Drivers Ed Direct | Our Instructors

From their favorite movies to their teaching philosophies, find out more about our staff of driving school instructors.


Drivers Ed Direct believes that our quality instructors are a vital part of the learning experience. Therefore, we follow the most rigorous screening standards in the industry to determine which instructors are suited to make your teenager's driving experience successful. In addition to hiring our instructors by committee, we conduct Department of Justice background checks, third party drug tests, and, we require that our instructors have all had prior experience working with teens in an educational capacity. How did your lessons go? To see what we demand from our highly qualified instructors, or to inquire about becoming an instructor yourself, read our instructor requirements here. THE CALIFORNIA CREW (Los Angeles area... specifically.) LEAD INSTRUCTOR/TRAINER Movie: The Great Escape, Tommy Boy, Wedding Crashers, Donnie Darko & Breaking Away Music: The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Kinks, The Killers & Frank Sinatra Hobby: Surfing, playing basketball and hiking with the family. Meet Tom: Tom and Conan in the Prius on the Tonight Show Russell Brand Shares an antidote about his driving lesson with Tom (on Jimmy Kimmel) Check out Tom giving lessons on Dr. Phil Tom gives Dr. Phil a hand with a tire changing competition Teaching/Mentoring experience: With over 9 years experience behind-the-wheel and in the classroom, I have taught thousands of teenagers how to drive safely in the greater Los Angeles area. In addition, I am the lead instructor at Drivers Ed Direct and have trained over 50 DMV licensed driving instructors. I have also coached soccer, track and football for boys and girls from ages 6 to 12 years old. One summer I lived in Hawaii and I spent the majority of it instructing kids, teenagers and young adults how to surf in the beautiful Pacific Ocean - that was my "Endless Summer". Thoughts on teaching: Whenever you are able to impart knowledge & skills to somebody, that is satisfying; but when this knowledge and skills can actually make a difference in that person's life, then that's truly rewarding! Thoughts on the environment: Mother Earth is beautiful and I would love to keep it that way for my kids; so, remember to always respect the outdoors and clean up after yourself! __________________________________________________ Movie: True Romance, Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead, American Beauty, Super Bad Music: Bob Dylan, Beastie Boys, The Doors Hobby: Basketball, going to the movies, barbequing, tennis, making movies Meet Ben: Check Ben out on NBC's YourLA Check Ben out on NBC's YourLA (again) Teaching/Mentoring experience: After teaching a few hundred of California's finest young drivers how to curbside park and back up in a straight line, I've learned that there's only one constant: no two students are exactly the same. Thus, I do my best to teach everyone based on their individual needs. I have also been a substitute teacher with the LAUSD, a Big Brother with Big Brother/Big Sisters for three years when I lived in Minnesota, coached little league baseball, basketball, and mentored youths in a Jr. Business Partners program. Thoughts on teaching: Don't take yourself too seriously and listen to the person you are teaching. The ability to adapt your teaching methods for each individual is important, because every student is different. And if you can have a good time doing it, all the better. Thoughts on the environment: The environment's cool. It'd be a lot cooler if it were cleaner, smelt better, and everyone took care of it as if it was their own backyard (unless of course your backyard is a cesspool). Just pick up after yourself, be respectful, and use common sense – then we'll all be fine. __________________________________________________ Movie: The Dark Knight, Gladiator, Ace Ventura, The Usual Suspects Music: Coldplay, Muse, Linkin Park, Maroon 5 Hobby: Playing baseball/softball, walking my dog, going to movies, hiking Teaching/Mentoring experience: I mentored an at risk teen professionally for 3 years. I enjoyed helping him and watching him progress from an awkward sophomore to a confident high school graduate. I am currently involved in the Big Brother program. Thoughts on teaching: Teaching can be very difficult, especially when you feel like you are going nowhere. But being persistent and never giving up is the key. When the student does have a breakthrough, it is one of the greatest feelings of accomplishment you will ever have. Thoughts on the environment: We can see the effects of pollution every day. Fortunately, advances in technology are making it progressively easier to help out the environment. If everyone does even a little, we will see great changes. __________________________________________________ Movie: Tombstone, The Godfather series, Pirates of the Caribbean Music: U2, Offspring, Fuel Hobby: Beach volleyball and watching college football & basketball games Teaching/Mentoring experience: Over the last couple of years, I have taught more than 700 students on their way to becoming safe drivers. I take a focused but relaxed approach to driver training, tailoring each lesson to the needs of that driver. I've had a range