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Community Programs Instructors

Mark Barnett

Landscaping, Gardening

Mark Barnett dispenses advice on gardening and landscapes—and he should know! Mark has worked in the retail nursery and landscaping business for more than 20 years, and he writes a Q&A column on gardening topics. He is a Texas Certified Master Gardener and is also certified as a Nursery Professional through the Association of Nursery Professionals and Landscapers Association. He enjoys herb gardening and experimenting with new plants in his own landscape. No doubt, Mark has both the experience and expertise regarding how things grow (or don't grow) in McLennan County.

Steve Beatty

Fitness Over 50

Steve Beatty is a graduate of the Southwest Law Enforcement Institute at the University of Texas at Dallas and the FBI National Academy, where he received his Fitness Advisor Certificate. Steve serves as the fitness instructor for MCC's Law Enforcement Academy. He believes staying fit enhances quality of life, and he is looking forward to working with students his own age in this new course designed for adults age 50 and older!

Jean Edwards Blosser

Line Dancing

Jean is a newcomer to Waco, but she has a wealth of experience in Line Dancing. More importantly, she is passionate about Line Dancing, and MCC Community Programs is convinced Jean's students will catch her enthusiasm when they attend the class. Jean began line dancing seven years ago to gain strength following major surgery. Three years later she moved from the role of student to instructor, and now her resume includes teaching beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of dancers. Jean invites singles and couples to join her on the dance floor; be sure and eat your Wheaties before you come!

Curtis Callaway

Digital Photography

A photographer, cinematographer and explorer, Curtis W. Callaway has the expertise and experience to make "Digital Photos Done Right" intriguing. A graduate of Brooks Institute of Photography, Callaway has offered workshops globally and has worked as a freelance photographer for Jean-Michel Cousteau, Smithsonian Institute and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). He was recently nominated Best Director at the Krasnogorsky International Festival of Sport Films in Moscow and was a winner at the 25th Milano International FICTS Festival in Milan, Italy. Grab your camera for a fabulous course.

Doris Chmielewski

Fused Glass; Beading and Jewelry Making

Longtime Community Program instructor Doris Chmielewski considers herself an artist from birth. Her creativity was nurtured at an early age by her mother, who introduced her to crafting and needlework. Doris creates items for the beauty and pleasure of art, and her works follow no style other than her own inner eye. Not only is Doris a gifted artist, she is also gifted at sharing her expertise with others. When Doris isn't busy designing jewelry, fusing glass at 2000 degree temperatures, or teaching art in Kids College, she is busy being a wife and Aggie Mom.

Don Christie, Jr.

Retirement Planning

MCC Community Programs is glad to introduce Don Christie, Jr. Don will be leading a seminar, "Retirement Planning Today," for Community Program participants. Don was a guest presenter for the MCC Emeritus Program this past spring. He holds a B.B.A. and M.A .degree and is a Certified Financial Planner. More importantly, Don is also a retiree, so he speaks from experience. Come meet Don, obtain a copy of his notebook, and benefit from his expertise.

April Allison Cole

Wine Tasting

April teaches the Wine Tasting classes at MCC. April can again be spotted at the HEB on Wooded Acres in the Wine Department where she previously worked. April has also worked with a wine distributing company and was the former owner of the Wine Rack. April's expertise is surpassed only by her delightful personality, her passion for teaching, and her love for people.

Leslie Collier

Basket-weaving

Meet Leslie Collier; she currently teaches basket-weaving for MCC Community Programs. You may have seen Leslie demonstrating her skills at the Bill and Vara Daniels' Historic Village, and now you have the chance to learn from her! Leslie enjoys teaching this course because it is such a fun hobby to learn and not as rigorous as chair caning and weaving. The course consists of two classes, and each participant will make two baskets during the course. Sign up with a friend or a group for a fun time learning a new craft.

