Kathy Adams is a retired Business & Computer teacher from North Royalton High School. She received her BA and MA from BW. She enjoys working on family genealogy and helping others “research their roots.” In her discoveries of her in-law’s family, she has found a Hall of Fame Baseball player, a Cleveland mayor, an Ohio governor and over 100 veterans in service to our country.

Donald C. Auble holds a BA from Baldwin-Wallace and an MS from the Scripps School of Journalism, Ohio University. He was co-founder, then owner of Jaeger Advertising, a full-service advertising agency. Don also taught marketing and advertising classes at Baldwin Wallace as an adjunct professor for many years. He has developed other ILR classes.

Bill received a B.A. and M.A. in History and Ph.D. in Family Financial Planning from Texas Tech University and an M.Th. from SMU. He has previously taught this class at Cuyahoga Community College in its Encore program and at ILR-East. His professional teaching career spans more than 40 years. During this time, he has taught students from elementary school to medical school. He served on the faculty of several universities - the University of Wyoming and IUPUI (Indiana U./Purdue U.) and for more than 20 years at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He and his extended family moved to Rocky River in 2018.

Attorney Dan A. Baron focuses his practice in the areas of estate planning, asset protection and elder law. Mr. Baron is a member of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, West Shore Bar Association, Akron Bar Association and Elder Counsel. He is a published author and creator of Dollars and Sense© magazine. Since 2019, Dan has been nominated by his professional peers as “Ohio’s Super Lawyer, Rising Star.” Recently Dan was also voted “Best Lawyer, One to Watch for 2026.”

Vera Bartasavich earned graduate degrees in Health Education and Nutrition Education and is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) focusing on prediabetes and diabetes education. Vera has 30+ years of experience in the food industry and currently works at Summa Health as a Diabetes Educator. She enjoys presenting health and wellness topics in a variety of settings.

Robin Barto is a Master Martial Arts instructor and a retired Psychotherapist with over 50 years involvement in Chinese arts, including Karate, Tai Chi and Qi Gong. He holds a 7th degree Black Belt in Karate and is certified to teach Tai Chi and Qi Gong.

Tom Benson is a Retired Senior Research Engineer from the NASA Glenn Research Center. He retired in 2015 after more than 35 years of service at NASA Glenn. For the first 20 years, he specialized in computer modeling of supersonic and hypersonic flows in propulsion systems. The last 15 years were mainly devoted to educational outreach. Tom earned a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Ohio State University in 1971. He then spent four years in the Air Force at Wright Patterson AFB doing high speed inlet testing and installed engine performance calculations for the F-5E, YF-16, YF-17, and B1-A. He returned to graduate school at OSU and passed the qualifiers for a PhD before coming to work at NASA in 1978. He is a board member of the Cleveland Astronomical Society, where he has given talks on the Apollo Moon Program, the International Space Station, and NASA Science Missions.

Gail Berzins graduated from Miami University (Ohio) with a degree in education. She spent 13 years teaching home economics. She has been digital scrapbooking since 2010. She has a passion for helping people preserve and tell their stories for future generations.

Judge Patricia Ann Blackmon served five terms on the Eighth District Court of Appeals in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Judge Blackmon retired February 10, 2021 after 30 years on the court.

Bill Brauning spent his prior career of 35 years in the field of Education in both direct and supervisory activities. Alongside that, he has been playing music since 1964, playing all styles from Rock, R&B to Jazz and Latin. Bill has toured, recorded and recently composed and arranged his own compositions. For the past 15 years, he has been presenting Pop Culture Programs to local colleges and universities, libraries and senior communities. He focuses on the mediums of Television, Film, Hollywood Musicals and all decades of music. LET'S GET POP CULTURED!

Carolyn Brown is a wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker and quiltmaker. A Baldwin Wallace graduate, she retired from a career in accounting and now enjoys the increased time she can spend on quilting. She has been quilting for 45 years. She has made more than 100 quilts, 40 or so within just the last two years.

Jerilyn Friedmann Burgess is a proud BW graduate, 1993. Her English professors had a passion for literature and linguistics, inspiring her to make a living in everything English.

