Class Listing - by Instructor

Name Biography
Muhammad Abdul-Hadi
N/A
Muhammad Abdul-Hadi is the Founder and Owner of Down North Pizza, a mission-driven restaurant that exclusively hires formerly incarcerated individuals and serves up pies with a purpose in Philadelphia. Leveraging his academic background in criminal justice and experiences as an entrepreneur, Muhammad embarked on a path to reimagine a business leader’s role in supporting underserved communities. Through fair wages, innovative hiring practices, and community building, he is on a mission to help reduce recidivism rates across the city of Philadelphia and beyond. This year, Muhammad’s outstanding contributions earned him The James Beard Foundation’s 2024 Leadership Award, recognizing achievement by individuals actively working to set standards that create more equitable, just, sustainable, and economically viable food systems. Muhammad also sat on The James Beard Foundation’s Legacy Network Cohort, an honor bestowed upon emerging leaders in the culinary industry. He is the author of We The Pizza, a Clarkson Potter-published cookbook set for launch in February 2025. Alongside cinematic photography and award-winning recipes, We the Pizza will tell the Down North story about how the restaurant fulfills its mission to educate and support the formerly incarcerated. Muhammad is the Founder of Down North Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on community development, education, and improvement. His latest initiative includes the Down North Treehouse, a communal space built from a refurbished library, aiming to address the school-to-prison pipeline by empowering students to find purposeful and financially rewarding careers in the tech sector. Muhammad hopes to spread the mission of Down North throughout the country, uplifting similar communities by addressing the barrier to success through employment opportunities and neighborhood initiatives ACCOLADES - Recipient of the 2024 James Beard Leadership Award - Advisor for the James Beard Foundation’s 2023-2024 Legacy Network Cohort - Robert Wood Johnson Interdisciplinary Research Leaders Fellow - Awarded New York Time’s 50 Best Restaurants in America 2021 - Awarded Bon Appetit’s Head of the Table 2021
Bryan Adler
N/A
Bryan J. Adler Esq., CELA, Managing Partner, Rothkoff Law Group
Bryan J. Adler is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) through the National Elder Law Foundation, the only Pennsylvania and New Jersey Supreme Courts authorized and American Bar Association accredited certification in Elder Law. He dedicates his elder law practice to advising and counseling clients in the areas of elder law, life care planning, asset protection, veterans’ benefits, estate planning, guardianships, and long-term care advocacy for both Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents.  *Certified Elder Law Attorney by the ABA Accredited National Elder Law Foundation, as Authorized by the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Supreme Courts.
Elizabeth Aguilera
N/A
With over three decades of experience in corporate America, Elizabeth's professional journey took a transformative turn when her job was outsourced overseas. This pivotal moment led her to embrace entrepreneurship, where she successfully founded a coaching business aimed at helping women where she used to be. Drawing from personal experiences with back-to-back narcissistic relationships, she has committed the last several years to helping women recover and rebuild their lives after narcissistic abuse. Through her tailored coaching methods and insights, Elizabeth is dedicated to guiding women towards reclaiming their self-worth, setting firm boundaries, and living a fulfilling life free from manipulation. Join her as she shares her journey and tools to help you evict the narcissist from your head and embrace a brighter future of your own design.
Ilona Ahearn
N/A
Justin Ahlbach
N/A
Justin Ahlbach has an MA in Literature from Rosemont College, and has taught Composition, Language Arts and American Literature at schools in China and the Philippines.
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.
Pamela Aloia
pamela@blossomingeveryd
Pamela Aloia has been a writer since youth, writing short stories and poems, instilling a passion for crafting written compositions. In her professional work, she has penned corporate communication, articles, books, newsletters, and more. For the past 20 years she has served as a personal development coach using meditation, reflection, mindfulness, and energy work to assist others in achieving greater versions of themselves. Her interactive and imaginative workshops include relaxed self-exploration through writing. Additionally, Pamela supports fellow authors and new and seasoned writers reach higher levels of self-expression and discovery through the written word. Visit her website: blossomingeveryday.com. Email: pamela@blossomingeveryday.com.
Kevin Altman
N/A
Kevin Altman is a strategic communications expert with over a decade of experience on political campaigns. He holds a Master’s degree in Literature from the University of Louisville, where he wrote his thesis on Shakespeare within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
I Amalia
amalia@amaliadance.com
As a performer, Amalia has appeared at venues and dance events along the East Coast and in her home state of California. Highlights include performances at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Queens Theater, and opening for the Belly Dance Superstars Philadephia Show at World Cafe Live. She has taught for the past 15 years throughout the Philadelphia area and coached the belly dance club of Swarthmore College. She is passionate about helping people find confidence, fluidity and ease in their bodies through this beautiful dance form.
Amy Anna
N/A
Amy B Anna is an artist and attorney living in Media, PA. She is a contributing writer for the film website, www.cutprintfilm.com, which is a Philadelphia-based site devoted to all things related to film. Her art-related website and blog can be found at www.amyannaart.com.
Staff, Appleford Estate
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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.
Carrie Barron
classeswithcarrieb@gmail
My name is Carrie and I love connecting people with the natural world through classes, workshops and gifts. My classes inspire conservation through crafting! I've worked for several environmental organizations, including the National Park Service Baltimore Aquarium, Philadelphia Zoo and the National Audubon Society, where I served as Center Director for the John James Audubon Center. Currently, I am Director of STEM at a non-profit forensic lab. https://classeswithcarrieb.com
Eric Bell
ericbellwriter@gmail.com
Eric Bell is the author of two juvenile fiction books: Alan Cole Is Not a Coward and its sequel, Alan Cole Doesn't Dance, both published by HarperCollins. Alan Cole Is Not a Coward was nominated for the 2018 ALA Rainbow List of GLBTQ Books for Children & Teens. Eric has experience leading workshops and classes in the Philadelphia area. He is eager to bring his unique blend of writing experience, interactivity, and good humor to Main Line School Night.
Aliza Benjamin
N/A
Aliza M. Benjamin PhD
Lynn Berkowitz
N/A
Lynn Berkowitz, MFA, BFA, with a career in art museums, has developed an array of award-winning gallery tours, experiences, and apps aimed at helping audiences of all ages and abilities engage with a diversity of art ‘isms and approaches.
Richard Berman
N/A
Richard Berman, Owner, Pour Richard's Coffee Company
I Berwyn Squash & Fitness Club
dominic@berwynsquash.com
Staff, Berwyn Squash & Fitness Club
Owen Biddle
owenbiddlephotography
OWEN BIDDLE has been taking pictures for thirty-five years and teaching photography for about thirty years. One thing he loves about teaching is watching his students' unique vision and creativity unfold as they master the how-to's of the camera. He loves challenging his students to see the camera as a tool for creating meaningful images. He also loves studying the masters of photography, and strives to inspire his students to use the lessons that can be learned from those who came before us, both in photography and in art, in general. Owen reports that the whole class has a lot of fun together, following and developing their passion for this wonderful media.
Tracy Blanchard
N/A
Tracy Blanchard brings over fifteen years of experience in language teaching, translation, and interpretation. With more than 18 years of immersion in Brazil, including time spent in some of its most remote and culturally rich regions, she combines her deep passion for the Portuguese language and Brazilian culture with her expertise in language education. to deliver an engaging and dynamic class.
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.
Roslyn Blyn LaDrew
roislindubh@gmail.com
Dr. Roslyn Blyn-LaDrew received her Ph.D. in Folklore and Folklife at the University of Pennsylvania and her B.A. in Celtic Languages and Literature at Harvard University, with study abroad in Ireland (Co. Donegal), Scotland (Stornoway, Isle of Lewis), and Wales (Aberystwyth). She was a columnist for the Irish Edition newspaper for about 25 years, until the paper's final issue. She currently teaches Irish (Gaeilge) at the University of Pennsylvania and also teaches Irish and Welsh online. She is also a musician, singing and playing the fiddle with the group Roz an' the Beaux.
Yolanda Booker
N/A
With over 40 years of experience as a maker, Yolanda is known for her creative handmade knitted and crocheted accessories. She enjoys sharing her creative passion through teaching and coaching at Wild Hand LYC (https://wild-hand.com/), Cheltenham Township Adult School, Jefferson University Creative Making Workshop, Princeton University Winter Session Knitting Workshop and Allen’s Lane Art Center. Her objective is to inspire knitters and crocheters to raise the bar with new techniques. Like our world, she knows that creativity comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors.
Kent Bottles
kentbottles@gmail.com
Dr. Kent Bottles teaches health policy and payment reform at The Thomas Jefferson University College of Population Health in Philadelphia and regularly consults and presents on population health, health care reform, digital medicine, and the future of the doctor patient relationship. He has been a Professor and Chair of academic medical school pathology departments, a Chief Medical Officer of a state-wide integrated delivery system, a President and CEO and DIO of an educational and research collaborative in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a President and CEO of an evidence-based medicine health care consortium in Minneapolis, and a President and Chief Knowledge Officer of a genomics bio-tech start-up company in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Dr. Bottles has received the following awards and honors: Phi Beta Kappa, The Rodney T. West Literary Achievement Award for the most important article on medical management in 2001 from the American College of Physician Executives, the Resident Teacher of the Year Award from the University of Iowa Department of Pathology, the UC San Francisco Class of 1991 Certificate of Distinction in Teaching for a Major Contribution, the UC San Francisco Class of 1990 Certificate of Distinction in Teaching for a Stimulating Lecture Series, and the Henry J. Kaiser Award for Excellence in Teaching at UC San Francisco for Basic Science.
Donna Boyle
donnaboyledisco@aol.com
Donna has been competing and performing as a dancer for 30 years. She was the regional dance champion on the national TV show "Dance Fever" and has numerous TV credits. She teaches dance throughout the Philadelphia region and is the proprietor of Party Pros Entertainment & Disco America.
Jennifer Brandt
jbrandt@cozen.com
JENNIFER BRANDT has been practicing family law for more than 25 years. She is licensed both in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and is currently a partner at Cozen O’Connor and chair-elect of the ABA Family Law Section. She also appears frequently as a legal expert on local and national television such as Court TV and Fox News. Jennifer received her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. You can view her complete bio at www.cozen.com.
John Brewer
N/A
Dotty Brown
dotty.brown@gmail.com
Dotty Brown is a former reporter and editor at The Philadelphia Inquirer. During her newspaper career, she edited numerous award-winning projects, including one that won a Pulitzer Prize. She is a graduate of Wellesley College (where she did not learn to row despite its historic crew program) and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism (where she did learn to report and write). She came to rowing as part of the surging wave of masters rowers and is a member of the Vesper Boat Club, on Boathouse Row in Philadelphia.
Vinroy David Brown, Jr.
N/A
David Vinroy Brown is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Sacred Music at Westminster Choir College. He is a Ph.D. student in Music (Musicology) at Temple University.
Jeanne Buckley
N/A
Dr. Jeanne Buckley is on the faculty of Arcadia University, where she teaches courses on Gender Inequality and Bruce Springsteen. While some might think these are diametrically opposed topics, Jeanne considers herself both a feminist and fan of rock and roll singer-songwriters.
Hannah Campbell
N/A
Hannah Dougherty Campbell has been a Student Journalism Director as well as Creative Writing teacher and published author, most recently in Chicken Soup for the soul, among 100 other published stories.   Join this fun class, no need to share your work.  
Eugenia Caplan
N/A
Gina Caplan has been sewing since 7th grade. She has taught classes in Upper Montgomery County, Phoenix, AZ and San Diego. She enjoys passing on sewing skills and the lively camaraderie of classes.
Bradford Carmichael
BCarmichaelEnterpris
A multi-disciplinary Philadelphia area artist and freelance designer, Brad has exhibited in the region for the past 15 years. He holds a BFA in painting and drawing from Tyler School of Art and an MFA from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. https://BradDesign.net.
Joanna Carmichael
N/A
Joanna Carmichael is an RN, Doctor of Metaphysics and Divinity, Interfaith Minister, and Ayurveda, Meditation & Yoga teacher. She’s been practicing in the nursing field for over 35 years including a 20+ year career in pharmaceutical research. Her studies have given her a well-rounded perspective on health & healing, and its intimate relationship to spirituality. She completed the Vedic Mastery program at the Chopra Center under the inspired direction of Drs. Deepak Chopra and David Simon and went on to obtain a diploma in Ayurveda which included an internship in Ayurvedic Medicine in Coimbatore, India. She writes and speaks about the disparity within medicine due to the pharmaceutical and agriculture lobbies, and the lack of adherence to the laws of nature which subsequently affect health and healing, or the lack thereof. She works to bridge the gap between the remarkable advances in medicine and the holistic medical community where the focus is on consciousness, longevity, and aging gracefully along with the mindful and minimal use of pharmaceuticals and surgery when necessary. She’s an animal advocate and is planning to create a holistic retreat center and farm animal sanctuary to bring together the healing of animals and people through education, rescue, and advocacy.
Tasha Carson
N/A
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
michaelcastilloskit
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
Margie Cherry
margiebcherry@gmail.com
Margie Cherry’s multiple professional identities include Associate Director of Alumni Career Services at Lafayette College, career coach, professional speaker, and former long-running cartoonist and short-term stand-up comic. Margie is the author and illustrator of "Mom's Comedy Coloring Book", published by Humor Outcasts Press, and her work has appeared in numerous humor anthologies and publications including "The Best of the Best American Humor"; and "The Best Contemporary Women's Humor".
Thomas Christopher
N/A
A graduate of the New York Botanical Garden School of Professional Horticulture, Thomas Christopher has been planting and writing about gardens for more than four decades. In addition to serving as a columnist for several nationally circulated magazines, he has written more than a dozen award-winning books, including Nature Into Art, The Gardens of Wave Hill. Currently he produces Growing Greener, a weekly radio program about environmentally friendly gardening that broadcasts on 20 radio stations and downloads as a podcast to more than 10,000 additional listeners every month. He gardens and makes vintage New England hard cider with his wife Suzanne in the Berkshire Hills of southwestern Massachusetts.
Staff, City Food Tours
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Staff, Cliveden House
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Elizabeth Cochran
etclizard@gmail.com
ELIZABETH COCHRAN plays the Double Bass and received an AB from Bryn Mawr College. She also received a Diploma in Music from the New School of Music in Philadelphia, where she was a student of Michael Shahan. Elizabeth performs with numerous symphonic and chamber ensembles in the Philadelphia region, including the Delaware Symphony, Pennsylvania Ballet and the Philly Pops. In addition to her work as a bassist, she is the organist at Central Baptist Church in Wayne.
Mary Coe
N/A
Mary Coe, Hike Leader, Willows Park Preserve
Cathleen Cohen
cpoems@gmail.com
Cathleen Cohen is Montgomery County’s 2019 Poet Laureate. A painter, poet and teacher, she founded ArtWell’s “We the Poets” program in Philadelphia (www.theartwell.org). She has taught students of all ages from a variety of diverse cultural and faith backgrounds in the USA and in Israel. Her poems have appeared in Apiary, Baltimore Review, Cagibi, Chrysalis Journal, East Coast Ink, 6ix, Philadelphia Stories and other publications. In 2017 her chapbook “Camera Obscura” won a Moonstone Arts Press prize. She received the Interfaith Relations Award from the Montgomery County PA Human Rights Commission and the Public Service Award from National Association of Poetry Therapy. Her paintings are on view at Cerulean Arts gallery in Philadelphia (https://ceruleanarts.com)
Jeffrey Cohen
N/A
Jeffrey A Cohen, PhD, Chair, Growth & Structure of Cities Department, Bryn Mawr College
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.
Marebeth Conard
N/A
Marebeth Conard, Experienced Games Teacher
Maria Ann Conelli
N/A
Maria Ann Conelli is a Professor of Art History and was the founding dean of the School of Visual, Media and Performing Arts at Brooklyn College, City University of New York (2011-2022). Her area of specialty is Renaissance and Baroque Art and Architecture in Italy and France. She was previously the executive director of the American Folk Art Museum and oversaw the landmark red and white quilt exhibition at the Park Avenue Armory. Conelli has served as dean of the School of Graduate Studies and acting dean of the School of Art & Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and, prior to that, as chair of the Smithsonian Institution’s graduate programs in the History of Decorative Arts in New York and Washington, D.C. Conelli holds a Ph.D. in architectural history from Columbia University, a master’s degree from the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University and a bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College in Art History. She has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the J. Paul Getty Postdoctoral Fellowship in the History of Art and the Humanities, and is a fellow of the American Academy in Rome. Conelli has taught in the United States and in Europe; organized exhibitions, lectured and published on sixteenth- and seventeenth-century art, architecture and landscape design. She served on the College Art Association’s Executive Committee as a Vice President for External Affairs, and is on the Board of Director’s Forum, and Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College.
Radnor Conservancy
N/A
Abby Contract
YOGA206@icloud.com
Abby Contract's trainings include RYT 200 Hour Yoga Alliance, Chair Yoga, Yin Yoga, Yoga for Bone Health, IIN Health Coach, Brain Longevity® Specialist. With YOGA206, she offers a full service private and group yoga practice to boost bones, balance and brain. More Info: YOGA206@icloud.com, Instagram:YOGA_206, Facebook: YOGA206.
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.
Marie Cosgrove
N/A
Marie Cosgrove is a lifestyle professional who has spent the bulk of her career working for luxury brands such as Waterford and Wedgwood. A member of Les Dames D’Escoffier, she is widely known as an expert in the culinary world, as well as an award-winning tablescaper. An avowed anglophile, Marie has a deep knowledge of the British world of tea traditions and is a collector of tableware used at afternoon teas and other culinary gatherings. 
Jack Covington
Premier.performances@g
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!
Meridith Coyle
catering@aneukitchens.com
Meridith Coyle, has owned and operated many Main Line restaurants, markets and catering companies over the last 25 years and is now teaching people how to take their own health back through their diet and lifestyle.  She is a vegan chef and a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.  Her newest shop, Aneu Kitchen is an organic juice and smoothie bar in addition to a gourmet take out market and breakfast and lunch spot that takes comfort food and makes it healthy! Now certified in whole food cooking and Integrative nutrition, Meridith gets to use her love of food and fun to help people succeed in their health goals through a comprehensive approach to a healthy lifestyle.  She enjoys helping individual clients, speaking to major corporations and planning her future in helping people navigate the ever-changing landscape of food. You may have seen Meridith on Bravo TV’s Real Housewives of NY and Orange County where her healthier food selections are a favorite of the housewives and their guests.
I Creative Voice Development Gro
N/A
For more than 30 years Voice Coaches has provided voice over production, recording, and communication coaching to clients including Netflix, Discovery, HGTV, Disney, Lifetime, Nickelodeon, Universal, The New York State Governors Office, Department of Health, Transportation, Tourism, and numerous others. In addition to being actively involved in industry organizations, we provide internships to college students in recording, production, and entertainment business. Voice Coaches is proud to be a 16-year, A+ Member of The Better Business Bureau.
Harrington Crissey
hcrissey45@gmail.com
Harrington Crissey, is an ESL instructor who has a BA degree in classical languages from the University of Rochester and an MEd in TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) from Temple University. Since 1974 he has taught English at institutions such as Temple University, the Nationalities Service Center, Arcadia University, Saint Joseph's University and Harcum College. He currently does substitution work at English Language Services (Saint Joseph's University) and mentors graduate students at the University of Pennsylvania.
Lori Lorraine Crook
lorraine.crook1@gmail.com
A social worker and artist, Lori teaches alcohol ink at multiple venues in the region. Her abstract florals are sold as notecards at Valley Forge Flowers and elsewhere. She is a mentor with Expressive Paths.
Eileen Cunniffe
eileenmcunniffe@gmail.com.
Eileen Cunniffe writes nonfiction that explores identity and experience, most often through the lenses of family and travel. Her first book, Mischief & Metaphors: Essaying a Life, was published in 2023 by Shanti Arts Publishing and includes several travel essays. Her writing has appeared in literary journals and anthologies, and her travel essays have been recognized with four Travelers’ Tales Solas Awards and the Emrys Journal 2013 Linda Julian Creative Nonfiction Award.
Rachel Dalinka
N/A
Rachel A. Dalinka, Owner RAD Consulting Business, Community & Workforce Development Podcaster, Writer
Andrea Daniels
N/A
Andrea is a seasoned entrepreneur and the Owner & CEO of Rookie to Rainmaker, a company that specializes in accelerated lead generation and conversion. With over 20 years of experience in lead generation and critical conversation improvement, Andrea has become an expert in the field. Over the past decade, she has specifically focused on the real estate industry and has helped numerous clients to attract new customers and improve their sales conversions. More recently, Andrea has expanded the reach of her company beyond real estate, working with clients and organizations in various industries to attract new customers, get more from their existing customers, and leverage the data in their customer databases. She firmly believes that there are over 100 ways to generate leads and that the phone is just one of many tools at our disposal. Andrea is incredibly passionate about lead generation and is constantly exploring new and innovative ways to generate leads for her clients. Her expertise in the field has made her a sought-after speaker and consultant, and she is dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes to achieve their sales goals. She works via Workbook, video, Zoom and in person and her coaching style often draws on the conversational masterpiece Exactly What To Say. As soon as discovered Phil’s book, Andrea set about implementing all the EWTS techniques into her own coaching to huge success. She connected so deeply with the content that she eventually reached out to EWTS founder, Phil, who suggested a collaboration. The rest is history!
Christiane De Boisseson
N/A
Christiane de Boisseson, Native Speaker and Former Instructor at the Baldwin School
Kenneth DeMarco
N/A
Kenneth F DeMarco, MS, JD
Sheri-Lynn DeMaris
teawithsheri@aol.com
Sheri-Lynn, founder of Macro Magic, made macrobiotics her life mission as she witnessed the tremendous rise in childhood illnesses, autism, ADD and early onset diabetes. She knew her training in psychotherapy and emotional support was not enough for these children, that they had to make deeper, more lasting changes in their lives if they were going to improve their well-being. Sheri-Lynn is now a TV host and macrobiotic chef/educator who has taught people all over the world the importance of cooking and eating well. Sheri-Lynn recently partnered with Patricio Garcia de Paredes and Lorraine McCamley to form the Macrobiotic Global Institute, a non-profit whose mission is to restore personal and planetary health. Macro Magic (TV/Streaming on ROKU) is a unique show for its time. Macro Magic not only offers cooking techniques using the finest natural organic ingredients, it also includes an abundance of cutting-edge information on how viewers can make conscious choices toward creating a more balanced, healthy lifestyle physically, emotionally, mentally, and environmentally.
Staff Deaf-Hearing Communication Cen
N/A
Staff, Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre
Carla DiMuzio
N/A
Experienced bridge player and long-time tennis coach.
Charlinda Diaz
N/A
Charlinda Diaz, OTR/L, CAPS, Certified Home Optimization Specialist, Rothkoff Law Group
As a licensed occupational therapist, Charlinda Diaz began her clinical career serving patients in acute care and home health care. Eventually, she received additional certifications to provide more specialized services as a home modification consultant. She is passionate about helping her clients to create home spaces that are optimal for ensureing their highest level of independence, safety and quality of life.
Valerie Dickman
N/A
Valerie is a mindfulness coach, yoga teacher, reiki master, and former public relations executive with extensive meditation teacher training, certified by both the Awareness Training Institute and the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley. 
Michele Dougher
N/A
Michele has been thrilled by the written word all her life.  She believes writing is a self-revealing adventure.  After a career as an English Teacher, she enrolled in the Autobiographical Writing class at MLSN and has been involved with this group for over a decade.  She has just completed writing her first book, a memoir revealing her life as a nun.
Koren Draper
N/A
Koren fell in love with cooking as a child, learning to cook family meals at her mother’s side. After attending Walnut Hill College (formerly the Restaurant School) she continued to hone her skills working in professional kitchens, working her way up to become a head chef and general manager of a multimillion dollar catering company. She now owns Koren’s Kitchen on the Main Line where she daily provides freshly prepared meals to time-pressed professionals and families who need “fast food” that’s healthy. She is known for sourcing the freshest, organic and local ingredients to create unique and flavorful dishes.
Patrick Duffy
N/A
Patrick J. Duffy is a Supervisory Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation specializing in Corporate and Securities fraud investigations, including those related to Investment frauds, Insider Trading, and Market Manipulation schemes. SSA Duffy is currently assigned to a Complex Financial Crimes squad in Philadelphia, with oversight of the Complex Financial Crime, Money Laundering, Financial Institution Fraud, and Intellectual Property Rights programs. SSA Duffy is FBI Philadelphia’s Program Coordinator for Financial Elder Abuse as well as Business Email Compromise schemes. Additionally, SSA Duffy is FBI Philadelphia’s primary point of contact for all COVID-19 financial fraud schemes, to include advance fee schemes, work from home scams, and misrepresentations and misuse of CARES Act funding intended to assist individuals and small businesses through the pandemic. Prior to joining the FBI, SSA Duffy worked within the audit practice of KPMG Philadelphia for six years, where he was employed as an associate and senior associate on both public and private client engagements. SSA Duffy received his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from LaSalle University in 2002.
Anthony Durkin
delvalchessclub@gmail.com
Anthony Durkin is a certified United States Chess Federation Chess Coach and Tournament Director. He founded the Delaware Valley Chess Club and has taught young people and adults throughout the region chess for the past 15 years.
Deesha Dyer
N/A
Kim Einhorn
N/A
Dr. Kim Einhorn is a board certified OBGYN, a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. She is a Philadelphia native and has worked here on the Main Line throughout her career, providing obstetric and gynecologic care to her patients from puberty through pregnancy and beyond, and now specializes in menopause and perimenopausal care. Dr. Einhorn is a wife and mother of two teenage daughters. In her spare time she has a “side career” as a mosaic artist where her works have generated tens of thousands of dollars for charity. She also enjoys weight lifting, paddle boarding, yoga and cooking.
Nina Epstein
N/A
Nina Epstein is known as the Digital Diva and has been an information technology instructor and consultant for over 25 years, helping individuals and small business owners use technology and solve their computing problems. Nina has been teaching technology courses in local communities for over 15 years.
