Sam is originally from Lincoln, Nebraska - near the geographic center of the United States, known for its cornfields, cows, and tornadoes. He earned a BA in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska. After graduating, he began his teaching career in the Czech Republic and later moved to China, where he taught English for four years in Zhejiang and Yunnan. Following his time in Kunming, Sam returned to the U.S. to work in adult education with immigrants and refugees, training teachers to succeed in their English classes and presenting at regional and national conferences. He is now completing his final semester at the American College of Education, pursuing a Master’s in Education with an emphasis on teaching diverse English learners.

In his free time, Sam enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, language learning, and exploring new foods. Recently, he completed a seven-day trek through a remote valley in Tajikistan, covering around 40 kilometers per day on foot.