Hello

Chapter Affiliation/Region

Chicago Jedi

Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.

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Year Knighted

International Jedi Federation Knight  (2014)

Mastered in IJF (2021)

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Jedi Path

Jedi Mystic

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Jedi Path

What first sparked your interest in the Jedi path?

I think the spark was really attending my first gathering in 2005 and just seeing a community of people with similar beliefs who were very open and accepting, and it was just a place where I could be myself. There was everything from martial arts to energy work to survival skills, and just being a community where everybody was asking about who you were, what you did, what you enjoyed. From that first day, it just felt like family, and I loved it so much that when I went back the second year, the organizer encouraged me to start something in Chicago. I remember that drive home being the longest drive because my mind was full of questions about whether I should start a group, how I would do it, and if anyone would even show up. I ended up reaching out to people in the area, and even though only one person came to that first meetup, that was enough, and from there it grew into what Chicago Jedi has become.

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Philosophy & Journey

How did you come to the Jedi path, and when did it become more than an interest?

I grew up with Star Wars because of my older brother, but I was too young at the time to really understand it, so it just stayed in my mind as a formative piece of my life. It wasn’t until the re-releases of the original trilogy that I started to actually understand it and think it was interesting, and then when the prequels came out while I was in college, that’s when it really clicked for me. I started thinking that the Jedi were very cool people and wondered if there were people who actually lived like that or studied those ideas. That led me to search online, where I found numerous Jedi academies, and I was honestly baffled by how many there were, but also very comforted to know there were others like me. I applied to one and never heard back, so I went with my second choice, which ended up becoming my home. I went through all the classes, took on roles as a teacher and leader, and met people who I would later connect with in person at gatherings. That’s when it became more than just an interest, because it became a lived experience and a community I was actively part of.

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How do you personally define the Force?

I think my initial idea of the Force is like seeing one face of a diamond, and I acknowledge that there are many other faces to it that I haven’t seen yet. So I try to continually rotate that diamond, to gain more understanding, and I recognize that when everyone shares their own perspective, we get a fuller picture of what the Force is. I also specifically see the Force as a dynamic, as the interaction between things, as what creates relationships between people, between us and the Earth, and between us and divinity. It’s how we connect, and that connection allows us to understand others, to feel what they’re feeling, and to be in tune with the world around us. The Force is a relationship, and because it is so vast, no one perspective can fully define it, which is why I explore multiple spiritual paths and incorporate what I learn rather than discarding it.

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What has been the most meaningful or challenging lesson the Force has taught you?

I think the most meaningful lesson the Force has taught me is to not be afraid. Fear has often been what has held me back from doing things, whether that was starting a chapter, stepping into leadership, or just taking action when something new presents itself. I tend to hesitate because I don’t want to create waves or step into discomfort, but I’ve learned that when I avoid that discomfort, I become inauthentic to myself. The Force keeps teaching me that I need to move through that fear, because on the other side of it is growth and the ability to truly be myself. I even remember being asked what would happen if I stopped being afraid, and my immediate answer was that I would be awesome, and that really stuck with me. So now, I recognize that discomfort is part of the process, and that going through it is what allows me to grow and shine more fully.

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What continues to motivate you to walk this path?

What continues to motivate me is the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, because I know that I am only seeing one part of something much larger. The Force is like that diamond, and I want to keep seeing more of it, which means I need to keep learning, keep meeting people, and keep experiencing new things. I have always had a teacher’s heart, and I love education and learning, whether that’s through books, conversations, or even going down long rabbit holes of exploration. I have an entire library, and I can spend hours just diving into one topic after another, because each new piece of knowledge leads to another. That curiosity and desire to understand more is what keeps me on this path.

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Mentorship & Leadership

What responsibility do you believe comes with holding the title of Knight?

I believe that the responsibility of a Knight is to live out the ideals of the Jedi Compass so fully that your very existence becomes a reflection of the path. It means showing empathy, compassion, resilience, and integrity in everything you do, regardless of your role in life. A Knight is someone who embodies the path in their daily actions, whether they are a teacher, a doctor, or doing any other kind of work. It also means being ready to step into leadership or service when called upon, even when it feels uncomfortable, because that call is something you will recognize. When you move into mastery, that responsibility expands into creating more, whether that is through developing people, building programs, creating rituals, or expanding the community. It becomes about contributing to the growth of the path itself.

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What does being a mentor mean to you personally?

