I grew up in a small town ten miles outside of Cave Junction, Oregon called Takilma. When I turned thirteen my family moved to Ashland where I attended Ashland Middle School and Ashland High School. I played soccer at Ashland and acted in plays. After high school I went to college at the University of San Diego where I received my degree in History with an Anthropology minor. I was admitted to the National History Honors fraternity Phi Alpha Theta and the National Anthropology Honors fraternity Lambda Alpha. I also played volleyball for USD. After USD I attended Southern Oregon University where I received my teaching credential.

I am married to Deborah Jensen (yes, Mrs. Jensen is my wife not my daughter - don't let her fool you!) and have a 15 year old son named Erix and a 10 year old daughter named Rane.

I have one brother named Derek who I traveled to Europe with in 2006.