Faculty Focus: September 2025

I graduated from Marist High School in 2006 and went on to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Ambrose University in 2010. I then completed my Master’s in School Counseling in 2013.

I served as a School Counselor at De La Salle Institute from 2014 to 2019. In addition to my counseling responsibilities, I was the Director of Clubs and Activities, helping to coordinate student engagement and extracurricular programs. I also had the opportunity to coach Sophomore Basketball and Varsity Girls’ Tennis, which allowed me to connect with students in both athletic and personal development contexts.

"The Success Principles" by Jack Canfield is a book that has had a lasting impact on me. I was first introduced to it in 2010 during my senior year at St. Ambrose University, and it completely shifted how I think about goal-setting, personal responsibility and pursuing success. The principles in this book are practical, actionable and can be applied in any area of life in terms of academics, athletics, career or personal growth. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to maximize their potential and take ownership of their own success. The lessons I learned from it continue to guide me in both my professional and personal life.

Outside of coaching and managing the operational aspects of the baseball program, I truly value the time I spend with my wife, Janey, and our three-year-old daughter, Isabelle. Watching Isabelle grow, seeing her curiosity, personality and understanding of the world develop is something I treasure every day. Spending time exploring new activities with her, discovering little moments together and simply enjoying our time at home fills me with joy and creates memories I’ll cherish forever.

Being a father is a constant learning experience, and I try to balance guidance, patience, and encouragement as I work to be the best role model I can for her. These experiences also remind me of the importance of nurturing, support and connection, values I carry into both my coaching and counseling roles.

I attended Marist High School from 2002 to 2006, where I had the privilege of managing the varsity basketball team as a student. That experience gave me a chance to really learn the game as well as the logistical side of how the program ran under Coach Gene Nolan, the all-time winningest coach in the Marist Boys’ Basketball program, and a staff of outstanding coaches, including Glenn Pacek, Rob Sarmiento, Joel Vickers, Don Richardson, Nick DiForti and Mike Slifko.

I carried that same passion into college, where I managed the men’s basketball program at St. Ambrose University. There, I learned under Coach Ray Shovlain, the program’s all-time winningest coach, along with Jim Kiss, Kevin Walden and Kyle Murray. Each of these coaches had a profound influence on me, not just in how to understand the game, but also in how to manage, prepare and build a culture.

I credit my success as a high school coach in both basketball and baseball to the lessons they taught me at every level. Their leadership shaped my philosophy and gave me the foundation I continue to lean on today as a coach.

I am entering my sixth year with the Fenwick Baseball Program and my fourth as a Varsity Assistant Coach. In addition to coaching, I serve as the Director of Baseball Operations, helping with scheduling across all three levels, financial planning and supporting our program’s presence in the community. I also manage our social media channels, creating content that highlights the accomplishments of our players and the program as a whole.

Since joining the Varsity staff, I’ve been fortunate to be part of two Regional and Sectional Championships, as well as a CCL Conference Championship. Those achievements are a result of the dedication of our players and the collaboration of the entire coaching staff. I also have experienced coaching basketball at Fenwick, starting as an assistant on the Freshman basketball staff in 2019-20. In 2021-22, I was given the opportunity to lead the Freshman Boys program as head coach, and through the commitment and hard work of our players, our team went 30-0 that season.

Finally, I serve as the Public Address Announcer for Fenwick football and boys’ basketball games. In this role, I have the opportunity to connect with the community in a different way in terms of bringing energy and excitement to the games while keeping the crowd informed and engaged. It’s a role that allows me to celebrate our student-athletes, highlight their accomplishments and contribute to the overall atmosphere of our school. I really enjoy being part of the experience from this perspective, as it gives me a chance to support our teams and enhance the connection between our players, coaches and supporters.

A defining quality of a Fenwick student in general is a genuine commitment to excellence, not only in academics but also in character and community. I believe Fenwick students are marked by intellectual curiosity, a drive to challenge themselves and a willingness to put in the hard work required to grow. At the same time, I also believe our students carry themselves with integrity, compassion, and a sense of service, recognizing that leadership is about lifting others up. What makes a Fenwick student stand out is the balance between striving for personal and academic achievement and contributing meaningfully to the larger community.

High school students today face a wide range of challenges that go beyond academics. Many are navigating the pressures of social media and constant comparison, which can take a toll on their confidence and mental health. At the same time, they’re managing heavy academic expectations and the uncertainty of preparing for life after high school, whether that’s college, a certain career path or even life after high school. Added to this are the personal challenges some students carry: family responsibilities, financial pressures, or managing friendships and peer dynamics. What makes it even more complex is that students often try to balance all of this while still figuring out who they are. My role is to support them through those challenges, provide guidance and perspective, and encourage them to build the resilience and confidence they’ll carry long after high school.

I originally began as a Secondary Education major in college, focusing on history, before changing my major to Psychology right before my sophomore year. That shift really opened my eyes to the deeper ways I could support students beyond the classroom, and it ultimately led me toward school counseling and later pursuit of a Master’s Degree in that field. I’ve always felt drawn to education, largely because of my parents’ influence. My father dedicated 46 years to Catholic education, serving as a teacher and administrator, most notably as president of Montini Catholic High School for over 20 years. Watching him both publicly and privately live out his passion for helping young people inspired me to pursue a career where I could also make a difference, just in a different way, behind the scenes.

At the same time, my mother spent her career as a nurse, much of it serving as a school nurse in the Palos School District. Seeing both of my parents connect with others, inspire them, and lead with integrity had a tremendous impact on me. They instilled in me the values of accountability and responsibility, traits I strive to carry into my work every day. I take pride in putting in the hard work behind the scenes, whether it’s supporting students as a counselor or contributing to the baseball program on and off the field. Without the example and guidance of my parents, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and I am grateful that their influence led me to a career dedicated to helping students grow, succeed, and thrive.

One strength I lean on in both counseling and coaching is adaptability. Every student is different, and I really value being able to adjust how I support them based on what they need in that moment. Sometimes a student just needs someone to listen, sometimes they need encouragement, and other times they need clear structure and accountability. The same goes for coaching. Each player responds differently, so it’s about finding the right way to connect, whether that’s teaching fundamentals, building up confidence, or challenging them to stretch themselves. I love that adaptability lets me meet students where they are while still helping them move forward and grow.

My greatest success has been the opportunity to serve as a school counselor and truly work with students every day. For me, success isn’t tied to one single moment; it’s in the daily interactions where I can help a student navigate a challenge, build confidence, or discover a path forward they might not have seen on their own. Those small victories add up, and being trusted to walk alongside students during some of the most important years of their lives is something I consider my greatest accomplishment and something I can pass to my daughter. Knowing that the work I do behind the scenes can make a lasting impact on a student’s life is incredibly meaningful to me.