Lifelong Learning Instructors

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Current Instructors

  • ALI AKBARI
    Ali Akbari is a filmmaker and educator from Iran. He received his dual degrees in Cinema Studies (B.A.) and Radio-TV Production (B.A.) from the University of Central Florida, where he made several experimental films along with producing content in both single-cam and multi-cam-studio environment, including United Colors of Orlando (2018), a short documentary about the Orlando community coming together through art following the 2016 Pulse tragedy, which went on to win the Grand Prize from 2018 Tribeca Campus Docs. He got his M.F.A. degree in Film and Media Arts from the University of Utah, during which he received the University Teaching Assistantship (UTA) award to create and teach the Experimental Media Production course in spring 2020. His current works explore reconciliation between his Iranian upbringing and queer identity.

    "[Ali] was awesome, taught very well, covered excellent basics."-Nicholas K.

    "Ali Akabari was passionate about video editing and he showed it by being generous with his time to make sure students understood the capabilities of Premiere Pro before moving on to other features. He gave one on one help with our projects. He made it less intimidating to work with such a sophisticated program."-Susan S.

  • David Argyle
    Dave's lifelong interest in photography began over fifty years ago as he learned from his father. During his career as an engineer he continued to enjoy many types of photographic projects. Soon after the arrival of digital cameras he started his own photography business, specializing in sports and action photography. Since then he has also worked with numerous news agencies and companies, both local and national. And in recent years he has discovered a love for passing on what he has learned to others.

    Instructor's website:

    https://dbaphotography.com/

    What Students are Saying:

    "Dave is passionate about photography, and it shows! He is very knowledgeable and is great at relating content to all different audience levels. I learned so much from his class and plan to take more with him in the future!" -Danielle P.

    "Dave was a great instructor. His teaching style was easy to follow, he was warm and friendly, and did a great job connecting with the class...The information was great and I will continue to apply it to my picture-taking experiences!" -Jane B.

    "One of the best LLL classes I have taken. Dave presented just the right amount of technical and practical information to help us get the best out of our iPhone cameras. Homework assignments helped instill the lessons from class." -Denise C.

    "Dave was well organized and presented the material in an understandable way. The class is appropriate for all skill levels but having a basic understanding of what Lightroom is helps you get the most out of the course. The basic introductory course to photo editing helps set the stage for this course if you are uncertain if Lightroom is what you want or need" -Larry C.

  • THOMAS ARNOLD
    Tom has been the Maintenance Service Manager for the 412-unit Mission Meadow Brook Apartments since 1991; he has worked in maintenance since 1980. Tom troubleshoots projects from roofing to swimming pools and everything in between.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Tom has amazing knowledge of everything related to home maintenance and repair. He presented it in an understandable and pleasant manner. He answered our questions, no matter how basic, kindly, and we never stumped him. Great class."-Janie R.

    "Tom did a great job of using props (electrical switches, toilet, etc) while talking through each topic area. It helped a great deal to see the actual item. He set a good pace for the discussions and answered all questions so it was an interactive class. Tom is great. He started the class by saying a goal is to help us feel confident in trying to do our own repairs, and he succeeded! I do feel confident because he 'demystified' a lot of unknowns. Keep offering this class."-Sonya W.

    "Tom was exceptionally knowledgeable about home repair and backed it up with experience. He was also generous with his time for all of us students and was more than happy to explain more and share examples. This is one of those classes that should be taught in high schools for everyone." -Charles D.

  • CAROL AVERY
    Carol Avery is certified to teach PMC (Precious Metal Clay) by The Rio Grande Company and has taught classes at Beaded Puma, SLC; Kimball Art Center, Park City; and YMCA Camp Roger, Uintah Mountains. Carol's B.F.A. work at the University of Utah focused on weaving/fiber arts. She has dabbled in small metals and ceramics.

    What Students are Saying:

    "[Carol] was very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. I would definitely take another class from her."
    -Andrea D.

    "Carol is a very good instructor, engaging and knowledgeable, kept class moving at just right pace. I have wanted to try working with metal clay for several years but never felt comfortable trying it. Now I'm bursting with ideas. Would really like another follow-up class, as I think everyone else in our group did also. What a fun way to spend a Saturday! Now I'm looking into buying a kiln, etc"
    - Jana E.

    "This class was small and allowed the instructor to provide each individual appropriate attention. It was a unique art form I hadn't heard of before, but the instructions were clear. Using the clay in a variety of ways (stamping, using a mold and a natural item for shaping) allowed for a variety of beautiful results. I have worn 2 of the 3 necklaces I made in class already and have received many compliments!"
    - Deb B.

  • BRIGHTON BALLARD
    Brighton Carper Ballard is a multidisciplinary artist and producer, collaborating in local creative spheres. Derek Ballard is a designer and creative based in Salt Lake City. He has worked with international agencies and had artwork featured in galleries across the globe. Together they are the founders and co-owners of Riso Geist, Utah's first risograph studio.

    What Students are Saying:

    "The instructors were clear, friendly, and very helpful every step of the way. I got to know the process better and they helped me get better results on my projects than I could have achieved on my own, and better than I expected. I'd recommend this course to anyone curious about Risography." - Adam K.

  • DEREK BALLARD
    Derek Ballard is a designer and creative based in Salt Lake City. He has worked with international agencies and had artwork featured in galleries across the globe. Brighton Carper Ballard is a multidisciplinary artist and producer, collaborating in local creative spheres. Together they are the founders and co-owners of Riso Geist, Utah's first risograph studio.

    What Students are Saying:

    "The instructors were clear, friendly, and very helpful every step of the way. I got to know the process better and they helped me get better results on my projects than I could have achieved on my own, and better than I expected. I'd recommend this course to anyone curious about Risography." - Adam K.

  • DEANNA BAUGH
    Deanna has been weaving for 37 years. Her passion for fabric has led her to study with many teachers from around the world and to explore many fiber techniques. She especially likes to work with fabric that can be used for clothing and household textiles, like quilts. In addition to creating her own fiber works, Deanna has taught weaving, spinning, knitting, and dye techniques for about 20 years at the various stores, conferences, and at the University of Utah. She is proficient at demonstrating techniques and providing hands on instruction enabling students to try the methods she uses. Deanna has a BS in Education and Textiles from Utah State University and has served on the boards of several local and national weaving groups.

  • SCOTT BLACK
    Scott Black joined the U's English Department in 2005. He teaches courses on contemporary global literature, the long history of the novel, and speculative fiction. Originally from the east coast, he now loves hiking in the west and running in the local canyons.

    What Students are Saying:

    "This was the BEST class. It had all the great things about school (joy of learning, exposure to fantastic material, meeting new people) without the stressful parts (tests, papers, etc.). Scott did an incredible job guiding us through this literature and I looked forward to this class with excitement and anticipation each week. Now I want to take every class Scott offers from here on out!"
    - Allison S.

    "This class was excellent. It was a serious academic experience with substantive reading and content. The professor was extremely knowledgeable and passed along a lot of useful context and background. I feel that my knowledge of the Japanese short story has expanded dramatically. Thank you!"
    -Jorge C.

    "I ADORED this class. Scott is a wonderful teacher and guides the class in such an engaging and organic way. All my life it always caused me so much anxiety to speak up in class and share thoughts, but Scott has created such a safe space that I always feel comfortable sharing my thoughts about the readings, no matter how harebrained or bizarre :) I wasn't familiar with the writing of Jorge Luis Borges prior and I'm forever grateful for this class for introducing me to such fantastic writing and ideas. Looking forward to taking any future classes Scott decides to teach through Lifelong Learning."
    -Alison S.

  • instructor

    JENNIFER BOYD

  • Cindy Briggs
    A master of translucent tranquil watercolors, Cindy Briggs is known for her sun-drenched cityscapes, luminous landscapes and flowers, portraits, and creative watercolor sketchbooks. Whether painting in places like Italy, Utah or Carmel-by-the-Sea, her paintings are infused with light, in harmony with life, and in full color.

    A nurturing, positive and informative art teacher, she has been leading workshops for over 25 years, taking artists of all experience levels to Europe, Canada and throughout the US to paint on location and in the studio. A Signature Member and Master Artist with the National Watercolor Society (NWS), Cindy is also a Signature artist with the Northwest Watercolor Society (NWWS). She has also featured with the Utah Watercolor Society, Nevada Watercolor Society, Watercolor West and exhibits, in galleries, museums, special events, art centers, in American Watercolor, Plein Air Magazine, Outdoor Painter and Watercolor Magazine. www.CindyBriggs.com


    "Cindy is a knowledgeable and generous teacher with great techniques to share for people of all abilities. She keeps everyone moving along, making our time spent extremely productive and lots of fun." - Rebecca M.

    "Cindy Briggs is such a talented artist and her teaching skills are incredible. She is so positive and encouraging but also relaxing. Cindy is the real deal." -Karla H.

  • MADISON BROWN

  • MEGAN BRUCE
    Megan's huge, soulful voice has a sweetness and precision that you wouldn't expect. After completing her Master's Degree in vocal performance, Megan moved to Austin, TX, where she cut her teeth in the music scene playing with various blues bands, and singing all over town. Megan spent years leading a band called The Blue Trees in New Orleans, LA, where she performed all original music, raised over $5,000 to create a professional album, and toured all over the southern United States. She has performed at the world-renowned Jazz Fest in New Orleans, as well as Festival International in Lafayette, LA, and has had regular radio play on the famous radio station, WWOZ.

    Since returning to Salt Lake in 2013, Megan has performed all over Salt Lake, playing at the Tram Club at Snowbird, The Garage, The Bayou, The Salt Lake Farmer's Market, Oktoberfest at Snowbird, and The Thirsty Squirrel at Solitude. She often sings with Lake Effect, one of the most popular funk bands in SLC. With Lake Effect, she has performed at The Spur in Park City many times, as well as The State Room.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Megan made the class fun and enjoyable. She took the tension and anxiety out of performing."
    - Thomas J.

    "Terrific teacher- she adapted beautifully to a wide variety of levels. She was positive and gave wonderful helpful feedback so everyone who sang improved. Also a very pleasant and interesting person. Loved the class and I'd recommend it to others."
    -Susan S.

    "The class was great for getting understanding how voices work, and to start learning how to practice getting better. Wherever you’re starting, it’s a great class to establish a framework to build off."
    -Kathleen J.

  • Robert Burch
    Robert Burch, a resident of West Valley City, is the Founder and Executive Director of the Sema Hadithi African American Heritage and Culture Foundation. With a deep-rooted passion for history and genealogy, Robert has dedicated his life to researching, preserving, and sharing the rich narratives of African Americans in Utah, both as a territory and a state. He also serves as the Vice President of the Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage. He is a former national board member and President of the Utah Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society.
    As a genealogist, Robert transforms family histories into the broader contexts of Utah and American history. His belief in "unity through historical truth" underpins his commitment to using history as a tool for understanding and healing within communities. His teaching journey began early, tutoring classmates in math during third grade and continued through high school and college, extending into Sunday school, community events, and academic lectures at colleges and universities.
    With a wealth of experience and a genuine dedication to his mission, Robert brings profound insights and a captivating teaching style to his lifelong learning courses, inspiring others to delve into the vital stories of African American heritage.

