Continuing Education at the University of Utah: Classes for All Ages!

Current Instructors

CAROL ARNZEN
Carol is an accountant by trade but her real passion is in helping others. Over the last 30 years, she has facilitated support groups for people with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Arthritis. When her husband of 37 years died from a chronic illness, she moved forward in her grief towards a new life purpose of helping others who are also suffering with the pain from loss.

Carol is a certified Grief Educator through David Kessler, a world renown grief expert and author. She has also been trained by Paul Denniston, creator of Grief Yoga, as a Grief Movement Guide using yoga movements, breath, and sound to help individuals to release pain and struggle from their bodies. Carol owns Hearts Healing Together and provides grief workshops, Grief Chat groups, one-on-one grief peer support and teaches Grief Yoga.
Michael Austin
Michael Louis Austin has been a music instructor for 20 plus years. He has toured the United States three time as the lead and rhythm guitarist of Las Vegas' award-winning Rock band The All-Togethers. He teaches guitar, ukulele, bass, and vocals. Michael has a degree in guitar performance from McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul Minnesota. He has opened up for bands such as The Steep Canyon Rangers, Billy Strings, Taylor Ashton, Cracker, Nada Surf, Everclear, and the Spin Doctors. He has released a full album of all original music titled "Radio" in 2015 and has released eight new singles produced by Thaddeus Corea (Son of Jazz legend Chick Corea).
JOON BAE
Joon Bae received her BFA in visual arts with an emphasis in painting and drawing from the University of Utah. She began learning traditional Korean ink painting methods during her childhood. After a lifetime of practice and an exploration into Western forms of painting through her studies, she has found her rhythm as an East Asian ink painter. Her work has been collected internationally and exhibited in Utah at the Salt Lake City Library, the University of Utah, the Springville Museum, the Jewish Community Center, and more. She has given countless demonstrations and was featured in the 2019 edition of Sunshine Artist magazine. She is excited to continue teaching and learning through storytelling by putting brush to rice paper.
LYUBA BASIN
Lyuba Basin started working with the rare books collection at the J. Willard Marriott Library eight years ago. She began as a part-time student employee before transitioning to her current role as the Rare Books Curator in 2019. After graduating with a double BA in English and Applied Linguistics, Lyuba received a Fulbright scholarship and found herself teaching English in Argentina at a small university in La Pampa. She was able to incorporate her knowledge of rare books, artists' books, and library collections into her teaching curriculum while developing a successful writing workshop that continues to be implemented today. The workshop and its pedagogy, which uses artists' books as a way to teach English, was featured as a chapter in the Universidad Nacional de La Pampa (UNLPam) textbook, "Express Yourself: Exploring Creativity in English Language Teacher Education." Upon her return from Argentina, Lyuba completed an MA in World Languages and Cultures at the University of Utah. Her Master's thesis analyzed some of the Marriott Library's rare books collections and explored the "materiality of text," arguing it is the most important aspect of reading.
LINDA BAYES
Linda Bayes is passionate about all things French. Holding a Bachelor of Arts major in French from the University of Utah, she completed advanced courses at UCLA, California State University, and BYU. She has studied a variety of subjects in France on multiple occasions and traveled through the country eleven times. A retired language teacher and former Osher instructor on French culture, she is active in multiple associations advocating French language and culture. Linda served as the Attachee for the French Olympic Committee in 2002.
Richard Bell
Richard Bell is Professor of History at the University of Maryland and author of the book, "Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped into Slavery and their Astonishing Odyssey Home," which was a finalist for the George Washington Prize and the Harriet Tubman Prize. He has held major research fellowships at Yale, Cambridge, and the Library of Congress and is the recipient of the National Endowment of the Humanities Public Scholar award and the 2021 Andrew Carnegie Fellowship. He serves as a Trustee of the Maryland Center for History and Culture and as a fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
ROBERT BIGELOW
Robert Bigelow has a BS in physics and is an amateur astronomer. He recently retired from Clark Planetarium (formerly Hansen Planetarium) after nearly 27 years, where he gave presentations on science and astronomy, both at the Planetarium and in schools throughout Utah. He has previously taught courses on astronomy and physics for the Osher Institute and Lifelong Learning. He is also a NASA Solar System Ambassador.
