Dr. Adams was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (part of the former USSR) and she immigrated to the United States in 2004. She completed her Ph.D. in 2001 in the field of cancer biology/ immunology. Dr. Adams is a member of ASCO American Society of Clinical Oncology and ESMO European Society of Medical Oncology. At the present time, she works at Jackson County Public Schools as a substitute teacher and at KCC Upward Bound Summer Academy as a teacher of Anatomy and Physiology. She fluently speaks 4 languages: English, Russian, Tartar and Uzbek and understands 7 additional languages. In her free time, she likes to dance and is a member of USA Ballroom Dance Association. She also enjoys reading books and spends time gardening flowers.

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.

Kevin is a full-time instructor of Industrial Electricity/Electronics and renewable energy for Kellogg community College. He has been a State of Michigan Master Electrician since 1989 and faculty at KCC since 2006.

Kelly graduated from Michigan State University in 1994 followed by her Master's degree from Western Michigan University in 1998. Bowers has been an accountant at Jessup Group since 2004, and earned her CPA license in 2008, in 2011 Kelly became a Shareholder and Director of the firm. Kelly's background in financial management provides expert leadership to her non-profit and small business clients. And as a valuable member of the tax team, Kelly focuses on small business, individual, and non-profit returns.

Kevin is a multi award-winning Education Specialist and published author of the books eBay Business at Your Fingertips, eBay Rescue Problem Solver, eBay Rescue Profit Maker and the technical editor for The Complete Idiot's Guide to eBay. As a professional online marketing consultant, he has appeared on various TV and radio programs including eBay radio. Reporters have interviewed him for his insights to online entrepreneurship with published articles appearing in Bloomberg News, Inventor's Digest, Antique Trader, The Seattle Times and several other newspapers and magazines. The primary objectives for his writing, teaching and consulting, is to educate online sellers at all levels and equip them with the skills necessary for online entrepreneurial success.

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.

Sara is the CEO of Kingman Museum in Battle Creek. She has an MA from Colorado State University where she majored in history with a focus on the administration of public history. She has over two decades of experience in managing small nonprofits and has recently started Briggs Consulting, providing solutions for small nonprofits and businesses.

Ben has over 20 years experience on his family farm, in greenhouse management, plant propagation, animal husbandry, hay, grain, fruit and vegetable production. The past 10 years he has taught and organized community development projects specializing in organic and sustainable growing practices. He has developed primary and secondary school garden programs, worked with food security for county government and taught home gardening/personal food security. Ben's love of gardening, his skill in communication, empowers and opens doors for his audience to explore the greater choice of aromas, flavors, textures, nutrition, even intimacy, uniquely possible with home and urban food production.

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.”

Kat Chamberlain has taught Chinese language and culture, and English as a Second Language, for over 15 years in Taiwan, China, and the U.S. Having grown up bilingually, she writes professionally in both languages and has published 18 Chinese fiction and nonfiction books. She reviewed theater for nytheatre.com and now freelances for the Battle Creek Enquirer. One of her most interesting experiences was interpreting for NGO groups visiting the United Nations. She has also translated three English books into Chinese - just don't ask her which language she is better at. Kat studied Confucianism and Chinese Classics under the renown late Master Yulao. To date she has conducted over 100 workshops to learners from as many as 27 countries. Theater is another passion of hers; aside from being a critic, Kat has produced and directed plays in Michigan and New York.

Gary Colles has been making artisan cheese for twelve years. He lives with his wife Sylvia in Charlotte, Michigan. He has training from Glengarry Cheese Company in Canada. He has been guided by Ricki Carol of New England Cheese Making Company. He took a short cheese course from Michigan State University. His last training was from Peter Dixon in Pennsylvania on Farmstead Cheese Making. He has made many types of cheese, but most of his classes have been with the fresh cheeses which can be made easily in the home.

David is a Technology Consultant at The QRsource, LLC and a Development Engineer at Njenous. Dave has been involved with both the MAC and PC worlds for more than 25 years. Dave was deeply involved in the design, testing and development of several web developments, including streaming audio and video. He has developed advertising and marketing technology for a variety of clients including fortune 50, 500 and a number of non-profits. He brings experience and a vision for where the internet is headed.

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.