  • RACHAEL BUSH
    Rachael Bush got her Botany degree from Weber State University. Shortly after graduating, she was offered the position of lab manager for the Department of Botany. She spent eight years working with the faculty, staff, and students of the department, enriching her knowledge of plants, and how people use them. Since then, she has developed a series of recipes for natural body care that are good for you and good for the environment. Rachael is also an artist and author who writes and illustrates the Botany for Everyone series, because everyone should know the basics of botany. You can read more at botanyforeveryone.com. When she's not creating, she volunteers at schools, libraries, and with the League of Utah Writers.

    What Students are Saying:

    "I have attended several of Rachel's courses. She is a very engaging instructor, has a wide knowledge base and fun. I highly recommend any of her courses."
    -Cathie D.

    "Rachel's knowledge of botany and creating natural botanicals for the body is amazing. Her presentation included comprehensive information about materials and ingredients. During the hands on portion of the class she was very encouraging as we made our own balms. Her love of her work is very evident in her teaching."
    -Frances K.

    "The professor was incredible. I wish all my courses were taught by her. So knowledgeable and passionate. Highly recommend. Will be joining future classes of hers."
    - Rachel K.

    "The instructor was funny, thorough, helpful. She provided all the materials you could want and explained each one, why it was used, how it was used, and the quality of products. I would attend another class taught by this instructor for sure!"
    -Bethann P.

    "I have taken multiple classes from this instructor. She is wonderful! She is entertaining, knowledgeable, very organized and generous with her knowledge. You always walk away with great DIY products."
    -Cathie D.

    "I LOVED this class!! It brought back memories of mixing up "potions" in my bathroom as a child, except these products are beautiful and useful!! Rachel is an extremely thorough instructor, teaching everything about the project from the health benefits of the products we used, to details about printing labels for the containers, to tips on how and where to buy all the supplies needed. She is fun and patient and very knowledgeable."
    -Monica S.

  • RAYMOND CANNEFAX
    Raymond Cannefax is an Author, Photographer and Educator who retired from the corporate world and for nearly two decades has focused on the early Americans inhabitants of the four-corners region, the Anasazi. His articles, photos and stories have been published in numerous publications. His first book, "Successful Management 101, The Manager's Manual," is available on Amazon. As an educator, he works within the Granite School District, was involved in creating Granit's first Alternative School, and instructs a course on Hovenweep within the U of U's Lifelong Learning program. Mr. Cannefax earned degrees in Psychology, Zoology and Education from the University of Utah. Following one year of teaching, Mr. Cannefax entered the corporate world where he remained for twenty-six years. He retired from Paradigm Medical Industries where he served as President & CEO for six years. Having been raised in a small, medieval town in Bavaria, Germany, Mr. Cannefax developed a strong interest in exploring earlier civilizations upon which our current society is based.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Teacher was very knowledgeable, answered all questions with ease and asked class for their opinion. He combined the lecture with great pictures and some anecdotes. He even brought some pottery to class. He lectured freely and was very much enjoying teaching us about Hovenweep and the Ancestral Puebloans. It was a very enjoyable experience!"
    -Renate K.

    "The class material was fascinating, the teacher extremely helpful and willing to share information, and the slides were exquisite. I learned a lot and the whole class is anxious to go there and explore the ruins. Thank you very much !"
    -James K.

    "Enjoyed the wonderful pictures. Our lecturer had obvious experience with Hovenweep and was very good at sharing his knowledge with the group. Answered questions. Wonderful handout of text and photographs taken by him."
    -Sally B.

  • TALLIE CASUCCI
    Tallie Casucci, MLIS, is an Associate Librarian at the University of Utah's J. Willard Marriott Library. Tallie teaches courses and guest lectures on a variety of topics, including conducting research, evaluating information sources, and searching for primary research, patents, trademarks, industry standards, and more. In courses and workshops, Tallie fosters student learning through interactive activities and hands-on practice as they tackle real-world problems and develop solutions.

  • instructor

    BERRIE CHILD

  • RICHARD COBBLEY
    What Students are Saying:

    "Richard was an exceptional teacher! Very clear and patient. He was incredibly generous to the students in the use of his space and equipment. Got way more out of this class than expected."-Todd A.

    "The instructor, Richard Cobbley, was fantastic. He is a wealth of information and skill. His presentations were always clearly done and delivered in a friendly and personable way. Perhaps Richard should teach a course to other instructors on how to improve their game!"-John G.

  • instructor

    SAMANTHA COUPER

  • KUN COVINGTON
    Kun Covington is an Olive Oil Sommelier with a deep passion for extra virgin olive oil. Her journey began when a friend, a judge for Olive Oil Competitions around the world, sent her several cases of premium Italian olive oil as a gift when her son was four months old and starting on solid foods. This thoughtful gesture sparked Kun's love for olive oil, leading her to immerse herself in its world and eventually become a certified sommelier. Kun is dedicated to sharing her expertise on how to taste and appreciate extra virgin olive oil, and she strives to help others integrate this healthy and delicious oil into their everyday lives.

  • JASON COX
    Jason holds a BA in Italian. He lived in Italy for two years and has been teaching Italian since 2000.

    Instructor's website:

    LinkedIn
    YouTube

    What Students are Saying:

    "Jason took all of the intimidation out of learning a new language. He also has a lovely sense of humor which kept things going." - P.E., SLC

    "Jason has a true love of Italy and the language. He made the class so very enjoyable. He knows his stuff. Two thumbs up!" - Satisfied Student

    "Jason Cox is a proper instructor who combines proper Italian with skills to greet Italians with useful phrases in their beautiful language. He is amusing and creates a wonderful camaraderie of aspiring Italian communicators in his classroom."

    "Jason was a great instructor. He helped us feel comfortable and safe to practice in class. I feel like I learned a lot that will be useful in our upcoming trip to Italy. Thanks so much!"
    -Rodney W

    "Jason Cox is a fantastic teacher! He has made our Italian class so much fun, because he has the ability to make the Italian language really come alive. He’s so knowledgeable about the intricacies of the language, and has an almost magical way of explaining hard concepts."
    -Melissa T.

  • instructor

    JOHN CRAIGLE
    John spent most of his professional career in education as a classroom teacher in fine arts and photography. Currently, he works as a freelance commercial photographer and graphic designer. He started the first secondary school digital photography lab in Utah and has worked with Photoshop since its introduction.

    He also plays bass guitar which he has played since high school in Chicago playing in a band most of his life. He has worked as a studio musician and about every genre of music from country gospel to musical theater.

    What Students are Saying:

    "John was a great instructor. His passion for flash photography and knowledge of various flash equipment and accessories made this a rich class. I appreciated his sense of humor and ingenuity to resolve the shortcomings of flash equipment by showing us some of his creations. I appreciated the hands-on time to implement what we've learned and the ability to try various light modifiers. John was great about checking in with each person to see if they needed any help or answered questions about particular issues we may have been encountering with getting our composition just right. The small class size was great for accessibility to the instructor and getting to know other folks in the class."-Araceli F.

  • Matt Danielson
    "Matt is such an amazing instructor! The class is really fun and interesting; everything I learned was everything I could want to know from a beginning blacksmithing course. I had a lot of anxiety in this class, but Matt was super patient and really helpful the entire time. I highly recommend this class 10/10"-Tiersa H.

    "Matt Danielson is an exceptional instructor. He gives a ton of detail on how and what to do and doesn't take over your project. He is very knowledgeable and is willing to share any information he has."-Sean J.

  • instructor

    JOACHIM DREIER
    What Students are Saying:

    "Joachim is a great instructor, very engaging and creates a fun environment. He teaches material that is applicable for beginners looking to travel to Germany. I like how he mixed lecture-style material with partner exercises...the class flew by."
    -Kirsten T.

  • instructor

    STEPHANIE DUER
    What Students are Saying:

    "Stephanie is such a delight! I love professors that are so passionate about what they teach that they can't help but instill a seed
    of their passion in you, and Stephanie has truly done that with me. As promised, I can no longer go down the street without looking at a
    particular plants' shape, size, color, structure, and manner in which it fits with the surrounding landscape."
    -Katrina H.

    "Stephanie presents so much info with such enthusiasm. She is so helpful with her suggestions and answers questions thoroughly. She really knows her 'stuff'!"
    -Pam S.

    "Wonderful class! Stephanie is a terrific teacher with such a depth of knowledge!"
    -Cecele Cox

    This class was fantastic!! Stephanie is incredibly knowledgable & an engaging speaker and teacher. I especially loved her focus on what would be practical and maintain-able and on water conservation. We were guided through the process of creating a plan for our own gardens, whatever our needs might be - from lawn to xeriscape to rock/gravel elements, annuals or perennials - without judgment for different aesthetics and needs. So we all left with something to take away. Thanks, Stephanie!
    -Gillian S.

    "Stephanie is extremely knowledgeable and made the class fun, easy to follow and learn how to create a plan that makes sense. I loved it so much I'm taking landscape design 2 and other classes she teaches. I highly recommend this class! You won't be disappointed"
    -Kim E.

    "Stephanie was excellent! She always came to class prepared with presentations and materials and also had an enthusiastic energy in her teaching. You can tell she is very passionate about landscaping. She is very knowledgeable on landscape design. I learned so much from her and can't wait to apply it towards my home's projects!"
    -Natalie N.

  • CHARLOTTE DURIF
    I'm Charlotte, a French expat based in Salt Lake City, UT. I grew up loving to be in the kitchen of our backcountry house in France, learning from my grand parents and parents how to make a marbled chocolate cake, prepare a paella, and flip crepes on a pan. We never ate out and we would cook everyday. When I moved out of the family home, having a good kitchen was definitely a big criteria for me to keep cooking and baking as I needed and experimenting new recipes.

    After completing my PhD in Material Science in 2017, my husband and I left for an exhilarating 18 months rock climbing World Tour. We shared our travels with our family and community through over 100 vlogs via our media company Cold House Media, which is how I learnt to craft, film and edit videos, all on the go. We settled in SLC at the beginning of 2019 and I was so happy to have a fully equipped kitchen again! While I continued filmmaking, I realized that cooking was actually my favorite thing to do, so I decided to share my love for food and cooking professionally.

    Charlotte's endeavors in film and production can be found here: coldhousemedia.com
    Her Private Chef business is found here: www.cheffleurdesel.com


    What Students are Saying:

    "Really fun class with a great teacher who had extensive experience with videography. She was able to show us a lot of new tips and tricks I would not have thought about before."
    -Mohith R.


    "It was very enjoyable and I appreciate the knowledge and fun of Charolette. Fun to have authentic instruction"
    -Ray T.

    "Such a fun class! I'd been making crepes for years, and learned so many new things! She was wonderful!"
    -Vicki W.

    "Loved the location! Charlotte was a great teacher, she made everyone comfortable and at ease."
    -Carlene S.

  • CLINT EREKSON
    Clint Erekson is a graduate of the University of Utah, College of Fine Arts with a degree in Photography/Digital Imaging. He has an excitement and enthusiasm for unconventional means of art and photography. He has been using his iPhone exclusively for the last few year to take his photos and one of his pieces shot with the iPhone won best in show at a local gallery. Clint also has a long history with improv comedy, spanning over 12 years of experience. In high school, Clint led his school's improv team for two years and won a local improv competition his Senior year. While in his first year of college, he was a rotating member for the popular Southern Utah improv comedy troupe Off the Cuff. In 2008, he joined a team called And Go! Improv Comedy and served as its manager and artistic director until 2014. With And Go! Clint has taught workshops for groups such as the Boys and Girls club and other various organizations.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Clint is an excellent teacher! Organized, inviting, non-judgmental, keeps the class incredibly engaged. I'd definitely take another class from him."-Jordan R.

    "Clint was an excellent instructor. I had such a cool experience in his class and will use the lessons learned for the rest of my life. I'd highly recommend this class to anyone and everyone."-Bradley N.

  • CAITLIN ERICKSON
    Caitlin has been a writer since elementary school. In that time, she's explored all kinds of writing, particularly poetry and fiction, but her favorite kind of writing is memoir, which she discovered while in graduate school at Utah State University. She loves that memoir gives voice to both the small and big moments in life and that it can help writers discover the meaning to the memories they've been holding onto for years. Caitlin is delighted to be at Lifelong Learning and to introduce students to a genre that is complex, challenging, and rewarding.

    What Students are Saying:

    "I loved Caitlin and her teaching and also her critique when we would read our work." - Winter R.

  • NEIL ESCHENFELDER
    Neil has been a professional photographer for more than 30 years; his photos have been published internationally. Neil also has motivated sales forces of up to 100 people in some of the nation's largest corporations.

    What Students are Saying:

    "I came to this class as a 'point and shoot' photographer, but through the lectures, handouts, and examples I learned so much! Thank you!" - K.O., SLC

    "Neil is very engaging with the class. He encouraged class participation. The atmosphere was very comfortable for a person with no experience in digital photography." - L.B.

    "Neil is really great and cares about his students. He goes above and beyond to answer all your questions and help you understand the concepts he teaches. I highly recommend his classes." - Selma M.

  • JOSEPH EVANS
    Joseph Evans (Orgyen Shiwo Dorje) has been studying Buddhism with H. E. Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche since 2004, and is a devoted practitioner of The Buddha Path. He has completed seven summer retreats at the Dzogchen Retreat Center in Eugene, Oregon in addition to numerous seasonal retreats. In September 2018, he received the esteemed title of Dharma Acharya Instructor.

    A dharma teacher known for his clear, sincere, compassionate and analytical teaching style, Joseph organizes local sangha activities and gives frequent dharma instruction and teachings. In addition to his dharma activities, Joseph is a professional musician, a violinist in the Utah Symphony Orchestra since 1996, and holds music degrees from the University of Utah (B.A.) and the Manhattan School of Music (M.A.).

    To fulfill the aspirations of his kind teacher, Joseph wishes to fully complete the path of the Dzogchen Lineage in this lifetime, help all beings realize their full potential of true happiness, and help create a peaceful and harmonious society in this world. To that end, he wishes to bring practical dharma teachings that inspire others to increase well-being and happiness, establish Dzogchen Lineage dharma centers, temples and schools in the United States and Japan, and to bring dharma to life for countless people through music.

    "Joe had a fantastic ability to communicate clearly, with supporting detail. I appreciated learning about what he had to teach."-Bruce J.

  • MICHAEL FAGERSTROM
    Mike has called Utah home for almost a decade. After graduating with a degree in history and environmental health, Mike served as a ranger and naturalist for New York State Parks and became a wilderness first responder (WFR). Mike has since filled the role as lead field guide for a wilderness therapy company based in Central Utah, and continues to grow professionally in the outdoor behavioral healthcare industry.
    Mike's insatiable thirst for adventure and the great outdoors nudged him into attaining the 'Triple Crown' of America's long distance hiking - the Appalachian, Pacific Crest and Continental Divide National Scenic Trails. He's accrued over 10,000 miles backpacking and almost 3,000 more on the water, having paddled the length of the Mississippi River by canoe. During his free time, Mike can be found exploring the slopes of Utah's world renowned mountains or plying the waters of its desert streams.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Mike is a great teacher and a knowledgeable guide. He mapped out a long and beautiful route for our day-long adventure and kept us engaged and comfortable with a pace that was good for everyone."
    -Rebecca M.

    "This kayak trip was awesome! Mike is a great leader. It was challenging, relaxing, and stimulating all at the same time - and more. Great!"
    -James M.

    " Was pleasantly surprised to start from square one. Was basic and perfect starter class. Was great."
    -Suean W.

  • instructor

    ALICIA FINLAYSON
    Alicia Finlayson is a professional watercolor and oil painter. Her paintings are filled with light, bold color and painterly brushwork. Alicia enjoys painting a variety of subjects including landscapes, florals, animals and portraits.

    Alicia received her BFA from Boston University, and MFA from BYU. She has been a passionate teacher in watercolor, oils, and drawing for over 20 years.

    You can see her work at AliciaFinlayson.com or on Instagram at AliciainlaysonFineArtist.



    What Students are Saying:

    "The instructor's art knowledge, capabilities, and methodology to display concepts was extremely helpful in my understanding, and thus my pursuit, of watercolor painting goals."
    -Peter E.

    "Our instructor provided excellent demonstrations, handouts, and additional materials which were helpful. She was accessible throughout the class period and provided individual evaluation and suggestions for our work which was particularly helpful. I would highly recommend the class to others.
    -Kent S.

  • REX FLINNER
    Rex Flinner has a degree in jazz composition from the U; he composed the film scores for the KUED documentaries "Joe Hill", "Copper Canyon", and "Gathered in Time." He has been a member of several local groups, including The Oquirrh Ridge Drifters, The Cowdaddies, and The Matt Flinner Trio. He currently performs with The Kevyn Dern Trio and The Sons-In-Law of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Rex is fluent in banjo, guitar, mandolin, and fiddle; he has performed, recorded, and taught music locally and regionally for the 30-plus years and counting.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Rex, the instructor, was always relaxed and easy going. Although the class consisted of banjo players of vastly different abilities, he always took the time to work with each student. He was able to make all the students comfortable and accepted."-Philip E.

    "Rex put forth a lot of effort to give each student as much individual attention as he could and still keep everyone learning. He showed great enthusiasm and a sincre desire to have each student learn to play the banjo. He took suggestions offered by class members and implemented them to better taylor the instruction to our needs. Most important of all he made it fun and enjoyable. Thanks."-Bradley N.

  • TARA FOSTER
    Tara's journey into the world of stained glass began with an internship at a local stained glass shop in Salt Lake City following my graduation in music performance from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (2017). This hands-on internship allowed her to develop my skills not only in traditional stained glass but fused and leaded glass techniques. For the last 5 years Tara been invited annually to assist renowned artist Wesley Wong at the Glass Craft & Bead Expo in Las Vegas. During the expo she helps teach fused glass techniques to students from across the country. Tara started teaching the copper foil technique in the Life Long Learning program in 2021 and plans to continue teaching for the foreseeable future.

    In addition to her passion for stained glass, she finds joy in the great outdoors. Hiking and backpacking offer her a chance to recharge and connect with nature's beauty while checking off bucket list hikes such as Mt. Elbert, Ibapah Peak, King's Peak, Rim-to-Rim, and Half Dome. During the winter months you will find her snowboarding at the local ski resorts, Brighton is her favorite.

    Instructor's website:

    @young.glasshopper

    What Students are Saying:

    "Tara was a great instructor, patient, and very knowledgeable. I would like to advance my skills with a more advanced class from Tara. Thanks for a great experience." - Catherine S.

    "Tara [Foster] is very patient in explaining technique and encourages developing skills that can be difficult to master. I enjoyed working with her to see my potential for stained glass art." - Daniel N.

  • MARIANNE GOODELL
    Marianne is a native of Salt Lake City. After leaving the computer industry, she discovered jewelry making. This journey started when she saw her first enamel in a gallery. She immediately knew that's what I wanted to do even though she really didn't know what enameling was. 20+ years later, after much trial and error her work has developed into jewelry that can be considered wearable art. She uses a variety of enameling techniques including: painting with enamel, cloisonne, and plique a jour.

    It is due to her passion for enamel that she decided to turn to teaching enameling. She wants to her knowledge and passion by providing tools and instruction to new and seasoned enamelists alike.

  • RANDIN GRAVES
    Randin Graves is a composer, multi-instrumentalist and one of the world's leading non-Aboriginal exponents of the Australian didgeridoo. As an Australian-American Fulbright scholar and manager of the esteemed Buku-Larrnggay Mulka art centre in the remote Aboriginal township of Yirrkala from 2004-2009, Randin was appointed as an ambassador of the instrument and its culture by two governments and a council of Aboriginal elders. He has a passion for sharing his experiences with the culture that originated the didgeridoo that has lead to presentations everywhere from United States elementary schools to the National Museum of Australia. As a trained western musician, he is also passionate about raising awareness of the musicality of the oft misunderstood instrument.

    But before he ever played didgeridoo, Randin grew up playing guitar and keyboards. Despite his notoriety in world music, he's never given up his desire to rock out now and then. He sings and plays guitar in the Salt Lake classic rock power trio The Discographers and appears as a sideman for a few other original and cover artists. He shares his experience as a working guitarist along with his didgeridoo expertise in his Lifelong Learning classes.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Randin was such a great teacher. We were taught songs and techniques that gave us a range of songs that we can enjoy sharing with friends. He presented chords, notes and timing that so matched the familiar original songs, learning the pieces was a reward that keeps playing. He helped us as individuals and a group with ways to improve chord transitoons, gaining flexibility in finger movements, etcetera. He gave us instructions to our individual strengths and challenges. So glad I took this course!"
    -Anne I.

    "Randin Graves is a knowledgeable, personable and thoughtful instructor. The pacing of the course was good and the variety of skills he exposed us to were appropriate for our level yet challenging."
    -Elizabeth B.

    "I've taken so many guitar courses, Guitar Center individual lessons, college group lessons, Great Courses, Udemy, YouTube, Guitar Pro, Guitar Tricks, TrueFire, and on and on. Randin Graves has unlocked the stumbling blocks I've had, switched on the light bulb, and I think I get it now. He's a phenomenal teacher. I just have to practice to get the muscle memory locking it all in. I'm looking forward to sometime in the next year getting beyond the beginner phase that I've been in my whole life."
    - Ray M.

  • Jeri Gravlin
    Jeri Jonise Gravlin is a young photographer transplanted from the Midwest whose mission in life is to tell stories through imagery that inspire positive change. Art is her form of activism and she strives to create a call for action towards a more sustainable future with each photograph she takes. Jeri has an Associate's Degree in Fine Arts from Delta College, a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies from Westminster College and is currently pursuing her M.S. in Resilient and Sustainable Communities from Green Mountain College. She currently works for The Salt Lake City Public Library as a Marketing and Communications Specialist, where visual storytelling is an intricate part of her job.

    "The instructor Jeri was awesome! Prepared and very knowledgeable, plus supportive and invested in her students' success! Highly recommend....." -Charles E.

    "Jeri is amazing at bringing energy to the class and keeping everyone engaged. I have seen her in person and now on zoom. She is an amazing person and you feel she genuinely loves what she is teaching, and that she also loves to teach. She made my experience with learning so much more fun." -Justin B.

  • AMY HARGREAVES-JUDZIS
    Amy began making things when she discovered sticks and mud as a toddler, and has been creating ever since. For the past fifteen years, the sticks she has been using are knitting needles (which have the added benefit of being attached to yarn.) Not nearly as messy as twigs and mud, plus the results are usually warm and wearable. She is a member of the Salt Lake Knitting Guild, and has been teaching others to knit for a dozen years.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Amy was a great teacher and very supportive. Her sense of humor was delightful and she was very patient with us. She also helped us connect with the knitting community and resources more broadly, which is very welcome. Thank you!!!"
    - Jordan G.

    "Amy Hargreaves was an awesome instructor for beginning knitting. Patient, attentive and always eager to offer EXTRA HELP"
    - Lija M.

