I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. I earned my Bachelors of Science Degree at St. Bonaventure University and my Masters Degree in Engineering at the University of Missouri at Rolla (now Missouri S&T). I was commisioned as an Engineer Officer in 1990 and served on active duty for seven years; I then began my teaching career in 1997 while maintaining my military career in the National Guard and Army Reserves from which I am now retired. I have taught  Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra IA, Algebra II, College Algebra and Geometry at the high school level. I am an adjunct math professor for Columbia College on Wednesdays from 5:00 - 9:00, and have 17 years experience teachng Introduction to Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra and Finite Mathematics at the college level.  I have two daughters, a graduate (Pre-Med) of St. Louis University and a Blackhawk pilot stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC.