Continuing Education Instructors

Meet the dedicated, talented instructors teaching Continuing Education courses at Kishwaukee College…

• Patricia Andrade Loranca has been with Blue Cross Blue Shield for 22 years, 12 of those years as a Community Relations Specialist.
• Patricia Andrade Loranca ha estado 22 años con Blue Cross Blue Shield, 12 de esos años como una Especialista en Relaciones Comunitarias.
• Sharon Bartelt is a certified Koh-I-Noor artist (Grumbacher). She has been teaching workshops for Kishwaukee College since 1993.
• Lynn Bastuk has worked in physical therapy since 1977. She has worked at Rochelle West Nursing and Rehabilitation, Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, and Elmhurst Memorial Hospital. Lynn is currently a student at Kishwaukee College. 
• Sharon Bergstrom has been teaching ballroom dance at area community college for the past three years.
• Maryjane Bicksler has a B.S. in Human Services from NIU. She has worked as a community organizer for 17 years. As northern regional administrator for the Illinois Coalition for Community Services, she supervises community-organized projects in 20 counties in northern Illinois.
• Anastasia Blechschmidt has a B.A. degree in Ancient History and has done graduate studies in Women's Ancient History at Arizona State University. She's a teacher, personal counselor, and minister. She successfully completed the Basic Doula Training course in Madison and has been approved by Doulas of North America (DONA).
• John Boesche is a Diesel Power Technology instructor and a certified industrial lift truck trainer with six years experience.
• Jeanni Bonine OTR/L is an occupational therapist and a graduate of Western Michigan University. She is AHA level-two trained in hippotherapy, a NARHA certified riding instructor, a NARHA registered therapist, and currently the lead therapist at Blazing Prairie Stars in Maple Park.
• Deborah Brandt has over ten years of experience teaching yoga.
• Kristin Brynteson has five years of experience as a Digital Portrait Photographer and has been creating digital scrapbooks using MyPublisher, Picaboo, and Photoshop.
• Debra Burgin received her B.A. degree from Illinois State University. She has been teaching computer instruction at Kishwaukee College for several years and has been working in the field of office automation since 1976.
• Michael Butler has been swing dancing for over five years. He has received instruction throughout the Chicago area and in New Hampshire and completed teachers training at Big City Swing in Chicago.
• Christina Bystry-Busch has been crafting for over 30 years experimenting with various mediums. She learned to knit 25 years ago while living in New Zealand, the wool capital of the world.
• Chloe Caudillo received her B.A. from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is a bilingual teaching assistant at Clinton Rosette Middle School and a Kishwaukee College ESL instructor.
• Leslie Ciaccio has been a massage therapist for 13 years and an educator for 11 years. She is the coordinator of the COMTA accredited Kishwaukee College Therapeutic Massage Certification Program.
• Eric Da Costa is the owner of Rouge Wine Cellar in Creston. He has an extensive knowledge of wine from his native country of France to the vineyards of the New World. Eric belonged to and organized several wine clubs in France.
• Katie Davis is currently researching her family tree, which she started in 1997. She has found over 7000 members of her tree and has made contact with several new cousins. She has taught genealogy for Kishwaukee College since 2001.
• Michael Dreyer became a State of Illinois Food Service Sanitation Instructor in 2003. He is currently a food service administrator for NIU.
• Jeanne Eberhardt teaches her crafts at a variety of community-based organizations. She also formed a successful home-based business to sell her hand-crafted creations.
• Michelle Erickson-Goettl graduated from NIU with an M.F.A. in 2003. She has been a member of Kishwaukee College’s faculty since January 1998 and is a ceramics instructor.
• Claudia Garcia is a Bilingual Teacher/Aide at Davenport School in Genoa.
• Jim Glass is certified as a boating safety instructor by the Illinois Department of Conservation.
• Tim Griffin has been a student of meditation and healthful, meditative breathing techniques for 35 years. He began practicing T'ai Chi eight years ago and teaches Chi Gung breathing exercises and T'ai Chi as an aid to the development and maintenance of physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
• Lana Haines has been a public school teacher for more than 30 years teaching third grade for 12 years as well as special education. She has attended numerous conferences and meetings with parents and has focused on how to help children succeed in school by working together in a positive relationship.