of students, from teens or adults that were very nervous about driving for the first time to some who already had their licenses but wanted to brush up with more practice on defensive driving techniques, the freeways, canyons or traffic. Whatever your situation, you'll definitely learn something, develop more confidence and improve at a pace that's right for you. Thoughts on teaching: When you're trying something new, it's important to relax, have a sense of humor about it and be patient with yourself. One of the best things about teaching is being a part of someone's break-through moments and cheering them on as they improve these skills that they'll use for the rest of their lives. Thoughts on the environment: There's so much beauty in our environment I think sometimes we don't even notice it. Don't say, "Someone else will do that." We all live here. Take responsibility and respect what we've got. __________________________________________________ Movie: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King, Aliens, The Big Lebowski Music: Jimi Hendrix, Muddy Waters, Tool, Soundgarden, The Cult Hobby: Surfing, Guitar, Working out, Reading, Writing Teaching/Mentoring experience: After school programs for elementary, middle, and high schools. Also, I've participated in hospital education programs and have been a teaching assistant. Thoughts on teaching: Nine tenths of education is encouragement. Thoughts on the environment: Nature provides a free lunch, but only if we control our appetites. __________________________________________________ Movie: The Matrix, Lord of the Rings, BIG Daddy, The Hurricane, and Schindler's List Music: Dru Hill, Jeremy Camp, Jagged Edge, Fred Hammond, and Ne-Yo Hobby: Basketball, Football, Playing XBOX 360, and watching cartoons. Teaching/Mentoring experience: I've worked with kids for about 10 years at the San Fernando's Boys and Girls club's wrestling program. Thoughts on teaching: It's a rewarding experience watching young people mature and succeed at something I contributed to. It's an opportunity to impart knowledge and experience that I posses to others in an effort to better equip them in life. Thoughts on the environment: Continuing to neglect our responsibility as care takers on this earth will inevitably result in crisis' that we can not overcome. So, lets do what we can to make a difference. __________________________________________________ Movie: True Romance, Wedding Crashers, The Sandlot, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist & Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Music: I love everything from John Mayer to Pharrell, but I listen to a lot of local LA Hip-Hop such as PacDiv, Dom Kennedy, U-N-I, and lots more. Hobby: NBA Basketball is everything, track & field, BBQs, the beach, hanging out with friends, and eating! Also, a guilty pleasure of mine is watching the Disney Channel. Teaching/Mentoring experience: I started my own babysitting business when I was younger. I worked with kids of all ages at my church from daycare to the teen youth groups. I was a mentor and a leader at all the youth group activities and sleep away camps. I’ve also participated in a mentor program in college where I guided high school students and educate them on how to apply to college and what to expect once they are there. Thoughts on teaching: Just because you’re the teacher doesn’t mean your students won’t teach you a thing or two. Teaching is always a learning process. In order to be a good teacher, you have to be open minded and be willing to be the student sometimes. Thoughts on the environment: Well, who likes dirty air, beaches, and sidewalks? I don’t and that’s why I’m all for helping the environment in any way I can. A little bit goes a long way! __________________________________________________ Movie: Avatar, 13th Warrior, The North Shore, Pirates of the Caribbean, & Back to the Future Music: Daft Punk, Slayer, MIA, Black Eyed Peas & Crystal Castles Hobby: Drawing, Skateboarding, Surfing, Snowboarding, Mountain Biking, & Video Games Teaching/Mentoring experience: Ever since I began drawing and skateboarding, I helped teach others how to do the same. People are always shocked when they see little me drop into a huge transition at a skate park or pool, and hang with the pros. I was naturally asked how to do the things I do; and that transitioned into 2 years of sharing experiences, and teaching others how to keep their cool, their focus, and their balance in order to maintain control and be safe. Driving in Los Angeles can be like skating through a crowd in a skate park, or trying to focus and draw a sketch when life doesn't want you to relax. It's all part of being a good driver on the roads of life. Thoughts on Teaching: I always admire those who have the power and knowledge to teach. Without this mankind would be lost. We wouldn’t know who we are or where we come from; and eventually be destined to repeat the same mistakes over and over again. As teachers we hold the key to our evolution and future. Thoughts on the environment: Thanks to technology, we now know there are millions of solar systems and galaxies out there; and yet, we have not found any other planet able to sustain the delicate balance we have on our home planet earth. Together we can help our home stay beautiful for