Founded in 1982, Cannon Irish Dance offers Irish Dance instruction for ages 3 through adult, from preschool and toddler classes to a low impact senior exercise program and everything in between. Instructor, Peggy Cannon, began Irish Step Dance in 1970. She won both the Mid-America and North American Championships in 1980-1982. Peggy is a lifelong resident of the Cleveland area and Cannon Irish Dance has offered lessons in the Fairview/North Olmsted area from 1982 through present.

Shannon Caperton, L.Ac, was inspired to become an acupuncturist after witnessing the power of this type of medicine. It improved the health of family members struggling with health issues and who were bereft of relief using standard medical care. She attended graduate school at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago, where she earned her Master's Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. During her time in Chicago she was privileged to work in underserved communities at the Project Vida clinic in the Little Villages neighborhood on the city's west side, as well as at Chicago Women's Health Center. In addition to these experiences, she worked extensively in the school's student clinic, which prepared her for working with a diverse population and gave her the experience to treat a wide variety of disorders. Shannon is nationally certified by the NCCAOM, as well as licensed by the Ohio Medical Board. She lives in Medina, OH and enjoys spending time with her dog and hiking in the Metroparks in her spare time.

Debbie Cerra is a retired Industrial Arts teacher and ordained Presbyterian minister (retired). She has served as teacher, preacher, pastor, retreat leader, grief coach and grief group facilitator. Presently she is grief coordinator at Strongsville United Methodist Church. There she offers groups to help people navigate this uncharted grief journey. Debbie honors her ordination vows to serve the Lord and God’s people with energy, intelligence, imagination and love.

Ann Cleary is a National Board Certified teacher in Adolescent and Young Adult Science. She taught 9th grade Earth and Space Science for over 30 years. She hopes to make topics simple and easily understood.

Gary Croy taught both "American Tradition" and "Advanced Placement United States History" at Berea High School. He also served as a faculty consultant for the College Board's United States History Exam for eleven years. Following his retirement from Berea High School, he taught the U.S. History and European History survey classes at Baldwin Wallace for five years. He is a member of the Berea City School District Distinguished Staff Hall of Fame.

Sean Crum has been a professional artist and art historian for over 45 years. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Cleveland State University (1974) and a Master of Arts Degree (1977) from Case Western Reserve University. He has received over forty art and educational awards, has been featured in 12 One-Man Shows and has been accepted in over sixty juried shows. His art, pen and ink, paintings and etchings are in numerous collections.

Melanie Deutsch, former fiction specialist for the Cuyahoga County Public Library, has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish from Cleveland State University and a Master of Arts in Library Science from Case Western Reserve University. With 27 years experience in public libraries, she has presented workshops for national and state library organizations and has facilitated a local book discussion group for over 20 years. She has presented courses for the ILR on nonfiction books, mysteries and other book related topics.

R.C. Durkee is a writer, artist and local history speaker. Her debut novel, "Rum Run" was selected for Ohioana and inclusion in the state's library. She lectures local history for college lifelong learning courses, libraries and organizations and was a recurrent program speaker for Case Western Reserve University's STEM program. The sixth generation to be raised on her family’s 190 year old farm, her love of history, nature and rural life are reflected in both her art and writing. She is currently writing a narrative nonfiction set during the Civil War.

Mr. Erlinger does not have a bio on file.

Bert Fassett has a BA and MA from Cleveland State University. He taught in the Lakewood School System for 25 years. In 1994 and 2002 he was named Educator of the Year. In 2016, he was selected for the Lakewood Staff Hall of Fame. He also coached middle school basketball for 15 years. He has been married for 42 years and has two sons.

Carl Fernstrum is the Director of Worship at Strongsville United Methodist Church. He received his B.A. in Music from Wayne State University (Detroit, MI) and his M.M. in Voice Performance from University of Akron (Akron, OH). He has taught classes for the ILR since 2010. Carl has been the Opening Act for Bobby Short (from the Cafe Carlyle in NYC) and warmed up for Ella Fitzgerald at the Music Hall in Detroit, MI.

