BORN IN 1962 in San Diego and raised in Los Angeles, Abbot Damien received his BA from CSU Dominquez Hills and worked as associate director for the Franciscan Youth Center in inner city Baltimore.  He received his California teaching credential, and has taught grades 6-8.  He completed his studies in theology at Mount Angel Abbey, and was ordained to the priesthood on July 23, 2005.  He has served as Director of Vocations and Master of Postulants.

Fr. Damien was appointed Prior-Administrator of Saint Andrew's Abbey on June 13, 2008.  He was elected abbot of St. Andrew's Abbey on June 21, 2010 and re-elected for a second term as abbot in 2018.