Raised from birth in the Pioneer Valley, Rob graduated from Amherst Regional High School, and then pursued the veterinary technician program at Holyoke Community College, before transitioning to Westfield State University where he earned a BS in Biology. Now, he puts his education and profound love of animals to use as a Certified Veterinary Technician at Animal Eye Care of New England, and through making local house calls. Not wholly fulfilled by team sports at a young age, Rob was drawn to martial arts, and first found his stride in the western martial art of fencing with an épée, under the tutelage of George William Claxton. Later he trained in Taekwondo under the watchful eye of Master Hoon Heo, achieving the rank of red belt. In 2015, he discovered jiu-jitsu at NESF, and has been passionate about it ever since. When he isn’t immersed in his work or training, Rob can be found in Shutesbury, where he resides with his spouse of twelve years and their two dogs. His leisure time is filled with outdoor adventures and the rhythm of music.