Lear for Wyoming

Born on F.E. Warren AFB, I am the product of a USAF family with a long military tradition. Both my father and my step-father served our country for more than twenty years. I grew up on the south side of Cheyenne, attending Goins Elementary and Johnson Junior High until I was 13, when our family received orders to Eielson AFB, AK. After graduating high school there, I played baseball in college for a brief time until I injured my shoulder. I then went on to complete my Bachelor’s degree at the University of Wyoming and then a Master’s at the University of Northern Colorado.

For more than a decade I pursued a career in college and professional sports, working mostly in Baseball Operations and Scouting. However, I always held a passion for education and would return to it when I was between jobs in sports. Then, in 2016, I was offered the opportunity to teach in the Adult Education (ACES) program at Laramie County Community College. My experience with those students persuaded me to leave sports behind and become a teacher full-time. It is a decision that completely changed my life.

I have taught English as a Second Language and U.S. Civics/Citizenship in the ACES program for nearly eight years now, while previously teaching Sport Management at LCCC part-time as well. Our work connecting students with opportunities in job training and career education programs has helped me to gain insight into the needs of Wyoming, our future workforce, and the cracks in our education system. All of this has influenced my decision to run for the Wyoming House of Representatives.

On a personal note, I am married to my astounding wife, Camila, and we have a beautiful and spunky baby girl named Maia. Despite my old age, I still love to exercise and compete in as many sports as I can. I play in Cheyenne’s adult softball and basketball leagues each year, and love to golf when I have time. I have a passion for helping our community, participating in events such as the Pink Ribbon Run or charity golf tournaments each year, as well as serving on several committees at the college and as a sponsor of LCCC’s International Students Club. I am proud to have lived in the community I grew up in for eight years now, and hope to repay it for all that it did for me by serving its residents and the people of Wyoming.