CHARLES BOYNTON
Charles Boynton has spent decades studying Shakespearean plays and sonnets, as well as examining the problem "Who wrote Shakespeare?" His expertise and enthusiasm are reflected in his involvement as past chair of the Marin Shakespeare Company and membership in the respected Shakespeare Oxford Society. Charles's post-graduate education is in business.
SANDRA CAMERON-GREENE
Sandi Greene is a certified reinvention life coach, passionate yogi, and devoted meditator. With a deep love for nature, she embraces the beauty of the outdoors in both personal and professional life. After a fulfilling career as an Administrative Director at the University of Utah, she has transitioned into a role that truly resonates with her heart and soulâ€”guiding individuals on their journeys of self-discovery. With a unique ability to help others peel back the layers of their experiences, Sandi is dedicated to illuminating the path to oneâ€™s true self. She believes in the inherent magnificence within everyone and works to empower clients to recognize and embrace their authentic selves. Through personalized coaching, Sandi inspires individuals to live a life filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment.
PAUL CARPENTER
Paul Carpenter received a BA in Economics and International Relations and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from BYU and worked in foreign affairs for more than 50 years. He is fluent in German and spent two years as an Army liaison officer with the German Bundeswehr. He subsequently worked eight years for the Government Accountability Office in Washington and Frankfurt, auditing US international affairs programs and military readiness in the European Command for the Congress. He then worked 23 years for the State Department as a Foreign Service Officer in management. After retiring with 34 years of government service, Paul worked 18 more years on part-time contracts with the State Department to conduct embassy audits, and with the Agency for International Development to administer humanitarian relief during crises in Iraq, Syria, Somalia, and Venezuela. Paul and his wife, Gertrud, raised two children abroad and lived overseas for 25 years. They were posted in Cameroon, Kenya, Australia, Mexico, Germany, Egypt, and Barbados. Paul has been to 176 countries, most of them while auditing and inspecting embassy operations.
TIMOTHY CHAMBLESS
Tim Chambless, PhD, has taught seven different courses for the University of Utah's Department of Political Science since 1987. He has also taught courses for the U's departments of Communication and History as well as the English Language Institute. Tim has worked for a mayor, a governor, a senator, and a congressional representative. He served for over 20 years on Salt Lake City's Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment, and he has participated in more than 30 political campaigns. Tim emphasizes current events and contemporary world problems in the study of American government as both an experiment in democracy and as a tool for solving societal problems. He has taught for Osher since 2007.
DENNIS CLARK
Dennis Clark has a PhD in management economics from Trinity University, a Master of Education in adult educational psychology from Westminster College, and a BS in business administration and economics from Westminster College. He has taught at Weber State University, the Air Force Institute of Technology, George Washington University, and Utah State University.
MARCIE COLLETT
Moving to Salt Lake City from Denver in 2005, Marcie has spent her professional and volunteer life working to advance film programs, the arts, health, and educational causes that serve the community. Her work includes organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the University of Utah, Utah Film Center, and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Since 2017, Marcie has been associate director of the Salt Lake Film Society, thrilled to advance their mission and programs through the Broadway and Tower cinemas, slfsathome.org, and the Studio Backlot Motor Cinema.
CANDICE CRAVINS
Candice L. Cravins is the Development Coordinator at the John Wesley Powell River History Museum in Green River, Utah. She holds an M.S. degree in Anthropology from Utah State University and has been designing and implementing in-person and online educational programs for K-12 students and teachers, undergraduate students, and adults in academic settings in Utah, Texas, and Alabama since 2012. Outside of her work in museum education, she maintains a nationally recognized Group Fitness Instructor certification with the Athletics and Fitness Association of America and instructs yoga and other group fitness classes for all ages, sharing her passion for creating accessible health and wellness resources with her rural community. She enjoys spending her free time exploring the great outdoors with her partner and their two sweet rescue dogs.
MARLA DEE
Marla is an international speaker and has trained students from nine countries. With contagious enthusiasm and stories from real clients, Marla shares her belief that living organized is a skill anyone can learn. Why bother learning this skill? Because getting organized frees you to be present for what matters most. Marla's Clear & Simple Systems are a step-by-step approach that take the struggle out organizing and make it easier. Marla has appeared on numerous TV, radio, and podcast programs throughout the years. She is the author of Get Organized, the Clear & Simple Way; The ART of Letting Go; and many other publications. If you are ready for a change, Marla will set you free of the clutter and chaos at last!