Richard Couey

Reclaim Your Health: The Antioxidant Diet

Dr. Richard Couey, instructor for "Reclaim Your Health" and co-author of the textbook for the course, is a retired professor from Baylor University who specialized in exercise physiology, sports medicine and nutrition. He has served as an exercise physiology consultant to the U.S. Olympic Team and as a member of the President's Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports. Dr. Couey has designed nutrition, fitness, and weight-loss programs for wellness centers, police and fire departments, and groups such as the Texas Ranger Baseball Organization. He is a well-known consultant and speaker on nutritional science and physical fitness and has published several books on the subjects.

Terry Daniel

You're on the Air- How to Make it in Voice-Overs

"How to Make it in Voiceovers" instructor Terry Daniel landed his first radio job in 1994 at a FM station in the Twin Cities. He went on to DJ for a smooth jazz and alternative rock station, but his passion is theater and voice work. In 2001, Terry co-wrote and performed in the theater production "Every Night Mickey" and has starred in two productions of "True West," the award-winning play by Sam Shepard. Terry has experience networking with production companies and talent agencies and has done voice work for such companies as Hallmark, Toro, Lifetime Fitness, Qwik Trip, Boston Scientific, and Great Clips. Terry has even done a few jingles!

Patty Field

Knitting

Patty joins Community Programs and brings her expertise of knitting to our ever-expanding curriculum. Don't miss being part of the knitting group. Patty shares, "I have knitted for almost 40 years and it never ceases to amaze me. There is always new complexity or meditatively calming simplicity in knitting. Join me in class and begin something that might become a life-long pleasure. If you are already a knitter, together we can try some new challenges."

Don't pass up the offer to meet this delightful instructor and make new friends while getting in touch with your creativity.

Cindy Foster

Sign Language

Cindy Foster teaches Beginning Sign Language as well as Sign Language II offered through Community Programs; she receives many rave reviews from her students. Cindy was inspired to work with the deaf when she was a high school junior and observed a group of deaf and their interpreter at a rodeo. Although she started a family and held other jobs, her dream came true in 1993 when she enrolled in MCC's Interpreter Training Program. Now Cindy serves as inspiration for the students who enter her classroom. Cindy serves on the board for Central Texas Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and she is a full time interpreter at TSTC. She loves educating the public on deaf awareness and interpreting at her church.

Mel Grider

Birding

If birds of a feather flock together, then anyone interested in the basics of bird-watching should join this class on Backyard Birding for Beginners. Taught by Mel Grider, this course is designed to get you started on the delightful pastime of birding.

You may have met Mel if you have been by his store "Wild Birds Unlimited" which recently opened in Waco. Mel speaks frequently on the subject of birding, and oversees the newsletter, "Bird Tracks" that is mailed quarterly.

Mel and his wife settled in Waco 30 years ago, but they only recently took up the hobby of birding. The pure enjoyment of this pastime, coupled with Mel's desire to keep busy after retiring, led to opening the store and many more opportunities to spread his enthusiasm about birding. Mel has put together three fun sessions for MCC's Community Programs, so be sure and sign up soon!

Thomas Grimes

Photography

Thomas Grimes was graduated from the University of Kentucky (B.Sc., Pharmacy), the Ohio State University (M.S., Medicinal Chemistry) and the Purdue University (Ph.D., Pharmaceutical Engineering). He worked thirty years for the Upjohn Company and the A.H. Robbins Company as a senior research scientist for parenteral product development and process design. He developed has three patents while working at The Upjohn Company.

Dr. Grimes has been active in photography for over 46 years. While living in Kalamazoo, Michigan he studied photography at the Kalamazoo Institute of Art. He has taken many photographic courses studying at the Palm Beach Photographic Workshops, the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops and the Calumet Institute. He has studied under renowned photographers such as Steve Anchell, Jock Sturges, Kurt Markus, Michael Kenna, Marc Hauser, Will Crockett, Craig Stevens, Elizabeth Opalinik and Jeff Lubin. He now resides in Waco, Texas and teaches photography at the McLennan Community College in the Continuing Education Department. He enjoys working with students seriously interested in improving their photographic skills.

Thomas develops his film and makes prints of black and white as well as color negatives in his darkroom. He also enjoys making prints using a variety of alternative processes to silver gelatin printing. Camera formats used vary from 35 mm to 8 x 10 view cameras. He is knowledgeable in photographing under available light as well as using studio lighting conditions. Favorite photographic subjects include landscapes, botanicals, and portraits.

