Don was born in Gillette, Wyoming, but grew up in Northern Colorado. After graduating from Fort Collins High School (Go Lambkins), he spent three years in the US Navy from 1997 to 2000. He returned to Colorado and received three Associate degrees in Business, Accounting, and Medical Billing and Coding from the Institute of Medical and Business Careers. He spent 10 years in the accounting and finance world. After that time, he decided to pursue a career in teaching. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an influence in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 2022. While receiving his education, he spent a lot of time working with students of various ages and levels. Before moving to Billings, MT, he taught fourth grade for one year at a K-8 charter school.
This is Don’s first year at Grace Montessori. He spent the last year and a half at Sunrise Montessori as the Lead Lower Elementary teacher. He was drawn to the Montessori method of teaching because of its all-inclusive nature and students taking more responsibility for their own learning. He holds a current Montana Teaching License and is constantly looking for ways to improve his craft.
When not in the classroom, Don loves to spend time with his wife and daughter, Viola, going to the Billings Studio Theater, hiking and camping in the great outdoors, and traveling to/exploring other places in this great big world.