Brad embraces being curious and exploring the world around him. A lifelong traveler, Brad has seen the world from the United States to Italy to Australia to South America. He has always been intrigued by history and discovering the “why” and context that has led us to today. His love of history, music, and education led him to receive degrees in all of them around the Chicago area. Brad enjoys delving into the cultures of the world by examining music, food, and how smalltown events or large world shifts pushes culture to evolve and grow. Initially, Brad found himself teaching in public schools and helping students connect with history in deeper ways and applying the lessons of history to themselves. He designed his path forward from Chicago to Kentucky where he met his wife and started his family. His passion for education and helping people led him to working on the administration side of school and working 1:1 with students to help them write the next chapter of their lives. Brad and his wife decided to then pursue working in higher education, which is when Brad discovered Life Design and how it aligned with his philosophy on assisting students as they design their way forward. With his role as a coach, Brad brings empathy and understanding to the struggles of modern students and how Design Thinking can assist them on their journey as the navigate what college could mean to them. Brad is always curious to understand the “why” behind students’ choices and how they can use their “why’s” to define where they can go.

One of Brad’s favorite Life Design tools is the Dashboard, because it helps students to check in with themselves and force them to truly rate what they are feelings rather than just saying “fine” or “okay.” The Dashboard offers students an avenue of deeper reflection, which can lead to deeper insights on where students want to improve. Brad also enjoys utilizing the Energy Engagement Map to reinforce self-reflection and contemplate what’s out of balance and where you can give something more attention to. 

As a teacher, you can expect Brad to be transparent; he firmly believes in giving students context on what the class is and how they will be assessed to ensure that students are never blindsided. His goal is to empower students to make their own decisions by making sure they do the research first and understand what they are getting into. Throughout the entire class, Brad will be consistently supportive to ensure that no student falls through the cracks. He does this through robust communication and reminders while also facilitating engaging classroom discussions. He will provide many avenues and tools for learning while having fun along the way. As a coach, Brad will be an active and engaged listener who will authentically engage with students and meet them where they are at. He will understand the context of the student by showing curiosity and understanding their “why’s” while also asking thought provoking questions that will help students design their life. 

Brad’s big advice for students is to embrace the process by exploring everything college has to offer. Although Brad wants you to have a guiding map for the future, he encourages students to savor the moment and have fun. He believes there is no other in your life where you get to be as free and intellectually curious. By leaning into these curiosities, you will find that you delve deeper into topics that interest you and foster more meaningful connections. College will offer you many opportunities that you should take advantage of, whether it be a random cool class or a study abroad trip. Brad wants you to bring your authentic self wherever you go and create meaningful connections with both your peers and professors, because all of these interactions will help you grow and learn about the world and yourself from fresh perspectives.  

Hometown

• Lubbock, Texas

Majors / Degrees

• DePaul University = Master of Education in Teaching and Learning

• Loyola University Chicago = Bachelor of Arts in History and Music

Professional Experiences / Certification

• Rice Univeristy -- College Access Counseling

Interests Outside of Work

• Food, exploring the outdoors, travel, music history, and parenting.