Jane Gramlich has been a genealogy and local history librarian at Akron-Summit County Public Library since 2007. She holds an M.A. in History and M.L.I.S. from Kent State University. She has served as Vice President and Program Chair of the Cuyahoga Valley Genealogical Society since 2015 and has been a trustee and newsletter editor for the Ohio Chapter of Palatines to America since 2021. Jane has contributed several articles to genealogical journals such as Ohio Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vermont Genealogy and Cornwall Family History Society Journal.

Barbara Greenberg received a Bachelor of Science in Education from The Ohio State University. She taught junior and senior high school in Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio, and has many years of adult education teaching experience. She received a J.D. degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law and is admitted to the Bars of the State of Ohio and the United States Supreme Court.

After working 15 years for the Cuyahoga Board of Developmental Disabilities taking care of adults with special needs and getting a BA in Social Work, I had a baby and decided to stay home. After my second child, I wanted something for myself to calm down at the end of the day. I saw a post on social media about hobbies. Someone said "book folding" and showed me a picture. I thought, "I want to do that!" Now here I am, 5 years later teaching others who want a unique hobby!

Father Harmon was awarded a Master of Divinity from the Asbury Theological Seminary. He also has a Master of Arts degree in Russian History from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in History from North Dakota State University. On August 1, 2024, Father Harmon retired as the pastor of St. Matthew Church in North Royalton for 34 years.

Doug Hedrick has been a registered Professional Engineer and Surveyor for over 40 years. His career as a Project Engineer has been in both the private and public sectors. He first began as a Project Manager for Roadway Services/Federal Express and managed the construction of multi-million dollar distribution facilities throughout the Eastern and Southern United States. Doug then switched to the public sector as the Construction Engineer for the Ohio Turnpike Commission. Doug was responsible for construction oversight for the Third Lane Widening program, the modernization of the Toll Plazas and Service Plazas and was ultimately promoted to the position of Chief Engineer. He managed the Ohio Turnpike during the Ohio Governor's billion dollar Infrastructure Program. Doug finished his career as the Vice President of Greenman Pedersen Inc.'s Ohio operations. Doug developed GPI's operation to the premiere construction services provider to both the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Turnpike Commission. During his tenure, GPI was selected by ODOT as the lead engineer for both Cleveland Innerbelt Bridge projects, the Valley View Bridge expansion and the new State Route 8 bridge in Akron.

Bette Lou Higgins holds a M.Ed. from Cleveland State and a BA in theatre from Baldwin Wallace. She researches, writes and performs programs designed to make history meaningful for all ages.

Cheri Homaees art career spans fifty years as a painter, a photographer and an art instructor. Her photography has been published and exhibited throughout the East Coast, with many of her works in private collections. She has won several national and international juried competitions. Cheri has taught drawing, pottery, colored pencils and photography at Brecksville Center for the Arts at the Busy Bee for over ten years.</span

Douglas Horne graduated from The Ohio State University in 1974. He served with the U.S. Navy in various capacities for 20 years. From 1995-1998, he held a critical position on the the staff of the JFK Assassination Records Review Board, where he headed the military records team. Doug also worked for the U. S. Holocaust Memorial Museum from 1998-2001 and completed his 40 years of Federal Service with the State Department, retiring in 2016.

Doug Imhoff earned both a BA and MBA at Baldwin Wallace University. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Financial Planner (CPF) and worked as an internal auditor in various management positions for several companies in the Cleveland area. In addition, he has a lifelong interest in American and World history, government and politics.</span

Nancy Jirousek retired from Baldwin Wallace University as the Senior Director of Transfer and Military Services in 2024 after 19 years, and also served as the liaison to ILR. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Master's of Education in Adult Learning and Development from Cleveland State University. Nancy and her husband enjoy visiting local microbreweries in the Cleveland area as well as whenever they travel to other cities around the country. When asked to present a class about beer for ILR, Nancy agreed to share her insights into exploring the Cleveland beer and brewery scene.

Gary Kader is the director of the Burrell Memorial Observatory at Baldwin Wallace University where he is also an adjunct instructor in the department of Engineering Physics and Astronomy. He holds a mechanical engineering degree from Cleveland State University and a Professional Engineering License in Ohio as well as a master's degree in international business. A life-long resident of Northeast Ohio, he was employed by the International Salt Company, and the Clorox Company. His last 25 years were as the Vice President of Engineering for the Webb-Stiles Company.

