Born and raised in the Bay Area, I am a product of the 1960's; too young for the draft in Vietnam and just about right for the music of Chicago and Elton John. My father was a machinist engineer for NASA, and my mom was, and still is...an incredible mom. I am the much youngest of 3 boys.

After graduating from high school with interests in debate, choir, and theater, I enrolled at De Anza Junior College in Cupertino where I studied speech communication and reader's theater. Back in those days, tuition was $8 per quarter for a full time student. In 1980, I motored through the Northwest, landed in Sequim, and eventually transferred to Washington State University in Pullman. While there, at various times, I was a disc jockey for KZUU Radio and a bartender at the My Office Tavern, and then Barley and Hops which later became the Campus Cavern. I repaired Volkswagen Bugs too. With early ambitions of earning a degree in advertising, I changed directions after talking to a fellow bartender who was studying Communication Disorders. Karen said, "Just take the introductory class and see what you think." The rest is history.

Graduating in 1984, I began advanced studies at Western Washington University in Bellingham under visiting professor, Dr. Frank Wilson. In 1985 and after an internship in Gig Harbor, Washington, I returned to Pullman and received an advanced degree in Speech and Hearing Science. My master's thesis stemmed out of a study on professional burnout amongst audiologists. I remain thankful for the lively and scholarly assistance of mentor, Dr. Robert Potter during my graduate studies at WSU.

A clinical internship and friends landed me in Spokane, otherwise known as the "Lilac City," and I've been in the area ever since. By the way, if you have never been to Eastern Washington, I would encourage you to visit. The pace, seasons, mountains, and people are terrific. And as the second largest city in Washington State, Spokane still enjoys a "small big town" feel.

And besides that, Spokane is the only city I know of that features a gigantic Radio Flyer Wagon, and a river that runs right through the city's center. Additionally, the 1974 World's Fair was held here, and some argue that Spokane is Pothole Capital of America...or are those really sinkholes?

After graduating, I began work at Sacred Heart Medical Center, a large medical hub facility treating people from 4 states and two countries. My duties involved clinical speech-language pathology work, and stroke and head/neck rehabilitation. I also served on the Service Rehab Committee of the American Cancer Society for several years. Working with head/neck patients, I couldn't help but notice that there were some major holes (no pun) in the medical needs of laryngectomees and voice patients. So in 1991, I started a medical company and practice that specialized in artificial larynx dispensing, voice amplifiers, tracheostoma products, and a host of other hard-to-find clinical items. Over the course of several years, numerous medical devices were designed, manufactured, and distributed that included tracheostoma filters, artificial larynx components, voice amplifiers, and a pneumatic larynx. Many of these items are used by thousands of people around the globe. During this time, I was able to lecture, publish, and fill a unique calling for which I feel fortunate.

In 2003, I earned a doctorate at Gonzaga University with much of its emphasis in education, leadership, and head/neck rehabilitation. My dissertation came out of a quantative study dealing with artificial larynx reliability. A doctoral internship was completed in Spokane Public Schools.

The company I started changed ownership in 2004 and a majority of my professional time is now spent in the public schools and, to a smaller degree, the Veterans Home. I have expertise in voice, fluency, developmental communication disorders, and swallowing disorders. I'm certified through the American Speech and Hearing Association (CCC-SLP), licensed in Washington State, and hold an ESA Continuing Certificate too. I'm professionally listed with several organizations, but perhaps one of the most interesting is through the International Association of Laryngectomees, as an "Alaryngeal Speech Instructor." Over the course of many years, I have helped thousands of people learn how to speak without their larynx. I'm a fairly fluent esophageal speaker too.

Over the last many years, I've had various passions and interests, some of which may have led to intimidating brushes with illness or fate. Of course, these are experiences and they are valuable, or something, nevertheless. Interests of mine have included motorcycling, human advocacy, social justice, and animal care/release. Politically, I'm concerned about the direction of our country, about how people and animals are treated, our dependency on oil and foreign-made products, and the economic recession that is now upon us. Spiritually, I believe in the Apostles' Creed and I am currently on a 2-year course of study to become a Stephen Minister. Although the program is multi-denominational, my track is being done through the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church.

Culturally, travels abroad have taken me to Central Europe, Greece, Wales, several Caribbean islands, Canada, Mexico, and on several cruises. My favorite spot on the planet is Maui and I am intrigued most of all with Corinth...or any historic spot. I enjoy cooking, brewing, and growing fruit. My great uncle and aunt were the artists, Augustus John and Gwen John who attended the Slade School of Art in London. Interestingly, in 1912 Augustus sent my grandmother, Winnifred, a painting of which she never received. It came over on the RMS Titanic.

I am longtime married to a wonderful person and we have a terrific son. We, along with a variety of creatures, live on a farm where we produce eggs, vegetables, fruits, and natural soaps. Noteworthy is our Ringneck Turtle Dove, Fran, who is 22 years old.