Scott received a Music degree from Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana in 2003. He has K-12 certification in both vocal and instrumental education. He has been a private guitar instructor for over 7 years and is currently a full-time music director at a church in Ashland, OH.

Renee is certified as a Handwriting Analyst by Handwriting University (2004). She is also the Principal of Breitbach Business Solutions, a company providing business assistance to entrepreneurs of start-up and existing companies throughout West Michigan; business plans, government incentives, business and funding research, annual reports, meeting and event planning. Breitbach Business Solutions is the Entrepreneur’s Virtual Assistant. She has five years experience as an executive recruiter in the healthcare field, and was the Marketing & Fund Development Director at Neighborhoods Inc., 2001-2005.

Renee is very active in the community and has been a board member of Battle Creek Unlimited since 1993 and has served as the 1st Vice Chair since 2003. She is the former president of the Battle Creek Rotary Club (1996-1997) and the Battle Creek Jaycees (1990-1991), and served as the Board Chair of the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce in 1998-1999.

Renee is a graduate of Coldwater High School, Lansing Community College, and Michigan State University. She currently attends Kellogg Community College and holds a Certified Fund Raising Manager (CFRM) designation from Indiana University’s Center of Philanthropy.

Sarah has a Bachelors of Science in Dietetics from Michigan State University and completed her Dietetic Internship and some Masters courses through Western Michigan University. She currently works at Battle Creek Health System and owns her own consulting business. Her special areas of interest are clinical nutrition, weight loss counseling and childhood obesity. She says, “I love nutrition and sharing helpful, factual information with others.” Her favorite teaching topics are related to better health and well-being.

Deb has been involved in the field of early childhood education for over 20 years. After high school she was employed by the Calhoun Intermediate School District as a teacher assistant and held that position for 14 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education/General Education from Western Michigan University and earned her Masters degree in 2004 from Mary Grove College.

She has been a teacher of cognitively impaired kindergarten through second grade students at Prairieview Elementary and is currently a Head Start Inclusion Teacher/Part B Home teacher with the Calhoun Intermediate School District. She loves working with young children and is a firm believer in early intervention.

In her “spare time” she teaches at Kellogg Community College in the Early Childhood department and shares, “I am excited to be involved in Lifelong Learning, and can't wait to meet all of you.”

Coco graduated from Stanford University and received an M.Ed in Higher Education Administration from the University of Illinois. She has been involved in college admissions and administration for over 30 years, most recently working for Baker College. Currently she works for Kalamazoo Communities In Schools, promoting the Kalamazoo Promise and supporting the students in the Kalamazoo Public School system. She has taught the ACT Test Preparation course for over 20 years.

Janean offers classes in Feng Shui, Chinese 4 Pillars of Destiny, Overview of Chinese metaphysical studies, Aikido, Practical Self Defense, Medical and Buddhist Qigong as well as Job Skills classes such as interview skills and cover letter writing.

She has practiced Seidokan Aikido for 22 years and has been instructing for 20 years. She currently holds the rank of Godan (5th degree black belt) making her the highest ranked woman internationally in the Seidokan Aikido system. With the re-organization of the system in Spring 2009, the co-founder and current head of the Seidokan Aikido system bestowed upon her the honor of Director of Ki Development for the organization. Janean teaches Practical Self Defense seminars throughout Calhoun, Branch, Barry, and Kalamazoo counties and has co-authored a booklet used by the Seidokan organization for teaching Aikido instructors how to teach Practical Self Defense to participants who have no previous knowledge of Aikido.

She is certified to teach Qigong by Masters Liang, Shou-Yu and Wu, Wen-Ching and has been teaching qigong at the Aikido Institute of Michigan for 12 years. Janean began her Feng Shui and additional Chinese metaphysical studies in 2000 under Master Joseph Yu of the Feng Shui Research Center. She has been a professional Feng Shui practitioner since 2001 and in 2009 earned the title: Master of Feng Shui from Master Yu and the Feng Shui Research Center.