Lude Kemock is a licensed real estate broker in Ohio and has been practicing real estate for over 45 years. He has taught real estate at several Northeast Ohio colleges for over 30 years and recently retired from his final position as National Director of Transitions and Implementation at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporate Office in Madison, New Jersey, where he worked for over 30 years as a Manager, National Trainer, Business Consultant and Innovator of marketing and training tools. He is currently an Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realty in Westlake.

John Kipp is certified as an armed private security officer by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and has taught courses on personal safety for 15 years. He is also an Ohio Peace Officer Training Administration range safety officer and has served as an instructor and consultant for multiple community and first-responder organizations.

British-born Julie Koenig is a keen observer and lifelong student of the British monarchy. She offers fascinating insights that go beyond the usual headlines and media coverage. She is well-versed in the colorful history, traditions and scandals of the British monarchy.

Mary Ruth Kolk is a passionate educator, storyteller and community leader. She develops and teaches engaging courses on women’s history, local Cleveland landmarks, health and human connection for Baldwin Wallace University’s ILR and Tri-C’s Encore programs. With a gift for weaving research, personal stories and visuals, Mary inspires learners to see history and life in new ways, fostering curiosity, empathy and a deeper sense of connection.

Steve Korpos, Jr. is the Executive Director and Roundhouse Supervisor at Midwest Railway. A member of the MRPS Board of Trustees, Steve is a pattern maker by trade, retired from the former Ford Motor Co. Cleveland Casting Plant in Brook Park and brings many skills to the organization that contribute greatly to the numerous varied projects undertaken by Midwest that include technical and mechanical support along with project leadership.

Author and investigative historian William G. Krejci was born in Cleveland and raised in neighboring Avon Lake. Aside from multiple book titles to his credit, he is also the owner, operator and host of Strange & Spooky Cleveland Tours. With an interest in local history, he spends much of his time investigating the origins of ghostly legends and urban lore, and for six years was the resident historian of Cleveland's famed Franklin Castle. Since 2022, he has served on the board of the Monroe Street Cemetery Foundation on Cleveland's West Side. William has appeared as a guest on multiple paranormal-based television programs and has been featured on local television, radio and podcasts. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, playing guitar and singing in an Irish band.

Doug Kusak is an Historical Interpreter with Cleveland Metroparks (since 2007), a part- time Guest Engagement Specialist with Great Lakes Science Center (since 2002), as well as on the Steamship William G. Mather Museum (since 2003). From mid-May through mid- October, he can be found leading the two-hour Cuyahoga "River By Boat" programs on Cle2 - the 17-passenger Cleveland Metroparks excursion vessel.

Karen Lakus is an employee of Cleveland Metroparks.

Michael Laurenty is a retired United States Navy veteran and currently teaches courses in College Composition and Graphic Novels in the English Department at Cleveland State University. He is a playwright, author, musician, avid game player and ardent Lego builder. He is also a Doctor of Naturopathy, has earned an MFA in creative writing and is a Licensed Massage Therapist.

Scott Longert is a graduate of the Ohio State University and has his M.A. in American History from Cleveland State University. He is the author of six books on Cleveland baseball history and has appeared on television, radio and several baseball documentaries.

Judy MacKeigan received her BA and MA in History from Cleveland State University, with a focus in19th Century American and local history. She retired in June of 2025 after serving as Historian and Archivist for Cleveland Metroparks for fifteen years, a career which allowed her to widen her historical research and knowledge into the 20th century.

Tom Marini worked at University of Michigan Ross School of Business as a Business Research Librarian, William and Mary University as an Associate Director of their McLeod Business School Library, Director at University of Virginia, Darden Business School Library. He also worked with the Secretary of Defense Executive Fellows' Program in which he taught classes to senior military officers who would then go to work for various participating companies for a year. For a while, he did some contracting on the side with various military companies. He also did a threat analysis on a variety of subjects, with concentrations on the Middle East and Asymmetrical Warfare with various terrorist groups. From 2009-2010, he was a Fullbright Scholar in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

Mare Matthews lifelong love of trees began among the oaks of Lakewood. She surprised her dad when she rejected one college campus because there aren't any trees. She earned a degree in Natural Resources with a major in Forest Management from The Ohio State University (which had sufficient trees), then worked for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources before turning to teaching science. Mare is eager to share her love and knowledge of trees with the ILR community.