Elanur Eroglu Williams
elanureroglu@icloud.com
I have a M.S.Ed. in Reading/Writing/Literacy from University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (2022). Additionally, I hold a Master of Philosophy in Children's Literature from Trinity College Dublin (2021), and a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University Montreal, in English, Creative Writing, and Sustainability Studies (2020).
Charo Evangelista
charo.freespirityoga@g
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
Cynthia Foxworth
profesora631@gmail.com
Cynthia Foxworth is a certified Spanish and French Teacher. She has a BA from Temple, an MA from Rutgers and has been teaching world languages for over 25 years. She recently collaborated with other professional course developers to update the French curriculum for Lincoln Learning Solutions, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing products/strategies to empower learning communities. She is currently teaching online Spanish classes for Achieve Test Prep, a school that prepares students to sit for an exam to earn college credits. Cynthia enjoys reading, dancing and singing in her church’s choir. Born and raised in Philadelphia, she now resides in South Jersey.
Jean French
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Jean French served as a Museum Educator for twenty-eight years at The Philadelphia Museum of Art. She received her degree in Art History from Rosemont College. She is a House Committee member and guide at Historic Waynesborough (Anthony Wayne's house).
Nancy Gabel
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NANCY GABEL taught high school French at the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District for thirty-five years where she also headed the Foreign Language Program for the district. After retiring from public education, she taught at The Agnes Irwin School, The Baldwin School and The Episcopal Academy. She was a founder and President of the Board of the French International School in Bala Cynwyd, as well as Board Member and President of Main Line School Night. She is thrilled to be teaching adults at MLSN, where she has offered a variety of courses.
Carla Gambescia
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Carla Gambescia is the author of the acclaimed bookLa Dolce Vita University: An Unconventional Guide to Italian Culture from A-to-Z, a rousing tribute to Italy, Italians and a culture that has contributed so much to the world. A native of Philadelphia, Carla is also a marketing executive, former restaurateur and avid traveler; she co-created the Giro del Gelato bike tour which won OUTSIDE Magazine’s Best Trip in Western Europe.
Bruce Gill
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Bruce Gill, Beekeeper and Blacksmith
Jane Golden
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Jane Golden has been the driving force of Mural Arts Philadelphia since its inception, overseeing its growth from a small city agency into the nation’s largest public art program and a global model for transforming public space and community through art. Under Golden’s direction, Mural Arts has created over 4,000 works of public art through innovative collaborations with community-based organizations, city agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools, the private sector, and philanthropies. Initially hired as a young artist by former Mayor Wilson Goode to address Philadelphia’s widespread graffiti issue through the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network in 1984, Golden worked with graffiti writers to channel their creative energy and talent toward mural collaborations, transforming neighborhoods where buildings and communities had long suffered from years of neglect. The process gave graffiti writers an opportunity to rethink their work and contributions to the city as artists. In 1997, the Anti-Graffiti Network was restructured by then Mayor Ed Rendell, who would eventually support the creation of the Mural Arts Program under Golden’s leadership. In 1998, Golden established the Philadelphia Mural Arts Advocates, a nonprofit organization to work in tandem with the City and raise funds to support the program. In the decades since, Mural Arts has connected the process of muralism to a multitude of community and public outcomes. Through innovative collaborations with community-based organizations, city agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools, the private sector, and philanthropies, the program has created over 4,000 works of public art that reimagine the intersection of art and public space and address societal challenges. Under Golden’s direction, Mural Arts has developed groundbreaking programs that transform practice and policies related to youth education, restorative justice, environmental issues and behavioral health. Golden has overseen a series of increasingly complex, ambitious, and award-winning public art projects, and launched the knowledge-sharing Mural Arts Institute in 2017 to help guide best-practices internationally. Sought after nationally and internationally as an expert on urban transformation through art, Golden has received numerous awards for her work, including the Philadelphia Award, the Hepburn Medal from the Katharine Houghton Hepburn Center at Bryn Mawr College, the Philadelphia Sketch Club Medal, the Visionary Woman Award from Moore College of Art, the 2012 Governor’s Award for Innovation in the Arts, a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania Award from former Governor Edward G. Rendell, the Adela Dwyer/St. Thomas Peace Award from Villanova University, LaSalle University’s Alumni Association’s Signum Fidei Medal, an Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Award, Philadelphia Magazine’s Trailblazer Award, the Philadelphia Public Relations Association’s 2016 Gold Medal Award, the 2016 Paul Philippe Cret Award from the American Institute of Architects, the 2016 Woman of Influence Award from Pearl S. Buck International, a Woman of Distinction Award from the Philadelphia Business Journal, the 2017 ACE (Mentor Program) Person of the Year Award, and the 2018 Anne d’Harnoncourt Award for Artistic Excellence from the Arts + Business Council of Greater Philadelphia, and the Dare to Understand Award from the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia. In 2022, she was awarded the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia Honors Award, the 2022 Philadelphia Titan 100 Award and The Philadelphia Sketch Club Medal. She has co-authored two books about the murals in Philadelphia and co-edited a third, Mural Arts @ 30 (Temple University Press, 2014), published on the occasion of Mural Arts’ 30th anniversary. Golden is referenced in publications around the world, and is an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, Golden served on the Mayor’s Cultural Advisory Council and the board of directors of The Heliotrope Foundation. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, and degrees in Fine Arts and Political Science from Stanford University. Furthermore, Golden has received honorary PhDs from Swarthmore College, Philadelphia’s University of the Arts, Widener University, Arcadia University, LaSalle College, Haverford College, Rosemont College, Villanova University, St. Joseph’s University, Drexel University, Auburn University, and the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Currently, Golden serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania and as Critic-in-residence at the Maryland Institute College of Art.
Suave Gonzalez
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Suave Gonzalez is the first formerly incarcerated person in the United States to ever win a Pulitzer Prize Award and IDA International Documentary Award for his podcast "SUAVE". Through his colorfully confrontational works, Philadelphia artist and activist Suave Gonzalez proves the political power of art. Suave is a self-taught street muralist and artist, working mostly with acrylic and mixed-media. He inventively reimagines pop style portraiture and highly political work that visually speak to issues of human struggle and justice. Suave grew up in the South Bronx. While serving a Life Sentence in the sixth largest prison in America, Graterford State prison in Pennsylvania, Suave committed to becoming the voice for the voiceless-he earned a BA from Villanova University and worked as president of LACEO, a latin organization that has given away 110 scholarships funded by inmates from their own wages. In 2008 Suave created the Education Over Incarceration scholarship with his own prison wage. Suave continued this community based work after his release. He had worked as a case manager for the 25th Police District, assisting low level offenders avoid prison. He was also the Director of a resource center in the heart of North Philadelphia; In 2020 Suave painted 100 essential workers who are risking their lives to help others during the Covid pandemic. Suave was a 2014 TEDx talk presenter, a 2018 Philadelphia TEDx presenter, and a 2018 Art For Justice Reimagining Reentry Fellow. He is the creator and co-host of 'A Justice Conversation' , author of 6 novels, and had taught a watercolor course at the University of Pennsylvania off campus site 'The Center for Carceral Community'. Suave is the subject of the acclaimed podcast 'SUAVE'. Suave Gonzalez was born to inspire, and his drive to do so is boundless.
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.
David Grauel
dgrauel99@gmail.com
DAVID GRAUEL comes to MLSN by way of New York City where he was a Technical Support and Training Specialist in Microsoft Office products for such companies as Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. David teaches classes on a variety of Microsoft products and looks forward to sharing his knowledge and experience with others.
Cordula Grewe
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Jeff Groff
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Jeff Groff recently retired as Estate Historian at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. He also served as Director of Public Programs and Director of Interpretation. For sixteen years he was Executive Director of Wyck Historic House and Garden in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. He holds an MA from the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture of the University of Delaware. For over forty years he has studied and lectured on American country houses and gardens, particularly those of Philadelphia’s “Main Line” and surrounding areas, with an emphasis on country life and sports, and gentleman farming. He served as co-curator of Winterthur’s very successful exhibitions “Costumes of Downton Abbey” and “Costuming The Crown."
Emily Gunn
fishtownstitch@gmail.com
Emily makes hand-embroidered pieces for commission through her business, Fishtown Stitch, and teaches public and private workshops. Insta: @fishtownstitch.
Nancy Halbert
nefh@mac.com
Nancy Frankel-Halbert, MFA, Professional Artist; Educator
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.
Andrea Hallmark
andreahallmark@yahoo.com
ANDREA HALLMARK is a Landscape Architect who has designed and installed hundreds of gardens in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Florida, Texas and Mexico. She currently teaches Design Communication at Temple University. She has taught garden and design courses at the University of Pennsylvania, School of General Studies, The Barnes Foundation, Longwood Gardens, and The Morris Arboretum. Ms. Hallmark started as a fine artist and painted at The Penn Academy Of Fine Art and continues fine art as a hobby. She also does Jewelry Design. www.andreahallmark.com
Pat Halsey
patsjewelryandteach@gma
Pat Halsey, Member, PA Guild of Craftsmen
Perry Hamilton
N/A
Perry was born and raised in Lower Merion where he and his wife Betsy have raised their three children. He graduated from Susquehanna University in 1974 with a BA in History. Since graduating from college, he has enjoyed a business career of more than 45 years in a variety of private sector industries such as Commercial Banking, Automobile manufacturing, and Wholesale Lumber. During his adult life, Perry has read countless history books with much of his personal focus on business history. Among his associations is the Lower Merion Historical Society where he has been a board member and officer for more than 5 years.
Scott Harker
N/A
Scott Harker has been an avid cribbage player for the last 20 years, and learned to play 20 years before that. He founded and currently directs the King of Prussia Cribbage Club, an ACC-sanctioned Grass Roots club, where he has taught many people how to play. He has competed in dozens of sanctioned tournaments against hundreds of people, and has won several. He recently retired and is eager to share the great game of cribbage with others.
Muriel Harmon
murielharmonms@gmail.com
Muriel Harmon, Native Speaker; French Instructor
Anne Harris
vwbug66@aol.com
ANNE HARRIS holds a BA in German from Wake Forest University, an MA in German from Duke University and an MEd (with concentration in adult education) from Worcester State University. She has lived and worked in Germany and has more than thirty years of experience teaching German to adults. Currently she is an instructor at the DonauSchule.
Victoria Hart
info@agatheringofminds.com
Vicky’s journey towards working with people with cognitive loss began when her father was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a type of fronto-temporal dementia. A professional opera singer and voice teacher with a Doctorate in Music, Vicky used a variety of skills and modalities to connect with her father and provide meaningful engagement with him throughout the years of his illness. She found that despite his disease process she was able to help her father access memories, language abilities, and emotional responses that on the surface appeared to have been lost. This powerful experience with her father and her subsequent volunteer work with people with dementia led Vicky to make a career change. Vicky is now a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) who specializes in working with seniors with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the early stages of Alzheimer's, and other forms of memory loss. Vicky has worked at the Main Line Adult Day Center and Waverly Heights Life Plan Community. She is also the Founder and Director of A Gathering of Minds LLC, an online program providing culture, conversation & community for people with early stage memory loss. Visit her website: agatheringofminds.com.
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
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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.
Andrew Heckert
andrewheckert@gmail.com
ANDREW HECKERT, in 1973, began studying Tai Chi in Philadelphia with Maggie Newman, and was one of the six senior students of Cheng Man-ching’s school in Manhattan, the Shr-jung. In 1981, he began study with William Chen in New York City. For the next ten years he commuted to New York to attend classes in Chen’s school and took private lessons. During summers he attended weeklong workshops in the Catskills given by his classmate Ben Lo of San Francisco. In 1989, he became a student of Dr. Ping-siang Tao of Taiwan. Andrew Heckert, Germantown Tai Chi Study Group
Allen Heffler
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For 30 years, Allen Heffler CLU, ChFC, President of MyMedicareAdvisor, has helped thousands of people with their Medicare plans. The entire Medicare process can be complex and confusing. Our Mission is to educate consumers about Medicare and their Medicare options in a clear, concise & honest way that allows those consumers to make informed decisions. Allen Heffler and MyMedicareAdvisor- We Make Your Medicare Decision Easy. www.MyMedicareAdvisor.com, email: mymedadvisor@gmail.com
Matt Hendricks
info@twentyonepips.com
Matt Hendricks is a passionate advocate for board games, blending deep industry knowledge with hands-on experience. As the founder of board game-themed venues like Thirsty Dice and Twenty One Pips, Matt has cultivated unique spaces where people connect through play, showcasing his expertise in the transformative power of games to foster creativity and engagement.
Gina Henry
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Gina Henry, owner of GoGlobal, has traveled to over 80 countries and states. She takes free vacations three months every year. Check out www.goglobalinc.com for more instructor information. Gina Henry also has been a professional mystery shopper for over twenty years and wrote the digital book "Mystery Shopping - Get Paid to Shop.”