In 2005, Janean began teaching Life Skills and Job Skills classes in a community program for persons with documented homelessness; the goal being to teach them how to gain and keep employment. In 2006, after being asked to take over a Supported Employment Program for young adults with disabilities, she completed the Employment Training Specialist Certification Program receiving certification as an Employment Specialist through Michigan State University, Department of Family and Child Ecology from their Projects for Community Inclusion program. In addition to working as a supported employment specialist, she has taught interview skills and cover letter writing to professional and non-professionals alike.

Chad graduated from Lakeview School District and attended Kellogg Community College for two years before transferring to Western State College of Colorado. He majored in Business Administration and spent 8 years working in the resort/lodging industry in Crested Butte, CO and Las Vegas, NV.

In 2002 he purchased Getaway Sports, a local bicycle and sporting goods store, and currently runs the day to day operations of the store.

Chad began playing disc golf in 1998. He designed and installed the course at the Fort Custer State Park that was used in the 2008 PDGA Disc Golf World Championships, and he served as the tournament director for the Fort Custer course during the World Championships. In July 2008 he received his PDGA Certified Official status. Currently he is working on the design and installation of a disc golf course at the Irving Park site and hopes to have the new course open to the public by August of 2009.

Randy gained his computer expertise through his wide and varied work history. He was a radioman in the U.S. Navy where he was responsible for communication security and retired from the U.S. Air Force as a civilian employee where he was a computer systems administrator. He holds Associate of Arts degrees in Business Administration and Accounting, and Certificate in Computer Information Systems from Kellogg Community College. His love of computers started in the 1970s where he remembers working on a Radio Shack TRS 80. He stays current in his industry by maintaining the computer systems of two area businesses and through his involvement in professional groups dedicated to computer technology.

A professional piano player since 1995, Marc Doiron is well versed in the fields of pop, rock, country, blues and jazz. He has a B.A. in Music from St. Francis Xavier in his native Nova Scotia. He is certified by The New School Of American Music to teach their one day piano workshop method. Since 2008, Marc has helped many busy adults make piano playing an enjoyable part of ther lives. He currently works as a piano entertainer throughout the country, in recording studios, and as a keyboard player in touring bands he's opened up for several national acts including: Sheryl Crow, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Taylor Swift and more.

Kassie is a Librarian at Kellogg Community College and a graduate of the LISP program at Wayne State University. She has been knitting and crocheting for 22 years and is always looking for a new technique to learn. She hopes to one day complete the Master Knitters Course from the Knitting Guild of America.

If you saw Elvis Presley in 1975 then you may have seen him wearing an outfit designed by Barbara Erickson, and she was on tour with him that year too! Barbara has a Masters degree in Color and Design from Memphis State, and works as a high school counselor at a local school district. She has been a wardrobe and color consultant for 25 years and she says, “My passion is helping others be all they can be, whether it’s how to wear the right colors or re-invent themselves with a new career.”

Michelle is an interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and has been interpreting for 18 years. As a State of Michigan qualified interpreter she has held interpreting assignments in a variety of situations including educational, job training, platform interpreting, mental health and medical situations.

In her free time she is a personal photo coach; where she teaches people how to document their lives in fun ways. Michelle also enjoys camping with her family and traveling.

Mike is an adjunct instructor in the Electrical/Electronics program at Kellogg Community College’s Regional Manufacturing Technology Center.

Troy was Battle Creek’s FIRST Personal Trainer (1986) and holds both B.S. & M.S. degrees in Physical Education. He is a certified Personal Trainer and Gold Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist through the American Council on Exercise and teaches the ACE Exam Review and Practical Training programs internationally. Troy has authored three fitness books (Fast Fat Loss Forever, Rounded Shoulders and Ultimate Fitness: The strength training way!), produced both a fitness audio (Personal Training 101) and video (Perfect Curves) program, authored the Champion Maker Series (sports conditioning programs) and 9 ACE continuing education program exams and is an item writer for all ACE certification exams. Troy also writes a regular fitness column in the Battle Creek Shopper News (12 years) and the Southwest Michigan Senior Times (7 years).