DAVID DEREZOTES
DrDave Derezotes is Professor in part time retirement at the College of Social Work at the University of Utah. He also served this past academic year as Director of the Peace and Conflict Studies Program in the College of Humanities, as a Fellow at the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, as an Osher instructor, and as a MUSE Professor. As a therapist with about five decades of experience helping people and as a teacher and consultant in mental health practice with over three decades of teaching experience, drDave is interested in helping people develop as "ecobiopsychsocialspiritual" beings, who can continue to find joy and meaning in their lives as they enter the aging process. DrDave is currently working on many service projects, including community dialogues on social justice issues through Utah Humanities and on KRCL radio. His latest textbook, "Inclusive social work" which addresses many of the issues we will discuss in class, will be published by Cognella later in 2022. Finally, on days when he is not working, DrDave can often be found somewhere in the desert where he loves to wander and wonder in the wild beauties of Utah.
GARY DIXON
BS Chemistry, University of Utah
MS Chemistry, Seattle University; Thesis: Quantum Theory and Negentropy in Process Development
National Science Foundation Fellow
Director: Development of Saudi Arabian Laboratories (U.S. State Department)
Manager: Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters (NASA)
Director: Warhead Development Center (U.S. Military)
Adjunct Professor: Chemistry Department (Weber State)
JONATHAN DUNCAN
Jonathan Duncan has over 20 years of experience working as a professional adventure photographer and digital storyteller. His work has taken him through many of the world's most remote landscapes and cultures. He is driven by a passion for wild places and for understanding and communicating the way different people relate to the natural world. He has served on the faculty of The Art Institute of Portland, Western Washington University, and Westminster College, where he is currently an adjunct professor teaching Adventure Media and Photography.

"The Instructor, Jonathan, was always prepared and shared great information and techniques. He is open to assisting us in developing our continued journey through successful implementation. I would take another class from this instructor." -Camille B.

"Jonathan is a thoughtful, engaging instructor with a great deal of experience to share. He creates a positive learning environment, very enjoyable!"-Bruce Q.
CHRISTINE DYSON
Chris Dyson received a BA in English and a Master's of Education from the University of Utah. Before retiring in 2016, she worked for Granite School District as a geography teacher for 16 years and a District Teacher Specialist for 11 years. While working at the district office, she coordinated a Character Education/Service Learning Program for 90 schools and also served as a National Trainer for the Community of Caring Program. Her last six years of teaching she focused on AP Geography and loves teaching about the elements of culture around the world.

Chris became fascinated with calligraphy over 40 years ago and has studied with international master calligraphers from across the U.S., Canada, and England. Her experience includes studying at St. John's University in Minnesota under Donald Jackson, who is the official scribe and calligrapher to Queen Elizabeth II. Chris focuses on ancient alphabets and illuminated letters. She has taught calligraphy classes in the public schools and also though community education. Her pieces have received Best of Show and Honorable Mention awards in juried exhibitions.
ALAN EASTMAN
Alan Eastman has a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Utah. During his nearly 30 years working in the research department of a major oil company, Alan acquired some 35 patents in refinery processes and on-line process control. After taking an "early retirement," he established a startup geothermal energy company. Alan's experience in several facets of the energy industry has given him a unique perspective from which to view our country's energy problems and the potential solutions.
LAURIE EASTWOOD
Laurie Eastwood, a University of Utah English major, discovered that her passion and joy were in the creative process. Following her dreams and intuition she experimented with hand-tinted photography, founded J. Christopher Prints, and sold prints in hundreds of retail outlets nationwide. In 2004, Laurie retired from her business and began an inquiry on how to tap into creative sources through art. Laurie currently teaches and engages in retreats in which participants explore their personal versions of creative living.
JANET FAUGHT
Janet has a BS in Biology, a K-8th grade teaching credential, and a BFA in Art. She is currently on the board of the Utah Calligraphic Artists Calligraphy Guild. She enjoys teaching students of all ages. Her interests include Calligraphy, Painting and Drawing, Reading, Bookbinding, Knitting, Wheel thrown Ceramics, Classical Guitar, Studying creativity, Learning to speak French, and continually learning in general. Janet was born and raised in the San Francisco bay area, and moved to Utah in 1984.