Andrew Herron
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Andrew Herron and Kevin Manning are CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ and the founding members of Stone Pine Financial Partners located in Media, PA. They have over 30 years of combined experience helping individuals and families transition to retirement. Andrew and Kevin are experts in retirement distribution planning and have created a system called The Flight Path™ to help bring clarity to the complexities of the retirement distribution phase. They also specialize in Social Security planning and are passionate about educating people on how to best take advantage of this retirement benefit. They’ve previously taught classes and seminars on retirement planning and Social Security at local universities and they sponsor community financial education throughout the year.
Sue Hilger
sue.hilger@gmail.com
SUE HILGER has been teaching knitting at Main Line School Night for nearly thirty years and, more recently, crochet. She was the owner of EWE and I, a knitting and needlepoint store located in Bryn Mawr for nineteen years and is currently working as a freelance designer in both knitting and crochet for the Plymouth Yarn Co.
Seth Holzman
zepharpo@aol.com
Seth Holzman, (BA Music, Syracuse University) has been playing harmonica since 1965, teaching harmonica since 1975, and has performed with Muddy Waters, Koko Taylor, Ronnie Earl, Roomful of Blues, Magic Slim & The Teardrops, and many others. Seth was inspired to play by (and eventually studied with) the great blues harmonica player Sonny Terry. He is a caring and thoughtful instructor who teaches the techniques and musical knowledge he wishes he had known when he began his own studies. Seth currently performs with Stevie and the Bluescasters in the greater Philadelphia area.
Amy Hunt
amy@grapewoodflorals.com
Amy received her Floral Design Certificate from Longwood Gardens and has been in the floral industry for over 20 years. She is the owner of Grapewood Florals,LLC and specializes in weddings.
Lance Isakov
N/A
LANCE DAVID ISAKOV, Founder of Village Wellness, a holistic acupuncture center in Berwyn, is a CYT Licensed Acupuncturist, Kundalini Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master, Life Coach, Plant Spirit Medicine Practitioner, Acupuncture Detox Specialist (NADA), Magnified Healing Master, TaeUlju Practitioner, Meditation Teacher, Qi Gong (Mantak Chia) Practitioner, Guided Visualization Practitioner, Yoga Nidra Practitioner, Zero Balancing Practitioner. He received a bachelors degree in Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh and began teaching Reiki, a form of energetic healing, in 1996. He has a passion for experiencing new cultures and the people living in them.
I JKST Inc
narberthtennis@jkst.com
Teaching Professionals, Julian Krinsky School of Tennis
Leahcim James
hr@leahcimjamescoaching.c
https://leahcimjamescoaching.com/
Rebecca Jaroff
rjaroff@ursinus.edu
Rebecca Jaroff, Ph.D, is emeritus professor of English, with over 25 years of teaching experience in American and women's literature at Ursinus College. Her courses emphasize close reading and historical contextualization. She is adept at creating lively in-class discussions and encouraging all participants to develop and share their unique insights, while helping to explore their questions. An award winning teacher, Jaroff specializes in a student-focused classroom that actively engages others to create a better learning environment for everyone.
I Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
amy@jenkinsarboretum.org
Brannon Johnson
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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.
Jean Johnson
pumpkinsoprano@gmail.com
A classically trained coloratura, Ms. Johnson studied privately under Mr Gregory H Hopkins, Dr Francis H Williamson, Dr ebronette Barnes-Aborom and Mrs Rita McKinley-Pride. Her eclectic taste in music is reflected in her repertoire which includes various forms of liturgical music, musical theater and classical. Her Experience spans The Philadelphia Freedom Festival – Philadelphia, PA (2014) - Chorister (Rev. Nolan Williams, Jr., Festival Artistic Director; Andre Raphel, Conductor; The Philadelphia Orchestra; Uri Caine, Composer; Jay Fluellen, Chorus Master) “Can You Hear God Crying?” - Philadelphia, PA (2013) - Chorister (Hannibal Lokumbe, Composer; Dirk Brossé, Music Director; The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia) The Gate Called Straight gospel adaptation of “The Wiz” - Philadelphia, PA (2012) - Vocal Coach (Stephanie Mills, Director; Bill Jolly, Executive Musical Director; Kelly Beard, Executive Producer) “Sounds of Joy” a Music Ministry - Philadelphia, PA - Chorister/Soloist (Sheila D. Booker, Director; Donna Drake, Business Manager)
Barnett Kamen
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Barnett Kamen, is a retired teacher of Bible, Literature, and Philosophy at the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy. He has an MA in Biblical Literature and was a PhD. candidate
Laura Kanavy
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Laura Kanavy, is a Native Speaker from Venezuela with 6 years as a legal interpreter in the Administrative Court System of Philadelphia and is CoreCHI (proficient in medical terminology) and CHI(Certified Healthcare Interpreter).
Ron Kanter
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New Producer's Guide to Video Production Class Bio: Ron's documentaries and television programs have been broadcast nationally on PBS, CBS, cable, and French Television and garnered numerous awards including two local Emmy’s and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Through his company, Video Film Associates, he has produced programs for many Fortune 500 companies including Prudential Securities, Random House, McGraw-Hill, Learning Corporation of America, Chemical Bank, Glaxo Pharmaceuticals, Seagram, Eastman Kodak, and Fidelity Mutual Life Insurance Company. His work for government agencies and NGO’s includes the National Institutes of Health, Morris Arboretum, the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, the State of New Jersey, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and Camden County, Prior to establishing Video Film Associates, Ron held staff positions at Philadelphia TV channels 6, 10, and 17 and for four years was the Executive Producer for Public TV’s WHYY TV12. Ron holds an MFA from Penn’s School of Design and has taught script writing, video production, and How to Appear on TV at Penn, University of the Arts, and the New School in New York. Woodworking Tools Class Bio: The same traits - curiosity, flexibility, and creativity - that enabled my career as a videomaker are fundamental to my joy and accomplishments as a woodworker. Big projects like the resurrection of shell on South Street and smaller challenges like building a little free library, a china cabinet or a storm door have led me to search for the best tools for each step in the project. Besides, I love quality tools as you would see if you were to visit my shop that is packed with them!
Sona Kapadia
N/A
With over 20 years of experience I am an organized professional with a proven track record of good values, mentoring, guidance and counseling skills. Extremely inclined towards administrative skills, education and organizing co-scholastic activities for students has been my passion and domain for past 20 years. Education and Certification • Bachelor Of Commerce from University of Poona, Maharashtra, India (1990) • Masters in Computer Management from University of Poona, Maharashtra, India (1992) • Bachelor of Education from Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi (2007) Additional Information • A quick learner, a logical thinker with great organizing, planning and execution skills • Easy with using technology • Very interactive and good interpersonal skills. Love to shoulder additional responsibility. Hands on following software • MS Office Suite of Applications o MS Word o MS Excel o MS PowerPoint o MS Access • Google Suites • HTML 6 • Visual BASIC • SCRATCH • MSW LOGO • ROBOTICS – WEDO , BLOCKLY – DASH n DOT • Presently working as Coding and STEM facilitator. My work responsibility include Conducting various classes which mainly include Programming fundamentals, ROBOTICS Research on STEM projects. Conducting science and engineering experiments for demonstrations to students
Ilana Kaplan
N/A
Larry Kaufman
N/A
Larry Kaufman started learning and doing Improv 22 years ago in 2000, through Temple University's Community Outreach Program, which lasted about ten years until 2010 when Temple cancelled the entire outreach program. We were known as Full Circle Theatre. It was educational in nature and we performed for schools, religious institutions, senior living facilities, corporations, on such topics as, anti smoking, anti bullying, wellness, work place harassment. After Temple shut the program down, we, the improv troupe, went out on our own, as 2nd Circle Improv Players. We continue to meet to this day to learn and practice improv. I was the Director of 2nd Circle Improv Players from 2013 to 2019. My duties included hiring improv teachers, scheduling our practices, advertising our group as we are open to the public to learn with us and join our group. I began to teach my own classes around 2015 through, HTAS Haverford Township Adult School, which lasted a few years. I also started teaching through Chester County Night School around the same time, which has recently become Chester County Lifelong Learning. I have now been teaching improv at mainline school night for three years.
Chef Jacquie Kelly
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Lydia Kendis
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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
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Joanna Kenty
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Joanna Kenty earned her PhD in Classical Studies from the University of Pennsylvania in 2014 and taught in higher ed programs around the world until 2020, when she shifted gears to work in civic education and curriculum design for The Citizens Campaign. Her book Cicero's Political Personae was published by Cambridge University Press in 2020, and she wrote essays for Eidolon and Medium on topics related to inclusive teaching, connecting ancient and modern ideas, and political rhetoric.
Gloria Kingcade
dancesing4fitnes@aol.com
GLORIA KINGCADE started instructing line dancing in October 1998. She is a Certified Primary Aerobic Instructor AAAI & ISMA (AAAI-American Aerobic Association International, ISMA-International Sports Medicine Association). In January 2001 Gloria founded “D.A.S.H.E.R.S. Entertainment Network” (Dancing and Singing Help Everyone Relieve Stress). The Dancing is R&B or Soul Line Dancing and the Singing is Karaoke. For more information, contact her at (215) 232-6232 or e-mail DANCESING4FITNES@aol.com or www.leathaslinedancing.com/D.A.S.H.E.R.S.html.
Sandi Kirschner
sandikirschner@aol.com
Sandi Kirschner, MEd, Certified Group Fitness Instructor. Sandi is a wellness consultant, helping people meet their lifestyle goals. Sandi is a certified fitness instructor and holds a M.Ed in group dynamics. She teaches corporate wellness and fitness classes to promote overall well being.
Ken Koeplinger
kakoeplinger@gmail.com
As a recent semi-retired research scientist, Ken has had the good fortune in his career to work across diverse scientific fields. To share his experience and enthusiasm for science with others, he is currently working as an adjunct chemistry professor and has been a NASA outreach volunteer since 2022. His interests include the chemistry of intrastellar nuclear fusion and the ongoing search for chemical signatures of life in our Universe.
Lisa Kramer
N/A
Lisa Kramer MSW, PCC is the founder and president of Leading with Intention http://www.leadingwithintention.com. Since transitioning to full time coaching in 2002, Lisa has successfully coached business leaders and managers, and she has served as a mentor-coach and coach trainer for hundreds of coaches worldwide. More recently, Lisa has pivoted to retirement coaching to assist individuals and couples to design their next chapter. Lisa’s passion for coaching emerged from a successful career in clinical social work and social work education. Lisa served on the faculty of Widener University’s School of Human Service Professions and the University of Texas at Dallas Master’s Program in Organizational Behavior and Executive Coaching. She is currently a leadership coach at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Lisa received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania and her coaching certification from the Co-Active Training Institute. She is also a certified Kripalu yoga instructor, an avid cyclist, and she loves all kinds of dancing.
Katie Kriner
info@thebeethebear.com
Katie Kriner, Author, Fibert Artist, Shop Owner The Bee & The Bear
Ji Ku
9jihyun@gmail.com
Ji Ku, Native Speaker; ACTFL Certified, Korean Instructor
I LL Bean Staff
N/A
Staff, L.L. Bean
Tuscarora Lapidary Society
hansensm@gmail.com
Staff, Tuscarora Lapidary Society
Vincent Lartigue
jacqvin2@aol.com
VINCENT LARTIGUE is a native French teacher, born and raised in Paris. He is a graduate from the University of Paris. He has over thirty years of experience as a French teacher working with adults at all levels, from beginner to advanced. His method is conversational and direct and he teaches on a Private, Semi-Private and/or Group-based instruction. He travels back to France several times a year so that his French is up-to-date. During his career he has worked with the major chains of language schools in the US and Europe.
Sue Laskin
suelaskin@comcast.net
Sue Laskin, Experienced Canasta Teacher
Devin Lawson
dlawson@brynmawr.edu
Devin Lawson has an academic background in computer science and serves as a Digital Scholarship Graduate Fellow at Bryn Mawr College, where she is completing a doctoral degree in Classics.
Olive Ledlie
N/A
Olive Ledlie, PhD, Former Chair English Department, The Baldwin School
J. Michael Lennon
michael.lennon@wilkes.edu
J. Michael Lennon is the late Norman Mailer’s archivist, editor, authorized biographer. He has written/edited several books about him, including: Pieces and Pontifications (1982); Critical Essays on Norman (1986); Conversations with Norman Mailer (1988); Norman Mailer: Works and Days (2000); The Spooky Art: Thoughts on Writing (2003), and (with Mailer) On God: An Uncommon Conversation (2007). His biography, Norman Mailer: A Double Life (Simon and Schuster), appeared in 2013, and in 2014 he edited Selected Letters of Norman Mailer (Random House). He is currently editing Mailer’s works for the Library of America. He has also edited The James Jones Reader (1991), and was co-producer of the 1985 PBS documentary, James Jones: From Reveille to Taps. His work has appeared in Paris Review, New Yorker, New York, TLS, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Mailer Review, Hippocampus, Creative Nonfiction, NYRB, and Provincetown Arts, among others. The founding president of the Norman Mailer Society and chair of the editorial board of the Mailer Review, he also serves on the board of the James Jones Literary Society. Co-founder of the Wilkes University MA/MFA Program, he has taught in it since 2005. Prior to that he was the Provost at Wilkes from 1992-2000. From 1972-1992, he was a faculty member and administrator at the University of Illinois-Springfield. He received his B.A. from Stonehill College, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Rhode Island. His memoir, Mailer’s Last Days: New and Selected Literary Remembrances of a Life in Literature, will be published in 2022 by Etruscan Press. website: jmichaellennon.com
Susanne Lennon
susannelennon@verizon.net
Experienced bridge player and instructor; previous chair of Philadelphia Country Club Bridge. Previous math 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)
Wanamaker Lewis
wan.lew@earthlink.net
Has been teaching both classes and privately for over 25 years. Wanamaker Lewis has played at every major music venue in the area including Phila Folk Fest and The Keswick-he’s even played at Carnegie Hall in New York!
