Emanuel Abramovits is a Mechanical Engineer with an MBA and has been a concert promoter since 2000, directly involved in many events by international artists, like Itzhak Perlman, Gustavo Dudamel, Sarah Brightman, Roger Hodgson, ASIA, Journey, Kenny G and many more. He designed and staged many original orchestral events, including an Event of the Year winner and several world premieres. He served as the Cultural Director at UNION ISRAELITA DE CARACAS from 2008 to 2019, releasing books, organizing film cycles, concerts and art exhibits. He has been consistently teaching online and in presence across the US since 2020.
Records Zoom Courses!
David Anderson was a professional disc jockey, music director, and program director in rock radio for more than 20 years. Along the way he interviewed many well-known artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Todd Rundgren, Chris Isaak, Boz Scaggs, Robert Cray, and Bruce Hornsby. David has written a number of articles about rock music, television, and the movies. He has been teaching in the OLLI program since 2016.
Jim Bair, BS, MA (Pennsylvania State University). During his PhD program, he served as a Behavioral Scientist for USAF R&D. Jim then became a Senior Scientist at Stanford Research Institute, serving on the team that invented the mouse, the internet, and windows. He applied that experience as a Dept. Chairman at Bell Labs CN before becoming a Manager at HP and Xerox, and cofounding five software startups. He has published several books, published over seventy research papers, chaired several international conferences, and delivered keynote speeches and lectures on five continents. Jim taught at several community colleges, lectured at numerous universities including MIT, U. of Paris, and UC, and was a Visiting Professor at Syracuse University for 10 years. He has consulted to over 100 enterprises including Microsoft, IBM, Bank of America, Pfizer, Siemens, AT&T et al.
James Baker earned a PhD in sociology and social psychology from the University of Utah. He is retired from an aerospace and business management career along with being an Adjunct Professor at UCLA and USC. He taught many college classes over a 20-year period. He has been an active genealogist for the past 15 years, specializing in German, DNA, and Research Methodology. He has written articles for the National Genealogical Society (NGS) Magazine, the NGS Quarterly, and Der Blumenbaum, the journal of the Sacramento German Genealogy Society. He has presented classes and webinars to many genealogy groups including the NGS,Southern California Jamboree, and Legacy Family Tree Webinars. Records Zoom Courses!
Gloria Beverage leads monthly discussion about books that stretch your reading muscles. A retired newspaper editor with a photojournalism degree, she also studied English literature and Women’s Studies. Know that feeling of satisfaction when you finish a really good book? It’s even better when you can share your thoughts with other book lovers.
Ann Bliss holds a doctorate in American literature from U.C. Davis. She earned her M.A. in English from Cal State East Bay and her B.A. from U.C. Berkeley. She has taught at Texas A&M-San Antonio, U.C. Merced, and U.C. Davis. Records Zoom Courses!
Doug Bonetti is a California native, growing up in King City in the heart of the Salinas Valley. He attained Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Sacramento State University, graduating in 1979. He worked for 34 years in Sales and Marketing at the largest consumer products company in the world– Procter&Gamble. Retired, he currently resides in Cameron Park, CA. His passion is history-specifically, Civil War history. He has an extensive collection of weapons, letters, and accoutrements. He speaks at local grammar schools and HS’s throughout the region, Rotary Clubs, Veteran’s Clubs, and has spoken at virtually all the Regional SIRS (Sons in Retirement) chapters on the Civil War. He spent 9 years lecturing on the Civil War for the Renaissance Society at Sacramento State. This will mark his 3rd year at OLLI, again lecturing on the Rebellion. In Spring of 2025 he has 5 lectures set at Sierra College with OLLI.
Catharine Bramkamp is a world traveler, poet and belly dancer. In her spare time she is a writing coach, workshop facilitator and has authored 27 books including fiction, non-fiction and poetry. She holds a MA in Creative Writing and her book Out Loud - An Adventure in Writing for Women was released January 2025. Records Zoom Courses!
