Class Listing - by Instructor

Name	Biography
Frances Alloway N/A	I have been teaching cooking and nutrition classes for many years as a consultant and employee. As a consultant, I have worked with hospitals, child care sites, senior centers, and libraries including the Free Library of Philadelphia. I have presented programming on Radnor 21 and WGTV television stations that included seasonal food and health topics. As an employee of Penn State Extension and Early Head Start, I co-authored Dining with Diabetes, Totally Veggies, The Mediterranean Cuisine Comes to You curricula and taught hundreds of classes for all age groups. I am a registered dietitian and nutritionist, a certified ServSafe instructor and have child abuse clearances.
David Barnes N/A	David Barnes, Associate Professor, UPenn
Mita Barot N/A	Mita works at a Main Line School District’s Nutrition Department. She frequently entertains large groups in her home in Chester County introducing her guests to the many healthy dishes of India and has been teaching cooking classes since 2009, most recently in St. Mary’s County, MD. Mita is passionate about healthy cooking, entertaining and loves to laugh and have fun while cooking.
I Berwyn Squash & Fitness Club dominic@berwynsquash.com	Staff, Berwyn Squash & Fitness Club
Amanda Blevins amanda@blevins-somm.com	Amanda Blevins is certified wine educator and sommelier who has a passion for sharing the story behind each bottle and helping others discover new wines to love. She is the owners of Blevins Sommelier Services, LLC, a graduate of Napa Valley Wine Academy and holds Level 3 Certification from Wine & Spirits Education Trust.
John Brewer kristie@kieranrobinsonwines.com
Tasha Carson tashatai12@icloud.com	Tasha is a fitness enthusiast with over 25 years of experience. She is an avid hiker, enjoys biking, camping and kayaking. Tasha is the proud mom of 3 active boys and has been a lifetime resident of the Main Line. She has been teaching fitness classes for a little over 25 years and is certified to teach Yoga (all types), Body Pump, Barre, Pilates, step aerobics, weight training.
Michael Castillo michaelcastilloskitchen@gmail.com	Owner, Michael Castillo's Kitchen. www.michaelcastilloskitchen.com
Maria Ceferatti mcef869@gmail.com	Maria Ceferatti is a published writer of short stories, essays and poetry, and earned her MFA in Creative Writing from Rosemont College. She is a writing instructor and music teacher in the Philadelphia area.
Staff Chanticleer N/A	Staff, Experienced Chanticleer Tour Guide
Staff, Cliveden House N/A
Jennifer Colucciello jenilyn77@msn.com	Jennifer Colucciello is the Director of Compliance for Rothman Orthopaedics with over thirty years in healthcare, including clinical and operational management and education, and over a decade in healthcare compliance. Jeni specializes in Healthcare Compliance, working hard to ensure that all regulations are met as effectively as possible for the benefit of patients and the organization. A strong believer in continued growth and a team approach to meeting these goals, she regularly works with team members to ensure to increase knowledge across the Practice, with an educational instead of punitive approach. Her clinical knowledge and operational background help achieve a seamless integration between the functional and regulatory aspects of the organization. In her free time, Jeni enjoys cooking, rock climbing, and reading.
Roberta Cooks robertacooks87@gmail.com	Roberta Cooks, MD, Gokhale Method® teacher, trained as a physician at New York University School of Medicine. Dr. Cooks has been a Gokhale Method®Teacher for ten years, guiding hundreds of people of all ages away from back, neck and musculoskeletal pain through teaching healthy ways to perform our daily movements of life. Dr. Cooks is also an avid Argentine Tango dancer and Qigong Medicine practitioner.
Jack Covington Premier.performances@gmail.com	Dr. Covington is an Oxford-educated historian and classically trained stage actor and lecturer. He is also the Creative Director of “Characters-on-Call” – 1 st person living history biographies. He presents dynamic first-person historical impersonations of famous literary and historical personages from the pages of history – in authentic period costume – history brought to life! He is a refreshingly innovative, enlightening, and engagingly dynamic educator, actor, and entertainer of the most creative kind – one who loves both his craft and his audience – who consistently delivers a lecture in true “that’s entertainment” style. He deliberately steps outside the proverbial box, breaking down barriers and successfully injecting spontaneity, wit, and warmth into his lecture ‘performances’. He has lectured and performed for many historical museums and cultural organizations. Performance topics he has presented are listed on his website, www.PerformancesParExcellence.com. Dr. Covington is also a world traveler, adventurer, and a former avid mountaineer. His ability to incorporate his first-hand experiences into his lecture performances serves to both enlighten and enthrall his audiences. He delights in the opportunity to share his unique concept of combining lifelong learning with entertainment that will educate, stimulate, and inspire his audiences today and tomorrow!
