Bill spent years exploring life philosophies, well-being methodologies, and wisdom traditions before discovering Stoicism in 2014. His first encounter with the philosophy occurred while reading a chapter on Stoicism in the book, The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking by Oliver Burkeman. Intrigued by the author’s depiction of Stoicism, Bill went on to read many books on the philosophy by ancient and modern writers. During this time, he faced the challenge of caring for his seriously ill father and coping with his death. Weathering this difficult time by practicing Stoic principles convinced him of the philosophy’s efficacy as a useful philosophy of life. Unable to find a Stoic group in the Philadelphia area, Bill founded Philadelphia Stoa (then called the Philadelphia Stoics) to attract people wanting to learn, discuss, and apply Stoic principles in their daily lives. He hosted its first meeting in May 2018, believing that forming a community to help and inspire one another was the most effective way to progress toward Stoic virtue. Bill now serves as the president of the Philadelphia Stoa.

Bill is a retired communications specialist and certified life and wellness coach. Drawing largely from positive psychology and cognitive behavioral coaching, Bill has facilitated wellbeing workshops and support groups dealing with loss, illness, aging, relationships, modern masculinity, and depression prevention. At the lifelong learning institutes of Immaculata and Widener Universities, Bill has taught courses on the science of happiness and, more recently, on Stoicism. Some of his topics include The Stoic Path to Happiness and the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius.