Education has been Randy’s “Happy Place”, both as a student and teacher. He received a BA in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside, a BS in Theology at Samaritan College, and an MA in Education, Special Education Option at California State University, San Bernardino. Randy has both Multiple Subject and Special Education Specialist teaching credentials, educating and working with the severely handicapped. He has spent a total of 35 years in education, 34 of which were spent teaching students with Special Needs. He was honored to be selected several times by the parents of his students as an outstanding Special Educator. The highlight of his career was being named the 2012-2013 “Middle School Teacher of the Year” for the Riverside Unified School District.

Randy’s journey has brought him from his Midwestern roots as a Lutheran, to finally finding his spiritual home in the welcoming arms of Judaism in 2003.

Randy continues his position as Director of Education at Desert Outreach Synagogue in Palm Desert. He is proud to be one of the four AJRCA graduates guiding the community along with Rabbi Jules King, Cantor Lori Reisman Patterson and Rabbi Rachel Axelrad. Randy remains chair of Temple Beth El’s “Caring Community” in Riverside, California. Randy’s passion, assisting Jews-by-Choice on their journey to Judaism, is a priority of his service to the Jewish community.

Email: rlw4hgs@yahoo.com