To me, being a mentor means first being a sounding board for the mentee, understanding what they want to accomplish, what they feel called to do, and what direction they are trying to move in. From there, it becomes my role to help guide them, to create pathways for them to achieve those goals, and to provide suggestions and support based on my own experiences. It also involves pushing them at times, encouraging them to try new approaches or perspectives, while maintaining a balance between guidance and allowing them to explore on their own. It is very much a relationship, a give and take, where both people are engaged in the process.

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How would you describe your mentoring style?

My mentoring style is centered around listening and understanding the individual I am working with. I want to know where they are coming from before I start offering guidance, because that allows me to tailor my approach to their needs. I often incorporate books and reading as part of the learning process, and I build structured plans based on what the mentee is trying to achieve. At the same time, I bring in elements that I personally value, like Stoicism, because I have found them helpful, though I recognize that those are my own interests. Overall, I aim to create a flexible and personalized approach that supports the mentee’s growth.

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What kind of mentee do you feel naturally compatible with?

I tend to work well with someone who is a bit more extroverted and energetic than I am, because I am naturally introverted and methodical. That balance allows us to complement each other, where I can help slow things down when needed, and they can help keep momentum going. I also value curiosity and inquisitiveness, because that shared desire to learn creates a strong foundation for growth. Ideally, I want a mentee who is open-minded, willing to explore, and also willing to challenge me, because that mutual engagement helps both of us grow.

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What area do you specialize in as a Jedi and mentor?

I specialize in spirituality and religion, with a deep interest in understanding different faith traditions and how they connect. I have studied many different systems and can engage in conversations about a wide range of beliefs, and I approach each one with genuine curiosity and respect. I also focus on meditation practices and recognize that there is no single path that works for everyone, so I aim to help people find what fits them best at any given time.

 

Is there a mentor or a few people in the Jedi Community that helped you grow as a Jedi?

I believe that everyone I have encountered has been a mentor in some way, because I learn from every interaction. That said, Ally has been particularly influential, especially in pushing me to step outside my comfort zone and grow spiritually. We have supported each other along the path. Ross has also played a major role, especially through martial arts, but also in helping me find my voice and express myself more fully. Both of them have contributed significantly to my development.

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Character & Growth

What do you believe are some of your core personality traits?

I would describe myself as introverted and methodical, someone who tends to take in information first before responding, because I am usually listening and processing what is happening around me. I am also very inquisitive, always wanting to learn more and understand things more deeply, which shows up in how I approach spirituality, knowledge, and even conversations. Alongside that, I would say I am very empathetic, because over time I have developed the ability to really read people, to look at someone and understand what they may be going through, what their emotional state is, and what kind of support they might need. That curiosity combined with empathy and a thoughtful, reflective nature really shapes how I move through the world.

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What strengths help you serve your community well?

One of my greatest strengths is my empathy, because it allows me to connect with people in a meaningful way. I can read a room, understand what someone is going through, and respond in a way that meets them where they are. That has been something I’ve developed over time through the Jedi path, and it helps me serve both as a mentor and as a member of the community. I also bring a strong sense of curiosity and openness, especially when it comes to spirituality and different belief systems, which allows me to hold space for a wide variety of perspectives. On top of that, my background in education helps me create structured ways for people to learn and grow, while still keeping things adaptable to their needs.

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What areas are you actively working on within yourself?

Right now, I am working on reconnecting with play and learning how to bring more joy and lightness into life. As adults, we get so caught up in responsibilities like work, finances, and daily stress that we lose touch with that childlike sense of fun. I think that’s something we need to reclaim, because play is not just something extra, it is essential for how we learn, how we connect, and how we grow. It allows us to experiment, to problem-solve, and to explore different versions of ourselves. I’ve even come to see the Jedi path as a way of creating the ideal version of yourself, and part of that process is allowing space for play, for creativity, and for enjoyment. So I’m actively trying to find ways to make even difficult training or personal growth feel more engaging and alive, rather than something that is just heavy or serious all the time.

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What does integrity mean to you in daily life?

Integrity means living in alignment with your values and not allowing fear to dictate your choices. It means recognizing that avoiding something out of fear can lead to regret, and instead choosing to act in a way that reflects who you are and what you believe. Even if things don’t turn out the way you expected, you can still know that you did your best and stayed true to yourself.

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What do people often misunderstand about you?