Thomas's work has been exhibited in at the Kalamazoo Art Museum (Kalamazoo, Michigan), the Kellogg Art Museum of Battle Creek (Battle Creek, Michigan), the Art Museum of Longview (Longview, Texas), The Waco Civic Theater (Waco, Texas), The George Spivia Museum of Fine Art (Joplin, Missouri) and the Bosque County Conservatory of Fine Arts (Clifton, Texas). He is a member of Focus, a local fine art photography organization, the Bosque Conservatory Photography Guild, The Photography Educators Society and the Texas Photographic Society.

Glen and Georgia Hofers

Beginning Ballroom

This delightful couple has come "full-circle" on the dance floor as they now teach where their ballroom dance days began! According to Glenn, they enrolled in their first ballroom dance course through Community Programs many years ago; proof he says, "that MCC is the place to build a foundation for years of dancing pleasure."

When not busy teaching dance, these two love to travel and dance to a variety of bands. They also participate in the local Cabaret Dance Club, The Stardust Dance Club, and the USA Dance Association. Community Programs is happy to welcome back this wonderful pair.

Robin Jeep

Reclaim Your Health: The Antioxidant Diet

As instructor of "Reclaim Your Health," Robin Jeep brings a wealth of experience. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in Napa Valley, Calif., and apprenticed with Mike Maples of Die Pupille in Munich, Jeffrey Michaels of the Royal Orleans in New Orleans, and Executive Chef Piero of the famous Toscano in Los Angeles. Robin also was the director of marketing for Whole Foods in Dallas before becoming a private chef for celebrities. She is now founder of Vibrant Cuisine, which combines her passion for using of antioxidant ingredients with her passion for international cuisines. Her approach to nutrition is holistic and practical.

Mary Ann Jennings

Fitness Over 50

Mary Ann Jennings has a doctorate in sports management. She has been an adjunct instructor at MCC for five years and also teaches in the Health, Human Performance and Recreation Department at Baylor University. Mary Ann enjoys developing individual programs to help her students achieve their fitness goals. Come ready to work; she's no pushover!

Sue Johnson

Mind and Body Aerobics

Sue's best advertisement for her aerobics class is her students; some have exercised with Sue for years while others are new to the class. Both groups have a great time. Sue says, "I have taken aerobics, jazzercise, and several other types of exercise classes, but I always got bored with the monotony of the programs. With the music and dance steps that are easy enough even for beginners, I never get bored. My classes have such a variety of age groups (the class ages range from students in their 20s through students in their late 60s), interests, careers, etc., that we all have a good time together." Sue and her current students invite you to join them twice weekly for an aerobic workout, not to mention the laughter and fun that goes along with it!

Holt Kelly

An Exploration of Sustainability

A native Wacoan, Holt has been in construction-related business most of his life. His family owned Jewell Concrete Products for more than 50 years, and Holt has owned Holtek Fireplace and Solar Products for 16 years. His interest in renewable energy led him to sales and installation of solar energy-based systems 10 years ago. With a passion for finding out how things work, Holt became a "student" of Buckminster Fuller and the sustainable way of solving everyday problems.

Missy Kittner

Beginning Swimming for Adults, Children's Swimming

Certified as a lifeguard, lifeguard instructor, and a Water Safety Instructor Trainer, Missy Kittner has the expertise to teach people of all ages. Her love for the water can be traced back to her first swimming lessons at the age of three. By age 11, Missy was swimming competitively, and by 15 years of age, she was certified as a lifeguard. Missy directed the "Learn to Swim" Program for the City of Richardson for seven years, and she has taught countless babies, toddlers, children, and adults to swim. Not only does Missy possess the skills to teach anyone to swim, she loves to teach. If you want to learn to swim, then Missy is the person you need to meet!