our kids and their kids to come. __________________________________________________ Movie: Ghostbusters, Leon: The Professional, Conan the Barbarian, For a Few Dollars More, Kill Bill Music: Primus, Nirvana, Isis, Queens of the Stone Age, Wu Tang Clan Hobby: Improv – I'm a company member of ComedySportz and LA Theatresports, Music – I play bass, guitar, drums, French horn, and piano Teaching/Mentoring experience: I've been teaching improv to teens for two years. I find that it allows kids to more effectively and efficiently tap into their creative resources, whether it is for acting, writing, singing, or any other endeavor. Thoughts on Teaching: I believe the essence of teaching is reciprocal communication. Philosopher Martin Buber theorizes that the only effective communication is a dialogue. Every student employs a different methodology when learning. It is because of these differences that the teacher must study the student to fully understand his or her needs. When each meets the other half way, the teacher and the student can then proceed on to a mutually beneficial dialogue that allows the greatest degree of success. That's my degree from Pepperdine paying off. Thoughts on the environment: I believe we are entering a new phase in our society. Green, a term not in our vernacular a year ago, is now attached to everything from "green concerts" to "green toothpaste." While some debate the cause, the temperature and climate changes throughout the world are irrefutable. It is the responsibility of each person to contribute what he or she can to rectifying this situation. Sacrifice is an unfortunate burden which we must all shoulder, but it is necessary to rectifying the damage already done. __________________________________________________ Movie: Lord of the Rings Trilogy and the Matrix are by far the best movies ever made. Music: I am pretty diverse. I listen to all genres of music. I usually have a favorite song that I may like at a particular time. Hobby: I have two loves in life: Poker and Acting. I would thoroughly enjoy pursuing a professional career in either. Teaching/Mentoring experience: I have experience teaching and mentoring kids and teenagers from the ages of 4 to 18. I used to teach elementary school children how to read Hebrew. I have also directed many chess programs for different junior high school systems. Thoughts on Teaching: Although at times teaching can be very tough and demanding, I thoroughly enjoy it. I love the idea of being able to impact someone else's life (especially kids) in a positive and enlightening way. Thoughts on the environment: I am definitely an environmental friendly type of guy. I try to uphold my share of maintaining a healthy and clean environment by performing duties such as recycling and refraining from littering. Besides, the Earth is the place in which we live. We should take care of it in such a way that we would our own personal homes. __________________________________________________ Movie: The Goonies, 50 First Dates, Point Break, The Wizard & The Count of Monte Cristo. Music: I love all music but to name a few off the top of my head I would have to say, Jimmy Buffet, Neil Young, and Stone Temple Pilots. Hobby: Spending time with my wife and family, surfing, scuba diving, boxing, dirt bikes, cooking/eating and too many more to name. Teaching/Mentoring experience: I’ve worked for the LA County Parks and Recreation teaching music lessons to kids. I have also volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club and volunteered working with handicapped children in Simi Valley. Thoughts on Teaching: I have always had a passion for teaching. My mother was a teacher so I think I got a lot of my personal ambition and calm teaching style from her. One of the best things about teaching is that you are always learning new things and I love to learn. Knowing that you’re making a positive difference in someone’s life is very rewarding. Thoughts on the environment: I think it’s important for everyone to be environmentally aware, even though there is an increase in sustainable practices, we must continue to be responsible. I don’t want my future kids to miss out on any of the beauty and privileges that we have in the world right now and I know the best way to teach this to others is to set a good example yourself. __________________________________________________ Movie: Pride & Prejudice, Moulin Rouge, Forest Gump, Romeo & Juliet & Gladiator Music: Paramore, Everclear, My Chemical Romance, Carrie Underwood, & Ne-Yo Hobby: Hiking, Baking, Softball and Watching Movies Teaching/Mentoring experience: I have taught softball to younger kids for 5 years. I am also a teacher’s aide at a high school program for at-risk teens and I love every moment of it. Lastly, I am currently enrolled in college courses with a goal to become a history teacher. Thoughts on Teaching: The number one reason why I love teaching so much is that moment when the student “gets it”. It’s like a light bulb goes off in their head and they understand what I’m teaching and are so proud of themselves. I enjoy sharing information that I have learned and passing it along to someone so that they can gain knowledge and grow as a person. Thoughts on the environment: Our earth has so much natural beauty that is getting destroyed every day. I