What Students are Saying:

"Janet is an outstanding instructor: highly skilled, inventive, encouraging at all skill levels, goes above and beyond for her students. She is fun and encourages a camaraderie among her students." -Virginia R.

"Janet is such a knowledgeable teacher and willing to share everything she knows. You might think a person couldn't talk about fountain pens for 12 hrs but I learned so much and have a stack of resources for any additional research or questions. Wonderful class!!!" -Connie C.
PETER FILLMORE
Peter was the primary care partner of his wife Susan of 54 years, who was living with Alzheimer's Disease. The journey began in 2011 when Susan diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Yearly follow-ups were done with the Neurology staff at the U of U. In 2019 Susan was diagnosed as living with Alzheimer disease. The goal was to provide a home-based care for Susan throughout the journey including the end of life. Therefore, strategies were developed to create an environment to meet the emotional and physical needs of Susan. This class will help to define how those strategies were developed, the resources available to help and the actual hands-on requirements to meet the needs of living with Alzheimer's Disease.
GABINO FLORES VALINO
Gabino Flores has been teaching classical guitar for over 20 years, bilingually, as he is in fluent Spanish and English. He studied at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City. He has performed in Mexico, Europe, and throughout Utah. He currently teaches for the Harmony Hub program, part of the Mundi Project at the Sorenson Unity Center, and the Madeleine Choir School in Salt Lake City.
LUCAS FLORIN
Lucas de la Florin is the Principal Oboist with Ballet West and the Missouri Symphony. Additionally, Luca is on faculty with Utah Valley University and Snow College. In performance, Luca has recorded numerous albums as well as soundtracks for movies and video games. In academics, he spends his time teaching courses on Jazz, Popular Music, Rock, Classical, Early Music, Opera, and Ballet!
CHRISTINE FRAIZER
Christine Fraizer (retired) is a former newspaper and magazine writer/editor. She enjoys researching Utah stories from the past, and this happens to include people interred at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Her talk will not dwell on the morbidity of those in the cemetery, but, rather, embrace their contributions to Utah's past. Fraizer has a bachelor's degree in journalism/biology and a master's in journalism/English. Utah has been her home since 1984.
LARRY GERLACH
After receiving a BS in education and an MA in history from the University of Nebraska and a PhD in history from Rutgers University, Larry Gerlach taught at the University of Utah from 1968 to 2013, except for one year when he was a fellow at the Institute of Early American History in Williamsburg, Virginia. In addition to teaching college and educator workshop courses on the American Revolution, Larry has published several books and numerous scholarly articles on the subject. He previously taught Osher classes on the American Revolution and the Modern Olympic Games.
STEPHEN HALL
Stephen C. Hall (Col., USAF, retired) is a former senior fellow at L-3 Communications Systems-West, in Salt Lake City. He is a 1967 graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology and received his master's degree in management from Troy State University in 1976. Col. Hall lectures on World War II history at Georgia Tech, Morehouse College, BYU, and Osher at the University of Utah.
PATRICIA HANNA
Patricia Hanna is a University of Utah professor emerita in philosophy and linguistics. She has served as chair of the Department of Philosophy and dean of the College of Humanities.
WILLIAM HARDESTY
After working over 40 years as an instructional designer and corporate trainer, mainly in the financial sector, Bill embarked on a new career as a freelance journalist. Behind the facts of the news are people--people driving the process and people being affected by it. Bill's journalistic approach is to help readers better understand what is happening in their community and, most importantly, why. Bill reported on the 68th United Nations Civil Society Conference and The Utah League of Cities and Towns conference. He has written numerous articles on the lives of refugees in the Salt Lake area. In 2020, he received a third-place award from the Utah chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists for his continuing coverage of the Men's Homeless Resource Center in the City of South Salt Lake. Bill received two BS degrees from the University of Utah in Human Development and Family Relations and Sociology, and an MBA from Westminster College. He served in in the United States Coast Guard Reserve, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant. He was recently was appointed as chairperson of the Taylorsville City Cultural and Diversity Committee.
