Ryan has a diverse array of experience in teaching all over the world. He first taught English in Japan and Egypt before becoming an attorney. More recently he has taught in WCC's Community Education Program and he regularly teaches seminar's on LGBT basics and civil rights to local businesses and employees. He currently is the managing attorney and owner of Castle Law Firm in Bellingham, where he practices primarily in personal injury, insurance law, employment law, and LGBT civil rights.

Ryan attended Whitworth University in Spokane, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and International Studies, while studying abroad in Spain and Finland. He then pursued a career in the international development field, working in Cairo, Egypt, while also attending the American University in Cairo where he earned his Master of Arts degree in Political Science. Ryan ended his academic studies in law school at Seattle University, graduating with a Juris Doctor Degree in 2013. He is licensed to practice law in Washington State.

When not working, you can find Ryan reading history books on the beach, in the pool practicing the butterfly stroke, and on the tennis court. He moved to Bellingham from Seattle in 2017 with his husband and Tibetan terrier, Billie Jean King.