    "The instructor was great! The projects were well aimed for a total beginner and we received a lot of useful tips about continuing to learn on our own after the course was over. Personalized attention and encouragement helped everyone succeed and the group dynamic was friendly and supportive. I'd love to take more classes from this instructor."
    -Gillian S.

  • instructor

    JONATHAN HARMAN
    Jonathan has over 30 years of experience as an avid cyclist. From personal experience racing road, triathlon, and mountain bikes. Running the University of Utah bike fleet for 2 and a half years while working his way through college as well as time spent as a test rider for Reynold's carbon wheels. He currently helps coach for National Interscholastic Cycling Association working with the Davis High Mountain Bike team as a level 2 ride leader.

    Jonathan also has a passion for woodworking and finish carpentry. He spent much of his earlier carrier as a finish carpenter later transitioning into high end metal finish work. As his career has evolved, he has continued running his own side business doing numerous residential remodel projects, furniture building, and refurbishment. He has an associate degree in Construction Management from Salt Lake Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Geography with an Emphasis in Geospatial Analysis from Weber State University. He currently works for the Utah Department of Transportation as the Traffic and Safety Data and Assets Manager.

    What Students are Saying:

    "[Jonathan] was very knowledgeable and friendly. And very patient with all our questions! Even though we felt they may be kind of silly/newbie questions, he reassured us that we should feel comfortable asking and not to hesitate...I will be looking for another class from him this summer." - Julie E.

    "[Jonathan] was great! He spent the time to answer all of our questions & made sure everyone was comfortable before proceeding. Highly recommend this class!"-Karina B.

  • instructor

    JAN HARRIS
    Jan can’t remember when art was not a part of her life…her refuge, her muse, her friend. Jan works primarily in metal and warm glass to create jewelry. She started metalsmithing in college after taking an unplanned class in jewelry making that caused her to change direction in art. She loves combining glass and metal, contrasting light and opacity in a single piece. Her focus is to create jewelry that tells a story. She instructs metalsmithing, both privately and at several locations in the community and currently heads the team of jewelry instructors at Pioneer Craft House in Salt Lake City, UT.

  • instructor

    JAMES HARRIS

  • JAN HARRIS-SMITH
    Jan can't remember when art was not a part of her life. . . her refuge, her muse, her friend. Jan works primarily in metal and polished stones to create unique jewelry. She started metalsmithing in college after taking an unplanned class in jewelry making that caused her to change direction in art. She loves combining stones and metal, contrasting light and opacity in a single piece. Her focus is to create jewelry that tells a story. She instructs metalsmithing, both privately and at several locations in the community and currently is co-owner of Salt City Smithery, a teaching studio in South Salt Lake City.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Jan Harris Smith is an outstanding educator with a vast amount of knowledge and expertise. I feel very lucky to have taken this course from her. She is absolutely the best of the best. Silversmithing has been on my bucket list for years, this course was beyond my expectations."
    -Penny M.

    "Jan is not only very knowledgeable, but also extremely patient with her students. I greatly appreciated her approach to teaching and plan to continue to take classes from her again."
    -Krista W.

    "Jan is a deeply knowledgeable instructor, passionate about sharing her talents and insight, and genuinely glad to see her students develop. She is a committed artist and the span of her practice is inspiring. For any prospective beginners, it’s worth noting that her patience is near Herculean. She is a gift to newcomers and highly recommended."
    -Kate N.

  • instructor

    BRADLEY HELLER

  • MICHAEL INGLEBY
    Michael has been a professional spiritualist and psychic within Utah and neighboring states for over 20 years. You may have seen him reading and teaching at your favorite local metaphysical shops. He began his journey into the metaphysical and occult realms at a young age before moving into more formal spiritual training and initiation. He holds Master's Degrees in Philosophy and Theology. He is the owner of Cat & Cauldron, a spiritual shop and community center in Taylorsville, Utah.
    He has found his purpose in teaching others about the mysteries of the metaphysical. Through this work, he hopes to help students find deeper meaning, clarity and purpose in their own spiritual paths.

  • instructor

    JEREMY INNIS
    "Jeremy was a great teacher. He was knowledgeable of the subject and respectful of the students as well as the religions discussed in the class. The class materials were well chosen and helpful to an understanding of the subject matter. I would love to see an additional class on this topic if Jeremy can teach it."
    -Jeffrey H.

    "The class, Discovering World Religions in SLC, exceeded my expectations. The instructor knew the subject, was very welcoming of everyone in the class and presented the subject in a way that was easy to follow. I don't think there was an empty seat for all 6 classes."
    -Kristeen M.

    "Jeremy was prepared for every class with interesting information. He was open to answering our questions and we were not rushed by him when asking questions so he could get through all of his prepared material. I enjoyed hearing his personal insights into the different religions. It was nice to experience in person the Islamic Center and the Krishna Temple."
    -Maurgerite M.

    "Jeremy is a great teacher! He is curious and knowledgeable and elicits thoughtful discussions. I would take any class he teaches."
    -Michelle M.

    "The class was very well organized and informative. Jeremy is so knowledgeable and engaging, taking an open minded and respectful approach to each religion discussed. Great class!"
    -Michael M.

  • instructor

    Jayakanthan Jayaseelan

  • SARINDA JONES
    Award-winning glass artist Sarinda Jones has been a studio artist since 2000. She was a finalist for the NICHE Award of American Craft/Rosen Group in Philadelphia, PA, and exhibited with the American Craft Council in San Francisco in 2009 and 2010. In 2006 she was an invited artist to the Utah Arts Festival. In 2003, Sarinda studied at the internationally renowned Pilchuck Glass School; her emphasis was on kiln-formed glass and casting techniques. Sarinda has received various art glass commissions, including window panels, wall pieces, and large-scale architectural sculptures.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Sarinda makes the class fun. I would love to take another class from her. I learned a lot and she was patient and checked in with everyone to make sure they understood and didn't have any questions."
    -Jennifer H.

  • instructor

    NIKOLAS KIENITZ
    I was born in Germany but raised in the mountains of Utah for the majority of my life. With this background I loved to learn about and explore different cultures and traditions. A lot of my inspiration comes from learning about these places and their styles of art, nature is my other big inspiration, being from the Wasatch mountains it's hard not to be inspired by the beauty of nature. I have always done some form of art, as far back as I can remember.

    It started at a very young age with drawing, painting and sculpture then moved into textile art, performance art, fashion and design and currently, my true love, jewelry.

    Jewelry making had always been a side hobby for me, something I did just for myself. I started in my teens with wire jewelry and after years of doing that I wanted more. I craved the ability to create my own charms and design elements, set stones and add them to pieces, so I decided to start taking classes on metal-smithing in my mid 20s.

    Over the years I have had many fabulous instructors show me many different techniques, they have helped me hone my skills in this medium and pushed me beyond what I thought possible. I'm excited to help people begin their own journey into metal-smithing to carry on the community and pass down the knowledge to help people become the artist they wish to be. I started doing workshops back in 2015 and absolutely loved the experience. Seeing peoples faces light up as they watched a piece go from idea to reality was such a joy for me. I have given many workshops since then in both jewelry making and fabric sculpture and hope to do so for a long time.

  • RACHEL KRAHENBUHL

  • ANDREA LATIMER
    Hi, my name is Andrea (she/her) and I'm obsessed with bitters. I'm the kind of person that talks with my hands and enjoys gathering with friends. I spend as much time outdoors as I possibly can, but I love my job so much you'll find me in the lab 'tinkering' more often than not. With a background in healthcare, but being a creative person at heart, I started Bitters Lab as a side gig mostly as a way to express my creativity through food and drink. I've also dabbled in the culinary world as a pastry chef, which is where my love for bitters spawned. Sure, they're great in cocktails, but have you ever baked with bitters?

    What Students are Saying:

    "Andrea is a wonderful teacher. It is obvious that she was excited about different cocktails. I was very happy to take this class an learned a lot."-Lawrence M.

    "Andrea knows here mixology and is a great Zoom presenter. Her classes are well produced with multiple camera angles and plenty of opportunity for sharing by the class."-Rebecca M.

  • DEBBIE LEAMAN
    Debbie Leaman has always found solace in writing and journaling. Her writing, including personal essays, has appeared in numerous local, national, and international magazines and on a variety of websites. Debbie is also a Certified Grief Educator, completing a 12-week program with world-renowned grief expert and author David Kessler. She teaches various writing workshops including, Writing Through Grief, Re-Imagining Your Life: A Creative Aging Writing Workshop, Let's Write! and Write Your Creative Aging Story: The Art of the Personal Essay. As a writing instructor, Debbie listens deeply, helping others translate their thoughts, experiences, and feelings into words on the page.

    What her students are saying about 'Writing Through Grief':

    "Thank you Debbie! She was a wonderful facilitator and gave us much insight into the very complicated topic of grief. Her writing prompts were spot on to get us to work through our grief. She also made the class a safe space for all to share. I am now ready to continue this process of living with my grief and growing stronger around it."
    - Julie S.

    "This class is a great resource to help someone deal with grief. All the information provided by the instructor was very helpful and was presented well. I didn't want the class to end. By the end of the class I didn't feel as weighed down by my grief as I did before I signed up."
    - Kjori S.

    "I feel like I can cope again. Writing gets it out on paper and lets you rest and process. Writing helps to relieve some of the pain.I learned more about myself. When I put the pen to paper I never knew what I was going to write it just flowed and took the pain with it. Sharing helped too saying it out loud was also helpful."
    - Rachel S.

    "Debbie Leaman did an exceptional job: sending us suggested readings to get us started, giving us writing prompts and then creating an environment where all learners felt comfortable sharing very personal stories of grief."
    -Bradley K.

    What her students are saying about 'Creative Aging: Re-Imagining Your Life'"

    'Debbie Leaman provided an excellent framework, thoughtful and caring, and helped us reimagine our lives while knitting the class group together in a highly supportive and effective way. Zoom made my participation possible, and I'm grateful!'
    -Jane S.

    'Debbie is a wonderfully supportive and creative instructor who helped is focus on what is possible during a time that feels very difficult. I am very grateful for the hope she instilled in me and for helping me find out that I enjoy writing!'
    -Brenda V.

  • instructor

    LORI LEE
    As the creator and host of the Love Your Story podcast Lori uses her Master's degree in folklore and her research in the personal narrative, along with her own personal journey through emotional intelligence training and eventual coaching in the Next Level program, to open discussions and provide tools and consulting for CREATING OUR BEST LIFE STORIES ON PURPOSE. She is known for inspirational and empowering interviews on the podcast. She is the author of L.I.F.E. - Living Intentional and Fearless Everyday, and through her company, Pod Productions, she helps others produce their podcasts when they want to have a show, but want to focus on their area of expertise.
    The Love Your Story podcast is in its 9th year running. You can find it on all the podcast platforms.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Lori was an amazing instructor for this podcast class - she gave us so many great insights, examples and outline to creating a podcast."
    -Sharon W.

    "The teacher was very knowledgeable and provided a realistic look at podcasting."
    -Ashlee J.

  • ALEX LORE
    Alex Jay Lore (he/they) is a queer author of science fiction and fantasy with LGBTQ+ protagonists. When not writing queerness with a chance of explosions, Alex is a high school English teacher, waging epic battles against comma splices and misused apostrophes. His debut science fiction novel, EMPIRE OF LIGHT, written as Alex Harrow, is out now from NineStar Press.

