Instructors

Donald C. Auble holds a BA from Baldwin Wallace and an MS from the Scripps School of Journalism, Ohio University. He was a founder and then owner of Jaeger Advertising, a full-service advertising agency, for over 20 years. Don taught marketing and advertising classes as an adjunct professor at Baldwin Wallace for 15 years. He has developed and taught other ILR class: “Explorers of the Pacific Northwest” and "How They Make...MOVIES." Interests include flying, sailing, family and travel.

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 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 2024.”

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. 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.

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.

In 2017, she attended the National Judicial College (NJC) Mindfulness for Judges conference, in Sedona Arizona. At the NJC conference she became acquainted with Judge Lee Sinclair, faculty member of the NJC. After Sedona, she was invited to present with Judge Sinclair at the National Judicial Institute and Conclave, Emerging Ethics in Today’s Cases, in April 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. Later that year, she was asked to substitute for Judge Sinclair for the NJC in November of 2018, Mindfulness for Judges. In 2019, she participated in a webcast and a podcast with Judge Sinclair for NJC on Judicial Wellness.

In April and November 2020, Judge Blackmon and other faculty members of the NJC Faculty presented the Mindfulness for Judges classes via Zoom to Judges in the Ukraine.

Since 2012, she has taught a six-week class on Understanding the Court System to senior citizens as part of the Institute for Learning in Retirement at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio.

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.

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.

In 2016, Peggy began to offer a low impact exercise program using Irish Dance basics. With all of the health benefits provided by Irish Dance, the class was a perfect fit for seniors to enjoy exercise while they benefit from improved balance, keep their mind sharp by memorizing step patterns and strengthen muscles around the joints. The lively and rhythmic Irish music not only lifts spirits but also makes the class enjoyable and feels less like exercise.

Peggy believes that Irish Dance is for everyone.  Age doesn’t matter. No experience is necessary. Everyone can enjoy and benefit from the health benefits of Irish Dance.

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 Masters 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.

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.

Debbie Darling is a singer and speaker. She has sung with The Tommy Dorsey Band, Peter Duchin and many notable Cleveland musicians and has presented her musical talks all over the country.

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.

"An educator for 20 years, Shannon began her career with a non-profit program advising high school international exchange students studying in the United States. An exchange student herself after high school in Salzburg, Austria and then Leipzig, Germany in college, Shannon understands the challenges, joys and importance of learning foreign languages. She has traveled extensively for business, education and pleasure and has been fortunate to lead student groups traveling in Brazil, Germany and China. She holds a BA from Ohio University in German and International Studies and an MBA from Baldwin Wallace. She currently owns and operates her own gardening business, Dahlia Gypsy Farms."

Carl Fernstrum received his B.A. in Music from Wayne State University and his M.M. in Voice Performance from The University of Akron. Previously, he attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts Musical Theater Writing Program as a composer. For over 30 years, Carl has served in music ministry for churches in Michigan, New Jersey and Ohio. He is the Director of Worship at Strongsville United Methodist Church. 

Carl has been an instructor at Baldwin Wallace University's ILR Program  and for the City of Westlake where he does presentations on various composers of American Popular Music.

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 - 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.

Suzanne Halstead has an MA in education from Concordia University and a BFA in studio arts and art education from Syracuse University. She is an artist, educator and museum professional, having taught art in public schools, colleges, galleries, studios and museums throughout her career. She has worked extensively in many cultural and museum environments as an educator and exhibits and program developer. Suzanne believes in enabling and empowering others so each may find and explore his or her own creative energies.

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.

Cheri Homaee’s 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 / photography at Brecksville Center for the Arts at the Busy Bee for over ten years.

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.

Nancy Jirousek retired from Baldwin Wallace University as the Senior Director of Transfer and Military Services in 2024 and also served as the liaison to ILR. She and her husband Dennis began their love of bourbon more than 30 years ago and have visited the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and Bourbon Festival numerous times, well before bourbon became the sensation it is today. Dennis is a retired financial planner providing the “color commentary” for this course, sharing many adventures from their bourbon experience.

