I grew up in a Catholic family in San Francisco, California, moved to San Antonio to attend Trinity University in 2003, and graduated from Trinity in 2007. I received God's call to pastoral ministry on May 18, 2008, serving as a youth minister from 2008-2010, and becoming a Methodist in April 2009. The United Methodist Church's emphases on the fullness of God's grace, and Christ's call to pursue both personal and social holiness, drew me to the Methodist branch of Christianity. I have served as a pastor since 2011, and was fully ordained in 2016, and have served congregations in Kempner, San Antonio, Lyford, Edcouch, Rio Grande City, and now feels blessed to serve St. Mark UMC-McAllen.

1 Corinthians 13:11-13 speaks to my ministry emphases: the centrality of love and humility in seeking to follow the Way of our crucified and risen Jesus Christ. I have a passion for discipleship formation and community ministries that further God's mercy and justice. I am proficient in Spanish, or at least the "TexMex" dialect which is spoken in the Rio Grande Valley. I enjoy spending time with my family, which include my wife Leigh Ann and our two daughters, Elizabeth (8) and Emily (4). I also read theology, fantasy, and Texas history; follow current events; and play nerdy games with friends. I passionately root for San Francisco sports teams, though I also support the Spurs, Baylor Bears, and the Cowboys. I met Leigh Ann in college, and we got married in 2010. Leigh Ann is currently an Assistant District Attorney in the Civil Division of the Hidalgo County District Attorney's office.