Meet our Director

Dave is the Director of Appamada School, where he works to foster student agency, strong relationships, and whole-child development. His leadership is informed by experience in science, hospitality, healthcare, and education, as well as a belief that students thrive when they have a meaningful voice in their learning and school community.

Dave earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Arizona and later pursued graduate-level study in neurochemistry at the University of Hartford, deepening his interest in how the brain works and how people learn. His work in hospitality also helped shape his approach to leadership, teamwork, and building inclusive communities.

Dave began his career in education in 2013 at his alma mater, Montville High School, where he served as a long-term substitute teacher in Biology, Forensics, and Chemistry. After moving to Austin in 2017, he spent two years working as a rehabilitation technician on a brain-injury unit. This experience strengthened his understanding of resilience, empathy, and individualized care. He also became a certified Red Cross instructor and continues to teach CPR and first aid.

Dave joined Appamada in 2019 as a temporary science teacher. He quickly connected with the school’s learner-centered, process-based approach. Within a year, he was teaching full-time, directing admissions, and contributing to the school’s long-term planning.

Appointed School Director in 2020, Dave now oversees Appamada’s academic programs, operations, admissions, and strategic development. He recently helped guide and support the Appamada community through the process of earning Cognia accreditation, an important milestone in the school’s continued growth. He also mentors students through social-emotional learning, leads the high school senior Capstone course, and helps students develop individualized plans for life after graduation. Because he believes school leaders should remain connected to students and classroom life, he continues to teach one or two additional courses each semester.

Dave’s teaching philosophy emphasizes individualized learning balanced with collaboration, meaningful deadlines, and responsibility to the larger community. In his classes, students explain their thinking, teach one another, engage in open dialogue, and respond to questions they have not rehearsed. His goal is to help students become confident thinkers and collaborators who can challenge assumptions and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Outside of school, Dave enjoys reading, puzzles, cooking, live music, and travel. Some of his favorite destinations include Costa Rica, Prague, Scotland, Thailand, Mexico, and Peru. He is also grateful for the opportunity to work alongside his brothers, Adam and JT, who are members of the Appamada faculty.

Dave is proud to guide Appamada’s continued growth while ensuring that its policies, programs, and traditions remain responsive to the needs of students and families.