believe that if we collectively unite to improve the state of our planet, we can make a difference. __________________________________________________ Movie: Gladiator, Basketball Diaries, Walk the Line, Mean Girls, The Matrix Music: Bright Eyes, Ani Difranco, The Killers, Hole, Rihanna Hobby: Skiing, Horseback Riding, Pool Teaching/Mentoring experience: I taught acting at a drama camp and was an SAT tutor. Thoughts on Teaching: Teaching is a great opportunity not only to help enrich the life of someone else but also to learn more about yourself. :) Thoughts on the environment: We share the planet with many other creatures and owe it to them and ourselves to take better care of our home! __________________________________________________ Movie: Blade Runner, Body Double, Vertigo, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, Pulp Fiction Music: Depeche Mode, Ladytron, Future Sound of London Hobby: Martial arts, exercise, making movies and music Teaching/Mentoring experience: As a filmmaker, I've directed and coached teenagers in my short films to give me their best performance possible. I also started an intensive fitness group where I trained college students using the principles of anaerobic conditioning. Thoughts on Teaching: The simplest and most profound way to influence somebody is to teach them something they will use for the rest of their life. Thoughts on the environment: A healthy environment leads to healthy lives. __________________________________________________ Movie: Amadeus, The Princess Bride, Pretty In Pink, Waking Life, Stranger Than Fiction Music: Depeche Mode, U2, Zero 7, Goldfrapp, Mozart Hobby: Ice skating, DJ'ing, playing guitar, singing, dancing with fire (seriously) Teaching/Mentoring experience: I completed 45 prerequisite hours (for the teaching credential program at SFSU) of participatory in-class observation in a high school. I also have worked with youth at a summer drama program, doing choreography, singing, playing improv games, etc., as well as volunteering for a show cycle with the All Stars Talent Show Network in San Francisco/Oakland, CA. Thoughts on Teaching: A teacher gives the gifts of inspiration, experience, and knowledge, which are the foods of wisdom and success. A student will flourish when allowed to grow on their own with guidance and care. A good sense of humor is key, too! Thoughts on the environment: I could go on and on about this, but… Earth is the only home we have, and there are consequences for every action we take while we live here. We are responsible both for ourselves and the billions of species we share our home with. We can change negative actions, and prioritize positive actions. In order of importance: Reduce, then Reuse, then Recycle. Google "The Great Pacific Garbage Patch." Then, watch Leonardo DiCaprio's "The 11th Hour," Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth," and Edward Norton's "Strange Days on Planet Earth." Then consider LED light bulbs over fluorescents: mercury is bad, mmmkay. __________________________________________________ Movie: 500 Days of Summer, The Goonies, Up, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Devil Wears Prada Music: Lady Gaga, Muse, Black Eyed Peas, Michael Buble and Rihanna Hobby: Running, Camping, Reading, Shopping, Movies, Music, Going to/watching hockey games and Playing with my puppy Tarzan Teaching/Mentoring experience: I have spent a year working as a teacher’s aide in an elementary school, as well as working with pre-school students. I have also tutored numerous high school students in the subjects of math and science for the last 2 years. Thoughts on Teaching: I have realized through my experience as a teacher/tutor as well as a student, that it’s important to show passion in teaching. A student will succeed when a teacher is constantly encouraging, being positive and willing to never give up on them. It is great when one of your students walks away with increased knowledge; nothing can feel as rewarding as knowing that you were responsible for that change. Thoughts on the environment: We all share the environment we live in; therefore it’s very important for every single one of us to do our part in keeping it clean and beautiful. Some people think their contribution will not make a difference, but on the contrary, everyone’s effort counts in keeping and maintaining the beauty of our environment. __________________________________________________ Movie: Super Bad, Talladega Nights, Dumb and Dumber, Knocked Up, Remember the Titans Music: The Roots, Deftones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dilated Peoples, Michael Jackson Hobby: Snowboarding, surfing, traveling, and going to sports events/concerts Teaching/Mentoring experience: I have several years experience working with children ages 5-16 years old as a summer camp counselor. In addition, I have also volunteered at Van Nuys High School and Van Nuys Adult School. I am currently a Soccer instructor teaching basic soccer skills to kids 3-12 years old and I’m also earning my teaching credentials so I can become a teacher. Thoughts on Teaching: The reward of teaching is being able to enrich someone else’s life and truly make a positive difference. Since teaching is not easy and can be difficult at times, it requires a lot of patience, understanding