Joe Ciccolo is the Founder & President of BitAML, a compliance advisory firm exclusively serving the cryptocurrency market since 2015. He is a frequent guest speaker at compliance industry events, and conducts formal training for executives, compliance officers, investors, policymakers, and members of law enforcement. Joe is a member of the Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists (ACFCS) and the Principal Contributing Editor of its Crypto Compliance Specialization. In addition to his leadership role at BitAML, Joe is the Executive Director & President of the California Blockchain Advocacy Coalition (CBAC), a 501(c)(6) trade association representing the interests of the cryptocurrency, blockchain, and Web3 industry before the California Legislature, Governor’s Office, and state regulatory agencies. In this role, he has testified before both the California Assembly and Senate, and regularly meets with lawmakers throughout the legislative session. He is a graduate of Northeastern University, College of Criminal Justice. Records Zoom Courses!
Jennesa Datema - My journey with yoga began over 20 years ago in the student union at Sac State, where I was captivated by the harmony of movement and breath. Over time, my practice evolved from a dynamic Vinyasa flow to a more mindful and intentional approach—one that honors both body and mind. Yoga has been the greatest gift to my mental health and well-being, offering grounding, centering, and deep self-awareness.I practice Amrita Yoga under the guidance of Sarahjoy at the Daya Foundation in Portland, OR, and hold a 200-hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training certification. My training integrates Ayurveda, mindfulness, trauma resilience, and interpersonal neurobiology, allowing me to teach yoga with deep respect for its tradition while creating a supportive and inclusive space for students.Whether on the mat or in daily life, I believe in yoga as a pathway to balance, healing, and self-discovery. I look forward to sharing this journey with you.
Linda Derosier has been an Instructor for OLLI at Sierra College since 2010. She teaches film studies with an emphasis on “Femme Fatales, Feminists and Friendly Women in Film”. She earned a BA in History and Drama from the University of Minnesota, Morris.
Bill Drabin retired and relocated to the Roseville area. He spent over 35 years in Corporate Finance in banking and healthcare industries in the Bay Area, and is a graduate of San Jose State University. He and his wife have been attending OLLI at Sierra College for the last few years since moving to Roseville.
Michael S. Dunne is an experienced educator and highly effective communicator. Mr. Dunne has been a freelance journalist, a media and public relations writer, legislative advocate and organizer in California’s disability community. He has several years’ experience teaching Substantive Law, Paralegal Studies and American History on the community college level. Mr. Dunne holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from Claremont Mc Kenna College and advanced degrees from Claremont Graduate university (International Studies), University of Southern California (Communications) and the Glendale University College of Law (Juris Doctor). While he strives not to be defined by his disability, Michael is legally blind and partially sighted due to Stargardt’s Disease--a form of Macular Degeneration.
Marjon Fariba - I am a cardiologist with over 20 years of clinical experience and a certified meditation instructor with more than five years of teaching expertise. My passion lies in harmonizing the science of medicine with the transformative power of meditation to promote holistic health and well-being. By integrating meditation into my practice, I have helped patients with chronic heart conditions achieve significant improvements in their mental and physical health. This approach has yielded measurable results, including reduced depression scores and decreased healthcare utilization.
Beyond my clinical work, I lead meditation workshops, retreats, and weekly sessions through an app, connecting with a diverse global audience. My teaching emphasizes resilience, mindfulness, and emotional balance, empowering individuals at all experience levels to deepen their practice and enhance their overall well-being. Additionally, I collaborate with healthcare professionals to advance preventive care and patient education, fostering a comprehensive and integrative approach to wellness. I am deeply committed to promoting holistic well-being and look forward to contributing my unique combination of medical expertise and meditation instruction to community learning.
Lori Fee first became interested in Tai Chi in the late 1990s. At that time, she was busy with her General Engineering construction corporation, but in 2010 she learned to teach, and has been teaching Tai Chi for the OLLI program at Sierra College ever since.
Jason File has a BA in European History and Religious Studies and an MA in Religious Studies, Ancient Mediterranean Religion from University of North Carolina. He is a full-time instructor in Humanities and Religious Studies at Sierra College. Records Zoom Courses!
Donald Fraser has a BS from UCLA in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration. His lifelong interest in American History and Politics has led him to teach classes on the founding of the United States. Records Zoom Courses!
