Russell was born in Oakland, California and raised for the bulk of his life in Dublin, California. He completed his undergraduate education at UC Berkeley and graduated with the intention of becoming a paleontologist. After working in a paleontology lab for seven months, he realized it was not for him. He discovered his passion for medicine while working as an EMT in East Oakland and Matriculated into Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (in Michigan, not California) after completing a post-baccalaureate. Afterwards, he completed a fantastic pediatrics residency at Albany Medical Center but realized he would never feel complete without having Child Neurology as part of his life.

In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Cassie, and corgi, Charlotte, dancing, kayaking, baking, and reading for pleasure.