Dawn is our Zumba instructor, CPR with a Dance Background and she shares, "I've been an active Zumba Instructor for 3 years, and encouragement is my specialty. I teach various age groups and get great results for all. I'm a busy Mom of 6 and I know what it's like to want to get your best work out and have fun while doing it. Let's get shakin!"

Ron Davis is full time English faculty at Kellogg Community College. In addition to teaching in his academic field, he advises the KCC Golf Club and teaches the Spring and Fall Golf classes for the physical education department. Ron has completed training with the Golfworks Clubmaking Academy, U.S. Federation of Golf Teaches Level II golf instruction training, and currently volunteers with New Level Sports youth as golf instructor/mentor for youth ages 10-16. Ron enjoys family, teaching, competitive golf, basketball, movies, non-fiction literature and travel.

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.

Mary writes Historical, Paranormal, and Contemporary Romance. She is the author of two published novels in the Enchantment series; Visions of Enchantment and Enchantment's Embrace, Book two. While in college Mary realized her vision of becoming a published author was attainable when her college instructors encouraged her to pursue her dream and seek publication. She began her first novel before she received her degree, and hasn't stopped writing romance since. Mary currently has three romantic works in progress, including the third book in the Enchantment series. For more information visit her website at http://www.maryjdresselbooks.com

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.”

Nicole is the Director of Public Information and Marketing for Kellogg Community College. She is responsible for the college's external communications including marketing, advertising, print publications, online communications, public relations, and crisis communications. She is Chair of the Battle Creek Area Young Professionals networking group, on the Battle Creek Silent Observer Committee, a member of the American Marketing Association Southwest Michigan Chapter, a member of the Rotary Club of Battle Creek, a member of the Battle Creek Enquirer Community Editorial Board, a member of the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations, and a student at Michigan State University pursuing a Masters in Advertising degree.

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."

Michelle Frank loves art, eye-catching messages, and meeting creative people. She is the Principal Consultant for Experience Counts – A Search, Consulting & Project Management Firm, based in Battle Creek, and has a degree in Education from a university in Cambridge, MA. She's on the Board of the Child Abuse Prevention Endowment Fund for Calhoun County; Advisory Board for Foster Skills Inc., and is passionate about talent scouting, leadership development/mentoring, connecting people and resources, arts, cultural initiatives, literacy, experiential education; youth issues and mermaids! She is a former Board Member of the Art Center of Battle Creek, and a current member of the Battle Creek Society of Artists. She has twenty years of experience working with, recruiting for, or consulting with nonprofits, foundations, businesses and individuals. Her background includes administration, organizational development, recruiting, marketing and sales, special event planning, policy-making, training, facilitation, program development and fundraising.

Demarra is president and founder of Change Agent Consulting (CAC) - an organizational development consulting firm. CAC's areas of expertise include strategic planning, fund development, program development, leadership development, start-ups, and cultural competency. CAC has been in operation since 2007. Demarra has an MA in Clinical Mental Health from Western Michigan University, is a graduate of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Kalamazoo program and is a certified Family Life Educator and a licensed professional counselor. She serves on the Kalamazoo Chapter of Parents for Public Schools board, Interfaith Strategy for Advocacy and Action in the Community board, and the Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Kalamazoo advisory board.

Abby has been with Jessup Group since 1988. She received her Bachelors of Business Administration in 1992 from Western Michigan University and earned her CPA license in 1994. Green is currently the managing partner of Jessup Group, and leads the non-profit services and audit divisions of the firm. As part of the health care consulting team, Abby provides assistance with accounts receivable management, billing audit compliance services, financial analysis and benchmarking, business planning and performance improvement.

Anne is the owner of Broomtree Hermitage Consulting. She has extensive experience in grantwriting as well as planning and assessment for nonprofit organizations. Before launching a successful consulting career Anne worked in the child welfare field. She is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University and Western Michigan University. She currently serves as Adjunct Faculty at Walden University and W.M.U. where she teaches courses related to nonprofit management, policy analysis, and public administration.

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.

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 and Executive Chef at Arcadia Brewing Company. 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.

Peter is President of True Wind Media LLC, a Michigan-based marketing and creative services company that specializes in non-profit organizations and emerging small businesses. A graduate of Brown and Columbia Universities, Peter has been working with non-profits of every shape and size since 1995.

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.