• Valerie Haley has been working in the field of interior decorating since 2006 and is currently studying at the International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT) in Schaumburg.
• Linda Hallstrom has a B.S. and an M.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She currently serves as the Career and Technical Education Division Chair at Elgin High School, District U-46.
• Jerry Hanson is a retired postal employee who began dabbling in woodcarving in high school. Since retirement, he has made woodcarving a lifetime devotion and is a member of the Kishwaukee Woodworkers.
• David Haynes works with the Music Masters School of Music and has taught "Instant Piano" throughout the country. He has an M.S. in Music Education and 25 years teaching experience in band, choir, handbells, instruments and piano.
• Gina Henry-Cook, owner of Go Global, lives in Austin, Texas. She has traveled to over 80 countries and 40 states. She teaches in 86 cities nationwide, writes travel publications & DVDs, and leads one group tour each year (Thailand, Cambodia, Peru, China, and more). She and her husband take FREE VACATIONS three months every year and earn extra income with many of these income-earning ideas.
• Margaret Holden has taught French for 25 years after having studied the language in the U.S. and France since the age of nine. She has led numerous student European tours. Margaret received her B.S. in Education with a major in French and minor in German, from Clarion University in Clarion, Pennsylvania.
• Meg Hon has frequented authentic Chinese restaurants in Malaysia and Hong Kong. She has spent hours relentlessly pouring over cookbooks and experimenting with recipes for more than 20 years modifying restaurant dishes for home cooking.
• Liz Hoppenworth holds a B.A. in education from the University of Northern Iowa and an M.S. in Public Health from NIU. She has 10 years of teaching experience in the field of customer service.
• Yuying Hu was born in China. She received her B.A. in Minority Linguistics and Literature from Yunnan Institute for Nationalities, Kunming, China. She was a language professor in China for 14 years.
• Peggy Jensen is a health enthusiast who has taught all age groups and is certified to teach Body Recall.
• Angela Johansson is a communication specialist experienced in public relations, marketing, writing, and speaking. She has helped hundreds of students overcome their fear of public speaking over the years as a dedicated and caring speech instructor at Kishwaukee College. She is a writing specialist who holds both a B.A. and an M.S. in writing and communication respectively.
• Allison Johnson has been making glass beads for over ten years. She has an M.F.A. in Metalwork and Jewelry Making from NIU and is a member of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers.
• Christine Johnson has a B.A. in Television/Writing/Producing from Columbia College in Chicago. She has worked as the executive producer for Frequency TV at Columbia College and is an independent video producer.
• Jamie Justice is a licensed physical therapist at Creative Therapeutics. She specializes in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction, including bladder and bowel dysfunction.
• Sharon Lee Kasmira attended the Harrington Institute of Interior Design in Chicago and has over 25 years of interior design experience. Sharon pioneers concepts of environmental therapy through her business SPACES in Janesville, Wisconsin.
• Lynn Keasler has led classes on "A Course in Miracles," "The Four Agreements," and "The Secret with Vision Journal Workshop" at a holistic center in West Dundee. She teaches with an open discourse philosophy and with respect to all spiritual views.
• Christy Klein is the owner/operator of Glass Gardens, Inc. in DeKalb. She has skills in stained glass, fusion, glass bead making, and mosaics. Her experience includes years of design, repair and instruction, trainings and practical knowledge.
• Sarah Koepke is the Director of the Flagg Township Museum. She has a B.S. in Geology, an M.A. in Anthropology and a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Museum Studies from NIU. She is a Kishwaukee College adjunct faculty member teaching Anthropology, Geology, and Physical Science. Her museum work includes: Anthropology Museum of NIU; Burpee Museum of Natural History (Rockford); and the Midwest Museum of Natural History (Sycamore).
