I was born in Buffalo, New York, but have lived in Connecticut, Texas, California
and now Colorado. Growing up my family was middle class, with my parents in the traditional
roles. With a French mother and a Sicilian-raised father, I remember that despite
not having a lot of money (we shopped at thrift stores, and my dad's history with
cars was an ongoing joke) we always seemed to have great food around the house. While
my friends were eating sloppy Joe's and Hamburger Helper we were having Bouillabaisse
and homemade pasta.
After a 10-year career in mechanical design I became the proverbial career-changer,
favoring having a fulfilling job ahead of salary. Having both a natural interest
in science and a background in religion (with it’s commensurate program of reading,
study, sermon-giving, and church promotion - in fact I was very close to becoming
a pastor) I became interested in philosophy. Being a late-starter I didn’t get serious
about college until my late 20’s and finally completed my bachelor’s degree in philosophy
at San Diego State University in 1999. In the process decided I wanted to be a professional
philosopher. I received my Master's degree in philosophy at the University of Colorado,
Boulder in 2004 (where I also worked for the university at the Conflict Research
Consortium). Along the way I decided to focus on teaching at the introductory level
instead of pursuing a PhD. Now I am teaching philosophy for Metropolitan State College
of Denver and Red Rocks Community College.
Learning and living by critical thinking has brought me where I am - introducing
others to the tools and inquiries of philosophy. My drive comes partly from an affinity
for the lifestyle of the teacher, but mostly from a sense of obligation to pass on
to others the kind of knowledge that has had such a positive influence in my own
life.
I enjoy spending chill time with my wife, nerding-out with a board or card game,
working on projects around the house, cooking, and can sometimes be spotted on a
tennis court.