ALEXANDER HARRELSON
Alex Harrelson is a 24-year-old tenor pursuing a DMA at the University of Utah. He studies under Dr. Robert Breault. At the U, he has performed as the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit in A.L.I.C.E., a new opera by Amy Scurria, as well as Marley, Fred, and Cratchitt in A Christmas Carol, King Kaspar in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi, the Defendant in Trial by Jury, and Ferrando in scenes from Cosi fan tutte. In addition to operatic performance, Alex performed Schubert's Die Schone Mullerin for his Master's Recital. As a lover of lieder, he has also performed Schumann's Dichterliebe and Beethoven's An die ferne Geliebte. He looks forward to performing Wolf's Italienisches Liederbuch in December. With Lyrical Opera Theater, he has performed Le Remendado in Carmen, Gherardo in Gianni Schicchi, Parpignol in La Boheme, and Count Almaviva in Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Other notable roles include Gastone in La Traviata and Lindoro in L'Italiana in Algeri. Most recently he performed in Le Roman de Silence, a new opera by Anthony Buck. Alex regularly sings with the Cathedral of the Madeleine and in opera outreach within Salt Lake and Utah counties.
STAN HENDERSON
Stan and Diane Henderson are a team-teaching dynamic duo. They are both avid readers: Stan reads history; Diane reads fiction. In other lives, Stan would have been a history professor and Diane an English professor. They have teamed up to share their passion for history and literature with the Osher community. In their previous worlds, Stan was the vice chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Life at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and Diane was an educational program planner and consultant. Both earned baccalaureate and degrees at Michigan State University. Stan earned an MA in Government at Cornell. Diane earned an MA in Communication at MSU. Both say they are currently failing retirement.
DIANE HENDERSON
Stan and Diane Henderson are a team-teaching dynamic duo. They are both avid readers: Stan reads history; Diane reads fiction. In other lives, Stan would have been a history professor and Diane an English professor. They have teamed up to share their passion for history and literature with the Osher community. In their previous worlds, Stan was the vice chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Life at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and Diane was an educational program planner and consultant. Both earned baccalaureate and degrees at Michigan State University. Stan earned an MA in Government at Cornell. Diane earned an MA in Communication at MSU. Both say they are currently failing retirement.
PAUL HOLBROOK
Paul Holbrook has a Master's degree in Gerontology from the Fischer Institute for Wellness at Ball State University and experience at the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, he has worked as a personal trainer for over twenty years. In 2005, Paul founded the Age Well Center, a human performance training center for older adults.
JULIE HOWELL
Julie Howell is a certified mindfulness facilitator who trained at the Mindful Awareness Research Center within the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA. She continues to enjoy a decades-long meditation practice. She previously worked at the Huntsman Cancer Institute facilitating mindfulness-based classes for patients and staff. Having personally experienced the benefits of a mindfulness practice, she delights in teaching the experiential practice of meditation and the practical application of mindfulness to everyday life.
MARTIN HURLBURT
Martin Hurlburt is a certified retirement counselor, author, Tedx speaker, husband, father, grandfather and guitarist in a rock n roll cover band.
JAY JACOBSON
Dr. Jacobson, Professor Emeritus in Internal Medicine, has studied, trained, or taught at the Universities of Michigan, Florida, Chicago and Utah, and at the Centers for Disease Control. His specialties are Infectious Disease and Medical Ethics. He does clinical consultation at both Intermountain Healthcare hospitals. He established the multidisciplinary Division of Medical Ethics and Humanities at the University of Utah Medical School in 1989. His academic interests include medical errors and apologies, professional conflicts of interest, and ethical issues at the end of life.
WALTER JONES
Walter Jones, retired Head of Western Americana at the J. Willard Marriott Library, teaches history at Salt Lake Community College. He has Master's degrees in Library Science from BYU and in History from the University of Utah. Walter was a Korean linguist in the US Army (four years active duty and 23 years Reserves), and in the National Guard. He has presented papers and written about the Vietnam War.
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.

"Sarinda Jones is a terrific instructor. She inspires confidence and breaks down the process of creating art so it's relatable and doable. Her studio exudes warmth and collaboration."
-Michelle S.