Troy works with people of all ages and conditions. His areas of specialty include: weight loss, with clients exercising less and losing more; · Medical conditions/post rehabilitation – he is the only personal trainer in Calhoun county qualified to work with medical patients; Senior Populations – his most senior client was 88 years old; Golf Fitness – he’s trained elite golfers from high school to professional; Athletics - he has trained athletes as young as 6 years old through high school, college, Olympic and professional levels, including the National Champion Northern Michigan University Women’s Volleyball program.

In addition to the above qualifications, Troy is an ABMP certified Bodywork & Massage Therapist who has worked with the Chinese Olympic team in Beijing China & a licensed Emergency Medical Technician.

Diana has worked with herbal remedies and lived the vegetarian lifestyle for years and has co-authored a vegetarian cookbook. She lives in Marshall MI and owns The Desert Rose, a natural health book store.

Jim has been involved with genealogical research since the mid 1970s and holds a masters degree from Central Michigan University in Business Administration (IT). He created the Michigan Biographical Index, a database of Michigan persons with nearly two million entries.

Jim moved to the Battle Creek area from Troy (Oakland county), Michigan several years ago after he retired and discovered he had roots here in Battle Creek with ancestors buried in Battle Creek's historic Oak Hill cemetery.

Darlene has been in the fitness field for over 20 years. She has received certification in Pilates and general fitness, and has taught belly dance for over eight years. Since February 2007 she has performed as a professional belly dancer with the Zahira Middle Eastern Dancers. Darlene has an interest in crystal healing and has worked and meditated with crystals and stones for over seven years.

Sandra, RN BSN is a Clinical Nurse Educator in the Medical Surgical Oncology Unit at Battle Creek Health System. She has worked with many patients and their families to help them address the issues surrounding death and dying.

Sean is a Certified Chef de Cuisine part owner of BiCi Bistro, a local Italian/American restaurant. His wit and charm in the kitchen will keep you on the edge of your seat while your senses become enveloped in the wonderful aromas and tastes he creates as part of our demonstration cooking classes.

Tammy is the owner of TK Planner and Design, and is an event planner. She has been assisting brides with their special day for the last four years. Her attention to detail eases the stress for the bride, the groom and their families so everyone can enjoy the moment and have a wonderful wedding experience. Tammy has also worked at Spring Arbor University for the last seven years and holds a Masters of Arts in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University.

Mark teaches both the eBay and finance classes for Lifelong Learning has been part of the Ebay community since he opened his buyer's account in 1999. He has gone on to become an experienced seller, having run a successful used book business part-time using Ebay. He has taught others how to become buyers and sellers for more than five years. A 21-year resident of Battle Creek, he was graduated from Spring Arbor University with a degree in Management and Organizational Development.

With more than 22 years of experience as an investment broker, banker, and insurance producer, Mark Lambert brings a unique perspective to personal finance. He is a graduate of Spring Arbor University, and of the Bank Administration Institute's Graduate School of Banking. He and his wife, Stephanie, raised two boys in Battle Creek since 1989.

Cheryl has been a Group Fitness Instructor for over 27 years, and has been certified through the American Council on Exercise for 15 years. She holds certifications in CPR, YogaFit, and Zumba and has taught exercise classes using Aerobic Dance, Step, YogaFit, Kickboxing, Slide, Circuit Training, and senior fitness using Sit and Be Fit. You may have seen her on Accessvision in the late 1980s as the host of “Luts Workout”! Cheryl is a current member of the Air National Guard and has served over 24 years in the military, and has been married for 36 years.

Yanira, pronounced as ‘Janita’ is originally from El Salvador, Central America. She has been in the United States for 20 years and has loved every minute of it. She has three lovely children, and works at Kellogg Community College in the Finance department. She shares, “Coming to this beautiful country, I faced different challenges such as not knowing the language and culture. I had to go to school like a regular kid. I did my homework using a dictionary so I could understand what was required of me. In the mid 90’s I taught English to migrant workers and helped them become more independent. It was a rewarding experience, one of my favorite being able to help the children understand their homework. My goal for the adults was to teach survival skills so they could handle any type of situation such as going to the doctor’s office, what to do in case of a fire, or if someone got hurt etc.”

