Though born in Texas, I grew up in Brazil from age 3 to 19. My dad was a professor at a seminary and my mom the school nurse. Education and healthcare have played big roles in my family. I love how a guy from New Jersey and a girl from San Francisco met in a small town in Ohio and decided to go help people in Brazil. My parents are incredible role models.
As the oldest of four siblings, I had the responsibility of going before them in school, sports, and summer jobs. 
It was important for me to work hard and make a good impression so they could follow after me and do even better.
For example, before college, I worked at a car factory for eight months. It was a good experience and my siblings each worked at the same factory before they went to college.
Having transferred credits from a Brazilian school, I graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Global Economics & International Business from Cedarville University.
In August 2009, I received my commission from Officer Candidate School (Newport, RI) and chose Forward Deployed Naval Forces, Japan. As we fulfilled our mission across the Pacific, I led 30 sailors in two departments.
From 2012 to 2013, I completed AEGIS training in Dahlgren, VA, and worked as Assistant Certification Officer in Norfolk, VA. In September 2013, I separated honorably from active duty.
In the Navy Reserve force, I have served in leadership and command positions and deployed overseas twice. I have completed three graduate degrees including the Master of International Public Policy (MIPP) from The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
One of my greatest joys was to marry my best friend in 2016. Through thick and thin, we have stuck together and grown closer. We have committed to love and to cherish each other “till death do us part.”
Today, I continue my reserve duties as commanding officer of a 60-sailor unit. My nine to five job is as a third-party contractor.
I have long wanted to serve my community in public office. As of June of this year, I will have lived in Woodbridge for five years—the longest I have lived consecutively in any single location. Northern Virginia is my home. I want my kids and family to grow in this wonderful place. It would be an honor to serve as your delegate in District 51.
