Working at Duval County Public Schools is rewarding because of the trust from parents, teachers, and principals. They trust me to make the most of the time I have with students. I take that seriously and value every minute we have together. It’s rewarding to see students’ progress, especially when teachers share how students who once struggled to raise their hands are now confidently answering questions.

Education is my second career, but once I stepped into the classroom, I fell in love with helping students build hope for their future. As a principal, I now have the privilege of impacting 1,500 students and staff each day. It's hard work, but it's incredibly rewarding to be a 'hope builder' for our students.

I’m here because I want to students learn. I’m here to see what’s happening in the classroom, to observe what the teacher is doing, but most importantly, to look at you—the students. You are at the center of what we do, and every decision we make is about you.

It’s my calling. Every year, I think, ‘This is the best class,’ and then say it again the next. I build strong relationships with my students, families, and peers, helping shape them not just academically but as people—teaching them to handle challenges, step out of their comfort zones, and know it’s okay to fail.

In the classroom, I was impacting 10 to 20 kids. When I moved into administration, that number grew to 1,500 kids, and now, here at Mount Herman, it’s 150. It’s more intimate, and we truly enjoy learning about our students and supporting their families. It’s a unique opportunity to serve from the heart, making it feel less like a job and more like giving.

This generation needs more guidance and direction. They aren't going to figure it all out on their own. Being a mentor, like a big brother, is something I always look forward to because I’m a big brother myself. Yes, I have responsibilities, but I carry myself in a way that really shows them how to do things the right way.

We are put into positions where we’re meant to be, and I feel like I belong in the kitchen. I take that and run with it because I love to cook, and I love the joy cooking brings.

I have an incredible opportunity to shape the minds of our future leaders. It gives me great pleasure to work with each and every one of our students, alongside the faculty who help them reach their goals.

I didn’t realize the impact I would have when I started here. I didn’t know much about being a Dean, but I knew how to be an educator. I understand the importance of helping our kids stay focused and become productive citizens.

In today’s world, we need more kindness. Small gestures can mean so much, especially to a child having a bad day. It’s inspiring to see students help one another, showing that there’s still kindness in the world.

My goal is to create the most positive environment possible at Crown Point. I want our teachers to feel supported, and I make sure parents know we have an open-door policy. It’s important to me that everyone who walks through our doors feels welcome.

My heart is in teaching kids to be successful readers. There’s nothing more important than ensuring that every student has the tools they need to succeed in life.

We have students from all walks of life. My goal is to ensure that when they graduate, they’re prepared not just to get by, but to become great men who will do great things.