About The Owner

From Teaching Students to Teaching Drivers

Before I stepped into the shop, my tools were textbooks and lesson plans. I spent years as a public school teacher and eventually owned a tutoring center for high-needs students with anxiety and autism, as well as more traditional services assisting with specific subjects and test prep. Learning about a new topic and then sharing that with others has always been a joy, and I feel that education has always been my calling. 

I initially invested in this AAMCO location as a side venture, but I quickly realized that to run a shop that truly serves its customers, I needed to be here every day. I made the choice to close my tutoring business and dedicate myself to the shop full-time. Today, I am an ASE Certified Service Advisor, and while the subject matter has changed from biology and math to transmissions and brake systems, I am still a teacher at heart. My goal is to empower you with the knowledge you need to make the best decisions for your vehicle’s health and your family’s budget.

A Lifelong Love for the Drive

My connection to cars started long ago, learning to drive with my father in an bright blue 1976 Mazda stickshift. Over the years, I’ve labored under the hood of my own vehicles, most memorably including a 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo. I never felt more proud working on a car than when I’d changed the timing, and it certainly taught me the value of patience, research and the right tools when it comes to car repair. I still remember the connection I felt to my grandfather, a WWII fighter pilot and engineer, while driving the 1977 VW Jetta I inherited from him, not to mention the particular pleasure that comes from cruising along in something that is simply working properly as intended. That sense of stewardship and respect for a well-maintained machine is exactly what I strive to bring to every car that enters our bays.

Why Choose AAMCO of Oak Park?

I understand that most people aren't exactly "happy" to be walking through the door of a repair shop. Car trouble is stressful and often unexpected. That is why we always try to lead with sympathy and education. If we can clearly explain what is happening with your vehicle and why a specific solution matters, we can reduce the stress and hopefully create a more positive experience. 

My passion is maintenance, but we also love the "puzzles”, the complex diagnostics that other shops might turn away. Whether it is a simple battery fix that was misdiagnosed elsewhere or a rare solenoid for a 20-year-old Acura, my team and I find deep satisfaction in getting to the bottom of a problem and getting you back on the road safely.