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.

Author and investigative historian William G. Krejci was born in Cleveland and raised in neighboring Avon Lake. Aside from the 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.

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.

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. She has had the honor and privilege of serving as Historian and Archives Manager for Cleveland Metroparks since 2010. Judy was lead author and chief content editor on The Hundred Year Trail: A Centennial Celebration of Cleveland Metroparks.

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.

Kaetlyn McCafferty is a local Cleveland artist and Irish language instructor who received her Bachelor's degree from the Cleveland Institute of Art. Over the last 15 years she has spent time visiting and studying in Irish speaking regions, including combining her interests in both art and the Irish language while living as the Artist in Residence on the Aran Islands. Helping others learn Irish and supporting the language’s community of speakers and learners alike is one of her greatest passions. She has previously taught Irish at the West Side Irish American Club, PJ McIntyre’s “Speak Irish Cleveland” group, and in extra-curricular sessions at Baldwin Wallace.

Pam McConnell graduated from Bowling Green State University with a BS in Elementary Education.  For over 35 years, she taught fifth grade students with a few years of third graders.  Her interest in education led her to take classes from ILR when she retired.  Prior to her current role as the Curriculum Chairman, she was the Social Committee Chairman for eight years.

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.

Rachel also holds a BA from Kent State in weaving and textile art, and is currently creating a pathway toward her own textile business. Her other loves include dance, spending time in nature, knitting, reading and blending concoctions with her essential oils.

Edward Napoleon is an adjunct instructor in BW’s Math and Computer Science Dept. He has over 35 years of Information Technology and Information Security experience. He retired from EY as a lead Principal in Ernst & Young’s Global Information Security practice.

Edward received a Bachelor’s degree from Baldwin Wallace University (College) in 1975 and a Master of Science degree from Cleveland State University.

Edward is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). He is also a graduate of the FBI’s citizen’s academy.

Edward is a native of Cleveland. He enjoys photography, cooking and teaching adult Sunday school. He is married and has two daughters and two granddaughters.

Gerry Nemeth earned degrees in Electronic Engineering Technology from Tri-C and CSU. He previously worked in the electronics industry for several major corporations. He is currently employed at Tri-C and LCCC as a Math Instructor.

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.

Patrick O'Connor is an Emeritus Professor, now retired from Kent State University College of Education. Patrick does a lot of writing and enjoys biking and kayaking with his wife, Sue. He considers himself semi-retired and keeps busy with small consulting projects, does some teaching and writes a monthly Blog for Boomer and Beyond.

Education: formal and informal - Tri-C West, Cleveland State, Cleveland Institute of Art.

Private Seminars in Art, Philosophy and Comparative Religion. Ojai, CA, Chicago University, Dr. Jenine Mill.

Presently teaching at Strongsville Community Center (25 years) with emphasis on composition, color theory, design and a touch of art history in a non-competitive format. Students use techniques of glazing, scumbling, dry brush, impasto, palette knife and many other techniques (smoodging).

Developed annual “Art in Our Lives” art exhibit for 25 years until Covid. Ehrnfelt Community Center, Strongsville, OH. This became an annual Community Event.

Congressional Achievement Award in Art awarded at the Inauguration of President Jimmy Carter in 1981.

Private Art Studio @ Woodbury School, Shaker Hts., OH (7 yrs).

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.

Pat Scanlan received a Ph.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Modern Chinese History. He has visited China on numerous occasions. He also has spent some years in countries contiguous to China.

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.

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 and instructor. He has worked at various times as a police officer, naval officer, newspaper reporter, technical writer and emergency manager. He holds an M.S. degree from the U.S. Army War College and a master's degree in Public Administration 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. Her 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.

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 Zawatsky 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.