About Me

Everyone chooses their own path.  Some paths wind around obstacles, go over them, or sometimes simply wind around a bend to take in a view.  Most are filled with many up-hills and downs, but all paths lead to the destination you choose to walk in.  My path was no different, and while I did it my way I had a lot of help from the people around me.  

Career-wise, the first decade or so of my time as an educator was spent working with kids in “front of the desk” teaching predominantly math and social studies, the second decade was spent working “behind the desk” as a middle and high school administrator. Then, after some deep reflection, I found myself back in the classroom for three incredible years where I renewed my sense of why education is so important to me, then with that renewed sense of clarity (being in the classroom again was such a great experience that I believe this is something every administrator should try) I returned to the role of Principal for the past 9 years at a small PreK-8 school before landing here, in my hometown of Epping, as Co-Principal of Epping Elementary School.  

Over the past twenty plus years I have taught a variety of ages, from middle school to college, and been an administrator for elementary, middle, and high school students. During that time, while many things have changed, my belief that students and staff must feel appreciated and cared for before they will appreciate and care about learning and teaching, has not. This sentiment is clearly valued by the Epping schools, as my own children have always felt supported and cared for by their teachers. This is one of my reasons for wanting to be part of this incredible team of educators.  

I truly love education. It is the great equalizer and working and living in NH is a source of pride as our educational systems continuously rank among the nation’s best. I find myself interested and invested in the significant turning points in students’ careers, such as those first steps in learning to read, entering middle school, and graduating high school. Early literacy is probably the most important thing schools can focus on, as it lays the foundation for greater skills and opens the doors for deeper learning.  Working with early adolescents has been closest to my heart for most of my career, as I have served as a consultant and board member for a variety of state and regional boards, such as the New England League of Middle Schools and the New Hampshire Association for Middle Level Education. In addition, having a daughter who just graduated from high school really highlighted the importance of how a competent nurturing high school experience can create a solid foundation for our youth to move toward adulthood.  Overall, ensuring that students have a solid Pre-K through 12 experience is important to me as it serves as a launching pad for their future.  

My family and I have lived happily in Epping for the past 16 years. My interests and hobbies have changed much over the years, and while golf, guitar, photography, biking, and fishing still remain close to my heart, I try to spend most of my free time with my son, Tiernan, and my daughter, Olivia. My family is rounded out by my wonderful wife Colleen (a fantastic middle school Art teacher) and our new puppy, Calli.

Thanks and take care.

Chris