Charo Evangelista charo.freespirityoga@gmail.com	CHARO EVANGELISTA CABELLO, ESSENTRICS® Level 1 Instructor, Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor, Reiki Master and Wellness Advocate, is certified as a TriYoga instructor. She is a meditation instructor, Reiki Master, Director of Inkalight and is a primary teacher at Free Spirit Yoga. Her personal teaching style focuses on expressiveness and derives from the different disciplines she's practiced throughout the years. Charo has been teaching yoga to children, adults and seniors for the past 19 years. In her classes you will experience the kundalini-inspired sequenced flow of postures synchronized with rhythmic breath (Pranayama) and mudra (focus), which will increase your energy and bring mental clarity. Her website is www.inkalight.com.
Susan Evans susanevanspacp@gmail.com	SUSAN EVANS has been a solopreneur for eight years and operated her businesses (YOUR OFFICE ASSISTANT and FAMILY TALES AND TRAILS) as “side hacks” before that. Her background includes working as a Paralegal in Estate Planning/Administration, Corporate & Real Estate law; banking (commercial loan documentation) for Bryn Mawr Trust & an SBA lender; Financial Aid & Alumni Affairs at Villanova University and the insurance world. (She jokes that she has made a career out of not having a career!) Susan has maintained personal and business accounts in Quicken. However, all business financials are currently maintained in QuickBooks, a program recommended by the SBA. Susan enjoys sharing with others the “tips & tricks” she has sometimes learned the hard way. For over 30 years, Susan has researched several of her family lines, one of which enabled her to join the Daughters of the American Revolution. Susan’s background in law enables her to present students with a unique perspective to doing genealogical research and opens doors to records not commonly discussed, even in professional settings. As FAMILY TALES & TRAILS, Susan performs heir searches, assists folks in getting organized and entering data into family history programs and conducts a bi-weekly genealogy meetup (virtual). She is available for one-on-one consultations and as a guest speaker. B.A. in Liberal Arts, Villanova University; A.A. in Liberal Arts, Delaware County Community College. Member: Association of Professional Genealogists, New England Historic Genealogical Society
In the Fringe N/A	In the Fringe provides coutour soft furnishings and designer-level hard window treatment and offers onsite classes at their Havertown, PA location.
Esther Gordon thegordon7@gmail.com	Esther taught French at Harriton High School for her entire career, learned Mah Jongg years ago and has enjoyed teaching it in recent years.
Alison Hallam BoneWiseInfo@gmail.com	Alison Hallam is a Physical Therapist of 30 years, specializing in Bone Health and Wellness. She is also an international lecturer, currently teaching at Arcadia University, and is a member of the National Osteoporosis Foundation. She is also the owner of BoneWise, designing customized exercise programs for individuals and classes.
Muriel Harmon murielharmonms@gmail.com	Muriel Harmon, Native Speaker; French Instructor
Staff, Haverford College Arboretum jciborowsk@haverford.edu
Ann Hazan N/A	Ann Hazan is a food consultant and instructor and the co-author of 'The Original Philadelphia Neighborhood Cookbook,' 'The Original Baltimore Neighborhood Cookbook,' and 'The Reading Terminal Market Cookbook.' She holds a degree in Food and Nutrition from Drexel University. Ann emphasizes healthy foods and cooking in all her work, as well as in her home.
David & Barbara Heaton N/A	An avid hiker, David Heaton is now semi-retired, after having created and managed two non-profit volunteer organizations that helped repair inner city row houses for twenty-five years before merging with Habitat.
