Breakdown of your title: 

It basically means I steward, serve, shepherd and lead Watershed as a whole in the journey of Watershed becoming the most authentic version of itself.

What do you want people to know about you? (education, experience, family, favorite candy, sports teams, etc):

I’m Genx, born in 1966. My wife Donna moved to Charlotte in 2005 to start Watershed with two friends, Scott and Taryn Hofert.  In 1998, my wife and I lived at a children’s home in Northern India for 9 months. Watershed has ruined me in so many beautiful ways and healed me in others. Our family is formed through international adoption. Our daughter Jyoti is Indian by birth, our sons Sullivan and Mez are Thai and Ethiopian by birth respectively. Today, all three of our children are young adults in their early 20s. I was born in the state of Kentucky and have a math education degree from the University of Kentucky, and a masters of education from Georgetown College. I spent my first seven years after college working as a High School math teacher and basketball coach in the same state. I took to ministry through a sports ministry called Fellowship of Christian Athletes in 1994, was a youth pastor from 2000 to 2004.  I am an avid University of Kentucky sports fan. I enjoy bourbon, (but only if it’s distilled in Kentucky). I have a dog that my wife says is my best friend. His name is Cousin Johnny. As good boys go, he’s the best.  Donna and I have been married for 30 years. Everyday with each other has been a gift.

What’s your favorite/most inspiring part of your job?

I get super excited and energized when someone describes Watershed as the home they hoped existed. The people here are so kind and good. Through their experience with others here, watching so many people discover, in spite of what they have been told, how loved they already are has been so moving. 

Interesting Facts:

If I won the lottery tomorrow, I would open a home for abandoned miniature donkeys and horses and pigs. Anything miniature I suppose. Why? Because we both love animals and feel a sense of connection to ourselves through our own experiences with animals growing up. Of course, I’d still work here!

When I was 5, I was pretty sure I'd be a farmer when I grew up. The first 9 years of my life, I lived on a farm surrounded by tons of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins (36 in total), most of who were farmers. I spent most of my childhood days outdoors, in barns, in fields, on tractors, around animals, harvesting hay, tobacco and vegetables. Caring for cattle and horses.  Looking back, it was the most peaceful and developmental part of my early life.