I grew up in Hillsboro and now live in St. Helens. Started my aviation journey in 2006 when I began helicopter flight training at Hillsboro Aviation (now Hillsboro Aero Academy) and unfortunately ran out of money before getting my private with around 70 hours of heli time. Started work as a ramper in 2007 at Menzies (contractor for Alaska Airlines at the time), then moved over to Horizon Air, worked there 2008-2012. Pursued my education for my A&P at Portland Community College in 2015, but dropped out shortly after because I didn’t feel it was hands on enough for me. Became a ramper at Aero Air in 2016 and started my fixed wing flight training at this time too. Moved up to ramp supervisor. While there I remembered from school that the FAA allows apprenticeships for an A&P, so I moved into the maintenance shop, starting my apprenticeship in 2018. Acquired my fixed wing private pilot license at Twin Oaks in Aug 2020 and after spending 3 years as an apprentice, acquired my A&P in September 2021 after attending Baker’s School of Aeronautics 2 week prep course in Lebanon, TN. I am now eligible for my IA (inspector authorization) and studying for that as well as actively pursuing my instrument rating. I am an aviation nerd and while I’ve considered leaving for something else career wise in the past, I have come across a quote that has never been more true for me…”aviation is like the mafia; once you’re in, you can never leave”! I have worked on aircraft from GA piston, to corporate jets and turbo props and I have realized that GA piston is my favorite, so I am thrilled to be part of the Twin Oaks family and take care of this fleet!

I moved to Sherwood, Oregon in 1972 at age five from long beach California.  I got my first taste of general aviation at Twin Oaks at the age of 10 when family friends flew up in their Cherokee and I remember thinking what a cool job it would be to work here. I spent 4 1/2 years in the Coast Guard and then went to OIT where I got my bachelor degree in manufacturing engineering technology. After that I returned to the Coast Guard and served 23 years during which time I got my private pilot license and instrument rating.  In 2017 I once again pursued my passion for flying and enrolled in Central Oregon Community College professional pilot program where I completed my commercial, CFI, CFII, and multi engine ratings.  In 2018 I became a full time flight instructor and also worked for Leading Edge line department on the side.  I instructed for leading edge and COCC for 4 years. In 2022  we moved back to the valley when my step-daughter had her first child and now I am a grandparent.  I got a job at Hillsboro Aviation as line tech, then avionics tech,  then line manager.  While at Hillsboro, friends said I should use my Coast Guard experience and become an A&P,  which I had actually started the process for back in 2003.  I was offered the job at Twin Oaks to pursue my apprenticeship, and am actively working toward finishing my A&P. I feel very privileged to be employed at Twin Oaks and can’t think of a better family to work for.

Busy turnin' wrenches

Busy turnin' wrenches