I JKST Inc narberthtennis@jkst.com	Teaching Professionals, Julian Krinsky School of Tennis
I Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens amy@jenkinsarboretum.org
Brannon Johnson N/A	Brannon Johnson is the head coach and owner of BLJ Community Rowing, one of the most diverse community rowing programs in the Philadelphia metro area. After beginning to row at the age of 15, Brannon received a full athletic scholarship to attend the University of Texas, where she rowed at the Division I varsity level all 4 years. In 2003, she competed as a single sculler in the Henley Royal Regatta, one of the most prestigious regattas held on the Thames River in England. She has been rowing, teaching and coaching over the past 15+ years, having taught and coached 80 classes and roughly 700 Philadelphia area residents, ranging from ages 18 to 65.
Chef Jacquie Kelly N/A
Lydia Kendis N/A	Lydia Kendis is an avid home cook who is passionate about delicious, nutritious plant-based cooking. She has taught cooking classes at local libraries, a local orchard, a school and out of her kitchen at home. After more than 15 years of plant-based cooking and making of her meals from scratch, she enjoys sharing her philosophy and knowledge with her community.
Staff, Kennett Underground RR Center N/A
I LL Bean Staff N/A	Staff, L.L. Bean
Tuscarora Lapidary Society hansensm@gmail.com	Staff, Tuscarora Lapidary Society
Sue Laskin suelaskin@comcast.net	Sue Laskin, Experienced Canasta Teacher
R. Barry Levis levis@rollins.edu	R. Barry Levis, PhD, Professor Emeritus, History, Rollins College (ret 2013); Director, Humanities Program, Hamilton Holt School of Rollins College, 1981-2012; Director, Graduate Program, Liberal Studies, Rollins College (1990-2000)
Kristina Maletta kristinakunza@sbcglobal.net	Kristina Maletta is committed to sharing the history, preservation and hands-on creativity of calligraphy. Kristina has worked in the prominent wedding industry in Southern California, and has been an independent artist and teacher for over 10 years. She has studied with Master Penmen and the White House Calligraphers throughout the United States. www.kristinaanndesigns.com
Vicki Miller vicki@vinocityevents.com	Vicki Miller is the founder of Vinocity. Although Vicki has been a practicing attorney in Philadelphia for more than 15 years, she also has been a long-time student in formal wine study. Over the years Vicki has been asked to speak on wine and has developed numerous wine events for a variety of institutions, non-profits and various businesses. Vicki developed the Art and Wine event program for a corporate sponsor of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Wine and Literature event for the Raven Society of the Free Library of Philadelphia. Vinocity was born because Vicki realized that wine courses are highly information-filled, but are not socially engaging. Traditional wine tastings, while offering more social interaction, don't provide the kind of useful information to make an informed wine selection. A Vinocity event combines the best of both worlds, as Vicki weaves the facts, figures and scientific aspects of winemaking into interesting short stories and anecdotes about wine history and culture.
Dianne Moore diannemoore@moorebetterfood.com	Dianne is a Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Practitioner, Board-Certified Integrative Health & Wellness Coach, and Certified Nutrition Educator, focusing on Nutrition and Wellness. She is certified through the Functional Nutrition Alliance, Board -Certified through the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches and Institute Of Integrative Nutrition, and certified through the Academy of Culinary Nutrition. She also holds a Master of Social Work from Temple University and a Master of Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Eliot Niles N/A	Eliot Niles, Licensed NYC Guide, Member of GNYC
Michelle Partlow N/A	Michelle is a professional educator and teaches Mah Jongg locally and around the country. She is a tournament player, lauded as an outstanding teacher who is enthusiastic and patient.
Elizabeth Perry N/A	Beth Perry, Tai Chi Instructor
Jason Rodriguez jdrodpictures@gmail.com	Jason D. Rodriguez is an illustrator who specializes in comic art and picture books for children, working digitally and traditionally. He teaches drawing and illustration to adults, teens and children. https://jdrpictures.bigcartel.com/
Cara Schneider Bongiorno caraschneiderbongiorno@gmail.com	Cara Schneider Bongiorno represented the city to travel media for more than 20 years at VISIT PHILADELPHIA® and now shares her love of the region through her entertaining Philly History Pop Ups – interactive talks on surprising parts of Philly history to inspire curiosity and future visits. For more, visit www.phillyhistorypopups.com
Chuck Schwam N/A	Charles Schwam works as an account executive by day, and moonlights as an historian by night. Chuck, as he is known, came to the greater Washington DC area from Philadelphia to attend American University in the 1978 to study sports journalism. Shortly thereafter he found his skills better suited as an account executive instead of a broadcaster. For over forty years has been the leader in his industry, managing national and local accounts maintaining the top position in sales and new business. Chuck brings the same passion of his professional career to his involvement with The American Friends of Lafayette. He was an active member as soon as he discovered the association in 2009. By 2011 he had joined the Board of Governors as Treasurer. Over the years his role has expanded to Executive Director and primary Event Planner for the annual conference and the publisher of the quarterly Gazette. Currently Chuck is the Chairperson of the AFL’s Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour 2024-2025. There are currently 30 committees comprised of 325 members across 24 states working actively to plan events, learning engagements and experiences designed to bring awareness and education to the public of the legacy of General Lafayette and the French involvement of the American Revolution. Chuck also arranged for two statues to be erected in Yorktown, Virginia: Lafayette and Rochambeau. Chuck oversaw the fundraising, the design and installation of these statues. As an event planner, Chuck has planned over 50 events for historical societies in the United States and France, ranging in size from a few to a few hundred attendees. Chuck also has raised over $25,000 for Ukranian charities. Chuck has done several standup comedy performances in Washington, DC in the past five years His filography includes Lafayette Returns (2023) – where he is the Executive Producer-awards forthcoming; Buck For Fire Marshall - (2016) - Runner-Up, Speakeasy DC Shorts Film Challenge. Retirement (2013) - Grand Prize Winner, Speakeasy DC Shorts Film Challenge. Cap South (2013) - Winner, Best Web Series – Irvine International Film Festival Winner. Backseat Driver (2012) - Runner-Up, Speakeasy DC Shorts Film Challenge. Chuck lives in Gaithersburg, MD but travels extensively. He can be reached by emailing americanfriendsoflafayette@gmail.co
Barbara Schwartz N/A	Barbara Schwartz, MSS, LCSW, earned a BS from Temple University School of Pharmacy and an MSS from Bryn Mawr School of Social Work and Social Research. She worked with families at Aldersgate Youth Service Bureau for 7 years. Then she spent 30 years in private as a psychotherapist in Lafayette Hill, PA. Barbara also pursued certification from the Gestalt Therapy Institute of Philadelphia, and retired in 2017, after helping clients become promoters of their own destiny.
Julie Seville's Lifetime Fitness julie@sevillefitness.com	Julie has been leading group exercise classes for over 30 years and has been teaching classes at Main Line School Night since 1995. Fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere, Julie strives to make every class fun, informative and motivating, and to help her students achieve their health and fitness goals.
Robert Siravo N/A	I'm a professional photographer with over 20 years of experience specializing in landscape photography. My work has been featured in several outdoor publications and exhibitions, capturing diverse environments from rugged mountains to tranquil coastlines. With a background in both fine art and technical photography, l've developed a deep understanding of composition, lighting, and post- processing. I'm passionate about teaching others how to create compelling landscape images, combining practical techniques with creative vision.
Ken Sklar N/A	Ken Sklar has moderated MLSN course Topics in the News since 2014. Before that he created the popular Global Issues and Contemporary American Studies classes at Radnor H.S., where he taught for 37 years. While there, Ken served on the faculty of the Governor’s School for International Studies, helmed the Model UN Club, the Global Responsibility Organization, the student newspaper, led trips to the Soviet Union and China, ran Radnor’s gifted education program, and hosted guest speakers from area colleges, US and foreign governments as well as former students. Always seeking to promote the teaching profession, Ken served as President of Radnor’s Teachers union and was its Chief Negotiator. Ken considers himself a lifelong learner who transitioned from teaching 17 year-olds to septuagenarians. A political junkie and an avid traveler, Ken has visited over 80 countries. He is married with three sons and two grandchildren
MLSN Staff N/A	Staff, MLSN
Staff, Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden N/A	Staff, Stoneleigh: a natural garden
Staff Tri-State Training N/A	Staff, Tri-State Training