Take a peek into her class LLCFT 422 Beginning Fused Glass I
Abdulnaser Kaadan
Prof. Abdulnaser Kaadan is from Syria. He was an orthopedic surgeon, and received his Ph.D. in History of Medicine in 1993. He was the chairman in the History of Medicine Department at Aleppo University, and a professor of history of medicine and medical ethics. He now teaches as a visiting international professor at Weber State University's Department of History. His work and writing led him to be nominated for the Nobel Prize in 2012.
DAVID KEYES
David Keyes completed his yoga teacher training soon after retiring from the Salt Lake City School District. He teaches yoga, qigong, and other healthy living classes in the community. His interest in walking meditation began in earnest after attending a labyrinth workshop at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.
BRUCE LANDESMAN
Bruce Landesman received a BA and a PhD in philosophy and spent most of his career as a faculty member in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Utah, retiring in 2012. His specialties are moral philosophy and political philosophy. He regularly teaches Osher courses on the general nature of democracy and how it fails. Bruce has been teaching for Osher since 2016.
JENNIFER LOVE
Jennifer Love attended Westminster College of Salt Lake City where she earned a BS in Marketing with a Minor in Spanish and a Teaching Minor in Fine Art. She later returned to Westminster to earn a Master of Professional Communications. Art has always played an important role in her life. It is therapeutic and brings her a joy that she loves to pass on to others as often as possible. Jennifer is a Signature Member and Past President of the Utah Watercolor Society (UWS) and has served in several volunteer roles with the UWS since 2003. She has participated in multiple watercolor exhibitions and several art festivals as well as Community Nursing Services Art & Soup Celebration fundraiser. She began teaching private watercolor and drawing lessons in 2020 as well as outdoor summer workshops and demonstrations for multiple students. She discovered a passion for passing on her love of art to others and encouraging people to find their creative voice.
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.
KEN MAY
Ken May has a Master's degree in Interdisciplinary studies from Oregon State University and a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from Utah State University, as well as an Area Studies Certificate in International Development from Utah State University and a TEFL Certificate. Ken was raised in Salt Lake (Millcreek). His work background includes everything from social worker to migrant labor to weekly journalist at Bangkok Post. He has also volunteered for VISTA/Americorp in Berkeley, California. Mostly, Ken taught English and tourism overseas (Thailand, Turkey, South Korea, Hungary, India) and recently returned to Salt Lake after nearly 20 years overseas. A lot has changed since he has been away!
DAVID MEIR-LEVI
David Meir-Levi is an American-born Israeli currently living in Palo Alto, CA. He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MA in Near Eastern studies from Brandeis University. He taught archaeology and Near Eastern history at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and at the University of Tel Aviv in the '60s and '70s, during which time he completed his service in the Israeli military. Upon returning to the U.S., David worked as a professional Jewish educator. Most recently, he has lectured on the Middle East and Israel in the Department of History at San Jose State University, and on Biblical studies and archaeology at Lehrhaus Judaica in Berkeley, as well as at the Osher programs at San Jose State and Santa Clara University. David has lectured throughout northern California and abroad at synagogues, churches, high schools, universities, and service organizations on topics related to Biblical archaeology and modern Middle East history.
MARK MUIR
Mark P. Muir is a licensed geologist with advanced degrees in geology and business administration. His first job was working as a consulting geologist on water resource and dam safety projects in the Southwestern US. Much of his career has been spent in environmental consulting with projects in the US, Mexico and Germany. He later co-founded a geothermal energy company with Dr. Alan Eastman. This company works on new technologies and strategies in order to make geothermal energy a much more prominent part of the world's energy portfolio.
SUSAN NIBLOCK
Sue Niblock is a retired Career Minister of the Foreign Service with over three decades of work experience serving the U.S. abroad with the State Department in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. She received a B.A. in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in Virginia, and a Masterâ€™s in Public Administration from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. Born and raised in the Philippines as a third culture kid, she raised her two children abroad and in New York and Maryland. Overseas postings included New Zealand, Jordan, Singapore, Belgium, Ethiopia, Russia, Indonesia, and Equatorial Guinea. Domestic assignments in Washington DC were in the Bureaus of East Asia and Pacific Affairs, European and Eurasian Affairs, and African Affairs. Sue retired from the State Department in 2019 and moved to Park City, Utah to be near family. She currently serves as President of the Friends of the Summit County Library and chair of the University of Utah Osher Curriculum Committee. She was previously President of the Newcomers Club of Park City for two years from 2022-2024, as well Secretary of the Friends of the Summit County Library from 2022-2024. Sue is a regular discussion moderator for Great Decisions Discussion Groups hosted by the Summit County Library and has been a presenter for the Osher Lunch and Learn series.