and care. However, it is the best feeling when you help a student and this is what keeps me encouraged to never give up. Thoughts on the environment: We have to preserve what little we have on our wonderful planet and work at making it a better place for all of us. Reducing, Reusing and Recycling…every little bit helps. __________________________________________________ Movie: The Family that Prays, The Notebook, The Blind Side, Dragonheart and The Shawshank Redemption Music: Fleetwood Mac, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Journey…actually anything from the 80’s. Hobby: Resistance training, tennis, swimming, running, hiking and online video games Teaching/Mentoring experience: First of all, I‘d like to mention I am the middle child of nine siblings, so I have mentored my younger brothers and sisters through school, sports and life. For three years, I taught elementary kids how to use PC and MAC computers. Currently, I volunteer at a local hospital to offer relief to patients and staff. Thoughts on teaching: I believe you should never give up on anything you are trying to learn. Yes, it maybe challenging, but once you figured it out through practice, it will eventually all come together and become clear. "Reach for the moon, because even if you miss you land among the stars." Thoughts on the environment: If we become more aware about our surroundings and try to limit our carbon footprints then all of us including the next generation will benefit. __________________________________________________ Movie: Heat, Forrest Gump, Scarface, Stripes Music: Moby, Crystal Method, KLF, Bee Gees Hobby: Car Shows, AutoXing, Unicycling, Rollerblading, Hiking, Movies Teaching/Mentoring experience: Being a Camp Counselor/Director for 10 years at Park Districts has been quite a ride for me. Currently I'm involved with the Acting Community and work Part-time for Discovery Channel. I also enjoy participating in performance driving schools in my free time. Thoughts on teaching: What I love about Teaching: I'm already big fan of sitting behind the wheel of a car and enjoying the simple pleasure of being free and in control of a machine that we think of as a good friend taking us on a desired journey… now it's Your Turn! This is a wonderful chance for me to share my experience and passion for driving. It's rewarding to support and encourage people to manage their own learning in order that they may maximize their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the driver they want to be. It's about helping you direct your life in the direction you decide, rather than leaving it to chance. How cool is that... who says my job is hard... it's up to you, after all, I'm just the copilot! Thoughts on the environment: The environment to me is like a Pet Dog named “Tink”…it has its good and bad days, but most of the time it depends on your actions on how it's going to behave at that moment. __________________________________________________ Movie: South Park, Super Bad, 3:10 to Yuma Music: Smashing Pumpkins, Eminem, Black Eyed Peas Hobby: Hiking, Cycling, Movies, Reading Magazines on the Beach Teaching/Mentoring experience: I've taught thousands of teenagers how to become safe drivers for the better part of 15 years. I've also been a Defensive Driver Trainer for the State of California for the past 6 years. Thoughts on teaching: Good teachers recognize and adapt to their students' individual needs, and make their students feel comfortable and relaxed. They are patient, caring and good listeners. Thoughts on the environment: The environment is our habitat which is responsible for the existence and future well being of our planet's many different life forms. If we all do our part, we can collectively make our planet a greener place and ensure that earth's species can continue to flourish. __________________________________________________ Movie: Gladiator, It’s a Wonderful Life, Breakfast at Tiffany's and 300 Music: I love all music! I tend to listen to a certain genre of music in spurts for 4-5 days and then change to another genre. Hobby: Travel, skiing/snowboarding, mountain biking, surfing, beach volleyball, keeping up with global economies Teaching/Mentoring experience: I worked with the ski patrol in Mammoth Mountain helping kids, teens and adults when they ran into trouble. I also volunteered as a ski & snowboard instructor for kids, 4th thru 12th grades; I wanted to help the novice as well as the experienced kids enjoy my passion of skiing and snowboarding. Thoughts on teaching: Everyone is an individual and they learn in a different way, so being able to adapt to the students ways is key. When you notice that your student understands something new, it gives you a sense of accomplishment which is rare to find. Thoughts on the environment: If there was a definitive way to protect our world and us to live together without consuming it, I would be doing it as a job. As it is, we can only do our best as an individual to protect what we can for everyone's future. __________________________________________________ Movie: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Kill Bill, The Incredibles, Pulp Fiction and all of the James Bond movies Music: Ozomatli, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Martin- Medeski and Wood, and the Greyboy