I took a B.A. in Quantitative Methods & Computer Science and a Masters in International Management from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. I then took my PhD in Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute in Carpinteria, California.

I am a two-time combat veteran: in Desert Storm with the Marines (1987-1993) and with the Navy (2003-2009) during Iraqi Freedom. I served in a number of billets/MOSs/NECs including Small Missile Technician, Primary Marksmanship Instructor, Small Arms Armorer, NCOIC Armory, NBC team leader, and Special Warfare Intelligence Specialist.