Born and raised in Detroit, Mr. Whelan received his Bachelor of Science in multidisciplinary social science from Michigan State University. He ventured to Alaska and pursued graduate studies at the University of Alaska-Anchorage where he went on to teach special education. He later enrolled in the physician assistant program at the University of Washington. Upon graduation, Mr. Whelan relocated to Bellingham for work. He enjoys all team sports, particularly baseball, as well as gardening and spending time in the local parks and trails with his wife and two children.