    What Students are Saying:

    "My teacher, Alex, was so great. He knew the subject well, and communicated it to us (beginners) in a patient, accessible way. He welcomed any questions, and was always fun and light hearted. I hope to take another class from him." -E. Chardack

  • instructor

    CATHERINE MARCHANT

  • GIULIANA MARPLE
    Giuliana Marple is a teaching faculty and Lecturer of Italian at the University of Utah. She directs and organizes study abroad programs in Italy and Europe. Giuliana received a Master in Foreign Language Teaching from the University of Utah and a Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young Universtiy. She has worked for two Olympic Committees in Salt Lake City and Turin, Italy. Giuliana is the founder of several cultural organizations, including Frontier Education and the Italian Club of Salt Lake. She lectures on Italian Culture and Society all over Utah and in the North West. She collaborates with the SLC mayor's office and the Italian Consulate in SLC for Italian cultural exchanges. She is currently the director of the Verona Italian Language Learning Abroad program.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Giuliana is bright, dynamic, and makes this class FUN. She's the best--not only completely at ease with the language, but also, she knows how to teach. Excellent!" P.C., Bountiful

    "Giuliana is such a bright, enjoyable person and being around her is so nice. She was so knowledgeable about the horses and made our experience with them very connected and fun. I left this experience with a deeper knowledge of myself and better tools for my relationships with others. I loved the meditation portions and all the interactions I was able to have with the horses. I will definitely be coming back to this experience and recommending it to people in my life!"-Kirsten D.

    "I absolutely loved this class! Guilanna is a great instructor that is clearly passionate about her work and horses.

    "I felt incredibly lucky to have stumbled upon this class and highly recommend it to anyone looking to clear their head or do something different."
    -Becca C.

    "Excellent! So well done. Prepared for us, the attendees, so much effort and sincere love. Excellent training and memories and positive life thoughts taken away from this class."
    -Judy N.

    "This is an amazing class and I liked it so much that I attended for a second time. Please continue to offer this great class!"
    -Jill M.

  • NANCY MATHIEU-CARRUTHERS
    Chef Nancy's professional career started in New York City at the Institute of Culinary Education, where she received her certificate as a classically trained chef. She continued her education at the University of Utah, where she received a BA in Geography and studied climate and drought in Utah. She holds certificates in Leadership in Sustainable Food Systems from the University of Vermont, Sustainable Food Systems and Health from Johns Hopkins, Food and Sustainability from the European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability, and Holistic Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell.

    In her workshops, created for the home cook, be ready to delve into the rich tapestry of food culture, exploring unique regional traditions and cooking techniques. The best way to learn about food is to get inspiration from people. Their diverse food cultures are not just a part but the very backbone of our global food systems!

    Nancy is a dedicated and passionate professional chef with over 24 years of experience working within different sectors of the food Industry, including sous chef and pastry chef in some of the finest restaurants in Park City, Assistant Professor of culinary education at Salt Lake Community College, and the Art Institute, and a Mentor for students in the Food and Sustainability Certification Program at the European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability.

    Through her work, Chef Nancy's experiences have given her a holistic understanding of the connections between healthy, nutritious, and sustainable food, and she has become acutely aware of how food production affects all our lives.

  • ANDREA MCCAUSLAND
    Andrea has been a maker most of her life. Working in 3D is her favorite and what she is best at.
    Andrea has been sewing for 30+ years and loves creating custom costumes, home decor, and clothing. Helping others to learn and unlock their own creative potential is her passion.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Andrea was so accommodating to everyone's styles and speeds- we were able to figure out concepts together and also to have individual time with her. Exactly what I needed to figure out my sewing machine!"
    - Fiona K.

    "Andrea is the best! She really goes the extra mile to help everyone. And she's extremely knowledgeable. I'm so glad she was my instructor."
    - Claudia T.

    "The instructor was great. She had the right kind of energy for a 3 hour class on a Monday night :D very knowledgeable and approachable and funny, and I learned a lot!"
    -Kati L.

  • DARBY MCDONOUGH
    Darby, a native of Salt Lake City and the sole girl among seven brothers, grew up with a tomboy streak, a love for radio, an entrepreneurial spirit - from running lemonade stands to selling out of her homemade lollipops in junior high - always with a tech-savvy edge. Her early days as a college DJ hinted at a future intertwining entertainment and tech. At 19 she moved herself to Hollywood, by 29 she had owned a recording studio, and soon after, she was a pioneering voiceover artist in Silicon Valley with one of the earliest AI voice systems, a venture so successful that she's been heard trillions of times globally.

    The past decade Darby has been working diligently in higher education at the University of Utah, the public sector for the State of Utah, and in various non-profit efforts, to blend her passion for entertainment, innovation and economics. Today, as a Ph.D. Candidate at Regent University, Darby's mission is to apply research backed entertainment-education methods to make complex tech concepts relatable and beneficial for everyone.

    Through her specially crafted courses, Darby empowers individuals across various professions to harness the power of emerging tech, helping them be equipped with tools to improve their lives and careers. For her, it's more than just understanding; it's about leveraging tech to elevate humanity.

  • TARA MEADE
    Tara Meade, MS, CSMC, CSSC is the founder and well-being consultant of Optimal Well-Being Utah. With over 15 years of health and wellness experience, Tara strives to create excitement, engagement, and awareness around the adoption of healthy lifestyles both personally and professionally. Tara believes that all her clients have the potential to reach optimal well-being through a combination of personalized vision, unique goals, social support, and regular celebration. In addition to supporting her well-being clients, Tara offers a series of classes and workshops to support groups of individuals seeking new healthy skills, techniques, or practices.

    Tara holds a BS in Integrative Physiology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a master's degree in Health Promotion and Education from the University of Utah. Tara has been a featured speaker at the Utah Worksite Wellness Conference and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. Tara is a Certified Stress Management Coach (CSMC), Certified Sleep Science Coach (CSSC), and Certified Mind Body Fitness Coach (CMBFC) through NESTA.

    When Tara is not supporting others with her positive energy, you will find her adventuring with her greatest inspirations; her two boys and husband. Having grown up in Utah, Tara takes full advantage of her beautiful environment; skiing, hiking, road biking, camping, SUP, or competing in occasional triathlons. At home, Tara can be found cooking up vegetable-forward meals for her family or 'attempting' to master gluten-free baking.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Tara managed to engage the whole class in a way that brought out relevant experiences that we all shared in various degrees and forms. Her suggestions resonated with everyone & I'm looking forward to applying the better sleep practices she explored with the class. I already feel more relaxed and rested!" - Robyn H.

    "Important information given. knowledgeable instructor. she answered questions. She told me facts & interventions I didn't know, verified some of my behaviors that were correct interventions, and reminded me about things I had forgotten that I need to know." - Colleen A.

  • MUYLY MILLER
    Muyly started her own wedding and event planning business in 2011, The Muyly Miller Company. Under her company, she has branched into a host of lifestyle interests, including food and baking. She has been asked to appear on a number of local, daytime TV shows to share her expertise. Her most recent, and ongoing, project is teaching cake decorating classes to sold-out groups at a local wine bar. Her baking won a blue ribbon at the most recent Utah State Fair cake contest, and she was, most notably, commissioned to do a cake for Governor Herbert and the First Lady for a private event.

    "Muyly was an amazing teacher and very patient with us. She thought ahead in preparation and answered all our questions."-Jennifer H.

  • Andrew Miller

  • KASEY MITCHELL

  • instructor

    HANNAH MUETZELFELD
    Hannah Muetzelfeld, PhD, is a dedicated scientist-practitioner specializing in building sustainable relationships. With years of experience working closely with couples and publishing related research, she employs empirically-backed methods to foster connection, enhance communication, and navigate conflict. Her expertise extends to helping individuals and couples manage insecurities and overcome past emotional injuries, ultimately leading to greater satisfaction in relationships. Her work not only enriches the understanding of how relationships thrive but also informs practical interventions that empower couples to cultivate lasting and fulfilling connections.

    In addition to her professional accomplishments, Hannah is deeply committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all. As a queer-affirming practitioner, she prioritizes understanding and supporting the unique experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, ensuring that her workshops and presentations are welcoming and affirming.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Great instructors. Extremely valuable content, applicable to all sorts of relationships, not limited to romantic partnerships. Honestly this should be a required class in elementary or secondary education settings! Take it whenever you can."
    -Anonymous Student.

    "The instructors are knowledgeable and gifted presenters. The content is evidence based and priceless. I'd recommend this class to anyone who wants to understand your relationships (and yourself) better."
    -Rachel B.

    "Very useful for any human"
    -Kathleen D.

  • JANIECE MURRAY
    Janiece Murray student of traditional techniques and arts including gilding, geometry, bookbinding, and making and painting with handmade watercolors. She received her BA in Visual Art from Brigham Young University and her MA in Traditional Arts from the Prince's Foundation School of Traditional Arts. Janiece continues to learn and share her findings with others.

    What Students are Saying:


    "I've wanted to take this bookbinding class for a long time and it was always full. I'm so glad I finally had the opportunity to take the class. I'm excited about what I've learned and have already acquired supplies to keep making books. The instructor was patient, knowledgeable, and kept things at a steady and learnable pace. I recommend this class as a wonderful option for other beginners looking to learn book binding."
    -Robin G.

  • CAROLINE NILSSON
    Caro Nilsson is a multi-media artist and muralist based in Salt Lake City. Most recently, her work has been an experiment in tactile impressionistic painting. The practice of making art is a way of interpreting experiences -- the way it felt to move through a space with feet and hands, to feel the sunlight, and smell pine needles. In many ways, the act of creating becomes an extension of the experience or participation with it. It is meditative and introspective (slow, fast, sudden, eventual). By creating paintings with more media than just ''paint'' -- be that different minerals, organic matter, or cotton thread - the dialogue with experience opens up to one that becomes freer and more tactile, more honest.

    Caro holds a B.S. in Architecture and a B.A. in Fine Art from the University of Virginia. She has spent her adult years exploring America's wild places and translating those feelings and findings into paintings. She completed her first solo Artist Residency at the Dacha in Mystic, CT in the Spring of 2021, and currently lives and paints full-time from Salt Lake City.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Caro is an inspiring teacher. She had an excellent, interesting, relevant brief didactic portion for each session. She did great demonstrations of the art and allowed students to express themselves individually. She has great energy and is a positive force for art and teaching."-Constance G.

    "Caro is an amazing instructor! She is encouraging, and shares her passion so willingly that it creates a safe atmosphere to explore and makes art accessible even to true beginners. I would highly recommend this class to bring some joy into your life!"-Leanne P.

  • instructor

    Gregory Noel
    What Students are Saying:

    "The instructors are knowledgeable and gifted presenters. The content is evidence based and priceless. I'd recommend this class to anyone who wants to understand your relationships (and yourself) better."
    -Rachel B.

    "Very useful for any human"
    -Kathleen D.

  • Pamela Olson
    Pamela M. Olson is the owner of Native Flower Company, a full-service florist located in Sugar House that specializes in custom designs for all occasions, including weddings and events. The daughter of a nurseryman, Olson grew up in Spring Lake, Utah, accompanying her dad in the greenhouse, propagating plants and in winter, learning boutonniere- and wreath-making. Before founding Native in 2012, she ran another floral business, TriFecTa Design and was an editor at Utah Homes & Garden, Utah Style & Design and Salt Lake magazines. She is currently a freelance writer for local publications and blogs.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Pamela was an awesome teacher. I learned the basics of floral design, so I can make my own arrangements at home. I really loved taking home a finished floral arrangement every class to enjoy. I would take this class every month if it was offered."

