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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.

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!

Kristi Carlile

Senior Computer Classes

Kristi's philosophy is that you are never too old to learn. She teaches using step-by-step handouts and one-on-one instruction to help each student learn about computers. She enjoys the intimate learning environment created by MCC's small class sizes.

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

Don holds a B.B.A. and an M.A. degree and is a Certified Financial Planner. He has worked in the financial services industry since retiring from the Army in 1993. Don is also a retiree, so he speaks from experience. His motto: "Most people only retire once and can't afford to get it wrong."

April Cole

Wine Tasting

April can be spotted at the HEB on Wooded Acres in the Wine Department where she is a wine steward and manager. 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. Her mission is to dispel the myths and fears of wine enjoyment.

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.

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!

Pam Eggbrecht

Hooked on Crochet/Oil Painting

Pam worked as an educator in the Waco area for more than 20 years. Now retired, she spends her days working part time at Sylvan Learning Center, teaching painting and crochet classes at MCC, and volunteering with the Heart of Texas Feral Friends. Her hobbies include reading and writing short stories and poetry. She wrote and illustrated a children’s book and is now writing a romance novel.

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.

Gabriela Gatlin

English as a Second Language

Gabriela holds a master’s in education with a concentration in language and literacy. She enjoys watching students develop new understanding and practical knowledge of the English language. Gabriela has taught ESL in Honduras and spent several years teaching refugees in the state of Georgia. She also teaches developmental reading classes at MCC.

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 has taught continuing education photography courses at MCC for more than 10 years. An avid photographer for 45 years,he has taken many photography courses and attended many advanced photography workshops taught by internationally renowned photographers. Grimes began capturing images using 35 mm, medium format and large format cameras, and developed film and photographs in his own darkroom. He is currently working with digital cameras and printing digitally.

Amber Hammer

Fresh Flowers

Glenn and Georgia Hofens

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.

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!

Karen Karlik

Stained Glass Majesty

Karen has own Sundancers Stained Glass for 22 years and has taught in her own studio for 12 years. She enjoys watching students experience the "Aha!" moment: When students break the glass the way they want it to break and then see it come together into the design they envisioned.

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.

Susan Kennedy

Pottery

Susan holds a bachelor's and master's degree in art, both with specializations in ceramics. She teaches art, design and ceramics and is also a full-time studio potter. Her students love "playing in the mud!"

Missy Kittner

Adult and Children's Swimming

Missy is a certified lifeguard and lifeguard instructor. She has been teaching students of all ages to swim for more than three decades and enjoys seeing their reactions when they realize for the first time that they can swim. She has a knack for helping her students, whether young or old, overcome their intense fear and apprehension of the water.

Thomas Marvin

Hatha Yoga

Thomas began studying Yoga in 1998 and began teaching in 2001. He says, practicing yoga helps individuals access feelings of peace, love and compassion while bringing the physical body back in balance with stretches and integrative breathing techniques. Many people use yoga to help manage stress and find deep relaxation.

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.

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.

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.

Eric Schafer

Akido

Eric Schafer has studied various types of martial arts, including Karate and Tai Chi. Since 1998, he has focused his training on Aikido. Eric has taught classes at MCC since August 2009 and taught at the YMCA in Whitehouse, Texas, before moving to Waco. He enjoys teaching Aikido because it allows him to share his knowledge of the art while practicing it himself.

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.

Rosa and Bill Swearingen

Beginning Conversational Spanish

Frances Turner

Water Aerobics

Frances has been teaching Water Aerobics at MCC since 2008 and received her national certification as a water fitness instructor in March 2009. She challenges her students to improve their health while having fun in the pool. She says, water aerobics is great for improving flexibility without putting pressure on joints. She finds that the water is refreshing to students who come to class tired and stressed out and puts them in a better frame of mind.

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.

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.