I grew up on Six Mile near Madison WV. My memories of childhood are great - I had two wonderful parents and two older sisters that were like mothers to me. Throughout childhood and adolescents I made close friends. I enjoyed playing sports, playing music in the Little Coal River Band and hanging out with my friends, who I still keep in touch with from time to time.

After graduating from Scott High School in 1981 I moved to Nashville TN to go to school at David Lipscomb University and that is where I met my wife Kim. We were married on March 15th 1985. We have three beautiful daughters.

Kim and I completed a masters in Counseling from Marshall University and then I completed my Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Ohio University. I am the senior minister for the Norway Avenue Church of Christ, an adjunct professor at Marshall University, a motivational speaker for hospital associations, a trainer for mental health professionals and a singer-songwriter.

My goals focus on my relationship with my Lord Jesus, my family, my church, and work as an educator. Music is woven through the fabric of my life but it does not take first place. It just spices things up a bit. I play my guitar and sing at home, at church, at school and when I speak. Music is like light shining through the windows of my life. It picks me up, adds flavor to my speaking and makes people smile.