While at Eastern Michigan University, D.J. was called on to work several EMU Track and Field Camps, and devoted countless volunteer hours to coach youths in track and field for Coach Rik Richardson at Athenian Athletic Track Club. D.J. also worked as an assistant coach for Ladywood and Plymouth-Canton High Schools while being a full-time student. As a result of his inspirational demeanor and coaching methods, several young student-athletes went on to compete at the state, collegiate, and national levels.

D.J. trained under coaches Dolan Street, former hurdler standout; Michael Lattany, 3-time Big Ten High Jump Champ; Bob Parks, former EMU Head Coach; and Brad Fairchild, current EMU Head Coach. In addition, D.J. had the privilege of working alongside the 1968 High Jump Olympic Gold Medalist, Former World Record Holder, and creator of the "Fosbury Flop" Dick Fosbury, as a high jump demonstrator for an infomercial titled "Raising the Bar" for Johnson Controls Inc.

D.J. now resides in Washington D.C. where he works as a consultant to various individuals and teams for athletics training. For the last seven years D.J. has trained extensively in the martial art of Jeet Kune Do and close-quarter combat tactics. He uses his expertise to teach various self-defense/ personal protection methods.