Hempel spent his early years in the Pendleton area before moving to the west side, graduating from Ridgefield High School (WA). He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington State University in Humanities.

His previous teaching experience includes 14 years as a lead teacher for the Lewis-Clark Early Childhood Program in Lewiston, ID. Hempel spent the past 13 years serving as a Behavior Intervention Professional in Lewiston.

In his spare time, he enjoys cycling and training dogs.