Brian Konzelman

Men's & Women's Fitness

Meet Brian Konzelman, already well-known at MCC in the Commercial Music Department. Five years ago, Brian was not the physically fit man he is today; in fact, his personal story is one reason Brian is such an inspiration to others. An emergency room visit for heart attack symptoms at age 46 was the motivation Brian needed to change his lifestyle and transform his health and physique. Brian made a promise to himself and his physician that upon his return for his six-month appointment, he would be a new man. Brian then set out to transform his health and well-being; now Brian motivates others to do the same. You will catch Brian's enthusiasm and benefit from his experiences. Brian's dedication to helping others motivated him to obtain his certification as a personal trainer. Come join Brian and make this summer your start to a healthier you! Brian's practical approach may be just what you have been waiting for! The two courses Brian will teach this summer are: "Living Longer Stronger - Fitness, Strength and Nutrition Training for Men" and Body Defining - Fitness, Strength and Nutrition Training for Women".

For more information and a map to Brian's location, refer to the following website: www.livingstrong.org

Thomas Marvin

Monday Hatha Yoga

Embracing the philosophy "If it hurts, it is not Yoga," popular instructor Thomas Marvin will continue his Monday evening Hatha yoga course, which runs for one and a half hours per class for six weeks. Thomas has been a yoga instructor since 2000, and he continues to meet with other yoga instructors to enhance his skills. His goal as a teacher is to help others discover the benefits he has experienced through the practice of yoga.

Tom Pardaen

Great Grilling

If you haven't dined with this man, you don't want to miss his "Great Grilling" course. Tom Pardaen knows how to "throw a cookout", and his classes are as much about the fun as the food. Tom grew up in Paris, France and Laredo, Texas, and his passion for cooking began at age 11 in the Boy Scouts. (Tom is a huge supporter of scouting and is in his 34th year as a volunteer). He has served as a Cook's Assistant in a Cantonese/Chinese Restaurant near San Francisco, and he cooked at Steak & Ale in San Antonio while attending St. Mary's University. Wacoans will often find Tom cooking/catering big events around town when he is not at work as the Credit Manager for Brazos Higher Education Service Corporation. During "Great Grilling", Tom teaches how to grill meats, primarily beef and chicken, then moves on to smoked meats and finally specialty items such as desserts made in Dutch ovens. The best part of each session is the feast Tom serves up the students during class! Students are provided recipes and handouts and are encouraged to modify recipes to suit their own tastes.

Jo Pendleton

Moderator of "Book Talk!"

"Book Talk's" facilitator, Jo Pendleton, has been a storyteller (with the public library), a builder of houses (with Waco Habitat for Humanity as Executive Director), a missionary to Nicaragua, and most recently, a member of the library faculty at MCC, where she teaches research skills. Last October, she and her 6 year-old grandson adopted each other, and they share life with two dogs and two cats. She says, "a good story whether it is coming from a novel, a child's picture book, the Bible, or a fairy tale help us to understand who we are."

As part of the Emeritus Program at MCC, Jo will be leading a book discussion group the third Tuesday of each month from 11-12:00 noon. Adults, ages 55+, are invited to participate.

Kay Pennington

Beginning Spanish, Intermediate Spanish

The Spanish language has its biggest fan in Kay Pennington, and Kay has many former students who are fans of her own. If you want to learn from an instructor who is passionate about the language and understands the student's perspective of learning Spanish, you don't want to miss Kay's course. You will discover a great instructor and friend in this classroom.

Ed Rolan Jr.

Golf

Ed Rolan Jr. , the man you will love to play golf with. Love for the game of golf is something Ed tries to pass on to his students, and it is just one of the reasons that MCC is delighted to have Ed as a Community Programs instructor.

Ed played for Richfield High School and then went on to play for MCC under Coach Jimmy Clayton. It is no wonder that MCC is proud to have one of our own keeping the tradition alive. If you love golf or if you just wonder if you would love the game, Ed is the instructor to help you find out.

William Schnaithman

ESL Communications

Welcome William Schnaithman, our new ESL instructor. Maestro Schnaithman has a special place in his heart for second-language learners because he is one as well. He lived in Honduras, where his love for the Spanish language and culture began. His educational background incorporates all three institutions of higher learning in Waco: He graduated from TSTC's Culinary Arts program, was a student at MCC, and graduated from Baylor’s School of Education. He has had a plethora of teaching experiences in the field of ESL. Along with teaching at MCC, he is working with Waco ISD to restructure its elementary bilingual newcomers program.