Allstars Hobby: Playing Music, Hiking, Surfing, and Wii games Teaching/Mentoring experience: I have been teaching music in the public school system for the past 5 years. I also coach a youth orchestra in downtown LA, called the Open Academy Orchestra plus I have a number of private music students that I coach weekly. The great thing is that both of my parents are teachers too. Thoughts on teaching: Teaching comes naturally to me and I feel that I am especially good at reaching any kind of student. There are a million ways to look at a given situation and it’s the teacher’s job to find the best direction for each student. Thoughts on the environment: I feel that it is each of our jobs to make a difference. The world is a beautiful place, but we have to take responsibility in all our actions. Driving hybrids, electric cars and using mass transit is good start in LA. Every little step we take can help lead us to make a change. __________________________________________________ Movie: Jaws Music: Creedance Clearwater Revival, Bob Dylan Hobby: Running, hiking, books, and movies. Teaching/Mentoring experience: For two years I assisted with the Special Olympics program, which was both rewarding and fun. Thoughts on teaching: When teaching, I think that it is always important to recognize and accommodate each student's specific needs. Getting behind the wheel is exciting, but also a great responsibility. When preparing a student it's important to adapt to the student's learning process, but also keep it fun. Learning anything new is a challenge, so keeping a good sense of humor about it is integral. Thoughts on the environment: We only have one and we should take care of it. __________________________________________________ Movie: Step into Liquid, Ghostbusters, and The World According to Sesame Street, Encino Man and LA Story Music: Grateful Dead, Bob Marley, CCR, Megadeth and Jack Johnson Hobby: Surfing, Kayaking, Rowing & Hiking…I love the ocean, the mountains and everything in between! Teaching/Mentoring experience: I have worked with the Olympic Kayaking team in Oklahoma City, coached corporate rowing and I’ve taught kayaking to both kids and adults over the last few years down in Malibu. Thoughts on teaching: It’s always great when you can share knowledge with someone and know that what you are teaching them will last a lifetime. Thoughts on the environment: You must respect and love the environment, for one day it will be gone…and so will we. __________________________________________________ Movie: The Notebook, Little Miss Sunshine, Legends of the Fall, Hotel Rwanda, Pay it Forward, Saw (from Little Miss Sunshine to Saw??). I could go on, but I won't. Music: Flight of the Concords Hobby: Traveling, Rollerblading, Shopping, perezhilton.com (I know, shameful), Movies, Game Nights Teaching/Mentoring experience: Teaching students to drive is such a rewarding experience. Seeing the look on a student's face when they finally get that turn right or that stop nice and smooth is one of the most satisfying moments in teaching. It's so amazing what can be accomplished within a 2-hour lesson, and at the end the student beams with pride at their behind-the-wheel accomplishments. Sometimes being taught by fantastic teachers is all the experience one needs to be just as fabulous. I've had some pretty incredible teachers in my life – actually I still do. I'm learning something new everyday, and I plan to use those experiences to teach others just as fantastically (yes, fantastically is a word – and kinda' fun to say)! Thoughts on teaching: When I thought back to the subjects in school that were the most interesting and fun to learn, I realized that it wasn't so much the subjects as it was the teachers. It's amazing what a difference the right kind of teacher can make. Learning should be fun, no matter what the subject. I'd like to be remembered for making learning an exciting and fulfilling experience. Thoughts on the environment: Have you ever gone for a drive right after a really windy day and thought you were going the wrong way because things didn't look familiar? Then you realized that you're not on the wrong freeway or street, it's just that it's so clear outside that you can actually see a lot farther and things look, well, different? Well, if we don't clean up our acts and begin to cherish our environment, the next generation won't even have that! __________________________________________________ Movie: Wedding Crashers, Iron Man, The Simpsons, Casino and Gladiator Music: U2, Frank Sinatra, Jay Z, Michael Jackson and Nirvana Hobby: Biking, photography, traveling and reading Teaching/Mentoring experience: I have worked with kids and non-profits for over a decade in many different capacities. I have worked with kids as a sports coordinator, basketball, baseball, and soccer coach, program director, and a director of a multi-program facility. Thoughts on teaching: I believe that teaching is not simply a one-way street. I hope that each child or young adult that I teach can learn just as much from me as I learn from them. Thoughts on the environment: I believe that we, as people, need to be more conscious about our daily decisions to help make our world a better, cleaner environment not only for ourselves but for future generations. How did your lessons go?