Xuemei Li
N/A
Xuemei Li, Native Speaker, Experienced CSL and Chinese teacher
Sandy Lichtenstein
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Sandy Lichtenstein has been writing all her life. She has been in the Autobiographical Writing Class for too many years to count, has published a memoir of growing up as a twin in Providence, RI, and continues to look for the humor in life to inspire her stories.
Jessica Liddell Gorlin
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Jessica Liddell is a professional artist known around the region for her architectural mosaic and fused glass installations. She has been commissioned to create artwork for parks, hospitals and corporations throughout the country. Jessica has also facilitated many community projects with schools and non profit organizations. She is enthusiastic about her craft and has taught at the Main Line Art Center, MALT and Fleisher Art Memorial. She owns Bella Mosaic Art, a studio in the Mount Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia.
Sue Linderman
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Sue Linderman grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, graduating from Mount Pleasant High School before attending Mount Holyoke College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Her 27-year career with the DuPont Company in Wilmington culminated with the spinoff of its Medical X-Ray business via a leveraged buyout that created Sterling Diagnostic Imaging, of which she was its first President. She is especially proud of the long-term R&D investment by her business that developed a selenium array for image capture that is now at the heart of nearly every mammography machine in use in the U.S. Throughout her career, Sue was active in various ‘diversity’ action groups, seeking to pursue equity in the opportunity and treatment of employees, so that each individual’s contributions might be optimized. But it was the series of police shootings of unarmed black men in recent years that galvanized her to develop a better understanding of how we got to where we are. The information being presented here is the result of significant research about our country’s history in this regard. Sue is a co-founder of the Westminster Peace & Justice Work Group in Wilmington that was formed in Spring 2018 with the twin goals of combating violence in Wilmington and promoting racial justice. The Work Group is affiliated with a number of community organizations – the Delaware Center for Justice, Network Delaware, the Campaign to End Debtors Prison, Peace Week Delaware and Smart Justice Delaware, among others.
Myriah Lipke
info@stonepinefinancial.c
Carol Livingood
clivingood@timoneyknox.com
Carol Ryan Livingood, Esq., Timoney Knox Carol joined Timoney Knox as a Partner in 2022 in the Wills, Trusts and Estates Department. She focuses her practice on all aspects of estate planning and estate administration. Carol previously was the managing partner of Davis Bennett Spiess & Livingood – a firm which had been serving individuals, families and businesses on Philadelphia’s Main Line since 1930. Along with the support of Timoney Knox, Carol continues to bring large firm services with a focus on building long-standing relationships and innovative legal solutions to the community of Wayne. Carol has represented clients in all aspects of estate and tax planning and estate administration for over two decades. Her clients include individuals and families with small to extremely sizable estates who appreciate her keen eye in trying to preserve their wealth for their intended beneficiaries while minimizing the tax liabilities. A graduate of Brown University, Carol received her law degree from Widener University School of Law. After law school, she was awarded an Estate Planning Certificate from Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law. Prior to being in private practice, she served for seven years as a Deputy Attorney General in the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Charitable Trusts and Organizations Section. Carol is admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar and is a member of the Delaware County Bar Association and the Delaware County Estate Planning Council. Carol has been named to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list in Estate & Probate Law since 2022. Each year no more than 2.5% of the lawyers in the state are selected by Super Lawyers to receive this Honor. Carol grew up in Wayne and is a graduate of the Academy of Notre Dame, where she formerly served as a member of the Board of Trustees.
Michael Lizzio
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Michael Lizzio, Certified Pool Instructor
Staff, Love Park Visitor Center
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David Low
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David Low has a Masters in Community Counseling, received his doctorate in Religious Studies from Temple University in 1998 and is also completing an interfaith ministry doctoral program with The New Seminary. After being a small-circus juggler for a couple of years out of college, he worked as a technical writer and substance abuse counselor before teaching religion courses for 10 years as an adjunct professor at Rutgers-Camden, Rowan, and LaSalle Universities. He is the author of a spirituality textbook (Universal Spiritual Philosophy and Practice) and is currently working on a volume on the teachings of the great Dutch philosopher, Baruch Spinoza. A lifelong interest in anthropology led David to study shamanism and other indigenous practices. He has presented at IASD conferences (International Association for the Study of Dreams), and has travelled extensively and visited different Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Sufi, Jewish, Christian and Muslim groups. David maintains a private counseling practice in Mt. Airy in which he does dreamwork and teaches meditation. See more about David at davidlowmsphd.com. For two years out of college David was a professional small-circus performer, doing mostly juggling. He's done occasional charity gigs ever since with balls, clubs, rings, devil sticks, cigar boxes and other juggling props.
Hali MacLaren
hali@hkmjewelry.com
Hali MacLaren, HKM Jewelry Owner and Maker, creates handmade jewelry that is inspired by the sea, to spread awareness about its importance and beauty. She holds a BFA in Jewelry and a minor in Photography from The University of the Arts. She teaches classes and workshops Main Line Art Center, Wayne Art Center, ArtFusion in Pottstown and at her studio in West Chester. https://hkmjewelry.com/
Joanie Mackie
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George Magakis
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George Magakis, PhD, Licensed Psychologist; I have had 221 letters to the editor published on current events in the NY Times, NY Times Book Review, Washington Post, Philadelphia Inquirer, USA Today, Miami Herald, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Kansas City Star, Chicago Tribune, Cleveland Plain Dealer, New Yorker, and Richmond Free Press. All dealt with current events. In getting these letters published I learned what editors are looking for and how to write a compelling letter that is likely to get published. In the past, I have taught college level courses in psychology.
Kathleen Magee
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Kathleen Magee, Director of Care Coordination, Rothkoff Law Group
Kathleen Magee joined the Rothkoff Law Group in 2014 as a Geriatric Care Coordinator and transitioned to the Director of Care Coordination in 2019. She primarily works with our clients in the Philadelphia and Bucks County area. Since joining the Rothkoff Law Group, Kathleen has received a “Certificate in Elder Law Certification” through Stockton Center on Successful Aging. She currently serves as the Vice President on the Board of Directors for the Life Care Planning Law Firm Association (LCPLFA).
Kristina Maletta
kristinakunza@sbcglobal.n
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
Daniel Malley
paxonpro@comcast.net
Dan Malley, Paxon Hollow Country Club
Kevin Manning
N/A
Andrew Herron and Kevin Manning are CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ and the founding members of Stone Pine Financial Partners located in Media, PA. They have over 30 years of combined experience helping individuals and families transition to retirement. Andrew and Kevin are experts in retirement distribution planning and have created a system called The Flight Path™ to help bring clarity to the complexities of the retirement distribution phase. They also specialize in Social Security planning and are passionate about educating people on how to best take advantage of this retirement benefit. They’ve previously taught classes and seminars on retirement planning and Social Security at local universities and they sponsor community financial education throughout the year.
Lynn Marsden-Atlass
marsdenatlass@gmail.com
President LMART Consultant LLC
Ellen Mashkovich
info@tangodesign.org
Ellen (Lena) and Oleg Mashkovich, professional Tango dancers from Argentina, perform in competitions and have taught tango for over 20 years. The founded the Tango Design Co. (Greater Philadelphia) to carry on their dedication to the Tango of Buenos Aires, folklore, and culture of Argentina. www.tangodesign.org
John McBride
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John McBride has degrees from the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (Classical Japanese literature), Australian National University, (International Relations), and The University of Melbourne (MBA). John’s interest in travel writing in Japanese classical literature has seen him walking the old highway systems of Japan for over 40 years. For the past eight years he has been guiding history walks in Japan. In 2010, John was awarded an Order of Australia (AM) for his services to business and cultural links between Australia and Japan.
Eva Mergen
creativefibers@gmail.com
Eva Mergen has taught handwork at several historic sites in the region. Her topics include spinning, basket weaving, broom making, embroidery and more. She particularly enjoys introducing beginners to a new craft.
Mary Ann Meyers
N/A
Mary Ann Meyers, PhD, Former Lecturer, American Religious History, University of Pennsylvania and Haverford College The Senior Fellow and a Trustee of the John Templeton Foundation, Mary Ann Meyers served for more than a decade as Secretary of the University of Pennsylvania where she also taught the history of religion in America. She had previously taught at Haverford College and subsequently served as President of The Annenberg Foundation. A magna cum laude graduate of Syracuse University, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, Dr. Meyers earned a Ph.D. in American civilization at Penn. She is the author of Art, Education, and African American Culture: Albert Barnes and the Science of Philanthropy and A New World Jerusalem: The Swedenborgian Experience in Community Culture. With Gerald O'Collins, she edited Light from Light: Scientists and Theologians in Dialogue.
Karl Middleman
maestrokm@aol.com
Karl Middleman counts over 300 music courses and lectures in his repertoire. A particularly versatile performer, he is equally at home with Hart and Hammerstein as he is with Handel and Haydn. He has been hailed for the easy ways his presentations mix scholarship with showmanship. Karl has received awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Pew center for Arts and Heritage and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. He has lectured for the Philadelphia Orchestra over 50 times. For his work as a symphony conductor he has been cited in 19th Century Music and Philadelphia Magazine, twice winning the Best in Philly Award. He teaches at Temple University's Boyer College of Music.
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.
Nancy Miller
N/A
Nancy Bea Miller exhibits her work nationally, with gallery representation in Colorado, Maine and Pennsylvania. She has degrees from Penn and PAFA and teaches at various local institutions and privately. Joseph Sweeney will teach Figure Drawing on Nov. 1 & 8, 2022. Joseph Sweeney, professional artist and instructor, has exhibited nationally and is currently represented by Gallery 222 in Malvern and Cerulean Gallery in Philadelphia. Many public and private institutions, private collections and museums own his works. He holds a BFA in Painting and Drawing from the Philadelphia College of Art (now the University of the Arts) and a Master’s Degree in Printmaking from Pennsylvania State University. He teaches at PAFA and the Wayne Art Center.
Larry Minisci
larryminisci@yahoo.com
LAWRENCE MINISCI (aka Larry, Laurent or Lorenzo by his students) has been teaching ESL, French and Italian to children, adults and corporate executives for more than twenty years. In addition to his current responsibilities at MLSN, Mr. Minisci works as a Foreign Language & Cross Cultural Trainer, Freelance Translator and Project Manager for a global language service provider which consults for local, national and multinational companies. Mr. Minisci speaks nine languages and keeps his linguistic and pedagogical skills current by visiting family and friends in Europe, researching new teaching methods and materials, as well as attending professional workshops, seminars and conferences. He studied at Villanova University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Cambridge (UK), Gratz College and the Goethe Institute.
Dianne Moore
diannemoore@moorebett
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.
Linda Munich
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Linda has acted as an assistant to the culinary program at MLSN for many years. Her specialty is Italian cooking.
McKaig Nature Center
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Vytas Masalaitis, McKaig Park Ranger, VP KoP Historical Society (Ret.)
David Nelson Wren
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Neal Newman
nealnewman@gmail.com
Over the past 40 years, Neal Newman has directed extensively in classical, Shakespeare, modern theater, musicals, and opera. He trained as an actor at California State University, and trained in Shakespeare at ACT of San Francisco, where he directed A CRY OF PLAYERS, and THE CRITIC, and acted the title role in RICHARD II. He trained as a director at Carnegie Mellon, and the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. He directed many Off-Broadway productions in New York (DANCE ON A COUNTRY GRAVE, CRADLE WILL ROCK, ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERWORLD); ran a summer stock company, (ROBBER BRIDEGROOM, TAMING OF THE SHREW); and directed five seasons of Shakespeare in the Park in Philadelphia, (MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM, HAMLET, HENRY IV). Opera productions include many by Gilbert & Sullivan, BOHEME, and CARMEN. He was a New York Critic for Show Business Magazine for 7 years, and continues as a record producer. He has taught and directed at The Walnut Street Theater, Fordham University (CABARET, FIGARO); University of the Arts (SEAGULL, CRUCIBLE); Cabrini College (MISS JULIE, 2 GENTLEMEN OF VERONA); and the University Of Pennsylvania, (MIKADO). At Steel River Playhouse he directed RAGTIME, MIRACLE WORKER, CHRISTMAS CAROL, BLITHE SPIRIT and TOYS IN THE ATTIC. As an actor, Neal has appeared at Steel River in THE CRUCIBLE, (Danforth) and PIPPIN, (Charlemange). He was co author of GOLDILOCKS AND THE DOWN HOME BEARS presented at Steel River, and will soon present a reading of the new musical LITTLE PRINCESS. Neal recently presented BIRTH OF A NATION, AND THE FOUNDING OF WHITE SUPREMACY at MLSN.
Eliot Niles
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Eliot Niles, Licensed NYC Guide, Member of GNYC
David Nogar
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David Nogar is a retired transportation executive who spent 50 years in the railroad industry. Given the demands of that type of work, in his spare time he developed a passion for philosophy, the arts, and fine food and drink. In essence, he became a flaneur in the classic sense, creating the brand The American Flaneur (theamericanflaneur.com). David is now an acknowledged expert in the areas of wine and spirits, especially American Bourbon and cigars.
Pat Nogar
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A native St. Louisan, in Philadelphia has made her mark as the “Diva of Lifestyle. She is the founder of “Living Well with Pat Nogar”, a company that features her interests and expertise in all things lifestyle including entertaining, cooking, gardening and in, general, bringing people together for the best possible experiences. For a number of years, Pat hosted a lifestyle show, “Living well With Pat Nogar” on LMTV and regularly shares her expertise across digital platforms. Pat is a Penn State Master Gardener, and a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier, the international organization of food, fine beverages and entertaining.
Scott Noye
chefdad928@yahoo.com
Scott Noye is a native Bostonian who has been living in the Philadelphia area for over 30 years. He received his BS degree in Culinary Arts and Management from Johnson and Wales University, and has been working in the retail, management, education, and customer service areas of the food industry. A father of three, Mr. Scott lives in Broomall, Delaware County Mr. Scott, as he is known by his students, is a home-cook, "foodie", and an avid fan and follower of the local restaurant scene. He is passionate about teaching and sharing his knowledge and expertise, as well as using healthy, locally grown, and sustainable ingredients whenever possible. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Scott developed the idea for Chef Dad's Table. He was a teaching assistant at Widener University, a PA Certified Substitute Teacher, and a Culinary Instructor at a Lavner Summer Camp. When schools shut down due to COVID, Scott immediately answered parents' needs for homeschool assistance and tutoring. While working with his students, he also discovered that everyone was struggling to find non-traditional learning activities that were Covid-safe, yet interesting and fun. Scott's culinary training led him to develop cooking and baking classes for children. And thus "Chef Dad's Table" was born. Besides cooking and eating great food, one of the missions of Chef Dad's Table is to provide a safe and engaging place for kids and teens to learn and have fun. Whether it is to strengthen their academic skills or to explore their creative side, Chef Dad's Table offers students a variety of extra-curricular classes, activities, and camps. The classes teach life long skills, build confidence and self-esteem, and introduce students to a variety of vocations and opportunities that are available to them later in life. Chef Dad's Table continues to work with local like-minded organizations to educate people about Family and Consumer Sciences with the goal of helping those in need and reducing the burden that Food Insecurity causes. The students of Chef Dad's Table are introduced to volunteering and philanthropy through their efforts to help combat Food Insecurity and to increase social harmony in our communities.
Scott Nye
N/A
A native of Wooster, Ohio, Scott is a forty-year golf industry veteran. Scott was a four-time golf All-America selection at The College of Wooster (OH). He served as the Head Golf Professional at Country Club of York (PA) from 1990-2000. In the fall of 2000 he arrived at Merion and has recently finished a 24 year run as the Director of Golf at Merion. Scott was named the Philadelphia PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2012 and the PGA of America’s National Merchandiser of the Year in 2014. Over the years, Scott served as the host professional for five USGA Championships. At Country Club of York, Scott help host the 1999 United States Junior Amateur Championship. While at Merion, he was involved in the 2005 United States Amateur Championship, the 2009 Walker Cup, the 2013 United States Open Championship and the 2022 Curits Cup. Merion will play host to the 2026 United States Amateur Championship, the 2030, 2040 and 2050 United States Open Championship and the 2034 and 2046 United States Women’s Open.
Gail Oldfield
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Gail Oldfield is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. From touring the country in her early career to becoming a Radio City Music Hall Rockette, she has enjoyed many memorable dance experiences. She was Dance Director at Cabrini College for several years, as well a choreographer for over sixty musical productions across the tri-county area. Recently, she served as Vice President of the Rockette Alumnae Association in New York City.
Benjamin Olshin
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Benjamin B. Olshin PhD, Fulbright Scholar
Michelle Oosterbaan
mjo3132@gmail.com
Michelle Oosterbaan’s drawings, wall paintings, and installations describe relationships between motion/stasis, and investigate ideas of cartography, memory and the idea of place, in an ever-evolving notion of the sublime landscape. Oosterbaan has exhibited internationally including the Weatherspoon Art Museum, The Drawing Center, The Delaware Art Museum, The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art and Museum, The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, MO. Recent public art projects include the Democratic National Convention and the Mural Arts Philadelphia. She has a BFA from Washington University in St. Louis as a Fred Conway Scholar and an MFA from Indiana University with post-graduate studies in Florence, Italy with S.A.C.I and Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. Currently she teaches at PAFA, Drexel University, Wilmington Friends, and the Fleisher Art Memorial. @mjoosterbaan; www.michelleoosterbaan.com
John Parker
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John Parker has grown orchids for 25 years and specializes in growing mediums and orchid care. He has worked with local organizations to revive their orchids and is particularly engaged in teaching non-specialists how to keep their orchids thriving.
Michelle Partlow
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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.
Lennie Perrott
lenoreperrott1@yahoo.com
Lennie Perrott is a licensed psychologist and certified life coach in Wayne, who works with individuals, couples and families. Central to her work is the powerful self-discovery tool, the Enneagram, which she uses extensively in her private practice and in group settings. You can find out more about lennie on her website: https://www.lenoreperrott.com
Elizabeth Perry
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Beth Perry, Tai Chi Instructor
Robert Peters
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Robert Peters, Wine Specialist, Best of 'Philadelphia Magazine' has over 25 years of experience in the wine and spirits industry. Wine Specialist at the Ardmore Fine Wine & Good Spirits store which is the number one store in the southeast Pennsylvania area. Rob has been working with MLSN for over 20 years.
Clayton Platt
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Clayton Platt’s professional background is a reflection of his diverse interests and talents. He served in leadership positions in finance and not-for-profit fundraising for over 30 years and then began what has been a very successful career as a corporate trainer and executive coach. Clayton has facilitated leadership development and performance improvement training at a wide range of organizations, including Fortune 50 companies, representing several of the most respected international learning and development companies. Clayton’s deep passion for helping individuals and teams discover and live into their true potential has been bolstered by his study of (and achievement of official certifications in) NeuroLeadership, and Emotional Intelligence. In January 2021 after practicing meditation for 20 years, Clayton completed a two-year intensive certification program to teach mindfulness meditation. In many ways this was the natural combination of his gifts and experiences; he has led over 300 hours of virtual mindfulness sessions since the beginning of 2020 and has personally participated in an annual average of four-day silent retreats since 2019. Clayton has enjoyed his previous opportunities to teach at MLSN both in-person and virtual classes. He launched his podcast Magic in the Moment – Mindfulness in Real Time and his book with the same title will be published in the fall of 2024.
Naomi Pliskow
npliskow@gmail.com
Naomi Pliskow MD, MA, is the author of numerous medical-related works. After a stint as an instructor at the University of Michigan Medical School, she spent her career writing about medicine for both professional and nonprofessional audiences. In her sixties, she became a psychotherapist, which has given her profound insight into our human journey. Dr. Pliskow is the author of the forthcoming book Ungrowth: An Affectionate Look at How Our Bodies Change as We Age.
Dale Power
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Dale Power is a serial entrepreneur having built several businesses in catering, childrens' entertainment, and consulting. She is an author who loves adventure, having done Outward Bound in midlife. Her latest company, Share Your Courage, comes from all of her life experience of facing large life challenges as well as having seen the transformative effects on individuals who needed to find their courage through learning those skills and being genuinely encouraged to do so. Learn more at shareyourcourage.com.
Joel Price
jfwp@jfwp.com
Joel F. W. Price is the Technology Outreach Team Lead at Swarthmore College. In addition, he has consulted for schools, musicians, and small businesses, including social media strategy and implementation, individual and small-group training and photography. He has spoken nationally at conferences on the topic of responsible and creative emerging media implementation.
Shireen Qadri & JD Walsh
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Shireen’s family hails from Kashmir, a region located in the Himalayan Mountains of North India where families show love through the daily preparation of fresh food. She grew up eating Moji’s (her mother’s) delicious dishes that were prepared with a unique base of freshly ground aromatic spice mixtures (called masalas) that livened every meal. JD, who is Irish-American, grew up on Long Island but spent five years working in India. When he returned home, he found that he constantly craved the tastes of India that he enjoyed while there. So, Shireen & JD decided to cook more frequently. But they quickly realized the process was costly and time-consuming. So, moji masala was born, making pre-measured spice mixtures and recipes readily available for anyone to cook Indian food anytime.
Rita Qubain
N/A
Tagline can also be (for cooking) Traditional Arabic Cook
Jennifer Rhine
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Jennifer Rhine, CDP, CALA, Certified Dementia Practitioner, Rothkoff Law Group
As a certified Dementia Care Practitioner, Jennifer offers a diverse perspective working with seniors and professionals in the long-term care industry. Jennifer recently was certified as a Positive Approach to Care® Certified Independent Trainer. This has broadened her understanding of Dementia and allows her to offer education on Normal Aging vs Not Normal Aging, GEMS®, as well as Hand-under-Hand®.
Catherine Robert
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Catherine Jeanne Robert, PhD, BA, Connecticut College for Women, MA, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, has taught at Haverford and Bryn Mawr Colleges. She is currently on the Liberal Arts faculty of the University of The Arts. Dr. Robert wrote her dissertation under the direction of Dr. Robert Regan.
Leslie Robison
leslie@masteryconsulting
Leslie Robison has provided coaching and organizing services 1999. She is passionate about helping you achieve more ease, credibility and satisfaction at home and at work. Master your day, master your life: Leslie@MasteryConsulting.net
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/
Kermit Roosevelt, III
krooseve@law.upenn.edu
Kermit Roosevelt III is a professor of constitutional law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, a former clerk for Supreme Court Justice David Souter, a member of the Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court, and an award-winning author. A frequent op-ed contributor, his work has appeared in The New York Times, the Foreign Policy Research Institute, The Washington Times, TIME, Newsweek, and The Hill, among many other outlets. He serves as a media expert and keynote speaker, discussing topics including the Supreme Court, civil rights, U.S. presidential history, leadership, American politics, patriotism, and U.S. current events. Born in Washington, DC, he attended Harvard University and Yale Law School, and is the great-great-grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt.
Jenny Rose Carey
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Jenny Rose Carey is an avid hands-on gardener and professional horticulturist. Born in England to a family of botanists and gardeners, she grew up in the countryside and designed her first herb garden at age sixteen. She moved with her American husband to the Philadelphia area and has gardened there ever since. Her degrees are in Biology, Horticulture, and Education, so Jenny Rose brings a strong teaching background to her writing and presentations. Professionally she has been Director of two public gardens - The Ambler Arboretum of Temple University and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Garden at Meadowbrook Farm. Jenny Rose is now devoting her time to writing, speaking, and tending her own four-and-one-half acre garden called Northview where she has lived for over a quarter of a century. Jenny Rose has two books published, "Glorious Shade" and "The Ultimate Flower Gardener's Guide". Her third book, concentrating on BULBS, is due to be available to the public in the fall of 2025.
Jeffrey Rosen
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Jeffrey Rosen is the President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, where he hosts We the People, a weekly podcast of constitutional debate. He is also a professor of law at the George Washington University Law School and a contributing editor of The Atlantic. He was previously the legal affairs editor of The New Republic and a staff writer for the New Yorker. Rosen’s new book is The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America. His other books include the New York Times bestseller Conversations with RBG: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Life, Love, Liberty, and Law as well as biographies of Louis Brandeis and William Howard Taft. Rosen is a graduate of Harvard College; Oxford University, where he was a Marshall Scholar; and Yale Law School. In 2024, the French government recognized him as a Chevalier in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
Eugenia Roskos
genir@comcast.net
Geni Roskos, ACE Certified Group Instructor, Upper Merion Dance & Gymnastics Center
Nancy Rugart
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Nancy is the author of the high performance parenting curriculum Kids Can Too!, and creator and producer of Kids Can Too! segments for WHYY and PBS.
