l am a single father of 2 boys, Liam (10) and Finnegan (8). My journey to Good Shepherd was filled with God's strategic plan! I got divorced in early 2018, and while I was seeking out counseling, I found a Christian counselor who happened to be a member of Good Shepherd. She suggested I give Good Shepherd a try because of the wonderful family ministry we have. I was a newly single father with a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old. The support I received from the Sparks team and their director Bethany Hammer, was amazing. That is one of the many reasons I fell in love with Good Shepherd and decided to raise my boys here.

My faith journey started when I was born. The reason why I say that is because I am adopted. I was adopted through Lutheran & Children and Family Services in 1979. In my adoption papers to my adoptive parents, my birth mother had one very important request, make sure I read the Bible and am exposed to God. My parents did just that. I grew up in Lutheran churches & Lutheran and Christian schools. My faith has always had a firm foundation because of that.

Service has always been a big part of my life. One position I am especially proud of is when I was a '"CASA" (Court Appointed Special Advocate) in DuPage County for 6 years. CASA is a national organization of volunteer advocates who are the eyes and ears of the courts for abused and neglected children in the community. I retired as an advocate last year and now serve on the board of directors. My boys and I are also very active in serving at Feed My Starving Children and Feed The Need.

Over the past 4 years, I have served in many ways at Good Shepherd. I've served as a buddy on Sunday mornings and at monthly Buddy Breaks. I've led weekly small groups in Club 45 and Fuel as well as helped with winter camps. I serve communion with the Worship Team. I am a facilitator for our Divorce Care small groups, and help set up/tear down our worship spaces.