Tom Sergent

Cardio Kick-Boxing

Tom Sergent is the longest tenured Community Programs Instructor at MCC, and he doesn't appear to be slowing down! Tom and/or his instructors at AAMA continue to push the students enrolled in MCCs Community Programs "Cardio Kick-Boxing" towards improved cardiovascular health. According to Tom, students who commit to the course in Cardio Kick-Boxing do get results; students usually move up an entire level in their fitness by the end of their eight weeks in training. Shown here are Tom Sergent and a Cardio Kick-Boxing class in action. If you are looking for some kicks (literally) and aren't afraid to sweat, sign up soon!

Sonja Stamness

German

Sonja is a native German who was born and raised in Frankfurt. She has lived on the West and East coasts and in the South over the last 17 years; however, she now considers Texas her home. Sonja’s philosophy is to have fun while learning a language. She understands the importance of thinking in the language and encourages her students to implement the language into their daily lives in order to retain the information. In her free time, Sonja is an avid equestrian who loves riding her AQHA gelding, Simon’s Pleasure (aka Simon), who boards at MCC's Highlander Ranch.

Cathy Steed

Saturday Hatha Yoga

Cathy Steed is a certified Hatha Yoga instructor. She received her certification from the Living Yoga Program in Austin and is registered by Yoga Alliance. Cathy currently teaches scheduled classes at American Academy of Martial Arts. MCC welcomes her as instructor of the Saturday morning Yoga course consisting of eight one-hour classes.

Claude Valahu

French I and II

Although she has been in the states for 25 years, this native of France frequently returns to her homeland to visit family and friends. Mrs. Claude Valahu delights in sharing her love of the French language as well as the culture. Her teaching philosophy is to encourage her students to talk and think in French. She is not concerned with her students' accents because French accents are as varied in France as Texas accents are in Texas, according to this delightful teacher! Mrs. Valahu has taught French for several years to elementary students, and she privately tutors students of all ages.

Lauren F. Walton

What's Your Sign-Astrology 101, Creative Writing, Let's Get Published

Laura has worked in the field of astrology for more than 10 years, and she is a practicing professional astrologer. Also known as "AstroChick," she writes weekly and monthly columns that have been featured in print and online. Her area of focus is Jungian/archetypal astrology, in which the symbolism of the stars is used primarily as a tool for greater self-awareness and personal growth.

Laura F. Walton is a poet and visual artist who resides in Hubbard but calls Waco her real hometown. Laura has been actively involved in creative writing since college; she leads practical writing workshops in Waco, Dallas, and elsewhere. She is also an actively publishing poet, with poems appearing in local and national journals such as "Bathtub Gin," "Concho River Review," and "Quercus Review." Laura's visual art can be seen at venues all over the state.

Rose Wootton

Fresh Flowers

Rose Wootton, owner of RoseTree Studios, is the instructor for fresh flower classes.

Tom and Joani Yows

Country & Western Dance, Beginning and Intermediate

This dynamic pair has danced socially since they met over 20 years ago. In 1999, they were introduced to the Heart of Texas Boot Scooters Dance Club. Mentored by Ed and Ann Gordon (who created the Boot Scooters to provide beginners and experienced dancers a chance to learn more C&W steps), Tom and Joani were soon encouraged by the Gordans to teach for MCC's Community Programs. The rest is history! Tom and Joani now lead the Boot Scooters dance instruction and two levels of C&W dance for Community Programs. They attend dance workshops and collect instructional dance tapes. This couple says they enjoy the company of many friends they have met through their dancing activities. Our students say this pair puts on a first- rate C&W Dance class. Come see for yourself how to have fun "Texas-style!"

Mona Zahirniak

Cake Decorating

A West native, Mona has long run her own cake decorating business and built a reputation for cakes that are always gorgeous and delicious! Her popular class generally fills up with people who want to learn cake decorating for fun or profit. Many of her students have even found employment with their new skills.