Mr. Paden was a minister before he became a teacher and he has been teaching for over fifteen years. Mr. Paden went to Pepperdine University where he earned his degree in chemistry. He taught in Los Angeles, Calif.; Texas; and Juneau, Alaska. He came to Unalaska with his wife in 2003.

Mr. Paden likes hiking and fishing on his off time. He also tries to read as much as he can. Mr. Paden is interested in classic and ancient history.