James Pagliasotti
James Pagliasotti at age 23 became the first rock music critic and columnist for The Denver Post, where he produced a twice-weekly column and regular articles about music and the counterculture from 1968-74. His work appeared in Rolling Stone magazine and various other publications. He also did shows as a deejay at KRNW-FM radio in Boulder, which he co-founded as a freeform station, and later at KFML AM & FM in Denver. He is the author of three books, a bi-monthly newsletter and blog jampags.com, and is the creator of Radical Radio: FREEFORM Radio Archive. His expertise is experiential rather than academic and is offered as first-hand observations in the form of a memoir from a time when he had press credentials, a back stage pass, and a front row seat at a fascinating time in history. He has taught this and several other courses at OLLI chapters across the country.
RICHARD PAINE
Rick Paine has been introducing University of Utah students to the wonders of Mesoamerican archaeology since 1995. Rick is an experienced Maya scholar and has conducted fieldwork at several Maya sites, as well as excavations in Turkey and the United States. Rick is currently a member of the Mirador Basin archaeological project. El Mirador is a colossal pre-Classic Maya site, located deep in the Peten rainforest of northern Guatemala. El Mirador is a key to understanding the rise of Maya civilization.
RUTH PALMER
Ruth Palmer is happily retired. While exploring options to stay involved and healthy, she discovered and fell in love with line dancing. Many years later, she is a participant and teacher in a number of line dance classes for active seniors in the Salt Lake Valley. Her focus is on having fun as well as learning dance moves and great exercise. Ruth and her co-teacher, Linda Wood, are committed to sharing their skills and experience so that others can learn to love and enjoy line dancing as much as they do. Together they look forward to sharing their enthusiasm for line dance and the social and physical benefits it provides.
Chantal Papillon
Chantal Papillon, (MQP) Medical Qigong Practitioner Chantal Papillon is a certified Medical Qigong Practitioner and founder of Mindful Essence based in Salt Lake Valley. Qigong is an ancient Chinese energetic medicine that can assist us to unlock our innate ability to heal ourselves and unleash our highest potential. The gentle and subtle manipulation of energy that flows through and around our human body facilitates physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and healing. Chantal teaches Qigong classes in her community and offers special events and workshops to help people improve and maintain their wellness. She also offers Qigong Healing & Vitality Coaching sessions where she accompanying others on their journey to healing.
ASYA PERELTSVAIG
Asya Pereltsvaig received a Ph.D. in Linguistics from McGill University and taught at Yale and Stanford, and has been teaching in lifelong education programs since 2010. Her expertise is in language and history, and the relationship between them. Her most recent book, Languages of the World: An Introduction, 3rd edition (2020) was published by Cambridge University Press. Asya is a popular instructor for several Osher Lifelong Learning Institute programs around the country. She was the faculty host for a trip to the Baltic countries and St. Petersburg in July 2017.
CYNTHIA PERRY
Cynthia Perry has a BS in Applied Mathematics and an MBA, and spent her career in marketing analytics, competitive intelligence, and strategic planning. She is adept at making complex information easy to understand. An experienced Osher instructor, she has taught courses on political polling, big data, bionics and Quaker history. Cynthia is a researcher at heart and was an early adopter of ChatGBT in her everyday life. Cynthia currently lives in Denver, where she enjoys teaching, writing, and silver smithing.
NANDO RAYNOLDS
Nando Raynolds has been doing a mix of psychotherapy, supervision, life coaching, and teaching since 1988, all based in the Rogue Valley, Oregon, mostly in private practice. His post-graduate psychotherapy study has included Hakomi, NLP, Voice Dialogue, NVC (non-violent communication), and Energy Psychology. He taught various classes on personal development and T'ai Chi privately, at Rogue Community College and through Southern Oregon University's continuing education program, and others. Born in El Salvador, he grew up overseas and in Washington DC while his father was working in the diplomatic service. Since his middle name is Fernando, he has always been called Nando. He earned a BA in psychology from New College of San Francisco and an MA in Transpersonal Psychology. He also has a fifth-degree black belt in Karate and Kenpo and studies Escrima, as well as dancing and Contact Improvisation.