In her previous jobs she was always able to help translate for someone; hospitals, stores, courts, schools etc. She said, “It is a wonderful feeling because helping others has been always something I want to do, and using my native language is great.” Her hobbies are listening to music, watching movies, going to parks, and talking to friends and family. She enjoys spending time with her children, and listen to all the goofy things they do.

Kimberly has been a Human Resources Professional for ten years and has taught a variety of classes at Kellogg Community College that include Human Resources Management, Introduction to Business, Principles of Management, Excel 2007, Word 2007, and PowerPoint 2007. Kimberly is also one of the Instructors for the Adult Education Enhancement Initiative between KCC and the Michigan Works agencies.

Kimberly received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration-Human Resources Management from National University in 1998. She is a Veteran of the Navy Reserves and received the Navy Achievement Medal and Bluejacket Sailor of the Year during her tenure. Kimberly enjoys teaching because it gives her the opportunity to positively influence her students to think outside of the box and accomplish their dreams.

Susan is the Paralegal Program coordinator at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Michigan. She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin Law School. While a law student, she completed internships with the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. After graduation, she clerked for the Dane County Circuit Court. Susan practiced civil, family, and commercial law and was an adjunct instructor at the University of Wisconsin Law School and area colleges before relocating to Michigan in 2002.

Sandy’s passions revolve around horses and cats and she has spent many years raising and training horses and caring for cats. Her “day job” to support those passions has covered the gamut of business and information technology, including web development, business process improvement, project management, and programming. Currently, Sandy is doing Java development for the Defense Logistics Agency.

Carole embarked on her second career in 2007 after retiring from Meijer, Inc. as an Operations Vice President in 2003. Carole was trained by Barb Schwarz, the creator of the home staging industry, and certified by StagedHomes of Chicago. Her company, StageRight Home Staging, has staged, redesigned or remodeled nearly 100 properties including, vacant, occupied, commercial and residential sites.

Carole’s background and education in business management as well as art and design makes her well-suited for the home staging and design business. She recently expanded the business by adding two more home stagers and secured a contract with a national relocation service and provides exclusive service to all of southwest Michigan.

Carole’s favorite aspects of her job include re-purposing existing pieces, defining space, and giving that space purpose and color. Carole has lived in or near Battle Creek and attended Battle Creek Public Schools, Kellogg Community College, and Argubright Business College (now Davenport University).

She is married to Howard Morgan and they have three adult children. Carole serves on the Board of Trustees for the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan and has three rescue cats at home. She shares the most exciting thing she has done recently is parasailing — up, up and away!

Carrie Drake (formerly Moriarty) will be teaching the “Creating a newsletter with Microsoft Publisher” course for Lifelong Learning. She is a certified Elementary teacher and has five years experience teaching technology to adult students as a software trainer. During that time she has taught a variety of Microsoft Office applications including Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

She tells us, “My background and training in the elementary classroom adds a “touch of fun” to my classroom. Learning a new computer program can certainly be enjoyable. I have written many newsletters using different computer programs and am excited to share the features of Microsoft Publisher with my students.”

Carrie is newly married (just this past May!) and is excited to be “setting up house” and building her future with husband Daniel. She has recently accepted a full time position with an educational software company that will offer her new challenges and growth opportunities.

Mia started teaching Yoga in 1990, and in 2007 she received her Ashtanga Yoga Teaching Certificate from Chicago Yoga Center through the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India. She also enjoys teaching Zumba Fitness, and as a certified Japanese chef she also like to share the intricacies of Japanese and Asian cuisine.

