About me
Following curiosity, creating possibilities
I've never been particularly interested in staying in my lane. I enjoy exploring unfamiliar ideas, especially when there's a chance to build something that didn't exist before.
I studied political science and German as an undergraduate, worked in politics, and spent time as a researcher with National Geographic Channel International before finding my way into mental health counseling. I was drawn to counseling because I wanted to work more directly with people. Later, as a professor and department chair, I discovered how much I enjoyed developing academic programs and creating opportunities for students.
I first went to Vietnam because I wanted my students to have the international learning experiences I'd missed as an undergraduate. A faculty exchange opened that door. What began as an effort to connect students across countries eventually led me to a new professional and personal home.
Vietnam has become a place where many of my interests have come together. I'm now helping develop psychology education at Fulbright University Vietnam while working with colleagues to strengthen professional training and expand access to qualified mental health care. There's still an enormous amount to build, particularly when it comes to supervised clinical training and professional standards. That's part of what makes the work so compelling.
Building something that lasts
One of the challenges I've encountered in Vietnam is the gap between the growing demand for mental health care and the opportunities available for psychologists and counselors to receive rigorous professional training. There are talented, committed people entering the field, but too few pathways for them to gain the supervised clinical experience they need.
Much of my work today focuses on helping close that gap. At Fulbright University Vietnam, I'm working to strengthen psychology education and create more opportunities for students to apply what they learn. Outside the university, I'm working with colleagues to improve access to quality mental health care and support the next generation of professionals.
Twenty years from now, I'd love to see a thriving psychology profession in Vietnam, with established graduate training programs, meaningful supervised internships, and a professional licensing system that sets clear standards for education and practice. Knowing I played a part in building that future would be enormously rewarding.
A life of exploration
I've traveled to around 50 countries, and some of my favorite experiences have been in places far from the usual tourist routes. I love discovering how people live and realizing that things I've always taken for granted aren't necessarily the way the rest of the world works.
I'm happiest when I'm outdoors, especially on trips that require a little self-reliance. I've carried everything I needed through remote wilderness, including the Outer Mountain Loop in Big Bend National Park, Texas, and mountain passes in Kyrgyzstan. There's something deeply satisfying about having everything you need on your back, with little to think about beyond the trail ahead.
Paragliding and paramotoring offer a different kind of escape. I still remember my first flight and the extraordinary feeling of being suspended in the air, completely immersed in the wind and landscape. For someone whose mind is usually occupied with ideas and projects, those moments of complete presence are hard to beat.
Closer to home, I can get surprisingly absorbed in perfecting something as simple as cooking a piece of salmon. I also enjoy quieter days with our dogs, especially after returning from a long trip.
A Life Shared
Living in Vietnam has deepened my appreciation for something I've always valued, family. Lily and I are building our life together here, and becoming part of each other's families has been endlessly rewarding.
Despite the distance between Vietnam and the United States, staying close to the people we love remains a priority. Whether we're traveling together or enjoying an ordinary day at home, family is what keeps me grounded.
Let's see what's possible
I enjoy meeting people who see the world differently, ask interesting questions, and aren't afraid to try something new. If that sounds like you, I'd love to connect.