Spencer noticed on his first interview visit that the school was unusual, especially the backpacks students leave unattended. "There is a deep level of commitment, trust, and compassion here."

He describes a long, winding career path that began with piano and composing as a child. He wrote and produced original music full-time until about 2001 and released his debut solo album, Architects of Change, in 1987. He then scored independent films, TV commercials, and major video games, and served as Music Director at SEGA.

After running his own music production company, he moved into education. He helped establish Ex'pression Center for Digital Arts (later Ex'pression College) in Emeryville, serving as Program Director and later as President from 2006 to 2011. In 2012 he founded Illumina Studios, a 3D animation and motion graphics company serving scientific, government, and entertainment clients.

He has always enjoyed kids and teaching, and he jumped at the chance to join the Sonoma Academy community. He describes the school as full of the right elements to nurture imagination and exploration.

He highlights his Intersession courses, digital media and sound production Exploratories, and involvement in theater and events. Lunchtime is his favorite part of the day, since it gives him a view of campus life. He describes the school as dynamic and always growing.

Outside school he enjoys his family, including his wife of 32 years, his two adult children, and his granddaughter, along with hiking, camping, mountain biking, playing music, scoring films and games, and making things by hand.