Ann is employed at Volunteer Kalamazoo as Program and Services Liaison. She is currently responsible for the development and delivery of Volunteer Kalamazoo educational workshops, custom training modules, and consulting programs. Ann is an experienced trainer in nonprofit board management, volunteer management, recruitment and retention. She has more than twenty years of training and consulting experience in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors and has been active in numerous community service roles, including board membership and board leadership.

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.

Xenia has been working in the field of interpreting for over 15 years. She shares: “Signing has always been intriguing and beautiful to me. I was drawn to it at a young age. Using ASL one can express the most complex, multifaceted concepts through affective non verbal means with grace and precision. I love what I do and it shows in my passion for Sign Language in my classes. I have been certified by the state of Michigan as a QAIII interpreter for the past 10 years. Since working in Interpreting since the age of 19 I have worked in a variety of settings: educational, medical, theatrical, technical, and religious. I love what I do and it shows in my passion for sign language.
“I worked as a language consultant on the children’s book “Ella’s Joy…Signs of Joy” by Marjorie Dykema. I successfully passed my E.I.P.A. (Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment) and am currently studying for my national credentials from R.I.D. (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf).
“I have taught sign classes for beginner and intermediate levels, as well as workshops. I have had the privilege and honor of serving others as a mentor and tutor in my field. I am a Kalamazoo Regional Educational Services Agency (K.R.E.S.A.) employee working in the K-12 setting. In my free time I enjoy photography and scrapbooking.”

Dawn has been decorating cakes since 1996 and worked at Murphy's Cake, Candy and Flowers, and Family Fare. She became a Wilton Cake Decorating teacher in 2000, and has taught over 175 students to date. She shares, “I have decorated more than 600 wedding cakes and a few thousand occasion cakes. In 2008, I was chosen to participate at the Spartan Decorating Challenge, I didn't place, but it was a great experience for me. I am hoping to get picked again this year. My sister and I have made fancy candies for over 20 years and in the processes of learning about that we also started baking cookies. It has been a long tradition of ours to make the candy, cookies and cakes for the family get together for Thanksgiving and Christmas, with a little bit leftover for the New Year.”

Tim is from Kalamazoo and has been working with marginalized youth throughout the Kalamazoo/ Battle Creek area for the past three years. An accomplished Spoken Word artist, Tim has performed around the Tri State area for almost a decade. In 2005, he made it into the National Poetry Slam competition but was two months too young to compete. In 2009, he traveled to Chicago to perform in the original venue for Poetry Slam, The Green Mill. In 2010, he competed in the Rustbelt Poetry Slam against five states and eight different teams. Local poetry duo, Kinetic Affect, took Tim under their wing in 2008 and he has been their understudy/ mentor ever since. His goal is to help kids understand their importance through connecting them to literature and their own voices.

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.

Becky has been passionate about flower gardening and landscape design since purchasing her first home 20 years ago. Her passion led her to Lansing Community College where she received a degree in Landscape Horticulture. After graduating, she continued taking floral design courses and is currently working on her floral design certification through the Michigan Floral Association.

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.

Stormie is a Battle Creek resident, is married to Stephen, and they have four wonderful children. She shares how she came to be a couponing maven, "I have been able to stay at home for over 7 years. When I first met my husband I was a single mother to two children. I worked two jobs to provide for my children, and make ends meet. At that point in my life I utilized the coupons in the Sunday paper to help keep my costs as low as possible. However, after being married and having two incomes, I just got out of the habit of couponing because pennies didn't need to be pinched as hard as they did in my past as a single parent. With both of us working full time, and having two children things were looking pretty good for us financially, I guess you would say we were comfortable. Therefore I basically threw away "free money" from the coupons that felt I didn't need to use as much anymore. We are now a family of 6, the decision we made after having our first child together was that I would be a stay-at-home mom instead of continuing my career in the banking industry. For a long time I didn't have time to coupon, or shall I say 'I thought I didn't have time to coupon' so into the trash the coupons went, again I was throwing away free money. I questioned my friend Heather about her Facebook post about her homemade laundry soap, and from that conversation my penny pinching ways started to take over and here we are today after months of research and hands on experience using coupons. I realized that if I get excited about saving $10 that turned into $20 which then turned into a savings of $100 plus dollars per week with the economy being rough I really need to get out and share this with others!" Stormie has offered her Couponing 101 class across the State of Michigan and we're excited she's here to share the tips and tricks that work with us.

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.