Richard Fuller began teaching for OLLI in Summer 2024. B.A. History & Geography, 1962 - 1966, UCLA -- Calif. State Secondary Teaching Credential, 1966 - 1968 -- Captain, U.S. Army [ Pentagon, Vietnam War, Cold War], training classes, 1968 - 1972 -- M.B.A., Marketing, 1971 - 1973, U of Utah, Salt Lake City--- Businessman, [ Atlantic Richfield, Compensation Analyst, Dallas, TX, 1973 - 75] [ Lockheed Aircraft, Personnel Manager, including training programs; Saudi Arabia. 1975 - 77] [ Bechtel Engineering & Construction, Training & Development Supervisor, San Francisco, 1977 - 1981 --- Realtor, Danville CA, 1981 - 2007 -- Substitute Teacher, grades K-12, various subjects, Roseville area, 2008 - 2022, -- Renaissance Society, 18 subjects, all individually created and presented, at CSU Sacramento, 2012 - 2022.
Joan Griffin earned a BA in Psychobiology from UCLA and an MA in Contemplative Education from Naropa University. Joan worked at IBM and was a small business owner, then for 25 years taught English and history to middle school students. In retirement, Joan has taught for OLLI for seven years and previously served on the OLLI Advisory Council. In addition, Joan is an author whose first book, the adventure memoir Force of Nature, was published in September 2023. Records Zoom Courses!
Joseph Guida studied with world renowned T'ai Chi Master in New York City in the 1980's. Master Liu personally trained Joseph to be a T'ai Chi teacher. On his last visit with Master Liu before leaving for California, Master Liu told Joseph that he must teach, and the only reason to teach is to share the benefits of good health, relaxation and peace of mind. Joseph has been a Grass Valley Museum docent since 2000. He is well versed in the history of the building and what happened in the building from 1866 to today. He loves to give tours and inform all visitors through storytelling.
Richard Hilton is a Professor Emeritus of Earth Science at Sierra College. He is a Co-founder of Sierra's Natural History Museum and currently a paleontological consultant. He is a member of the Chico State Univ. Geoscience Board. In addition to numerous scientific publications, he is the author of “Dinosaurs and Other Mesozoic Reptiles of California” (UC Press). He has helped collect thousands of paleontological specimens now housed mainly in the Sierra College Natural History Museum. He is a worldwide natural history and photography guide.
Randy Humphreys has a Masters in Music Education from the University of Nevada, Reno and a Bachelors in Music from San Francisco State University. He retired from The Tahoe Truckee Unified School District in 2020, where he taught Band, and Jazz band. When not playing or teaching music, he can be found teaching skiing in the winter, and beaching in the summer. He lives in Truckee with his wife Hillary and their puppy, Penny.
Rebecca Inch-Partridge works as a freelance editor, writing coach, author, and guest lecturer. Over the last several years, she has used her "Write That Book" technique to help many aspiring authors complete a manuscript. She has had numerous of her own stories and articles published. Her first novel, ESCAPING THE DASHIA, came out in March of 2023. Her second book, ABBY'S FIRE, coathored with Corinne Malcom Ibeling, comes out in October 2023. She's enjoyed critiquing manuscripts for over 20 years and has worked as a freelance editor for the last six years. She loves helping writers get their ideas down on paper. Rebecca is an active member of Gold Country Writers and the Editorial Freelancers Association.
Nancy Jacobsen joined OLLI at Sierra College in February 2021. During the Covid pandemic, Nancy moved from the Bay Area to the Sierra Foothills, to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. She likes to hike with her dog, read and garden. She is pleased to be an end-of-life educator and volunteer for Full Circle of Living and Dying, a local non-profit. Records Zoom Courses!
Louise Johnson has a Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University where she focused her studies on
ecology and population genetics. She has been a high school teacher of biology, chemistry, physics and geology. She served as school principal, Assistant Superintendent and a 15-year veteran California school district superintendent. Records Zoom Courses!
Gopal Kapur, author of three college-level text books, teaches history, nutrition, and special interest classes at UC Davis and Sierra College OLLI Centers. He has contributed to food columns in regional and national media, and is founder of Family Green Survival, a local not-for-profit with the mission to EndLocalHunger. He is the developer of BagOfLife® meals designed to provide high quality protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and natural dietary fiber to those facing hunger in our community and the EatSHARP™ Personal Nutrition Assessment quiz available at eatsharp.org.