Mel Maurer has a Bachelor of Science from John Carroll University. His education includes many historical symposia focused on Abraham Lincoln. He is past president and historian of the Cleveland Civil War Roundtable and has appeared in several of its plays. He is a lifetime member of the Lincoln Forum. For 43 years, he was Manager of Administrative Quality and Distribution for the Boston Weatherhead Division of Dana Corporation. In retirement, he is a writer, speaker and actor.

Terry Meehan earned a BBA in marketing from Cleveland State University and an MA in literature and film from Kent State University. He teaches film appreciation at Lorain County Community College and at several adult education programs, including the Cleveland Film Society. At Chautauqua Institution, he has presented the Movies of Alfred Hitchcock and Early Western Films. He also curates and presents a monthly film series.

Rachel Metz is a 500-hour certified yoga instructor going into her sixth year teaching, and has been practicing herself for 23 years. She also holds certifications and trainings in aromatherapy, Thai yoga massage, Ayurveda and trauma informed yoga work. Rachel teaches vinyasa style yoga, yin and restorative yoga. She believes most importantly that it's always best to be the student first. She also believes in the magic of the mind, body and heart connection that yoga provides. Having had the privilege of discovering that connection has instilled within her a passion for inspiring and guiding others to find that same magic.

Jay Milano is a recently retired trial lawyer, both civil and criminal. His clients have included everyone from kids in trouble to doctors and lawyers, to dope dealers, bikers and conmen and gypsies and even Snoop Dog to large companies. He currently teaches Trial Tactics to law students at Case Western Reserve School of Law (30 Years) and Media Law and Ethics to journalism students at The Ohio State University (10 years). In 2023, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, to celebrate its 150th anniversary, named Jay as one of 18 “Living Legacy Lawyers” whose career has transformed the practice of law and the community for the better. He is a past president of the CMBA and the Founding President of the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Sue Ann Miller earned a BS in Clothing & Textiles and Home Economics from The Ohio State University. After a 14 year career in retail management at The May Company, she began her teaching career at Parma City Schools and then Berea City Schools. Sue Ann taught Family & Consumer Science classes. After earning her Masters of Educational Technology at BW, she taught computer classes (Grades 5-12) and then served in the role of the district instructional technology coach at Berea until she retired in 2020. Sue Ann is a Google Education Certified Trainer and teaches adult education classes at Polaris Career Center.

Mello Mitchell began his meditation journey over twenty years ago and has since taught meditation as a tool for relaxation, inner growth and well-being. He believes that everyone has a higher purpose and should use their time on earth to learn and grow. Mello is a Certified Meditation Instructor, a student of a Himalayan/Yogi Master, a Reiki Master with a Black Belt in Karate and an MBA, bringing a diverse background to his teaching.

Edward L. Napoleon, Jr. is a seasoned Cyber Security Specialist with extensive experience in directing corporate IT initiatives and implementing cybersecurity solutions to support business objectives. He holds a Master of Science Degree from Cleveland State University and a Bachelor Degree from Baldwin Wallace College.

Gerry Nemeth spent the majority of his adult life working in the electronics industry and then in higher education teaching and tutoring mathematics. He has been teaching courses for ILR for five years. TV game show history, Cleveland sports history and Ohio VIP speakers series are among the classes he has taught in the past.

Ken Neuzil earned his BA and MA degrees at Kent State University. He taught classes in social science at the high school level for 38 years and specialized in world history. For several years, he taught a class on Eastern Cultures and also created a course on Great Religions and A History of Ethics, which is still being taught at the high school. After retiring in 2004, Ken taught a graduate level on literacy for Walsh University.

Patrick is an environmental biologist, an administrator and educator. He co-authored the first textbook on the “Enneagram Personality Theory.” As an international consultant, he has assisted corporations and organizations with CEO search, selection and training. O’Leary specializes in conflict resolution and team-building. He is an international mountaineer and wilderness guide. As a lifelong Scouter, Pat is vitally involved in preparing the next generation of Americans.