Anthony Francis Russo
tonino613@gmail.com
Anthony Russo, AB, German Language and Literature with Italian Minor, Villanova University, 1970; MA German Language and Literature, Villanova University, 1974 Hired as a teacher of German in 1970, I initiated an Italian curriculum within 3 years, and within 10 years, the program had grown to a full 4 year curriculum. Two full-time teachers of Italian were needed due to student number, about five years later. In 1996, hired again as a teacher of German for the Tredyffrin-Easttown School District in Chester County, I was asked to initiate an Italian curriculum once again at Conestoga High School, and this program grew to a full 4 year curriculum in four years, with 2 full-time teachers of Italian within 9 years. During my career, I have led 15 tours with students and adults, to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, but mostly to Italy. I led a tour of 35 students and adults to Italy and Sicily most recently. As leader of the group, and as lead teacher, I was required to deal with such diverse situations as rooming and other hotel issues, retail store negotiations which students were not able to handle, logistical issues of timing with the tour bus, the Metro in Rome, and the like. While touring with my students, I also had the unique privilege to sing in the Teatro di Ercolano (the ancient theater in Herculaneum) as a demonstration of the incredible acoustics which the ancient Romans developed over 2000 years ago. No microphone is necessary even today, to project the voice of the actor or singer to reach the hundreds in the audience. Almost thirty-nine years of classroom teaching in high school, adult night school, and several courses at the university level in not only Italian, but also in Cultural Diversity, have given me an excellent proficiency in written and spoken Italian, and virtually native fluency in speaking. Never having lived in Italy for any extended period of time, I have nonetheless more than held my own in both business and personal conversations with natives - even those using in part their local dialect - on various topics.
Karen Santini Clemens
karen@santinifinancial.net
Karen Santini Clemens is a CPA and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner. I understand how important it is for clients to take an active role in planning for their future. Working alongside my clients has allowed me to help build relationships and gives folks a level of confidence in their financial future. Through fostering a true client partnership and working together as a team, I can help guide clients through life’s milestones. Whether it be navigating through a major life event, planning a comfortable retirement, or educating the next generation on the importance of future planning, my services will be there every step of the way. I grew up in Wayne, PA and attended Pennsylvania State University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. I have been residing in West Chester since 1999 where I raised my two children, Nick and Sara. In my free time I enjoy exercising, reading, gardening, and traveling.
Rona Satten
ronasatten@mac.com
RONA CORDISH SATTEN is a Professional Member of the National Qigong Association and a Certified Level III Instructor. She is certified by Master Li JunFeng to teach Sheng Zhen Wuji Yuan Gong, and has been certified as an Associate Healing Tao Instructor. Rona is a lifelong shamanic qigong student of Master Zhongxian Wu. She is also certified as a Medical Qigong Therapist through the International Institute of Medical Qigong and has a healing practice combining qi healing with other energy therapies. Rona loves teaching and her priority is to share the joyful, self-healing qigong practice with everyone interested. More information is available from her at: innersageqigong@gmail.com.
Anne Schmid
encircledg@gmail.com
With the use of labyrinths, Anne offers meditative walking, inspirational storytelling, and creative reflection. Since becoming a Certified Labyrinth Facilitator in 2013, Anne has conducted presentations, workshops, special events, and retreats for people ages 2 to 92, interfaith and no faith, in schools, places of worship, and community groups. Welcoming all, Anne creates safe, nonjudgmental space to allow feelings and questions to be explored. Anne travels with three different labyrinths and has witnessed the gentle power move through many diverse communities. PA Criminal Record Check and PA Child Abuse Certification are current. Learn more at encircledgrace.com.
Cara Schneider Bongiorno
caraschneiderbongior
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
Mark Schrad
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Mark Lawrence Schrad, Ph.D., is Professor of Political Science and Director of Russian Area Studies at Villanova University. His recent books include the award-winning Smashing the Liquor Machine: A Global History of Prohibition (Oxford, 2021), and Vodka Politics: Alcohol, Autocracy, and the Secret History of the Russian State (Oxford, 2014), which has been translated into Polish, Slovak, Chinese and Lithuanian. His commentaries appear regularly in outlets including Politico, Slate, Foreign Policy, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The Washington Post and The New York Times.
Chuck Schwam
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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
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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.
Melissa Schweiter Oeth
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Melissa is a lifelong resident of the Main Line. She has a Master's Degree in Counseling from Villanova University which plays a huge role in the work she does in helping people with the difficult transition of preparing and selling their homes. She started The Well Kept Home in 2014 because she wanted to help friends, family and now an extensive network of clients to make their homes more enjoyable, more beautiful and more profitable. Melissa is authentic, compassionate and committed to providing service to others in any aspect of real estate.
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.
Anjali Shaw
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I have a B.A. in European Studies/French literature and an M.A. in Information Science. I have also spent a number of years studying film at the New School in New York City. I was a tenured faculty member at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC before moving to the Main Line in 2006. I have been an avid student of film and culture for decades, but only discovered Hindi Cinema more recently. It has changed my life in that it is so much more than movies; there is a profound wisdom and emotional connection that these movies provide. It has become my passion to help others experience this.
Cindy Shaw
hello@paineshollowkitch
As a child, Cindy spent time on her grandparents' 118-acre farm in Paines Hollow, a hamlet in Herkimer County, New York, three miles south of the Mohawk River. Memories of baking alongside her grandmother and family gatherings on the farm – birthday parties, holidays, and summer picnics – inspired Cindy to launch Paines Hollow Kitchen in 2021. The brand reflects her grandmother's approach to baking: small batches, made from scratch with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Learn more at paineshollowkitchen.com.
Nancy Shaw
nshaw@mainlineschoolnig
Nancy Shaw taught American literature and writing in colleges for ten years before becoming an educational administrator for People’s Light, Widener Partnership Charter School (Chester, PA) and Main Line School Night. She holds a PhD in English & American literature from Cornell University.
Staff, Shofuso Japanese Tea House
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Staff, Japanese Tea House
Laura Shook
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Michael Sielski
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A star in the sports journalism world, Mike Sielski is a columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer and the author of three books. His latest, The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality, drew on never-before-heard interview tapes with Bryant and was published in January 2022 to universal praise from readers and reviewers. Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Library Journal all gave The Rise starred reviews, and Library Journal called it “a landmark account of Kobe Bryant’s early life [that] will stand as the most objective, definitive record of his youth.” An accompanying podcast, I Am Kobe, which Sielski wrote and narrated, was released in November 2021 through iHeartRadio and is a 2022 finalist for the Webby Award, for “excellence on the Internet,” in the Best Sports Podcast category. Within weeks of The Rise’s publication, Sielski had reached an option agreement with Mark Ciardi—the producer of more than a dozen movies, including Miracle, Invincible, The Rookie, and Secretariat—for the book’s feature film and documentary rights. Ciardi immediately hired Jonathan Hock, who is responsible for five films in ESPN’s 30 for 30 series, to direct a documentary based on the book and the podcast. Published in 2009, Sielski’s book Fading Echoes: A True Story of Rivalry and Brotherhood from the Football Field to the Fields of Honor told the tale of two high school football players from a small Pennsylvania town who went on to serve in the Iraq War. Fading Echoes received starred reviews from both Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, and Booklist called it “an emotionally charged book that offers a profound understanding of American life in the first years of the twenty-first century.” Sielski’s first book—How to Be like Jackie Robinson: Life Lessons from Baseball’s Greatest Hero, which he co-authored with longtime NBA executive Pat Williams—was published in 2005.
Dianna Sinanian
dianna.sinanian@yahoo.com
Dianna is a Master's student in Marketing and Communication, a teacher of piano, French and cooking, and a self-employed caterer. Raised in a rich mix of French and Armenian cultures, she realized early on that she liked to diversify into different fields. Studying piano throughout her childhood, Dianna also practiced dance, theater and violin. This diverse combination of interests and experiences allows her to teach with confidence.
Cheri Skipworth
phillyhandmadeu@gmail.com
Cheri Skipworth is the owner of the HandmadeU Studio. HandmadeU inspires creativity in others through offering a monthly craft subscription box as well as craft workshops. Cheri has been an avid crafter for more than 30 years and has been teaching arts and crafts to others for more than 20 years. https://www.phillyhandmadeu.com
Ken Sklar
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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
Debbie Smith
dancr4evvr@aol.com
Debbie Smith has been teaching dance for over 40 years. She teaches Ballet, Tap and Jazz to both children and adults at Dain Dance Academy (formerly McHenry Dance Center) where she is a faculty member. She enjoys continuing education classes at the University of the Arts, Broadway Dance Center, Koresh, and Dance Masters of America summer intensive at NY University and taking classes from the many tap masters throughout the Philadelphia Area. She is a member of a tap company known as UCTT (Uniting Colleges Through Tap) and is proud to be a part of this ambitious talented company of tap dancers.
Emily Smith
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Emily Smith began her practice in 2003 and is now a licensed massage and bodywork therapist with expert level training in The John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach®, a Physicalmind Institute certified Pilates, yin yoga, restorative movement and qigong practitioner trained in Daisy Lee’s Women’s Radiant Lotus Qigong. She began her journey into myofascial release in 2012 receiving, studying, and practicing the healing art with John Barnes. Emily’s practice is rooted in an open and sensitive heart, genuine curiosity about her clients, and love for helping people care for themselves. She brings practical knowledge from her own experiences of healing and transformation and lifelong learning from innovative masters of the healing and movement arts. Through a unique combination of myofascial release, massage therapy, and nourishing movement, Emily helps you improve mobility, posture and balance, restore the balance of softness and tension, and remember your reflexive core strength. She offers long term solutions for living a healthy, happy, and active life free of pain. Emily is grateful to have loved practicing and living in Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Colorado, and Alaska and has been happy to be home in Black Mountain, NC since 2020.
Lindsey Smith
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Lindsey Smith, MA, has worked with museum artifact collections and heirloom preservation for over 25 years. She loves to help people interpret, preserve, and better understand the objects that make up our world. Lindsey is a museum consultant and public speaker with Exhibitsmith and is the CEO of Hangerbee, a clothing preservation supply company.
Mariann Smith
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Mariann Smith, MA. Prior to moving back to this area, she worked for 26 years in the Education Department--for the last 12 years as curator--in the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, NY, which focuses primarily on modern and contemporary art. Her major responsibilities included docent training; writing, recording, and editing audio tours and video programs; researching and preparing label copy and brochures for exhibitions; presenting lectures on a wide variety of topics; and curating a number of exhibitions. She is the author of Albright-Knox Art Gallery: Highlights of the Collection (2011) and a major contributor to The Long Curve: 150 Years of Visionary Collecting at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery (2011). Since moving back to Chester County, she had a one-year appointment as Curatorial Assistant, Art & Artifacts Dept., Special Collections, Bryn Mawr College, working with the Art and Artifacts staff on collection-based projects, exhibitions, and the museum studies program. She also worked as consultant at the Brandywine River Museum of Art, revising audio tour scripts and preparing exhibition labels. Mariann received her AB in French Studies from Bryn Mawr in 1981 and a Masters in Art History (1986) and Certificate of Museum Practice (1987) from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She is also currently a consultant for the Center for Humanities in Medicine at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biological Sciences.
MLSN Staff
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Staff, MLSN
Staff, Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden
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Staff, Stoneleigh: a natural garden
Jackie Strauss
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Broadcast Pioneers Board member Jackie Strauss is a Philly girl, born and raised. Her memories of growing up in the city led her to her position as "Neighborhood Correspondent" on the "Remember When” radio program, along with hosts, Steve Ross and Jim Murray, formerly on “CBS 1210 AM” and then on “ 990 AM WNTP” for over a decade. During the six years Jackie was a part of the radio show, her segment was one of the longest-running features; reporting on people's birthdays, anniversaries, reunions and events in their lives, and researching the various neighborhoods in the Delaware Valley which prompted calls from listeners anxious to talk about their memories and their pride in the places where they grew up. Jackie was always a part of the conversational dialogue between Steve and Jimmy and their listeners, as they took their weekly trip together down "Memory Lane”.
Kris Strid
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Kris Strid is a published author, poet and memoir writer.  Still living in the house where she and her four brothers grew up, rasing five children and enjoying fourteen grandchildren has given her a reservoir of stories. 
Mikhail Strokan
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Mikhail Strokan’s work looks at the idea that countries abundant in such natural resources as oil and natural gas wind up struggling economically despite the bounty—and examines why some of these countries fare better than others. https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/resisting-resource-curse Assistant Professor (2024 - present) at HSE University. Senior Research Fellow (2023-2024) at the Center for Energy Geopolitics, Institute for Advanced International Studies of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy. Research Associate (2021-2022) at the International Center for the Study of Institutions and Development (ICSID) of the HSE University. Research Associate (2020-2021) at the European University in St. Petersburg. Teaching Assistant and Head Teaching Assistant (2018-2023) at University of Pennsylvania. Research Assistant (2017-2020) at University of Pennsylvania. Research Assistant (2015-2016) at Syracuse University.
Pedro Suarez
pesuarez@gmail.com
Pedro Suarez, M.A.; Native Speaker; Spanish Instructor
Nancy Sullivan
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Nancy is a Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach with a lifelong commitment to healthcare and well-being. As a coach Nancy draws on her extensive experience in healthcare and passion for empowering others. She helps individuals build resilience by harnessing their unique strengths and guiding them toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. Learn more at nancysullivanwellness.com.