    "The class was informative, educational, well-designed and tailored to help the students learn more about working with fresh flowers. I increased my basic understanding, learned tricks of the trade, and insight into how to be successful independently. The fundamentals were concrete and can be applied to various situations. Grateful I took this class and for the kindness and encouragement offered by the instructor. Would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in flowers, events, or gardening."

  • instructor

    THERESA ORISON

  • instructor

    ESLY ORTEGA LOPEZ
    What Students are Saying:

    "I enjoyed this class with Michelle. The classes were thorough and thoughtful. She took the time to explain and to listen and respond to our questions. We learned a lot about the industry and how to enter the industry as a beginner. I hope there's an intermediate follow up session to this class."-Mark G.

    "Michelle is great. I gained a great deal of knowledge that I'm certain I will put to future use, and I had fun, to boot."-Lu P.

    "Perfect length of class to get a good introduction to voice acting. Michelle gave us a great balance of information and practice. The final recording session was also so fun." -Alison Snow

  • ANNE OSTENDORFF FERGUSON
    Ani is a PADI Mermaid Instructor, Professional PADI Divemaster, Freediving instructor, and educator. She has been in and around the water all of her life; swimming competitively, scuba diving since childhood, and enjoying open water. She is excited to extend her Mermaid courses to Lifelong Learning to help bring safety and enjoyment of the water to everyone.

    What Students are Saying:

    "This was a wonderful class that I would recommend to everyone. The professor was amazing, kind, and patient. The other people in the class were super encouraging and supportive. It was a super unique opportunity that introduced me to a hobby I might have for the rest of my life. Great experience."
    -Jennie W.

    "What a fun way to learn about the magic of becoming a mermaid - the ultimate fantasy! Great instruction about not only the art but the skill and safety of swimming underwater with proper breath work. This class is for anyone who is comfortable in the water and wants to experience a beautiful form of swimming!"
    - Lisa M.

  • MATTHEW OSTRANDER
    Matthew Ostrander is the owner and Chief Cider Curator at Ibantik Craft Beverages, Utah's premier hard cider focused supplier and importer of fine craft ciders from around the globe. As Utah's first and only Certified Pommelier (American Cider Association), he has been leading educational efforts to expand knowledge of this category of craft cider (apple based wine) with a passion for the history, culture and production techniques found around the world. Working closely with beverage directors, executive chefs and sommeliers, he has been dedicated to building a diverse catalog of fine ciders available to restaurants, bar establishments and consumers through the Utah DABS special order system.
    As a former chemical engineer, Matthew previously earned a Foundation Certificate in Cider & Perry Production (Cider Institute of North America - CINA), and his Certified Cider Professional - Level 1 (American Cider Association). He has also served as a judge in the premier cider competition, GLINTCAP (Great Lakes International Cider & Perry Competition). He has won Pommelier of the Year and Distributor of the Year awards from the American Cider Association for the Rocky Mountain region. Matthew also earned his MBA from the University of Utah Eccles School of Business.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Great class in nice settings. Mr. Ostrander is very knowledgeable and his presentation was very good. Like the class so much that decided to sign up for the whole series."
    -Andy C.

    "So fun! This class was a great date night for my partner and I. It introduced me to flavors that I had never experienced before and the instructor, Matt Ostrander, was super knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and offered additional events and recommendations for continuing to explore ciders on my own. The other participants were very kind and open. It was like I found my people! And, I was introduced to a new venue in SLC, Scion, where I felt welcome and will definitely return to. The Lifelong team had really good and clear communications about what to expect and how to go to the venue as well. Super easy and enjoyable experience. I'll definitely take another class!"
    -Christine B.

    "I have been a part of each of the Ciders of the World classes and each has been more enjoyable than the last. Matthew Ostrander is knowledgable, informative, and most of all, fun. Scion Cider Bar is a welcoming space and the class is free of pretention. If you have any interest in the world of cider, there is no better opportunity."
    -Duncan A.

  • instructor

    IRENE OTA
    After 40 years, Irene Maya Ota retired from the University of Utah. She has a BA in Cultural Anthropology, a master's in public administration, and has education (all but dissertation) in the Ph.D. program. in Education, Culture, and Society. Her research interests focus on critical space theory, identity formation, and social justice advocacy and action. She has taught social justice courses for over 20 years.

    Her life experiences and education have spurred her interest and passion in social justice education, issues, and advocacy.

    What Students are Saying:

    "I think everyone in the room expanded their knowledge and skills to better understand and communicate in sensitive situations. [Irene] showed authentic and long-standing passion for the content. She shared her life experiences and inspired all of us to learn and unlearn important skills, just as advertised in the course title. I hope more folks will take this course (and others like it) with open hearts and minds."-Diane B.

    "Thought provoking. Excellent insight from both instructors. Left feeling very informed." - Sarah A

    "This was such an informative class. There were so many tools provided that I can take with me to provide better patient care. Thank you." - Tracy S

  • THERESA OTTESON
    Theresa has a passion for creating and teaching art. She worked at the Bountiful Davis Art Center for five years as the Education Coordinator where she used her passion to teach people of all ages how to create and appreciate art. She Left the art center in order to work full time as a classical artist and teacher. Theresa has exhibited her paintings in galleries around the United States in competitions, group and solo exhibitions and has won various awards for her work. Her paintings are in collections in Europe, Japan, and the United States, including, the Farmington City Building in Utah, the Davis County Courthouse, The Eccles Art Center, Bountiful Davis Art Center, and Sears Art Museum.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Theresa is an excellent teacher. She explains things so I can understand it."-Jessica M.

    "[Theresa] was fantastic! Very knowledgeable, had great pacing, and great information!"-Christy D.

  • instructor

    TYLER PETERSEN
    What Students are Saying:

    "Tyler is a great teacher and was very generous to answer all questions. He has a great depth of knowledge on the topics and I believe I learned more from this class than any of its kind I have taken."-Stacy M.

  • MARIAN PHAM
    Marian Pham is a painter and illustrator using digital, watercolor, gouache, and oil to create her works. In her personal practice, Marian explores themes around collective healing, generational trauma, and current social issues, using portraiture, symbolism, and abstraction. She graduated from California College of the Arts with a BFA in Illustration. She has also studied abroad at Hongik University in South Korea, and attended Graduate School of Illustration at the Academy of Arts University. She has exhibited in various plein air competitions around Utah and has taught painting and drawing classes. Her paintings have won her Artist's Choice at the Escalante Plein Air Competition in 2016, and the Purchase Award and Merit Award from the Brigham City Museum in 2018. She is currently freelancing in illustration and exhibiting work in galleries, including Every Day Original and the Davis Arts Snow Horse Gallery in Utah.


    What Students are Saying:

    "Mariam was a great teacher. She would demonstrate, then we'd try it on our own and if we needed help she'd help us. I was a little intimidated to do charcoal but it was so fun."
    -Micki H.

    "Marian is a lovely instructor. Very patient w positive and constructive criticism. Look forward to taking classes from her in the future."
    -Susan Z.

  • instructor

    RYNNA POULSON
    What Students are Saying:

    "This was a very organized and well-taught class. The teacher was very prepared and experienced. Her instructions were thorough and she was patient, yet encouraging of us beginners!"

    "The teacher was excellent. I have been doing eggs for years but still learned. Thank you very much"
    -Diana M.

  • instructor

    MARK PYPER
    With an emphasis on financial planning, risk-appropriate investment portfolios, first-class service, and results, Mark began his career as a financial advisor in 2004 and co-founded a wealth management team in 2008. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) with corporate management experience, Mark seeks to understand the issues and opportunities facing clients, and use all available resources to provide meaningful solutions.

    Recognized as a "Best In State Wealth Advisor" by Forbes/Shook Research, Mark has taught a number of finance courses at The University of Utah's Lifelong Learning program, and serves on the Alumni Council for his high school.

    Born in Michigan (a long-suffering Detroit Lions fan) and raised in rural Pennsylvania, Mark earned his MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Business, and his BA in English from Denison University. He enjoys spending time with his wife and their three adult children, biking on trails, roads and snow, and experiencing new places.

    What Students are Saying:

    "He was very knowledgeable and made the class so interesting. He was very open to questions and yet still covered the material that was the purpose of the class. What I really appreciated was his very detailed explanations of subtle nuances regarding terms used in the financial industry. That really impressed me and was very helpful. He ran over his time and regrettably,I was not able to stay. This class was an excellent investment of my time and resources!"
    -Jo Ann M.

    "This was definitely a lifelong learning class for sure. I now know how to save for my retirement plans in a way that will benefit me to the max and not only that, I now how to save for my education and for my future kids."
    -Prudence M.

  • RACHEL QUIST
    Rachel Quist is a professional archaeologist living in Salt Lake City. She is a Salt Lake native and a graduate of the University of Utah. She has a passion for local history, especially the history that is not often discussed or memorialized on a plaque. An avid reader of historic newspapers she often comes across odd and surprising stories of the past which she shares on her Instagram and blog. Rachel received a Best of Utah 2021 award from Salt Lake City Weekly for her Instagram @rachels_slc_history.

    What Students are Saying:

    Her students think she is the best:

    "Rachel was AWESOME as an instructor. She really went above and beyond in giving us handouts and extra time. She was great at taking questions too. This is a challenging setting for a class with weather, walking, etc. but she handled everything like a pro. Looking forward to more neighborhoods and more learning with her!"
    - Jill M.

    "So much rich history that we had never heard of! Especially interesting to learn of the hidden history of minority and ethnic communities. Knowledgeable and interesting leader with lots of good stories about SLC's past!"
    - Sherilyn S.

    "Even though I grew up in Salt Lake City, I learned there is so much about Salt Lake's history that I don't know. So interesting!"
    - Deborah S.

  • CARRIE ROBERTS
    My name is Carrie Roberts, aka "that lady that makes soap." I have been making my own soap since 2003 and since has spread to an obsession with making healthier products for our bodies. I teach soap and lotion making and have other class ideas in the works (so keep an eye out!). I have a bachelor's degree in marketing and a master's in management, and I really enjoy the creativity and self-reliance of making my own products.

    "Carrie was fun and very thorough, and passed on very useful tips garnered from her own vast experience."- Monica S.

    "Carrie is such a great teacher and has good lesson slides. She makes sure everyone is where they should be in the process and is willing to help them individually if needed. This is the second time I've taken the class, not because I needed to, but because I enjoy Carrie's information as she teaches the class."-Maria C.

  • ALLYSON ROCKS
    Ally is an embroidery artist, sewer, and graphic designer hailing from Las Cruces, New Mexico. She enjoys taking the things she loves, such as reptiles, scooters, and places near and far, and translating them into stitched designs.

    Ally earned a BA in Art History from New Mexico State University and an MA in Design from Joshibi University of Art and Design in Sagamihara, Japan. Ally's work often incorporates Japanese since she also enjoys teaching others this super fun language. Participants in her Hand Embroidery class may learn a word or two!

    What Students are Saying:

    "Ally was a great instructor. She helped everyone individually to learn new stitches and work on their own projects. Also enjoyed that she curated a music playlist for each class."
    - Adrienne B.

  • KIMBERLY ROUSH
    Two of her paintings can be found in the permanent collection of the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. Kimberly's works have been juried into LYWAM's prestigious, international Birds in Art exhibition 5 times. One of her paintings is published in SPLASH 19: Illusion of Light, The Best of Watercolor. 126 paintings were selected out of 1700 international works for this annual book. Her paintings and contact can be found on kimberlyroush.com.

