T.J. grew up in the Lower Shenandoah Valley, where he deepened his appreciation for the outdoors, mountainous terrain and the waterways of Virginia.  In 2001, he started a career in recreation by obtaining his Professional Snowboard Instructor Certification.  By 2006, TJ was at James Madison University, studying kinesiology & focusing on sports & recreation management.  He ran programs with the University Recreation Center all around the Shenandoah Valley area and padded throughout West Virginia and Maryland.

In 2009, he traveled to pursue an outdoor recreation education degree at Western Illinois University.  Graduating in 2010 with a Master’s in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism. From working for Charleston County Park and Rec Commission to moving to Wyoming and directing a ski school in the Routt National Forest he has continually pushed himself and gained invaluable insight.  His certifications are diverse from USA climbing coach to Mountain bike instructor.

In April 2011, he took his first ACA SUP course. Since then, he’s been pursuing his passion for teaching and educating others on the water.  You might catch TJ in the lineup at Folly beach or one of the other amazing waterways around the Charleston area.

• SUP instructor Trainer
• Wilderness First Responder
• Bachelors in Kinesiology
• And then some, he’s too modest to bring it up, but just ask.