I grew up in Lincolnton NC and joined the Army after High School where I served with the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg as a Paratrooper. After my service, I attended Belmont Abbey College and earned a BA in Economics and Marketing. I spent the next 15 years as a manufacturer's representative in the jewelry industry, with accounts all over the whole South East. I felt another call to serve and went back to school and earned my Master’s Certification in Teaching at UNCC, along with my licensure in both Middle and High School Social Studies. I have spent the last 8 years teaching High School Social Studies, mostly American History and Economics and Personal Finance at Mountain Island Charter School. I am currently on track to earn my M.A.Ed from UNCC in May 2027.