Three years ago Debbie and her husband moved back to the home she grew up in, where she likes to practice every chance she gets to live a self-sustainable lifestyle with her husband, son and mother on their 10 acre wanna-be farm. They grow their own organic vegetable, herb and fruit gardens, as well as raise chickens and goats. She enjoys the feeling of accomplishment that comes with the process of preserving the food that they have grown and making her own household products, as well as the ability to share the homemade goodness with friends and family.

Jennifer graduated from Western Michigan University with her Bachelor's in 2005 and her Master's in 2008. Perez joined Jessup Group in 2006 focusing on non-profit as well as small for-profit businesses. She is also an important part of the Jessup Group tax team.

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.

Angela Pierce, and her family live on a small hobby farm in southwest MI. She enjoys growing their own foods, ranging from organic gardens, chickens, honeybees, Tilapia, dairy and meat goats. She is an avid beekeeper promoting organic top bar hives. She enjoys sharing or teaching her passions to others. Her passion for soap making stems from an over producing dairy goat named Blossom. "Out of necessity comes inspiration, goats milk soap and lots of cheese!" The Pierce family enjoys spending time together kayaking, horseback riding, eating home cooked and home grown meals. The newest addition to the Pierce family...Addie Mae, a rescue puppy who has melted their hearts, keeps them all very busy, in a good way. Her perfect day is spent outside watching the animals just be themselves.

Justin is Lead Programmer at The QRsource, LLC and a Programming Engineer at Njenous. Justin is a graduate of Ferris State University and has been designing websites and video games for several years. Justin brings a fresh perspective in the current advances to the internet.

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.

Ed has worked at Kellogg Community College for 6 years as the Web Specialist. In his spare time he enjoys cooking and making fresh and canned salsa. He is always experimenting with different spices, peppers, fruits and vegetables to create his unique salsas.

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.

Charles is the conceptualizer of the individually packaged Rice Krispie Treats. Although he started in corporate America in the cereal industry, he has traveled a versatile professional path. He has over 20 years experience in varied community work, entrepreneurship, job creation, employment recruiting, leadership training, and economic development. His Bachelor's degree with concentrated studies in Chemistry, Mathematics and Industrial Engineering is from Western Michigan University and his Associates Degree is from Kellogg Community College.

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 an Open Entry Instructor at Kellogg Community College. In this role he works with KCC students to help them better use technology to improve their performance and enhance learning.

Mark is the former U.S. Representative for Michigan's 7th congressional district. He was previously a member of the Michigan Senate, where he served as the Minority Leader, and the Michigan House of Representatives. Mark has worked as an urban planner for the Calhoun County Planning Department, led the Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan and was a founding board member of the Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity. He is currently an active volunteer with several local nonprofits organizations. Mark holds degrees from both Albion College and Western Michigan University.

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.

Kristy is a pianist, humorist and realist, not necessarily in that order. She holds a B.S. in Human Resources Development from Oakland University and M.A.s in Career & Technical Education and Community Agency Counseling from Western Michigan University, where she has served as an adjunct instructor. Kristy has developed and implemented multiple human services programs under the credo, "You can have fun doing serious work." As a certified family life educator, credentialed Toastmaster and author of the weekly "Different Drum" humor column, Kristy delights in sharing relatable information in entertaining ways. She's the kind of person you'd love to get stuck in an elevator with. Kristy operates as an agent of change, providing tools and training for creating more authentic, fully-engaged and sustainable living. You can learn more about Kristy's re-writing of life's possibilities at www.beyondokay.net.

Tamela has worked in the non-profit sector for nearly 20 years. She has worked with a variety of nonprofit organizations managing events and overseeing fund development efforts. Since becoming a consultant in 1988 she has focused on capacity building for small to mid-size nonprofits in the areas of strategic planning, board development, event management, organizational assessment, executive coaching and direct mail management. Tamela holds Bachelor Degrees in both Business Administration and Religious Studies from Aquinas College and is pursuing a Master of Arts in Communication at Spring Arbor University.

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.