Janice Kelley has a MS in Recreation, Parks and Tourism from CSU Sacramento. She brings a lifetime of writing experience to Life Writing and Nature Writing workshops. She has led writing workshops at senior centers, libraries, and schools. Her professional background includes writing for local and statewide magazines, nonprofit organizations, City of Rocklin, CA State Parks Sierra Nevada Conservancy and National Park Service. Records Zoom Courses!
Keson Khieu served the State of California as a Department Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, and Business Intelligence Branch Chief prior to retiring from the State Services. Keson is a life-long learner and teacher. He taught for UC Berkeley Extension, San Jose State University, College of Notre Dame and Sierra College in the last 20 years. Keson held certifications in Security that included CISSP and CompTIA Security+. Keson is passitionate about sharing his cybersecurity to help community members stay safe online.
Loydyne Lane is currently Vice President of the Nevada County Chapter, a chapter of the California Grand Jury Association. The Chapter is a group of 10-15 past and present jurors who support the Grand Jury with recruiting and report distribution. She has served five years on the Grand Jury as Foreperson Pro Tem (assistant Foreperson), Business Manager, and Outreach and Finance Committee chairs. Loydyne has an MBA, ten years' experience in banking, 15 years' experience as a Management Consultant with KPMG and other national consulting firms, and extensive experience with non-profit organizations. Records Zoom Courses!
Jon Larson has been a professor of biology and environmental science for Sierra College for 25 years. Since 1987, Jon has made 12 trips to Nepal to travel with family, guide groups, and climb peaks. Larson has developed deep ties within the Sherpa community of the Mt Everest region, and he successfully summited Mt Ama Dablam last October.
Hugh Leeman is an artist and lecturer. He lectures regularly at Johns Hopkins University and Duke University in English and at Colorado State University in Spanish. He used his art and community activism to co-found aetatribes.org. Currently, he is collaborating with diverse communities using oral histories, artificial intelligence, and narrative art-making to preserve cultural knowledge and foster human connection.
Records Zoom Courses!
Nelson Loaiza has a B.A. Teacher of English, University of Concepcion/University of Chile (1968) - Teacher of English, St John's School, Concepcion, Chile (1967-1969) *Granted a Fulbright Scholarship to California State University, Chico (June 1969) - M.A. Drama (1971); M.A. English (1972) [Teaching Assistant 1969-1973] - Teacher of English/Spanish/Drama, Tehachapi Unified school District (1973-1978) - DLI instructor/English as a Second Laguage, Migrant education, Region III, Merced,California (1978-1987) - Developmental Education Specialist/Professor of English, Merced College (1988-2009) ** Retired since 2009 and currently volunteering my time to facilitating/guiding 2 Socrates Cafe forums: one at Maidu Community Center, one at Sun City Roseville. Expected to add another at Riley Library in August.
Trina Long has been a fitness instructor and personal trainer for over twenty years. She specializes in senior fitness.
Records Zoom Courses!
Irving Lubliner is a professor emeritus at Southern Oregon University (SOU), where his specialty was mathematics education. After receiving a BA in math from U.C. Berkeley and a Master of Arts in Teaching from U.C. Davis, he had a 40-year teaching career. He taught math at all levels, kindergarten through graduate school, led seminars for teachers in 39 states, and gave over 350 conference presentations, including several keynote addresses. Since retiring in 2014, he has taught math, blues harmonica, and literature classes for OLLI at SOU, where he also served on the Council of Directors. In 2019, he created Felabra Press and published his mother’s writings about her experiences during the Holocaust, the book that will serve as the theme for this presentation. Records Zoom Courses!
Richard Lui is a licensed counselor, life coach and adult educator for more than 40 years in the greater Sacramento area. He practices many passions or callings in his life as an author, actor, musician, lover of nature, animals and sports, but most importantly as husband, father, friend and citizen. He feels humbled to guide others with proven scientific and intuitive tools to find and follow their passions at any age for more aliveness, self-care and joy as we balance and care for others in these difficult and challenging times.
