Core Competencies
- Group facilitation & dynamics
- Small unit leadership & operations
- Community design & governance
- Intentional Community design
Education
Bachelor of Science, Major in History
United States Naval Academy, Graduated 2005
Facilitation & Organizing Experience
Creator & Lead Facilitator
The Darkness Experiment (est. 2022)
The Darkness Experiment is a 5-day retreat for 22 participants in total darkness designed to explore relational connection, sensory depth, and embodied awareness. Integrates echolocation training, solo silent fasting, intuitive movement, and communal practices to help participants rediscover themselves and others in the absence of vision.
Courses run:
Darkness Experiment I: November 2022
Darkness Experiment II: December 2023
Darkness Experiment III: May 2025
Co-Founder & Lead Facilitator
IntimacyFest (est. 2015)
IntimacyFest is a 4‑day relational laboratory that cultivates deep connection, vulnerability, and applied relational skills. The event invites participants into a high-trust container where they practice honesty, boundary awareness, and emotional expression, supported by intentionally designed workshops and exercises.
Festivals hosted:
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 in San Diego, California
2024 in Whangaparāoa, New Zealand
Lead Facilitator
Connection Games San Diego (2012-present)
200+ events
Connection Games are evening workshops where I facilitate games and exercises designed for deeper relating, often involving connection through touch, authenticity and self-expression.
The Mission, 2011-2015
Co-founded a men’s group in San Diego focused on growth and brotherhood.
The Dojo, 2010-2015
Bought and remodeled a 5-bedroom house in San Diego and created a community of musicians.
Work Experience
Division Officer, 2005-2008
USS PELELIU (LHA-5)
Led and managed a division of 14 sailors in Deck Department, overseeing daily operations, training, and performance evaluations to ensure mission readiness.
Electronic Warfare Officer, 2008-2010
USS GREEN BAY (LPD-20)
Led all electronic warfare (EW) operations, ensuring real-time detection, identification, and response to electromagnetic threats. Directed a team of highly trained sailors, overseeing training, qualifications, performance evaluations, and mission execution.
Mediator & Coordinator, 2022-present
3SC (Safer Sex-Positive & Spiritual Communities)
Facilitated 30+ hours of structured dialogue between a global organization (International School of Temple Arts) and community members. Authored recommendations to implement systemic policy and safety improvements. Led ethical oversight and community advocacy during organizational reforms. Read more at 3sc.community.
Member, Board of Directors, 2022-present
Foundation for Intentional Community
I help govern a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports and connects 1,500+ intentional communities worldwide with a website that hosts 500,000 visitors annually. Also serve as a liaison between the FIC and broader intentional-community networks, helping to build partnerships, visibility, and movement impact.
Primary Organizer
TEDxCardiffbytheSea (2017)
Click to watch our talks (3.4M views)
The Emerald Village (2018-2022)
EVO (The Emerald Village) is a 9-acre Intentional Community in San Diego using Sociocracy for their governance. I held a variety of roles, including facilitator for the general circle, and managing roles for the various circles.
Published Work
Boodaism, Est. 2011
Over 250 essays on relationships, community and living a meaningful life. Click to see the archive.
It Takes a Village (2021 Documentary)
A 40-minute documentary about what it took to start and establish The Emerald Village, and Intentional Community in San Diego.
Darken the Page Podcast (2014-2017)
A podcast about the creative process where I interviewed writers, and creatives of all kinds about how they make their art (65 episodes).
Dude Panel (2012-2017)
YouTube Channel (24K Subscribers) & Podcast (139 episodes)