Starting life as a struggling student, Jeffrey worked his way through grade school with undiagnosed Dyslexia and ADHD, and with the help of some very wonderful teachers he found his love for creative writing. After graduating high school he moved to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula performing service work from 2001-2003 where he became fluent in Spanish and immersed himself in the local culture. Upon his return to the United States, he completed his undergraduate degree in English Creative Writing at Utah Valley University where he served as an editor for the University’s speculative fiction journal “Warp and Weave” and helped read and edit papers for the visually impaired. While in undergrad studies, articles he wrote on lifestyle, science fiction literature and human spaceflight were published on CNN.
Jeffrey chose teaching as a profession to help those who may also be struggling through systemic barriers. Before diving into his teaching credential, he served as a substitute teacher and Exceptional Children’s assistant in multiple districts and states to better understand the needs of children who come from a variety of backgrounds and needs. Jeffrey furthered his education by completing his teaching credential at California State University Northridge where he performed his student teaching at Santa Monica High School and Robert A. Millikan Affiliated Charter School. Before moving to Asheville, he served as a teacher at Sonoma Valley High School in California where he taught 10th grade Honors and college prep English as well as Living Skills to incoming 9th grade students.
Outside of the English classroom Jeffrey spends time adventuring with his partner in life and their three active dogs. He has a passion for human spaceflight, model making, surfing, journal writing, aviation history, oil painting, trail running and camping. He hopes to encourage his students to have a wide variety of interests to keep their eyes open to what is possible for their future.