New to the Sierra College Natural History Museum (SCNHM) team, Director Laura Matzer holds extensive experience in visitor engagement.
Having worked on large-scale museum projects in the Middle East, where some museums she worked on were imported into the culture there in a top-down strategic approach, Laura especially appreciates the opposite approach, well represented by the organic, ‘bottom up’ origins of SCNHM, where objects entering the Museum’s collection, and the stories of their discovery, are thanks to the concerted efforts by both staff and students. “There are so many hands and such extensive expertise that has and continues to go into shaping SCNHM’s collections. I look forward to working together, to continually find relevant ways in sharing these stories for all audiences as the collection and our related programming continues to grow.” Matzer has a BA in Art Education at University of Houston, and an MA in Museum Education at University of Texas at Austin.
Brittney May has taught voice and directed choral ensembles of varied ages and sizes for over 15 years, spurred on by a passion for working with young professionals, students, and beginners. Before coming to Reno, she taught k-6 general music, band, and choir in Tucson, Arizona for four years. Brittney May graduated from Wartburg College (Waverly, IA) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 2011. She earned her Master’s in Music Education from UNR in 2015.
Michael McAllister graduated from Nevada Union in 1972, earned his A.A. in Music at Sierra College, B.M. in Horn Performance at CSU Northridge and Master of Music Conducting at Louisiana University, Lafayette. He has performed professionally from the Burbank Philharmonic to the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra to the Tar River Orchestra in North Carolina and back to the Auburn Symphony and Sierra Nevada Wind Orchestra in California. He taught at North Carolina Wesleyan College for ten years serving as the Chair of the Performing and Visual Arts Department and Director of the Contemporary Arts Festival and Music Director for the Rocky Mount Community Theater. Moving back to California in 1997, he taught high school music for twenty-seven years before retiring in 2024.
Terence McAteer has a doctorate In Educational Administration from USF and a Master's Degree in History from San Francisco State. He has taught at the high school level and has been a history research fellow. Records Zoom Courses!
Joe Medeiros is a retired professor of biology/botany/ecology. He is retired Editor-in-Chief of the Sierra College Press. He was a National Park Ranger and has led hundreds of fieldtrips throughout the natural world. He is a genuine tree-hugger. Records Zoom Courses!
Lorin Miller has a Master’s degree from California State University and a distinguished background as a solo performer and choral director. He has performed nationally and internationally in a variety of styles ranging from Bach to Broadway.
Steve Miller has a BM and MM from CSU Sacramento. He is a retired faculty member from Sierra College.
Dr. Kenneth Moore is an ordained minister who studied history at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley (MA, MDiv), UC Davis, and McCormick School of Theology in Chicago (DMin). Ken has taught classes on the history of religion at Cotner College, and with OLLIs at the University of Nebraska and UC Davis. Records Zoom Courses!
Sidney Niemeyer served in various scientific leadership roles at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), prior to retiring in 2007. During his tenure at LLNL, he was the Division Leader for Analytical and Nuclear Chemistry and the Special Assistant to the Associate Director for Nonproliferation, Arms Control, and International Security. For more than a decade he was a leader in the international development of nuclear forensics as a new discipline. He chaired an International Conference on Nuclear Smuggling Forensic Analysis in 1995, which lead to the formation of the Nuclear Forensics International Technical Working Group (ITWG), and he co-chaired the ITWG for its first twelve years. For the first three years of the Department of Homeland Security, he served as a detailee for RadNuc Forensics. In this role he was the Thrust Area Leader for the R&D program and the POC with the interagency to develop a national capability for nuclear forensics. After retiring, he joined DHS’s Nuclear Forensics Science Panel, which provides reviews of nuclear forensics R&D programs and conducts special studies for U.S. agencies. In 2023 he published the novel "Atomic Peril: A Nuclear Forensics Thriller" to illustrate the importance of nuclear forensics for deterring and responding to nuclear terrorism.
In earlier research work, beginning with his physics PhD thesis work at the University of California at Berkeley, he emphasized the application of isotopic measurements in multi-disciplinary studies. His research initially focused on the origin of the solar system by studies of meteorites and lunar samples. Subsequently he conducted geochemical research on the evolution of the earth's crust and mantle, as well as applying geochemical tracing techniques to hydrological and environmental issues.