• Stanislaw Kolesnik has been a member of the American Contract Bridge League since 1999. He represented District 13 four times in the North American Bridge Championships and won the champion title in North American Open Pairs - Flight C in 2006.
• Lisa Kryca has a B.A. degree from the University of Illinois and 10 years experience teaching computer technology.
• Doris Larson, GRI, a real estate practitioner since 1970, went into management with Coldwell Banker in 1984 after receiving her Brokers license. Since 2001, she has been teaching real estate transactions and broker courses, sharing her love of the industry and experience with others who are thinking of pursuing a career in real estate. 
• Dava Lee has been the owner of a professional organizing business, Time and Space, since 2003. In addition to organizing her own home, and that of several clients, she has organized for a national television program with Dr. Keith Ablow regarding the effects of hoarding.
• Dimitri Liakos has been a professor of Art History and Archaeology at NIU since 1967 where he still teaches. He has received numerous awards including NIU’s prestigious Excellence in Teaching Award. Professor Liakos has had over 47 years of first-hand knowledge and experience exploring, researching, excavating, recording, documenting, surveying, and photographing in at least 200 archaeological sites in Europe, Asia, and Africa. His extensive research encompasses architecture, mythology, symbolism, comparative religion, iconography, history, and ancient poetry. Professor Liakos has lectured at various locations world-wide including the Art Institute of Chicago. He is co-founder of ALPHA: Friends of Antiquity and directs tours for the ALPHA Travel Programs.
• Brad Lipman has been the Media Services Director at Kishwaukee College for 16 years. He has worked in the A/V field for 33 years and has directed the ITFS broadcast facility and TV studio at Triton College for 4 years.
• Shawn Long is an Automotive Technology instructor at Kishwaukee College and is Master Automotive Service Excellence certified. He has worked at J & J Sports in Sycamore and TUF Racing in DeKalb.
• Rich McElligott is president of the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance and an active member of the Shabbona Lake Sportsman’s Club.
• Karen Mecklenburg has been a cosmetologist for 37 years. She is a graduate of the LaSalle School of Beauty College and Hair Professionals Career College. Karen worked at the Hair Professional Career College in Sycamore for 10 years.
• David Miedema has been creating jewelry of over 20 years. He is the owner for Miedema Fine Jewelers in Genoa.
• Sharon Miller has been working in the landscape industry for the past 20 years and is the owner of The Perennial Patch in Kirkland.
• Diane Morlan learned to crochet when she was only eight years old. She has taught crochet classes at Michael's Arts & Crafts stores in Minnesota and Illinois for over six years and has won ribbons at the Sandwich Fair for her crochet projects.
• Lana Nimri has lived most of her life overseas in Jordan. She is bilingual as English and Arabic were used daily at home and at work. She attended a private school where English, Arabic and French were necessary. Lana has also taught English as a Second Language for Arabic-speaking students. She received her B.A. from the University of Jordan in Amman, Jordan.
• Pat Noel has composed numerous articles but fiction writing is her passion, especially romance writing. Currently she is penning her second novel and is vice president of the Rockford Writers’ Guild. Pat has taught writing seminars at Elgin, Rock Valley and Sauk Valley Community Colleges.
• Rene Olsen is a YES certified instructor and has been a firefighter/EMT with the Malta Fire Department since 1985. She is an administrative assistant in the EMC/CTC office at Kishwaukee Hospital where she is also a CPR instructor.
• Diego Pascual-Cabo received his B.A. in English from the University of Granada in Granada, Spain. He received his M.A. in Spanish from NIUe.
• Zoran Perovanovich is a certified paralegal and teacher with over 20 years in the profession.
• Jorge Phillips has owned and operated an accounting and tax business for 18 years. He has taught recordkeeping and tax segments of the small business administration’s entrepreneurial training program at Elgin Community College and is currently full-time counselor/instructor at ECC.
• Joe Puleo III, LCPC is a licensed clinical professional counselor with over 30 years of helping people find the best solutions to their life problems. For the last 10 years he has been exploring several accelerated healing practices and holds an advanced EFT Certification in Emotional Freedom Technique.