Neil Oblonsky is a Cleveland native and an OSU graduate. He wrote for TV shows in Columbus. He's been a comedian since 1979, earning upwards of $499, so living comfortably. He graduated from Second City in 2002. He has acted at Playhouse Square and in theaters across Cleveland.

Brian A. Pavlac is a Professor Emeritus of History from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. His publications include A Concise Survey of Western Civilization: Supremacies and Diversities Throughout History (4th Edition), Game of Thrones Versus History: Written in Blood, and Witch Hunts in the Western World. He currently serves as a priest in The Episcopal Church. He has studied and lived in Germany and Austria and currently resides in Berea.

As a wife, mother of 3 sons and an avid sewist, quilter and bag maker, I am enthusiastic about sharing my knowledge with others. My interest in sewing was sparked by my grandmother during my childhood. Professionally, I spent 50 years with Tops markets, including opening the Berea Tops store as store manager, and culminating with my role as Director of Customer Service in Buffalo New York. During my time there, I formed many relationships with fellow fabric enthusiasts and had the opportunity to teach quilting and bag making at several local quilt stores. Now retired and residing back in the Cleveland area, I look forward to partnering with the ILR program and hope to meet many interesting and talented people who share my creative passions.

Beryl Prusinoski has a BA in Mathematics from CWRU and an MS in statistics from Purdue. She worked in the chemical industry for more than forty years.
Upon retirement, Beryl adapted her interests in science and history to delivering adult education classes. She has taught classes with ILR since 2017 and also delivers individual lectures for local civic groups. Her especial interest is probing the history and science within topics such as holidays, colors, food and plants.

Formal and informal: Cleveland Institute, Cleveland State. Many noted mentors. Shirley Campbell, Ken Nevadomi, John Puskas, etc.
Intergenerational Exhibit in Berea Schools, Group Shows, Invitationals, Cleveland May Show, Cleveland Museum of Art. Congressional Achievement Award in Art. Cleveland Clinic Fund Raisers, Illustrations for several Journals, books, poetry. Private Commissions. Cultural Exchange in Mexico. Broadview Gallery.

I enjoy working one on one with my students with a common sense approach. Art is life, and life is an art!

Scott Ross is a proud Berea resident and Baldwin Wallace Alumnus. He is a professional drone pilot and a FAA Safety Team Consultant. As an aviation enthusiast, he hopes to share his passion for this emerging and exciting technology.

Beverly Sadowski earned a BA in History and Psychology and an MA in Education from Baldwin Wallace University. She taught in the Berea City Schools until her retirement in 2014. Bev continues to speak on the Kennedy presidency and both the JFK and RFK assassinations to a myriad of educational and professional organizations, libraries and private groups throughout the Cleveland Metropolitan area. She recently was a featured speaker at Johnson City Community College in Kansas City, Kansas (April, 2024) and Dallas (November, 2024), at conferences sponsored by the JFK Historical Group in collaboration with Project JFK.

Pat Scanlan is a retired librarian and cancer survivor. During the 1960s and beyond, the largesse of the "Great Society" (JFK and LBJ) enabled him to spend several years traveling and exploring East and Southeast Asia. That experience and subsequent Asian connection form the basis of these presentations.

Judi Slack received her Bachelor's degree from Iowa State University and Master's degree in Education from Cleveland State University. Her early career days were as a psychiatric social worker. The remaining years of her career were spent as an elementary school teacher and then as an administrator. She has taught education courses at Cleveland State, University of Akron and Notre Dame. Tea has been a lifelong passion and she has four different certificates from the World Tea Academy: Tea Specialist, Tea Professional, Tea Sommelier, Tea Health Expert.

Ted Smith is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace. His interests and research are in traditional Chinese medicine, history, current events, science and theology. In his personal quest for balance, he has done considerable independent research into various spiritual, historical and sociological practices in an effort to see what has worked for and against humanity's quest for balance.

Aaron Spears earned a Bachelor's degree in Film History from Wright State University and a Master's in Library Science from Kent State University. He spent 13 years managing the Cedar Lee Theater, seven years on the Selection Committee for the Cleveland International Film Festival and the past 35 years watching every film he could get his eyes on. He currently programs films for Kanopy.

