Let's Catch Up!

Hi Friend

If you’re new to meeting me or perhaps we’ve lost touch, let me give you a bit about where I’ve been and where I’m going. I grew up in Mississauga, Ontario in the 90’s, played hockey and football and in my elementary school I grew to follow Jesus in a Baptist church.

In high school my pastor left and some of the members stopped coming, including myself. I played high school football for Coach McCallion and the Crusaders, which would give me the fundamentals to walk on to Wilfrid Laurier University’s football team. My girlfriend and future wife Amanda was with me every step, including when I took a year off to study dog training (fun fact of the day).

After Laurier I attended Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, following in my wife’s footsteps to become a Child and Youth Care Practitioner in education. We have four beautiful daughters: Rachel, Rebekah, Leah and Sarah and yes they all have their own insta. We have the best dog Chase (his full name is actually Vincent Chase after the show Entourage). We are now based out of Dufferin County and love small town living.

My adult life I felt I needed something more (than a therapist, but that’s another post) so Amanda and I tried The Meeting House. Their slogan is ‘A church for people not into church’. Sign me up. I’ve had some struggles like others but Jesus was always the same. I didn’t consciously avoid church, we just hadn’t found the right fit until hearing Bruxy Cavey speak. I am now focusing a lot of my drive and passion into spreading the message of Jesus.

The purpose of this blog and of this post is to showcase some of my research, share my own life anecdotal experiences and eventually launch a PlaidShirtCounselor service that would offer community planning, ministry and youth outreach. I will also be posting news about my book and excerpts to give you hints about its’ content. I believe it will change a lot of minds about how to work with young people, especially those experiencing mental health struggles.

Now that we’re caught up, leave me a comment if you’re new or we’ve met. I hope to have more than my mom comment. Although she hasn’t in a while…..