My passion for community has led me to spearhead the conversion of the Denver Salsa Bachata Congress to the Colorado Afro-Latin Dance and Art Collective. We have pivoted our focus from just our Congress to community outreach. Colorado has given me so many opportunities and I want to give back to the community that so graciously accepted me as one of their own. We have partnered with Colorado Ballet Academy in offering Latin dance to their company, bridging the divide between technical (see note) and social dance.One of my greatest moments in 2024 was being able to partner with the Denver Nuggets and attend a basketball game with 150 of my Salsa dancers . We not only attended a game but were able to dance on the famous Ball Arena Court after the conclusion of the game .

To many, I am known as Tom "El RastaSalsa" - a fun and energetic Salsa instructor in the Denver area who specializes in teaching the absolute beginner to the advanced dancers. I began my career as a Latin dance instructor in 2016. In 2023, I embarked on opening my own studio - Somos Dance Studio. My vision for Somos was to open a space to provide accessible dance instruction through a detailed curriculum, and that is exactly what we’ve done. Our curriculum builds upon the foundation of social dancing offering students opportunities to master skills and find new ways to make the "basics" exciting. We are first and foremost a community of people coming together to be present with our partners, with the class, and with ourselves.

Casa Denver is a space for upcoming and new artists. This is a community where they can develop their art and skills. This space is also available for all kinds of events from birthday parties to baby showers and so much more. This space holds a special place in my heart, because it is where I started teaching dance. The opportunity this space gave me to grow is something I am pleased to offer to other artists.

Knowledgeable. Enthusiastic. Understanding. These are but a few words that have been used to describe me by my past students and I proudly carry that as my badge of honor. These are the skills that I use to ensure that students get the best tutoring experience during each session. My degree in engineering mechanics and my experience in the field as a mechanical engineer gives me the knowledge and real-life applicability of the subjects I tutor. I approach tutoring from an empathetic position and tutor from the students' perspective by anticipating frequent misunderstandings of the material to prevent them from making those mistakes. My passion for student success makes it very easy to be enthusiastic about teaching them, but more importantly is my ability to instill the same level of enthusiasm in my students.

Tutor | Wilbur Wright College, City Colleges of Chicago (2010 - 2015)From 2010 to 2015, I had the opportunity to tutor at Wilbur Wright College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago. Tutoring became a fulfilling extension of my engineering career, allowing me to continue using my technical knowledge to assist others.I am passionate about helping people learn and grow. I discovered that I have a unique ability to break down complex concepts into understandable terms, tailoring my approach to meet each student's learning pace. My patience and understanding allowed me to connect with students, making the learning process more accessible and less daunting.Tutoring was more than just a job for me; it was a chance to make a difference in people's lives by empowering them with the knowledge and confidence they needed to succeed.

Mechanical Engineer | Engine and Cooling Department (2006 - 2009)I had the privilege of working as a Mechanical Engineer from 2006 to 2009, with my primary focus in the Engine and Cooling Systems Department. My career took me to various locations, including Lafayette, IN; Griffin, GA; and Green Valley, AZ, while my main office was based in Decatur, IL.During this time, I played a key role in the transition from the H-Series to the M-Series motorgraders, ensuring that our products met the high standards of performance and reliability. My work required meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of mechanical systems, which I thoroughly enjoyed.Although I loved my time as an engineer, my passion for creativity led me to pursue a career in music and self-employment. This experience provided a strong foundation in problem-solving, project management, and technical expertise, which continues to inform my work in new ventures.