    BFA graphic design, Carnegie-Mellon University, 1978
    BFA painting & drawing, University of Utah, 1990

    What Students are Saying:

    "Kim is an engaging, skilled, and generous teacher. She brought a wealth of useful examples and provided excellent demonstrations of the techniques she shared. Her critiques were helpful, instructive, and kind. I'm excited to take my next class with her."-Rebecca M.

    "Kimberly took the time and a lot of effort to give exemplary feedback during the course as well as outside of class. She gave us realistic yet challenging assignments and certainly "upped my game" in watercolors. She is talented and could demonstrate a variety of techniques helpful to the range of students. Very highly recommend her as a teacher--and an artist!"-Constance G.

    "I loved this class, Kimberly gives such good critics (critiques) and tips. I learned so much by having someone critic my work and suggest different ways to achieve results.''

    "The curriculum for this class was well-planned for building skills for watercolor artists. I learned a lot & enjoyed the class very much! I would definitely consider taking this class again since I'm sure I could benefit from more repetition."

  • HARUKO SADLER
    Born in Kawasaki outside Tokyo, Japan, Haruko was born into a family that had several masters of traditional Japanese art and culture. Having a Omotesenke tea master, professional calligrapher, a Sogetsu style Ikebana master, and several Koto musicians in the family, Haruko had a solid foundation to build off of. She continued to learn other forms of traditional cultural arts before moving to the United States in 1998. She has received the tea name, Sosei and Ikebana name of Haruka and has continued to spread the Japanese traditions in the United States.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Sadler Sensei is a wonderful teacher. The class was fun with lots of hands-on time."-Laura M.

    "Ah! This class is where art and engineering meet. [Haruko] was knowledgeable of the history and has years of practice of creating works of art. I appreciated the show-and-tell, where she worked through the entire process. Then we got to try it out ourselves with lilies, irises, big green leaves, grasses, and decorations. We enjoyed ourselves immensely!"-Winter R.

    "The class flow was great and the three hours flew by. I loved that we got to try three different designs and keep the supplies so we can continue our practice at home. I plan to continue practicing the skills I learned. I've already recommended this class to friends to take in the spring!" - Lisa W.

  • instructor

    JAMES SANTANGELO
    James Santangelo is the owner of the Wine Academy of Utah, a company tailored for both wine enthusiasts and professionals. His organization provides education and training to restaurants, hosts wine events, and offers on-site sommelier services for wine and spirits. The Wine Academy of Utah is an approved program provider for the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), an educational track which leads the path in pursuit towards becoming a Master in Wine and Spirits. James has received much recognition for his work, including Salt Lake Magazine Dining Awards "Best Wine Educator"(2011) and Utah's "Best Server" (2010).

    What Students are Saying:

    His students can't stop raving:

    "The instructor is wonderfully knowledgeable and fun to learn from. His knowledge of the history, both that written in books and the whimsically anecdotal is extensive. To top it all off I've learned what to think about as I'm drinking a whiskey and how to truly appreciate it."
    -Sandra K.

    "Fantastic class. Just as enjoyable for whiskey enthusiasts as it is for absolute beginners. The instructor obviously has a wealth of knowledge on the topic, but also has a passion for the material that made the class so enjoyable."
    -Raymond A.

    ''The instructor was very knowledgeable and lots of fun with his animated gestures. Lots and lots of fun!!''
    -Krista Meyers

    ''Jimmy's knowledge and ability to present is unmatchable!''
    -Ahmi Bryant

    ''Jim is a talented, engaging educator. We learned and were joyful in doing so. I'm very grateful that the U makes these events possible.''
    -Shauna Bona

    ''I would sign up every time for this!!!!''
    -Dianne Fanz

    ''He truly loved his subject matter and took joy in sharing it with others. His teaching style was engaging and helped me stay interested.''
    -Ryan Mickelson

  • instructor

    Patty Schafbuch
    I have been a professional artist for over 25 years. I create pet portraits on commission, teach oil/acrylic painting at Petersen Art Center and enjoy painting in plein air as well as in studio. I earned my degree in Graphic Design and Illustration. I've been honored with a few ribbons, including Best of Show. My husband and I are Utah natives and enjoy time with our family.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Patty is a marvelous teacher. It was such an interesting class! I just wish it was ongoing. But I certainly plan to take any future classes she may teach!"
    -Elizabeth S.

    "Fantastic class and Patty is a very good teacher."
    -Diana M.

    "Patty was a great instructor. I appreciated how she taught a class of people with mixed experience and tailored feedback to everyone depending on their skill level."
    -Cindy T.

  • AMY SCHMIDT
    I have worked in the fashion industry for 20 years and while I love the process of draping a soft fabric to fit the curves of the human body I am even more intrigued by coaxing hard metal into nearly any shape. A few simple bends in a piece of metal can transform it into what looks like a cloth ribbon. I started designing and making jewelry about 15 years ago with a simple beaded necklace. When I took a Silver Fabrication class in a local New Jersey college I was hooked. My passion for metalsmithing gained momentum when I started taking classes in ancient techniques of jewelry making - hand fused and woven chainmaking, bezel setting stones and granulation.

    I've had the great fortune of learning from some of the best teachers in the states. My appetite for learning and experimenting with different techniques in jewelry making has taken me to classes and workshops from New York to Seattle and places in between.

    I love experimenting with texture and color in metal and obtain these unique finishes with tools as simple as sandpaper, a hammer or even a hardboiled egg! Another way I like to create texture is with textile weaving techniques, which bring me back to my roots of working with fabric.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Amy was an awesome teacher, took the time to see that everyone was taken care of and their specific projects. She helped us design our crazy projects and exceed at what we wanted to do!"-Carlee R.

    "Amy is great! She is so talented and knows her craft very well. A joy to work with."-Susan B.

    "Amy was incredible and let students do their own thing while being very helpful still and doing demos that benefit everyone. There was a perfect balance of structure and instruction and also freedom to create and work on what we want." - Olivia T

  • SHERAL SCHOWE
    Sheral Schowe is the founder and owner of Wasatch Academy of Wine, Utah's first and largest wine school. She is the affiliate provider of post-nominal certification courses on the wines of France, Italy and Spain for the Wine Scholar Guild and Adjunct Professor of Wine Studies for the Culinary Institute of Salt Lake Community College. She has a Master's degree in Adult Education and is a Licensed Wine Educator through the Utah Department of Alcohol Beverage Control. Sheral is a certified French and Spanish Wine Scholar with Master's level certification in the areas of Provence and the Rhine.

    Instructor's website:

    https://www.wasatchacademyofwine.com/wine-classes.html

    What Students are Saying:

    "The teacher is terrific--she relates stories about the wines and areas as well as foods in a way where you don't realize you are learning. She has amazing depth and breadth of knowledge of wines. We also had lovely table companions which made the evening so enjoyable as well. Great experience."-Constance G.

    "I really enjoy all of Sheral's classes. She always adds a great personal element to her vast knowledge of wine making the classes both a learning and social experience. Her enthusiasm is contagious!"-Laura H.

    "Sheral is an absolute gem! Extremely knowledgeable...she also makes the learning experience fun! I've been taking her classes for a couple of years now and I learn something new every single time!" - Nancy W.

  • LAUREN SEGAL
    Lo is a registered dietitian, yoga teacher, and owner of Ember Wellness. Ember offers body-based practices (yoga, meditation, breathwork) and nutrition education to reignite your intuitive wisdom for an improved relationship with food and body. Lo's approach to this work is science-based, playful, and welcoming. While Lo isn't working with clients or in the studio, she enjoys human powered adventures in the mountains or desert with good company.

    "The instructor was great! She was very approachable and helpful, and we had great discussions in class. I also feel like the yoga was really great for beginners (like me), the movement was very accessible to all levels." - Tracey

  • JACOB SMITH
    Jake is a seasoned cyclist and bicycle maintenance expert with over three decades of experience in the world of cycling. While getting his mechanical engineering degree from the University of Utah, he worked at a local bike shop where he gained extensive knowledge and skills in bike assembly, sales, repairs, and warranties. This experience, combined with his degree, gives him a solid understanding of the mechanics and intricacies of bicycles.
    Since graduating, Jake has worked in the outdoor industry as a product development engineer and engineering manager, where he has continued to develop his expertise in the field. He currently works for a leading bicycle component manufacturer, where he has been able to combine his passion for cycling with his professional work.
    Beyond Jake's professional experience, he is also an avid bike enthusiast who loves to work on bikes almost as much as he enjoys riding them. He believes that maintaining a bike is an essential aspect of cycling that every rider should be familiar with. With his extensive experience and passion for cycling, he is excited to share his knowledge and help you develop the skills needed to maintain your bike and ride with confidence.

    What Students are Saying:

    "This was a great course, I will recommend it to my friends. Jake is a terrific instructor. He is friendly and personable. He knows the subject matter well, and was meticulous about staying on the syllabus and on time, while offering to stay after for any and all questions. I learned enough and gained enough confidence to avoid spending so much money on bike service."
    -Brian B.

    "I learned so much about bikes with this class. Great teacher! He knows how to present and explain complex bike issues. I have the confidence to practice and experiment with my repairs "
    -Theresa H.

    "Jake was a great teacher! He covered a lot of material and made an effort to stay on track to cover everything on the agenda, but he also welcomed questions and answered questions thoroughly.
    When he wasn't sure about a question I had, he followed up with an answer during the next session.
    I loved the small class size and casual environment."
    -Sarah M.

  • ALEXANDER SPRINGER
    Alex Springer grew up in West Jordan, UT where trips to Chuck-A-Rama and Arctic Circle formed the foundation of his unique perspective on the Wasatch Front's nuanced food scene. In between trips to local restaurants, he managed to get a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Utah and taught high school English for seven years. His affection for visiting both dive bars and swanky hotspots led him to pursue freelance writing for local publications like SLUG Magazine and Utah Business Magazine. After a few years as an A&E contributor for Salt Lake City Weekly, Alex became the alt-weekly's resident food dude and has been writing the dining column for just over five years. Alex currently lives in South Jordan with his wife Sheree and his daughter Juniper.

  • ELIZABETH STRUTHWOLF
    Liz Struthwolf is known for hosting warm, fun, and festive community tasting events that feature delicious locally curated hand crafted foods and beverages. Over the years, she has introduced thousands of guests to the wellness aspects of the finest hand crafted food through her coffee and chocolate shops, her highly popular lecture series, and her award-winning local, regional and national tasting events. Her education through Culinary Institute of America, Ecole Chocolat, and American Barista and Coffee School opened the doors to the world of specialty foods after many years of working in systems and management. She currently works in the field of food science and medically evidenced food research, is president of Utah Chocolate Society, and is a member of Specialty Coffee Association and Fine Chocolate Industry Association.

  • instructor

    NANCY TAYLOR

  • JOHN TRIMBLE
    John is a professor at Weber State University and co-founder of Foodscaping Utah, a nonprofit organization that helps people get started growing food in beautiful frontyard foodscapes. He teaches Spanish and linguistics at Weber and teaches how to grow delicious fruits and vegetables in the community. As an educator, John is passionate about helping people learn how to learn; as a food and health activist, he believes everyone who eats should be passionate about food and believes that our landscapes have tremendous potential to reconnect us with natural beauty, healthy food and a sustainable lifestyle. When he is not teaching, he is busy with his two creative daughters who inspire him to help create a better world.