Lawrence Swesey
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I am a retired educator and military officer, married with three adult children. My educational experience is primarily in mentoring and instructing adult (both young and mature) students in a variety of disciplines. My professional educational career centered upon instructing juniors and seniors in a highly regarded academic public high school in Princeton Junction, New Jersey. My military career included a long assignment as a primary instructor at the U.S. Army’s Reserve Officer Advanced Course at Ft Knox, Kentucky. Additionally, my professional career included several years as an adjunct facility instructor at the college level. I have also, presented lectures, learning sessions and workshops at professional conferences and various organizations, developed and conducted educational tours of historical significant locations and mentored young professionals. After retiring from public school instruction I accepted a position as Adjunct Professor at Valley Forge Military College instructing Ethics and History. Since my professional retirement I have continued to give occasional lectures and conduct historical site educational tours. I also serve as a volunteer in the Museum Programs Department at The Benjamin Franklin Institute , Philadelphia, PA. Certifications and degrees include: Bachelor of Science The United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 1969 Master of Education Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1978 U.S. Army Instructor 275th U.S. Army Reserve School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1985 Major educational assignments include: High School Teacher Lower Moreland High School Huntingdon Valley, PA High School Teacher Lower Merion School District Lower Merion, PA Advanced Course Inst U.S. Officer Reserve Advanced Course Ft Knox, KY High School Teacher West Windsor-Plainsboro Sch. Dis trict Princeton Junction, NJ Adjunct Professor Valley Forge Military College Wayne, PA
Staff, The Rail Park
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Staff, The Rail Park
Jood Thompson
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Jood Thompson is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach with a background in Psychology and Counseling and Human Relations. She co-founded a program dedicated to helping under-resourced students access independent day and boarding schools and volunteers her coaching expertise at the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
Ellen Trachtenberg
braintreebooks@gmail.com
Ellen Trachtenberg is the owner of the Narberth Bookshop, which she opened in 2016 after more than 25 years of book industry experience. Prior to opening the bookshop, Ellen served as a book publicist and publishing consultant.
Sue Trembeth
strembeth@comcast.net
Sue is an experienced teacher of Zentangle™ and paper crafting. She was recently featured on Action News for Zentangle™. She enjoys sharing the creativity and mindfulness of Zentangle™ with others. https://suezentangle.carrd.co/
Staff Tri-State Training
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Staff, Tri-State Training
I US Coast Guard Aux. 5NR
bayardanderson@comcast.net
Staff, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Staff Upper Merion Community Center
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Staff, Upper Merion Community Center
Jeffrey Urbin
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Jeffrey Urbin is the Education Specialist and Director of the Pare Lorentz Film Center. He is responsible for developing all of the Library’s on-site and online education programs and materials for students ranging from second grade to college including adult learning and public programs. His work with the Pare Lorentz Center has produced hundreds of hours of award winning video programs and materials used in classrooms across the country and around the world. He is the recipient of the 2023 Archivist’s Award for Excellence in Leadership in Advancing Education Programs, Distance Learning and Fostering New Learning Environments for Diverse Audiences. In June he will receive the Dutchess County Hayden Award for Excellence in Education. He has been instrumental in creating the curriculum for the new National Archives National Civic Education Initiative, and the development of disability and accessibility programs and curriculum. Prior to joining the National Archives in 2001, he taught history and government for public and private colleges in the Hudson Valley for 10 years. He earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration and a BA in Political Science and International Affairs as a Truman Scholar and studied education and Latin American and Caribbean Affairs.
Mary Vaira
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Mary Vaira, a Wisconsin native graduated from the University of Colorado. She is a fluent Spanish speaker educated both in Spain and Mexico. After graduation, she served three years with the Defense Intelligence in Argentina. She returned to the US and then transferred to the Drug Enforcement Administration in Chicago. She completed her career in Philadelphia as both an analyst followed by her role as the Public Information Officer. After her government career she started El Sol Villas, a company that rented holiday villas in Spain. She owned this company for 18 years.
Cynthia Veloric
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Cynthia H. Veloric, PhD, Art Historian, Curator, Environmentalist
Nury Vicens
lasgreenpeas@gmail.com
Nury Vicens holds a MFA from University of Pennsylvania and a BA from Applied Art School of the University of Chile. Nury works in many different kinds of media and she currently works on portrait commissions and indoor murals. She has been noted as a PA Latino artist and was chosen to exhibit her paintings at the State Museum of Pennsylvania and The Berman Museum of Art. She has been invited to exhibit in Germany, Belgium and Chile as well as many juried exhibitions in the States. Her work was exhibited at Zone One Gallery in Philadelphia for many years.
Sarah Vogan
skvogan@mtholyoke.edu
Sarah Vogan began her training at a young age. Her performance highlights include: ABC Boscov's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Sunoco Welcome America 4th of July Parades, Republican National Convention in 2000, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell Inauguration Parade, and in 2003, Sarah made her debut dancing at Carnegie Hall in concert with Janellen Farmer. While acquiring her BA in dance at Mount Holyoke College, she choreographed an adjudicated piece for the American College Dance Association national festival. Sarah teaches at many dance studios in the greater Philadelphia area and choreographs musicals for local schools and community theaters. A dancer with The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble, she was recognized in 2019 by Camille Bacon-Smith of Broad Street Review as the "star turn" of The Lady Hoofers' annual spring concert, On Tap. In 2021 and 2022, Sarah danced one of the leading roles, Queen of Versailles, in The Lady Hoofers’ production of The Tapcracker, performed at the Suzanne Roberts Theater. With The Lady Hoofers, Sarah has also been cast in the premier performances of guest choreographers: Dolores Sanchez, Caleb Teicher, Michele Dunleavy, Robyn Watson, Lisa LaTouche, and Michael J. Love.
Susan Wallack
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Susan is a yoga instructor whose training includes: 250 hour Yoga Alliance YTT, 75 hour Trauma Informed Yin YTT and post-certification work with respected teachers including Maura Manzo, Colette Marie, Corrina Benner and Seane Corn.
Marylyn Waltzer
waltzermarylyn@gmail.com
Marylyn Waltzer, NY Botanical Gardens Certified Botanical Illustrator
Larry Ward
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Larry Ward is an artist and a software engineer who grew up in Southern NJ. His undergraduate degree is in Electrical Engineering from MIT and he also hold a Masters in EE from Georgia Tech. Recently he has enjoyed working with AI-generated images to create designs.
Mike Weilbacher
mike@mikeweilbacher.com
Naturalist Mike Weilbacher is an environmental educator with 40 years of experience teaching through lectures, walks, newspaper essays, theatrical performances, and radio. A frequent lecturer, Mike has been traveling the Delaware Valley the last five years offering public lectures on environmental concerns. He’s also been a keynote speaker and workshop leader at state and national education conferences, speaking before groups like the National Science Teachers Association, the Pennsylvania Association for Environmental Educators, the National Association of Interpretation, and the Association of Nature Center Administrators. As an environmental educator, he has designed a diverse array of programs across the region, including family festivals, Earth Day events, town meetings, lecture series, nature walks, and so much more. Over a 30-year career, he served as the executive director of the Lower Merion Conservancy, the Briar Bush Nature Center in Abington, and the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education in Roxborough. As an emcee and radio personality, Mike hosted Earth Talk on WHYY-FM, an early 90s newsmagazine on regional environmental concerns. Over the show’s five-year run, his guests included Al Gore, biodiversity pioneer Edward O. Wilson, environmental activists Paul Ehrlich and Barry Commoner, writers Bill McKibben, Terry Tempest Williams, and Michael Pollan, and many more. Mike is also well-known as “Mike the All-Natural Science Guy” on the Peabody award-winning live children’s radio show “Kid’s Corner” on WXPN-FM in Philadelphia and worldwide at XPN.org, where he has been talking to children about nature and the environment for more than 30 years. As a writer, his first book, Wild Philly, was released with Timber Press in 2022. He has authored weekly columns on preservation and environmental issues for two different local newspapers since 1997, where in 2006 the Suburban Newspapers of America honored him for outstanding writing. He has published articles in Green Teacher, E: The Environmental Magazine and Learning, placed numerous book reviews and op-ed pieces in The Philadelphia Inquirer, and wrote an acclaimed regular column in his state’s environmental education journal. As a performer of original vaudevillian-style theater about nature and science, Mike has performed on stages across the country, in parks, festivals, museums, nature centers, and more, from the American Museum of Natural History in New York to the Tallahassee Museum in Florida.
Sally Weinstock
sallyweinstock1@comcast.n
Sally Weinstock is the founder of Pennington Arts. She has been teaching music, art and creative writing for over fifty years.
Nancy White
nancy@digitalco
Nancy White is owner of Digital Consulting Associates, LLC in West Chester PA. She is a technology course development specialist, and gives private computer lessons to individuals and business in the Main Line area. A graduate of Immaculata University, Nancy has a contagious passion for teaching adults how to make the best possible use of technology. She is also an adjunct instructor at Delaware County Community College. Nancy's company website is digitalconsultingassociates.com and she can be reached at 610-357-1525.
Rachel Whitworth
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Rachel Whitworth considers herself a “connection catalyst”. That is, she has devoted her life to bringing people together and teaching them how to co-create more meaningful connection. She regularly leads a number of authentic connection workshops and classes in the Philadelphia area. She received her Authentic Leadership training by The Connection Movement (NYC). She is also certified in The Relational Inquiry Method by The Connection Institute (Boston) and a Certified Mediator by the Living Peace Institute (Philadelphia).
Robert Wise
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Phil Witmer
philip.witmer@verizon.net
Phil Witmer is an avid birder and conservationist with over 30 years birding experience. He is a past board member of Bucks County Audubon Society, past-president of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club, one of the oldest birding clubs in the country, and was a member of the advisory board of Audubon Pennsylvania State Office. He is currently vice-president of Bird Town Pennsylvania, helping to build bird-friendly habitats in PA municipalities. His work in support of the conservation of birds includes teaching and giving lectures on the forces driving their decline and what we need to do to save them.
Anthony Wood
tonywood1@mac.com
Anthony Wood has been a freelance photographer since 1981. He has worked in many areas of photography including: location shooting for editorial, corporate and non-profits, documentary and fine art. He’s also been teaching all aspects of photography for over 20 years. Learn more at www.Anthonywoodphotography.com
Maggie Wreski
mmwreski@hotmail.com
Maggie Wreski has taught Irish Dance to adults and children since 1968. After living many places in Europe and the US, she moved to Montgomery Country where she taught Irish Dance at the Irish Pub she owned for many years. In the last decade she has taught country line dance and started Appalachian clogging. She and her dance partner have performed at many national festivals. She's also an avid runner.
Elizabeth Wright
eawright1016@gmail.com
ELIZABETH WRIGHT learned to knit at a Main Line School Night class twenty years ago, and hasn't stopped knitting since. In addition to having taught at Main Line School Night since 2004, she also teaches knitting and crocheting to children at Agnes Irwin in the summer and gives private lessons. She is a member of the Haverford Guild of Craftsmen, a local chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, and participates in local art shows. She knows that anyone can learn to knit, and thoroughly enjoys introducing new knitters to the hobby and helping experienced knitters learn new skills and expand their knitting knowledge.
Asil Yaman
ayaman@upenn.edu
Asil Yaman, Archeologist, Dir., Phoenix Archeol. Project, Turkey; Prof., Villanova U. & Penn Museum
Hari Zandler
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He's called a 'teacher of teachers' whose self-mastery yoga and teacher training programs are based on more than 40 years of practice and teaching. Meet Hari Zandler, a classical Hatha yoga instructor, who has explored the roots of Indian spirituality on several journeys to the sub-continent. As recently as 2016, he observed that India is "a place where the universal principles of ancient wisdom are being rediscovered and integrated into a science of enlightened living for the whole modern world." His teaching and practice of Hatha yoga reflect these observations. "Hatha yoga and meditation are particularly beneficial in helping to alleviate the stresses of modern life," he commented. Dating back to before the 15th century, this ancient yoga informs newer yoga styles and brings an authentic perspective to the practice by focusing on restorative poses, meditation and breathing. Whether you are a new or experienced practitioner, see how this ancient self-discovery approach creates health, harmony and renewal with a foundation of inner peace. Zandler was an Adjunct Professor at Philadelphia University, taught yoga and meditation at St. Joseph's University for 20 years and has been an instructor at Main Line School Night since the early 1980s. At the Philadelphia Inquirer's headquarters, reporters and staff members participate in Zandler's ongoing yoga for stress management classes designed specifically for professionals with challenging jobs.
Tatiana Zelenetskaya Young
tayoung@moore.edu
TATIANA ZELENETSKAYA YOUNG, a native of Ukraine, is a professor of Anthropology, an archaeologist-Mayanist, a world traveler, a professional dancer, a historical fashionista, and an artisan. Digging through history has been her life’s passion which has ultimately led to her attaining doctorate in Anthropology, with emphasis in ancient Maya. Tatiana is well-traveled, has over 10 years of archeological fieldwork – domestic and abroad, and accompanying years teaching cultural anthropology collegiately. Among her other passions is dance. Tatiana has been involved in performing and teaching Middle Eastern dance for over 17 years. She performed across the tri-state area under her stage name, Kahina Asurah; and, appeared on MIND TV in the history of Belly Dance. Additionally, Tatiana also performs historical dance in the outfits of the time (Colonial, Victorian, Regency and Edwardian) which she has sewn herself. Tatiana enjoys creating during her free time. This can be seen through her resin art with dry flowers, necklaces with different stones and objects, and fluid painting. Tatiana has been teaching at MLSN for the past 10 years and has been featured at local station MLTV21.