Barbara has a Master's Degree in Arts from Sienna Heights University and a Bachelor's Degree in Music from Western Michigan University. She is a familiar soloist, actress and vocal coach. She has performed on many stages in Michigan including Miller Auditorium, Shaw Theatre, the New Vic Theatre, the Gilmore Keyboard Festival, Chenery Auditorium, the Kindleberger Festival, and the Kalamazoo Civic. She has appeared as a featured soloist with the Bach Collegium (Mozart Regina Coeli, Mozart Requiem), as Alto Soloist with the Bach Collegium (Mozart Requiem, Handl Messiah) and with the Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys as Mezzo Soprano Soloist (Schubert Mass in E-flat Major, Mozart Vesperae Solemnes de Confessore, Bach G Major Mass), and Alto Soloist in the Kalamazoo Messiah Sing. Other credits include Vivaldi Gloria, Britten Rejoice in the Lamb, Caldara Stabat Mater, and Mozart Missa Brevis. Her many theatre credits include The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra's production of Rigoletto as Giovanna, Mrs. Baggot in The Battle Creek Boy & Girl Choir production of The Little Sweep, Marcellina in Le Nozze di Figaro, Dame Quickly in Falstaff, Rebecca in The Crucible, Melissa in State Fair, Rachel in Rags, Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance, Mother Superior in Nunsense and Nunsense II, Domina in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Bloody Mary in South Pacific, and Queen Aggrevain in Once Upon a Mattress.

Rose is a writer, artist, and teacher from Kalamazoo, MI. She studied fine art and creative writing at Kellogg Community College and recieved a BA in English and a BFA in art from Western Michigan University in 2006. In 2010 she earned an MFA in poetry from Arizona State University. Rose currently teaches English at Kellogg Community College and serves as Associate Poetry Editor for The Asylum Lake Magazine (Kalamazoo) and Hayden's Ferry Review (Tempe, AZ).

Julie is an independent consultant specializing in Organizational Management, Membership Development, Information Technology, Marketing and Fundraising. She has over 20 years experience in Business Management. Julie holds a degree in Computer Information Systems and enjoys teaching others to use technology to improve their professional and personal efficiency.

Jennifer has studied Yogic philosophy for four years. She shares, "When I started teaching Hatha Yoga 3 years ago it stemmed from Kripalu Yoga techniques. Currently my classes are a combination of Kripalu and Para Yoga styles with my own twist. I enjoy a high energy class while walking away feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I live my life in devotional service to the art of yoga and plan to extend my passion to any who ask for it."

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

Vicki VanAmeyden received a Master of Fine Arts in Painting from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI in 2002 with a concentration in printmaking and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from Kendall School of Design, Grand Rapids, MI in 1986. She teaches drawing, painting and printmaking courses for the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and is Adjunct Faculty in the Arts and Communications Department at Kellogg Community College.

Her diverse and interdisciplinary approach to art making often includes the use of text and non-traditional materials. Using image as metaphor for the human condition, VanAmeyden navigates through the empathy required in deciphering what it means to be a person in the singular and in the collective sense – from the cultural, political, and psychological, to the metaphysical and physiological.

VanAmeyden's work has been acknowledged with awards at both the regional and national levels and includes a Lila Acheson Wallace Award for Illustration. Additional grants and awards include: KCC Outstanding Adjunct Award for Excellence in Teaching; WMU Teaching Effectiveness Award; Teacher Ambassador Appointment to Takasaki, Japan; West Michigan Merit Scholarship; WMU Faculty Development Grant; Creative Industries Development Grant; and Kalamazoo Artist Development Initiative Grant.

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.

Ted recently retired as Director of Learning Technologies at KCC. He has taught classes in black & white film photography, digital photography, and video art at KCC. With undergraduate majors in motion picture and television production and previous work in the sales of computers and photographic equipment, Ted has had lengthy experience with imaging technology.

Joe Zsigray is the former Executive Director of the Collingwood Arts Center in Toledo, Ohio. He has over 25 years experience in teaching music and lively arts on the elementary, college, and continuing education levels. Joe has done ground breaking work with the Simonton Cancer Center in California (Integration of Mountain Dulcimer in Health Plan of Cancer Patients); The Cleveland Music Therapy Consortium (Making Mt. Dulcimer a core instrument for music therapist); Oberlin Conservatory of Music (Course of Study and Curriculum of Mt. Dulcimer for 3rd Grade Studies); and PROJECT JOY Clown Apprenticeship (200 hours of training and practicum based on releasing the inner child through the palette of the clown). Joe currently is a workshop clinician teaching music and lively arts in continuing education programs throughout Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan.