I grew up in Brooklyn, NYC. For 13 years, I was a grade 5 teacher in the Lower East Side of Manhattan (during the impoverished 1960's - 1970's). In 1980, I became a principal in Bergen County, NJ. Four years later, I was promoted to the role of Superintendent of the School District and remained in that position for 25 years.

I am influenced by my love of New York City, my respect for educators, my reverence for family and personal loyalty, and my gusto for the creative arts.