Patricia Stropko-O'Leary, RN, B.S. MBA Pat Stropko-O’Leary RN, B.S., MBA has 60+ years of emergency room and hospice nursing that includes 23 years as a hospice administrator. She holds an MBA in Health Care Administration, Baldwin Wallace; a B.S. in Health Care Administration and Registered Nurse certification.

JoAnn Tanke earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education at Otterbein College and studied for a Master of Science degree in family therapy at the University of Akron. She taught French and Home Economics in the Maple Heights and Berea School Systems for 31 years in grades 6-12. She has traveled with and led student trips to Europe several times.

Walter Topp is a writer who has published articles on local and military history. He has worked as a newspaper reporter, technical writer, U.S. Navy officer, police officer and emergency management director. He holds an M.S. from the U.S. Army War College and an M.P.A. from Cleveland State University.

Beth is a retired registered nurse with 35 years of experience in healthcare leadership and graduate nursing education. For 15 years, Beth taught undergraduate and graduate courses in communication, conflict management and leadership development at Indiana University School of Nursing. She holds a master's degree in nursing administration from Indiana University and a doctorate in adult education from Walden University. Beth has extensive experience in leading programs founded on the principles and practices of effective communication and has given numerous presentations on giving and receiving feedback, constructive criticism, assertiveness and mindfulness in managing conflict. She strives to help others understand the role of self-awareness and humility in communication.

Lys Ursem spends her days as a Cleveland Metroparks Naturalist educating the public about Ohio's flora and fauna, overseeing the gardens around Rocky River Nature Center, and launching a volunteer-run wildflower phenology survey. In her free time, she likes to play boardgames, go rock climbing, and go birdwatch. She and her dog, Goose, can be found hiking in the parks on her days off.

Mike Walczak has examined and studied major league baseball for more than 30 years. He was a contributor to the Bill James' Major League Baseball Project Scoresheet statistical database and was an advisor to the Society for American Baseball Research administration. Since 1994, Mike has been the Director of Trusts and Estates for Baldwin Wallace University. He has a BA from Albion College, an MEd from Cleveland State University and JD from John Marshall College of Law.

Known as the city that lights and hauls the world, Schenectady, New York, was where I was born. My parents wrenched me out of this environment when I was young and moved me to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. I floundered through school until I landed at Kent State University, graduated with an MA and started my first professional job at the Plain Dealer. Today, I am a retired teacher and an avid reader and writer.

Since 1979 American Sign Language (ASL) has been part of my life. I was under the tutorship of a Missionary who taught the Scriptures to Deaf People. Her dedication and graciousness towards Deaf People and ASL encouraged me. From then on, I continued to introduce ASL to whoever was interested. I have and continue to be involved with schools, libraries, public facilities, churches and private classes.

Linda Witkowski holds a Master of Arts degree in modern language and literature from Case Western Reserve University where she did several years of fellowship teaching. She is recently retired, having spent 50 years in the computer technology field, witnessing the emergence of this fascinating industry. She has also performed at area theaters for countless years, more recently working with ‘Women in History’ and the Downtown Cleveland Historic Gateway Walking Tour program “Take a Hike.”

Lisa Wittman has been teaching yoga for over 20 years. She is certified as an E-RYT-500, Therapeutic Yoga, Yoga Therapist and Children's Yoga. Lisa worked as a paraprofessional for children with special needs and noticed the effect yoga and movement provided. During her training, she was able to participate in Chair Yoga at assisted living facilities, nursing homes and senior centers. Her approach to yoga and movement is lighthearted and fun. Her motto: "There is always something you can do to make yourself feel better!"

Betty Zak received Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees. She has been a college educator for over 30 years, serving as lead faculty and area chair, adjunct professor and presenter/lecturer at conferences at the Cleveland Museum of Art, a 2017 Emmy nominated production and numerous other events. Some of her distinctions are: YWCA Woman of Professional Excellence Award, Outstanding Faculty Award, Recipient of 2015 Scholar of the Year Award and 2016 Lead Faculty/Area Chair Award.

Michael received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, summa cum laude, from The Ohio State University. He earned the designation of Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist from the College for Financial Planning. He is also a Certified Financial Educator and is president of the Lake Erie Chapter of the Society for Financial Awareness.