• Bernard Ray has been practicing karate for over 38 years. He began teaching the discipline in 1972 in the Chicago area and founded the Suburban Karate Club of Chicago.
• Carla Raynor is the Family Literacy Coordinator at Kishwaukee College. She has a B.A. in Visual Communications from Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana and a B.S. Education in Elementary Education from NIU. Carla has presented at the local, state, regional, and national level at various educational conferences.
• Ian Rittof has over 15 years experience in the food service industry. He is a former co-owner and executive chef of Eclectic Cuisine and Hospitality Group, Inc.--a high-end catering company in Oak Brook. He has served events at the Field Museum, Chicago Cultural Center, Ravinia, Drury Lane Theatre, Newbury Library, and private estates and yachts.
• Becky Rogers has been a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant for 23 years and has a strong orthopedic background. She is the co-director of the Creative Bone Builders program and the clinic director at Creative Therapeutics.
• Tina Schwartz enjoys writing for children as well as adults. Her current books are: Writing & Publishing: The Many Career Opportunities coming out in 2008 and Organ Transplant: A Survival Guide for the Entire Family, Scarecrow Press, 2005. A Columbia College graduate, with a B.A. in Marketing Communication, Tina is an adjunct faculty member of College of Lake County. She also presents creative writing seminars at College of Lake County, Joliet Junior College, Illinois Valley Community College, McHenry County College and Rock Valley College.
• Mark Schwendau is the full-time CAD instructor of Kishwaukee College. He has taught his field for 32 years and is a widely published author in his subject area.
• Christel Springmire is a licensed environmental health practitioner (LEHP) and is employed at the DeKalb County Health Department, Environmental Health Division.
• Darren Stanek is the PGA golf professional and general manager of the Oak Club of Genoa. He is a college All-American golfer and has played in over fifteen Illinois Opens with three top ten finishes.
• Judy Stavrakas has been a yoga student for 20 years and a teacher since 1979.
• David Stoltz has a B.S. in Physical Education from Western Illinois University. He is a physical education teacher in the Hiawatha School District.
• George Tarbay has been studying and practicing T'ai Chi since 1979 and teaching since 1994. Among his instructors were Grand Master William C.C. Chen, Master Fong Ha, and Greg Mucci.
• Michael Taylor has an M.S. in Computer Music and New Media Technology from NIU. He is also the owner and operator of IMMArts Art + Technology, a small business dedicated to the research, promotion, and production of new media art and technology.
• Jason Thompson is a six-class graduate of Tom Brown’s Tracker School, and has taught outdoor education and Native American skills to children and adults for the past seven years. He has an M.S. in Environmental Education from NIU.
• Heather Vandeburg has a degree in oriental medicine from the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago. She received advanced training and instruction on beatification in China and has three years of experience treating patients with herbs.
• Joe Walsh has an M.B.A. and is a certified financial planner and analyst. He is an adjunct faculty member of the College of Financial Planning, and president of J.P. Walsh & Associates, Ltd.
• Sonia Westerhof is a freelance photographer who uses both traditional film and digital cameras. She has received formal training using digital technology at College of DuPage.
• Michelle Whitman is the Kishwaukee College Office Systems instructor. She has taught various computer classes at the college for over seven years including Medical Terminology I and II. She received her B.S. in Marketing from NIU and her Medical Transcription Certificate from Kishwaukee College.
• Maria Wilk-Siuba was born in Poland. She has an M.S. degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Wroclaw. Maria is currently employed as a Library Specialist at NIU's Founders Library.
• Abed Zantout is an engineer with many years of experience in computer use and training. He has trained employees and installed hardware and software for various companies.
• Javier Zepeda has taught Spanish I and III at Rochelle High School for the past four years and was an ESL instructor for one year. Javier graduated with a B.S. in Education from NIU.
• Javier Zepeda ha enseñado Español I y III en Rochelle High School por quatro años y también fue instructor de ESL (Inglés como Segunda Lengua) por un año. Javier se graduó con un B.S. en Educación de NIU.