Sean O’Brien is a fairy shrimp fanatic and salmon enthusiast. He is a senior biological consultant with ICF and leader of the local nonprofit - Dry Creek Conservancy. He received a BS in Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity from UC Davis and MS in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from CSU Sacramento. His specialty is vernal pools, California large branchiopods (fairy shrimp, tadpole shrimp, and clam shrimp), California tiger salamander, California red-legged frog, and the Dry Creek Watershed.
Susan Osborn has a Ph.D., Fielding Graduate University; M.S.W., U.C. Berkeley; B.A., University of Colorado; Lifetime Instructor Credential - California Community Colleges; Full-time faculty member: Chapman University, Notre Dame de Namur University, University of Washington, Bellevue Community College, Edmonds Community College; Adjunct faculty member: Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center, University of California, National University, University of LaVerne, University of Phoenix, St. Mary's College, University of San Francisco, Allan Hancock College, Mission College, West Valley College, Foothill-DeAnza College Seattle Community College, City College, Seattle Pacific University, Western Washington State University.
John Panneton is a graduate of Boston College and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (J.D.). He was a Federal Prosecutor for 16 years with the U.S. Department of Justice. He was a Criminal Defense attorney from 1991 to 2015. He has taught criminal justice courses at CSUS from 2006 through 2017 (full-time faculty) and at the University of California Davis from 2001-2003.
Roger S. Peterson is an incurable history buff. His interests include presidential decision making, the JFK assassination, and a lifelong interest in Wyatt Earp, the latter two resulting in eight publications. He has a BA in political science and history.
Jesse Phillips is the head coach and owner of CrossFit Roseville, with over 20 years of experience coaching functional movements to help people lose weight, build muscle, and lead happier and healthier lives. Jesse uses goal setting to help people make small changes to their sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management in order to be better than yesterday.
James Pagliasotti is a native of Colorado who has had the pleasure and challenges of growing up Western. His family includes several generations of laborers in the coal mines and other extractive industries, ranching and farming. He has a lifelong interest in Native American art and culture, has lived and worked with Indigenous peoples, and for a decade owned actor Gary Cooper's home in Montana.
John Powers, M.F.A., is a writer and director with experience in theater and film. Drawing on U.S. history as source material for several of his productions. He has also developed this material into provacative classroom engagements, such as Profiles in Deceit: JFK and LBJ in Vietnam and Hitler's A-Team. John has been an OLLI instructor since 2013. Records Zoom Courses!
Judie Rae has a BA in English from CSU Northridge and a MA in Professional Writing from University of Southern California. She has 27 years of teaching experience at universities and California community colleges. She is also a freelance writer. Judie has her own website: www.judierae.com
Gary Reents received a Bachelor of Science degree in Soil and Water Science from UC Davis, and Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from CSU Sacramento. He is a licensed Professional Engineer (#C40290) in the State of California. Gary is a 30 year professional career in water quality, water supply, flood control, and environmental compliance. He has worked for regulatory agencies within the State of California, and in the private sector as a consulting engineer. Reents finished his career as Director of Utilities for the City of Sacramento, responsible for water supply, wastewater, drainage, and flood control operations throughout the City. Founding member of both the Regional Water Authority and Sacramento Groundwater Authority.
Susan Rogers has a Masters degree in Communications from UC Santa Barbara and has been teaching for OLLI Sierra College since 2019. She’s retired from a 45-year career in marketing communications, including 10 years in media literacy education publishing a website with hundreds of resources for advocates for media literacy for children and adults. Susan has pursued genealogy research and teaching since 2012 and enjoys helping others pursue their family history. Records Zoom Courses!
Winslow Rogers was a full-time English professor for ten years after earning a Harvard PhD. He also has a Masters Degree in Management. He has held various positions, including for thirteen years as Producer of the Guest Artist Series at Cal State University Northridge. He has taught courses on film, classical music, computers, and autobiography. He has taught OLLI courses on Dickens Goes to the Movies, The History of Ireland Told Through Film, and Accessing the Emotional Power of Art and Literature. Records Zoom Courses!