Patricia is a single mom residing in Allegan, MI. She considers herself very blessed to be able to create her professional life and passion around raising her two sons, Sam (17) and Charlie (13). On a metaphysical level, Patti is a Teaching Reiki Master, Energy Radiance Practitioner, and a Psychic Channel Spiritual Guide. She is also a Reverend, Licensed Aesthetician, Professional Makeup Artist, Certified Color Specialist and Certified Image Consultant. She owned and operated a full service beauty salon in South Florida for more than 10 years and has been published in several trade magazines and journals. She was also called upon to address groups of her peers and to review many trade publications including Milady’s Standard-Comprehensive Training for Aestheticians, which is used in most cosmetology schools today. Currently, Patti is the owner of Rainbow Shades, a custom natural makeup and image consulting business. She also can be found teaching metaphysical classes in energy, color and Reiki as well as offering private sessions in her studio and at Choices Unlimited in Richland, MI.

Liz is a retired teacher and Professor Emeritus at Kellogg Community College, where she taught history and psychology for 40 years. She is a graduate of Delta Community College, Central Michigan University (Master of Arts degree in History), and Western Michigan University (Master of Arts degrees in Counseling Psychology and Communication), and helped develop Heritage Battle Creek magazine and other works of local history. She is currently working on a project with the Historical Society helping 2nd grade teachers develop resources for teaching local history under a grant obtained from the Binda Foundation and Battle Creek Community Foundation. Her hobbies include researching local history, reading, bird watching and gardening.

Joanna is a culinary Instructor for the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy program through the Calhoun Area Career Center, and is a monthly food columnist for Senior Times and Scene Magazine. She has over 25 years in food service, preparation, training, education, marketing, and hospitality with Bill Knapp’s Restaurants, the Mawby Center, Clara’s On The River, and is the owner/operator of a personal chef/on-site catering business. As the former chef at the Mawby Conference Center, she has served groups of 5 to 400. She serves as an advisor to the Calhoun Area Career Center culinary arts program, and has conducted culinary presentations and workshops at Burnham Brook, Mawby Center, Calhoun Area Career Center, and area adult education programs. She is also the owner of Norse Country Consulting, a firm specializing in event planning, marketing and public relations, and fund and program development.

Becky has provided health education, rehabilitation and comfort care throughout her 35+ years of nursing experience in Hospital, Extended Care, Community Health, Hospice and Holistic Nursing. She received her BSN from the University of Michigan, became certified in Massage Therapy from the Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts and completed licensed training in Spiritual Arts. She is a Reiki III practitioner and teacher, and continues her education through the Upledger Institute, and other providers of current and relevant education in the areas of psychology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, physical therapy and spiritual practice.

She is an experienced public speaker and addresses the areas of women’s health & transitions, basic nutrition and whole foods preparation, caregiver self-care and support, grief and loss, body/mind balance (anytime, anywhere practices), and spiritual growth. Her experience as a nurse, yoga & meditation teacher, and massage practitioner have given her the rare opportunity to observe how integration of the mind/body through touch, movement, music, mental imagery and supported relaxation, allows the individual to regain a sense of comfort and control throughout life's natural transitions.

Becky is Owner-operator of the Holistic Health Center, Battle Creek. She is a current member of the American Holistic Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association and the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals since 1996, and Michigan Yoga Association since 1978.

Larry has received training in sports massage, relaxation massage, reflexology, polarity and on-site chair massage with the Kalamazoo Center for Healing Arts ’93-95. Craniosacral Therapy I&II SERI, Upledger Inst. ‘05-07. Reiki I-III, HHC. ’04-05. MFR ’06. He is a certified member ABMP, member of Michigan Yoga Association and co-facilitator for Health Rhythms percussion circles.

Carli has spent 15 years as a professional psychic medium and worked with the properties of stones and gems. She was born gifted as a psychic medium and loves to teach others how they can develop their own psychic abilities. She is an ordained minister and holds Reiki 1 and 2 certifications and degrees in Clairvoyance, Cartomancy, Remedial Massage, Herbal Medicine and Eating Disorders Counseling and Chi Kung. Her metaphysical classes include dream interpretation, Tarot interpretation, Theban alphabet and traditional ink writing, herbal medicine, chakra and aura reading, astral travel, guided meditation, the history of gods and goddesses, and a wide variety of psychic communication methods and tools. She is the owner of Bewitching Wares.