Because I am quiet and introverted, people often assume that I am not engaged, not paying attention, or not taking something seriously. In reality, I am usually very engaged, just processing everything that is happening and figuring out the best way to respond. There is a lot going on internally, even if it doesn’t show outwardly right away. I take time to think, to understand, and to communicate intentionally, but that can sometimes be misread as disengagement when it is actually the opposite.

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Life Beyond the Temple

What brings you joy outside of Jedi practice?

Gardening and tabletop role-playing games bring me a lot of joy, because both involve creativity, growth, and interaction. Gardening allows me to work with the earth, to envision something and then bring it to life over time, while role-playing games allow me to collaborate with others to create shared stories, explore different worlds, and engage in problem-solving in a fun and imaginative way.

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Favorite Movie/Show:

It really depends on my mood, because I tend to go through phases with what I watch, but I consistently gravitate toward fantasy and science fiction. I’ve had phases where I was really into Supernatural or Charmed, and then other times where I’ve gone deep into things like vampires or different supernatural themes. More recently, I’ve been very into Star Trek and exploring everything related to space, as well as Doctor Who. I enjoy those kinds of stories because they explore big ideas, different worlds, and deeper questions about existence, connection, and humanity, which ties closely into how I think about the Force and the Jedi path.

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Favorite Singer/Band:

I tend to listen to a lot of pop music, especially the music I grew up with, so I find myself staying connected to that era more than keeping up with everything current. At the same time, because I work with children, I end up being introduced to a lot of newer music through them, and that becomes part of what I listen to as well. Sometimes I’ll wake up with songs they’ve requested stuck in my head, and it just becomes part of my daily life. So my music taste is a mix of nostalgia and whatever the kids bring into my world, and I’ve come to appreciate both.

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Heroes and Inspirations:

Marcus Aurelius is a major inspiration to me, especially because of his connection to Stoicism. He was someone who carried immense responsibility as a leader while also dealing with personal struggles, and he used reflection and journaling to process everything that was happening in his life. Being able to read his thoughts and see how he navigated those challenges makes him feel very real and relatable, and it reminds me that even someone in that position faced the same kinds of internal struggles we do. That perspective helps ground me and gives me a sense that whatever challenges I face, I can work through them as well.

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What do you do outside of IJF?

I am a preschool teacher and have been working in education for over a decade. I started as a youth pastor, then worked in after-school programs, and eventually became a preschool teacher. I have always been involved in education and working with youth, and I truly enjoy helping children learn and grow.

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How does your life outside the Order influence your Jedi path?My work in education has shown me that learning needs to be interactive and engaging. Children don’t just sit and absorb information, they need to experience it, to play with it, and to explore it. That has influenced how I approach teaching and the Jedi path, because I focus on creating opportunities for people to actively engage with what they are learning, rather than just receiving it passively.

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Community & Vision

How would you describe being part of the IJF community?

Being part of IJF feels like being part of a large and diverse family made up of people with many different perspectives and interpretations of the Jedi path. It is a space where people challenge each other, support each other, and help each other grow. That diversity allows you to see the Force from many different angles, and it keeps you learning and evolving. It has been a consistent part of my life for so long that it truly feels like a second family.

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What values are most important for IJF to protect over time?

Integrity, accountability, and boundaries are some of the most important values to protect. It is important for leaders to stand firm, to create a safe space for growth, and to be willing to say no when necessary. Setting expectations and maintaining them helps ensure that the community remains a place where people can thrive and grow.

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How do you personally contribute to the health and culture of this community?

I contribute through the Mystic Path, helping to create spaces where people can explore spirituality and process their experiences in meaningful ways. That includes practices like meditation, labyrinth work, and using frameworks like the hero’s journey to help people understand their own growth and challenges. I see my role as helping people recognize that they are the hero of their own story and providing them with the tools and support to continue that journey. It’s about creating a space where people can reflect, connect, and grow, while still honoring the different paths and traditions they come from.

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What does belonging mean to you within IJF?

Belonging within IJF means being part of something that feels like home, a community that has been present in my life for so long that it has become part of my identity. It is a space where I can be myself, where I can contribute, and where I can continue to grow alongside others. It’s not just something I participate in, it’s something I am deeply connected to, almost like another form of family and responsibility in my life.

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Final Reflection

When someone reads your bio, what do you hope they understand about your heart?

I hope they understand how open my heart is, how big it is, and that there is always room for another person in it, and that I am always ready to welcome whoever comes into that space.​