Ellen Sander has a BA and MA in French, a BA in Government, and an MA in International Affairs. She has taught for the UC Davis French Department and has been an OLLI instructor for six years.
Sam Schlafer has worked in the library field since 2001, working for both the DOD/Air Force and now at the Twelve Bridges library. He has taught classes for seniors, written about pop culture and is a member of the AFI.
Martine Shelley has been practicing Qigong since 2006 and became certified to teach Radiant Heart Qigong in 2013. Martine is Professor Emeritus at Sierra College and has a BS and an MS in Psychology.
Anney Siegel-Wamsat graduated with honors with a BA in English from UC Berkeley. She first fell in love with Tai Chi in 2006. She trained to teach with Sifu Renee Neal. Anney trains continually and has a passion for teaching. She is excited to continue teaching for the OLLI program.
Kulvinder Singh has been a resident of Placer County for over 20 years, and a lawyer in practice over 27 years, website: www.singhlawoffice.com
He is the chairman of Sikhs of Placer County, a community service nonprofit organization, website: www.placersikhs.org
Sikhs and others celebrate holidays including the Western ones we are all familiar with and as our community is multicultural, Mr. Singh will highlight the various events and include Eastern celebrations and invite discussion in this course.
Dr. Stephenie Slahor holds a Ph.D. degree and a J.D. degree. She is retired from her law practice and university teaching and now creates informational and fun courses for OLLI programs around the nation. Her courses are in the natural sciences, history, and interesting sites around our world that have geological or human significance. Her hobbies are travel, kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, horsemanship and archery.
Records Zoom Courses!
Heidi Struve Currey holds a Master of Science in Communication and Leadership from Gonzaga University, and spent 21 years in the financial industry serving in a variety of roles, including as a financial advisor, sales leader, and corporate executive. In addition, Heidi has served as an Adjunct Faculty member for the University of Nevada, Reno, and has created and delivered interactive learning experiences for audiences ranging from teenagers to Fortune 500 Vice Presidents. In 2023, Heidi experienced first-hand the complexities of caring for her father after his rapid health decline from cancer. She captured her learnings from that tumultous year and has created empowering step-by-step guides to assist families in getting better prepared for life's challenges.
Teri Umhauer has degrees in Product and Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Art and Fashion History have always been passions and particularly when they come together. She teaches Fashion at Sierra and American River Colleges.
Records Zoom Courses!
Amel Whitaker has twenty years of experience in managing and providing administering community mental health services, including: program development and planning, budgeting, supervision, and continuing education for mental health interns and licensed clinicians. Amel is a Wellness Instructor/Teacher Sun City Lincoln and a Licensed Marriage, Family Child Therapist, California, (MFC #13048) with Certification in Mental Health for Aging Adults.
Brian Woodland - Bachelor of Science, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, 1986
Taught public school American History, Civics, and Government, 1987-2021
Taught history professional development seminars for teachers, Eureka Union School District, 2012-2021
Taught history professional development sessions for educators, CA State History Conference, 2022, 2025
Alex Yarmolyuk was born and lived in Soviet Ukraine for 25 years. He finished his BA in General Business at Nova Kakhovka, Ukraine, and served his mandatory two years in the Soviet military. In 1996, he emigrated to the United States.
Ariel Zachow (she/her) is a long time yoga teacher with a focus in accessible, trauma informed and therapeutic yoga. She has studied at many schools including the Accessible Yoga School, Collective Resilience Yoga, The Embody Lab, Breathing Deeply Yoga Therapy and iRest Yoga Nidra Institute. Ariel's goal is to teach her students to healthfully manage their stressful lives through the practice of iRest Yoga Nidra.
Dan Zeisler - Playing cribbage has been a deep passion of mine since learning it in college in the late 1970’s. Since that time I have served on the American Cribbage BOD for two terms, taught over 800 youth how to play cribbage, written and published a manual for educators to teach cribbage to large groups, started two Grass Roots Clubs (one this year in Grass Valley), and obtained a Grand Master rating through my play in sanctioned tournaments. One of my many joys in life to share this incredible game with as many people as I can. If you enjoy playing games of any kind, please allow me to introduce you to what I believe is the greatest two-handed card game ever invented. It’s easy to learn and a great way to spend casual time with friends and family.