SANDRA RICHARDS
Sandy joined the Osher team in January 2022 as a Program Coordinator, transferring from Continuing Education's Registration and Information department. Her excellent customer service skills and love of the Osher program will be an asset to our staff. She is the mother of three adult children: all graduates of the University of Utah. Outside of the office, Sandy enjoys spending time with her husband while mountain biking, gravel biking, hiking, practicing yoga, and reading.
JANEEN SHELDON
Janine Sheldon (B.A. '74) taught English and American literature to high school students in San Francisco for five years. She was a senior fundraiser at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and at UC Berkeley's art museum and Graduate School of Education for many years before returning to her hometown of Salt Lake City. She is now a docent at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and recently completed her Master Gardener certification from Utah State University Extension.
SALLY SMITH
Sally Smith owned and operated A Woman's Place Bookstore for 10 years. She taught English literature for 22 years at Judge Memorial Catholic High School and West High School. She graduated from the University of Utah with a major in English and minors in history and French. Sally received the Brooke Hopkins Award for Excellence in Adult Teaching at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in 2018.
ELIGIO VEGA
Eli Vega is a highly-published and award-winning photographer and author. He has taught photography for over two decades, including several Osher Lifelong Learning Institute groups around the country. His largest teaching venue is Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, where he teaches his three-day in-the-field workshops. As a certified workshop facilitator, he makes his classes and workshops engaging, interactive, and fun. He is the author of two photography books: Right Brain Photography (Be an artist first) and Renditions of Famous Paintings.
JEFFREY WALKER
Jeffrey Walker, emeritus professor of English at Oklahoma State University, authored a critical study of Revolutionary poet and traitor Benjamin Church, edited collections of essays on James Fenimore Cooper, co-edited the annual journal "Literature in the Early American Republic" and the first scholarly edition of Cooper's 1821 bestseller The Spy, and is completing an edition of Cooper's unpublished letters. A Fulbright lecturer in Norway and Belgium, he won the Phoenix Award for outstanding graduate teaching, the A&S Outstanding Professor Award, and the Regents Distinguished Teaching Award. His teaching interests include Charles Dickens, the history of the book, comedy, mystery, film, and radio, and American literature in general.
DEBORAH WHITE
Debbie White has over 40 years of teaching experience (30 years in public education). Following her retirement, Debbie spent four years as an Apple product professional repairing computers and teaching classes. She enjoys helping adults get the most out of their Apple electronic devices, which is why she loves teaching technology classes for the Osher program.
STEVEN WRIGLEY
Steve Wrigley is a board-certified life coach and certified retirement-transition, career, and relationship coach. He says his life has always been purpose-driven, giving dedicated effort to his family, employment, community, and a life of service. Six years ago, as he was considering retirement from an executive position within Utah state government, he had a desire to create his own fulfilling Encore Life. In his quest to discover how to do this, he started reading every book he could find about purpose-driven retirement. He became certified as an AARP Life Reimagined group leader, helping people age 50 and over prepare for transitioning into their later years. He loved this work and found that was what he wanted to do, as part of his own Encore Life.
MICHELLE WYATT
Chelle Wyatt is co-owner of Hearing Loss LIVE!. She has a progressive hearing loss and has worn hearing aids for 30 plus years, most of her life. After a big drop in hearing in 2010 she found support through the SayWhatClub and began participating with the Hearing Loss Association of America, Salt Lake City Chapter (HLAA-SLC) meetings. Through them, she found the Utah Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH) classes to learn how to live more successfully with hearing loss. She worked for DSDHH for 8 Â½ years. As a Hard of Hearing Assistant for 5 years, she taught classes and gave presentations on hearing loss: Hearing aids 101, Tinnitus, Speechreading and Living with Hearing Loss. For three and a half years, she was the Hard of Hearing program manager increasing educational events and participation. Chelle credits her volunteer experience with HLAA - SLC and the SayWhatClub with giving her valuable work experience. Her volunteer experience includes being a board member for the SayWhatClub, sponsorship chair and convention setup.