    What Students are Saying:

    "The instructor was very knowledgeable about the topic. He continued to ask if any questions and happily answered all. He had the knowledge to answer associated questions as well. His power point with pictures as well as the zoom garden tour was very rewarding helpful." - Dixie P

  • MATTHEW TRONE
    Matthew, The Manly Baker, is a self-taught baker. He has 10 years of experience baking and has taught baking classes for 3 years. The Manly Baker currently teaches baking classes making pretzels, naan, bagels, artisan bread, and cookies. He caters his bread and cookies at events large and small. He loves to share his passion for baking and help others to see that it is fun and approachable! Matthew has made television appearances on Fox13's The Place and KSL's Studio5. He is happy to answer any questions you have via email or themanlybaker503@gmail.com or on Instagram at @themanlybaker.

    What Students are Saying:

    "I totally enjoyed learning how to make pretzels with Matthew. He has an easy teaching manner that made the experience more fun and successful for me. I am excited to participate in his Naan class in March!"
    -Nancy C.

    "The Manly Baker was amazing... he made this so simple for something I was scared to try on my own. I would take more of his classes for sure!!! Learned so much and it was fun!"
    -Michelle S.

    "The instructor gave clear instructions and gave ample opportunity for questions. I love doing cooking classes in the comfort of my own kitchen."
    -Florence H.

  • instructor

    ANDREA UEHLING
    Andrea has played in and guided games for the past 8 years, playing with multiple groups nationwide and writing her own stories for her friends and others to follow. Currently, she writes and edits tabletop content, as well as plays multiple games- both in person and online formats. While earning her Bachelors of Science in Anthropology, she also conducted research with ethnographic records from Yale, for publication with Dr. Shane Macfarlan concerning warrior rewards as well as reputation studies. In her other education, she's traveled internationally and participated in classes from marine biology to forensic anthropology, as well as time in the United States Army.

    What Students are Saying:

    "The instructor was very enthusiastic. It was challenging and a ton of fun. We got to make some new friends and learn as they learned. The handouts, cheat sheets, and visuals were very effective. I knew zilch about the game; they made you feel welcome and like one
    of them."
    - Christine B.

    "Andrea was an excellent teacher. Before taking the course, I had tried playing before but could never really get into it. Andrea brought years of experience of how to make D&D fun and engaging."
    Brian F.

    "It was a very fun class with a very comfortable atmosphere. The Instructor is very approachable and easy to connect with in relation to the class and the learning of how to play Dungeons and Dragons."
    Lacee S.

  • CALEB WARNOCK
    Caleb Warnock loves anything to do with plants. He is the bestselling author of 24 nonfiction books, including Backyard Winter Gardening, The Art of Baking with Natural Yeast, Successful Gardening in Utah, Forgotten Skills of Self-Sufficiency, and 276 Edible Wild Plants of the United States and Canada. He is an expert on gardening in the arid West and has taught gardening classes for more than 25 years. He is one of the nation's leading experts in geothermal greenhouse design, and created the above-ground walipini greenhouse. He owns the nationwide heirloom seed company SeedRenaissance.com.

  • CORNELIA WEGENER
    Conny Wegener is a certified Master Somatic Coach dedicated to personal transformation and Self-cultivation, with a focus on integrating mind, heart, body, and spirit. Born in Germany and inspired by the beauty of art, Conny pursued American and French literature, earning a Ph.D. in American Studies to explore the transformative power of stories.

    At Yale University, her passion for student growth led her to transformational life coaching at the Hudson Institute in Santa Barbara. In 2007, she launched her Life Coaching Business, combining an analytical mind with high sensitivity to listen to clients' stories and catalyze their desired changes through somatic practices.

    In 2013, Conny's journey led her to the Strozzi Institute in Petaluma, California, where she became a Master Somatic Coach. She now guides clients through profound inner healing work using a holistic approach encapsulated by the Greek term "Soma" which means the “body living in its wholeness.”


    What Students are Saying:

    “I thank you so much for your gift of such beautiful presence and facilitation.” Rebecca S.

  • instructor

    PAUL WHEELER
    Paul Wheeler has been working in Film, Photography, and Animation for the past 12 years. He has a passion for creating art with multiple mediums and loves to teach others. Directly after graduating in Film at the University of Utah he has pursued his passion on a multitude of projects for the Utah Departments of Transportation and Public Safety, television and website commercials, aviation training productions, Miss Hawaiian Tropic photography, and is currently a director at Bailiwick Studios.

    "This was a lot of fun and [Paul] was very friendly and knowledgeable. He had great stories, pictures, and even ghost-tracking devices we could use if we chose to. Well worth the time!"-Charice C.

    "We so enjoyed our tour of the Avenues Cemetery. Paul Wheeler was an awesome host, tour guide and enthusiastic storyteller. The surroundings were beautiful and the weather was perfect to enjoy our field trip."-Carolyn D.

  • CATHERINE WIDNER
    A former art educator, Cat Widner is a jeweler, bookmaker, and artist living and working under the Wasatch Mountains in Salt Lake City. By earning her BFA in Printmaking and Drawing and her MS in Teacher Education, she has a passion for teaching the processes that have captivated her creative heart. When teaching workshops, Cat focuses on each and every student and their understanding of the processes being taught.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Excellent instructor!! Very knowledgeable of the subject. Would definitely take another class from her!!!"-Jan S.

    "Catherine was such an amazing teacher and I learned so much from her. I would take this class 1,000 times over. Money well spent."-Morgan M.

  • KIMBERLY WILLIAMS ELDRIDGE
    Kim Williams Eldrigdge has been a writer almost her entire life. She earned a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She has taught creative writing for a number of years at Lifelong Learning as well as having been a college English teacher for eight years. She has had seven books published for children and adults, both fiction and nonfiction, and over a dozen short stories in various anthologies. She has written contemporary young adult fiction, humorous middle-grade fiction, and adult horror stories.

    What Students are Saying:

    "The exercises were fun to do, and Kim has a lot of knowledge about the writing process, and about working as a writer. She was friendly, engaging, and made the class a fun and safe place to be. It was a great way to spend my Saturday morning." -Jeffrey S.

    "The teacher was very personable and made us feel comfortable. There was a lot of great information and encouragement to put ourselves out there. I really enjoyed this class." -Jennifer S.

  • ELIZABETH WOLFER
    Beth Wolfer offers practical, positive, and effective coaching to improve both content and delivery for people interested in public speaking. She works with individuals and groups to teach tips to overcome fear, build confidence, hone and clarify content, and give warm, professional presentations. Beth recognizes each students’ individual gifts, builds upon those. Her experience comes from several years of coaching TEDxSaltLakeCity speakers, including those whose YouTube views are in the millions. Beth has also coached numerous nonprofit executive directors for media appearances and has taken part in The Bee (storytelling competition) in Salt Lake.

    "Beth was great! I love that she was willing to personalize the class to our needs and answer any questions we had. The class was also very interactive and pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I felt safe to make mistakes. I learned useful takeaways that will help me throughout my speaking career. I also appreciated that Beth gave positive and constructive feedback in a genuine way that actually helped me improve my presentations. Thanks!" -Abbie T.

    "Beth did a fantastic job, equipping us with tools to use in all facets of life. I wasn't sure what I expected, but I loved that it wasn't critiquing how we speak, but ore of the mannerisms that we can control. Beth's feedback was instrumental and incredibly helpful. I really enjoyed this class and look forward to implementing the skills I've learned."-Alicia L.

  • ANNALEE WOOD
    Annalee grew up in Kaysville, Utah with an idyllic childhood filled with lots of traveling and museum-going. From a young age, she knew she wanted to be an artist, and took every class possible to work towards that goal. She received a BFA in Painting/Drawing, and a minor in English literature from The University of Utah, studying under wonderful and inspiring professors. A semester spent in London and three years living in Washington, DC really solidified her love of art and art history. Annalee taught Painting, Drawing, and English at Clearfield High School for three years, and recently quit to spend more time with her children and to pursue her painting talents. She currently lives back in her hometown of Kaysville, Utah with her husband Randy, and three small children Virginia, George, and Margot.

    "I had never tried oil painting before I took this class. The teacher (Annalee Wood) had so many fun activities, techniques, and projects for us to do that immediately immersed us in painting. She always had several projects and learning experiences at each class, and I was honestly amazed at how decent my pieces started to look!" -Lauri S.

  • JOHNNY WORTHEN
    JOHNNY WORTHEN is an award-winning, multi-genre, hybrid, tie-dye-wearing author, voyager, and darn fine human being! Trained in literary criticism and cultural studies he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Utah. Beyond English on a good day, he speaks Danish and reads Latin. He is a Utah Writer of the Year.
    An avowed Deconstructionist, Johnny writes up-market stories from the inside out, beginning with theme and pursuing an idea through whatever genre will best serve it. So far he has published fiction novels as mystery, young adult, comedy, urban fantasy, horror and science fiction, both traditionally and independently.
    A frequent presenter and panelist at writing conferences and fan conventions, he is active in local communities of artists and writers. A long-time volunteer for the League of Utah Writers, the state's oldest and largest writing organization, he has served several high positions of leadership there, including President from 2018-2020.
    When not writing his own stuff, Johnny edits professionally for a small dark fiction press in Los Angeles and teaches Creative Writing at the University of Utah as an Associate Instructor. He lives in Sandy, Utah with his wife, sons and cats. There's also a lawn.

    What Students are Saying:

    "Johnny was the perfect writing instructor. He provided great information and structure to start on a novel. And he created an awesome atmosphere where everyone could share their ideas and drafts and receive feedback and support from him and classmates. I would recommend this class to anyone from a serious writer to someone who's just curious." - Katherine N.

    "This was the first writing class I've ever taken and was really impressed. Johnny Worthen had a lot of straightforward really good information and tips and delivered them with infectious energy and humor. The online format actually worked very well and I never felt intimidated or shy about sharing my ideas or writing homework. I am really impressed with how much I learned in this class. I went in with just a vague idea for a novel and left 7 weeks later with a complete outline, practice in writing clues, scenes and dialogue, and the feeling that I can actually do this! I am now two chapters in and starting to feel like an actual writer!" - Laura H.

  • BRYAN YOUNG
    Bryan Young is an award-winning author, filmmaker, and journalist who works in many different media. As a writer, he's had numerous novels and short stories published and has worked professionally in the Star Wars, Robotech, and BattleTech universes. He's written comics for Slave Labor Graphics and Image Comics and written and produced documentary films that were called "filmmaking gold" by the New York Times. As a journalist, he's had bylines at the Huffington Post, StarWars.Com, HowStuffWorks, /Film, Syfy, and many more.

    He's the president of the Salt City Genre Writers, a Salt Lake City-based chapter of the League of Utah Writers and also serves on the state board of that organization as Historian. He teaches writing regularly at conferences across the country. You can learn more about him by following him on Twitter @swankmotron or by visiting his website, www.swankmotron.com.

    What Students are Saying:

    "My goal was to learn how to structure a screenplay as best as I can and this class helped me do just that! The instructor was thorough with both his direction and advice. It was easy to follow along and I learned a lot. 10/10 would take another class from Bryan Young." -Kayla R.

    "Bryan is incredibly knowledgeable and constructed a class that included a good foundational learning, deeper understanding, and practical application...Bryan is an excellent teacher, who used many types of examples that resonate with a variety of audiences."-Kate C.

    "This class exceeded my expectations. I learned SO MUCH in just 6 weeks! I would love to take another course from this instructor in the future. He is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. I will continue to practice writing short stories." - Mimoz S.

Who can take these classes?

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