Mr Troutman holds a bachelor's of science in linguistics from Georgetown University and a master's in teaching from Western Washington University.  He has spent the last 15 years serving secondary and postsecondary students, either in Washington State or in Arabic-speaking countries, as a Teacher, Assessment Coordinator, Tennis Coach, Paraeducator, Youth Advocate, and Educational Coordinator.  For the past eight years at Friday Harbor Middle School, Friday Harbor High School, and Griffin Bay (Alternative) School, he have served as the case manager for an average of 18 secondary students who have needs because they have mental or physical problems.

Born in northern Michigan, and raised in Bahrain and Connecticut, Mr. Troutman has lived on San Juan Island since 2008 with his wife and daughter.