After receiving a B.A. in English from American University in Washington D.C., and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the Instituto Allende, University of Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, I taught literature and composition at Baruch College for fifteen years in New York City, while freelancing as a photographer (one solo show, ten photographs of Bob Marley in the permanent collection of the Bob Marley Museum, Kingston, Jamaica).

In 1996, after moving from New York to Santa Fe, I was hired as director of Mountain View School, responsible for the academic and coaching needs of patients on the Adolescent Psychiatric Unit of St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe.

Shortly after the Adolescent Psychiatric Unit closed in 1998, I was employed as Academic Coordinator at the College of Santa Fe. For eleven years I was an academic advisor and personal development coach for hundreds of students; I created and managed a highly successful student peer mentoring program, designed for the high functioning of mind, body, and spirit.

The College of Santa Fe closed in 2009. In the years since, I developed a private practice as a personal development coach, received training as a mediator, wrote Mentoring Human Potential – Peer Mentors as Catalysts for Student Success, published in 2011 by iUniverse, Inc., and created a business, Explorations of Spirit and Creativity, which presented a series of six workshops. In 2019, I developed Co-Creating Beautiful Days, presented in this website.

I offer excepts from two letters of recommendation:

“Scott worked as director of Mountain View School, which served our adolescent patients. Scott was particularly adept at connecting quickly with adolescents and establishing a supportive and trusting relationship with them. He was able to motivate students who had lost interest in school; he worked effectively and harmoniously with their parents and other staff as well as with counselors, principals, and teachers from the home schools of our patients. His relaxed yet ‘in charge’ demeanor created a nurturing but disciplined school atmosphere in which he effectively taught his classes.” A Guillermo Pezzarossi, MD, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

“Scott’s dedication to students is unquestionable. His ability to reach at-risk students on a genuine level has enabled numerous young adults to achieve academic and personal success. Scott’s file is filled with first-hand accounts from students who were able to graduate and continue on to secure employment or graduate positions largely due to Scott taking the time to work with them in a personalized environment.

It was through Scott’s imagination and initiative that he created a Peer Mentoring Program that connects students on academic probation with trained upper class students who can help with study skills, time management, and general support. The program has proven highly successful and has laid the foundation for the College to grow and expand student support services for all students.” Joseph Fitzpatrick, Dean of Student Life, College of Santa Fe