Cecil is a certified sommelier and has worked for Paw Paw Wine Distributors for many years. He has a true passion for “the grape” and brings his wealth of knowledge into each and every class he teaches.

Tom’s teaching experience started when he was a police officer for the city of Coldwater MI. He taught Legg Middle School 6th graders a program on “Drugs and the Law” and Coldwater senior citizens computer classes through the Institute for Learning in Retirement at Kellogg Community College. Since then he has retired from the police department, completed his Associates Degree at KCC in 2003, and has the distinction of being the very first graduate of Miller College where he completed his Bachelor of Applied Science in Career Technology in 2006. He’s currently working on his Master of Arts in Leadership with an emphasis on Homeland Security through Siena Heights University.

Tom is KCC’s Technology Training Manager and as such he designs and develops training for KCC staff and faculty on all of the computer software applications we use in our daily work. He presents information during all the student orientations, helps students, faculty and staff develop material for the web and he maintains the Information Services Help Desk website. He is married, has six children and two granddaughters.

John has been involved in Graphic Design, and with Photoshop, since 2006. He owns his own graphic design business, Falcon Art and Design. He is a 2008 graduate from KCC and holds an Associate of Arts degree in Graphic Design. He loves to paint and is involved with the Fall and Spring into the Arts events in down town Battle Creek.

Delma has been the owner of Organizing For You since 2002, and is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). She brings her experience from her business and home organizing services to teach classes to others who struggle with clutter. Delma has her own line of wood organizing products that she sells on her web site. Her past experience has been from her structured life and 20 years of skills from employment with accounting and space management at Michigan State University. In her spare time, Delma enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with grandchildren, and playing her Banjo at different neighborhood jam sessions.

Diana holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing/Drama from Western Michigan University and is currently working on her PhD in English with an emphasis on education. She is a self-taught writer and has been writing for 30 years and sharing her love of language with others for over 15 years as a teacher. Diana has a substantial writing/publication portfolio in screenwriting, playwriting, both long and short fiction, and non-fiction for newspapers and magazines. Currently, she serves as the English Department coordinator and professor at Davenport University and works at both the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo campuses.

Terri has a Masters degree from Western Michigan University and taught in the public schools for six years before working in the non-profit sector. In 2000, she formed her own business, V&V Associates, which provides coaching and training for personal and professional development. Terri has taught a variety of classes for Lifelong Learning since 2004. You can learn more about Terri by visiting her website at www.terrivought.com

Mike holds a M.S. degree from Grand Valley State University in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Organizational Leadership, and a B.A. in Public Service Administration. Mike’s academic accomplishments include: Outstanding Criminal Justice Student of the Year 2007, Graduate Dean’s Citation for Academic Excellence, and he is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi, and Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Societies. In addition, Mike has taught at Grand Rapids Community College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and was a 3 time guest lecturer at Lansing Community College wherein he talked about overcoming critical issues.

Mike has been a police officer for 24 years and has worked for the Lansing City Police Department and Kalamazoo Township Police Department, where Mike is currently employed as a Patrol Sgt. Mike has been assigned to community policing, undercover narcotics, field training, firearms/tactical instructor, court security officer, part-time recruiter, and served the KTPOA as Union President, and an executive board member. Mike designed a patrol resource guide and a comprehensive training manual (Crime Free Multi Housing) and trained local landlords in how to eliminate/control criminal activity. In addition, Mike has received several investigative commendations and professional letters crediting his work as a police officer. Mike was responsible for enacting legislation making it a felony to disarm a police officer. Mike’s area of concentration centers on verbal and non-verbal communication, customer service, professionalism, and a variety of training concepts.

Forest “Rick” Wilson, CPCU, AIU, AIM, AIS has helped families through his financial workshops regain control of their financial future for over 10 years.