories will always be with me along with my dearest friends from both Cathedral and Loretto. I don’t truly miss anything from Cathedral, simply because I never felt I ever said goodbye.

“What are you proudest of?”
I’m proudest of the friendships and relationships that I forged during my time at Cathedral. I am extremely blessed. I am also grateful that I was able to make my family proud of my accomplishments during and after my time at La Cate.

“What lesson from Cathedral do you carry with you?”
To have faith and believe that family will always be there to support you.

Do you have a message (lesson/observation) for a current Cathedral student?”
If you are disrespected, daunted, or short-changed, remember that you must fight, not with your fists, but with your intelligence and your creativity. Fight on faith – in yourself and what you believe you can become. Do the right thing at the right time in the right way. That’s what it means to be a fighting Irishman from Cathedral High School.