Our Instructors

Forever Learning is a service organization, and all courses are taught by volunteers. These individuals come from all walks of life, but they share one common thread: a love of learning and sharing their passions with other lifelong learners. 
 

Donna Adams - Donna retired from the University of Notre Dame in 2019 after spending 41 years working in different areas of technology. In the spring 2023 semester, she participated in the Forever Learning course of Pickleball for Beginners. She developed a passion for the game and now plays several hours a week. She wants to share this newfound interest with others who want to learn to play this popular sport.

Becky Albrecht - Becky has been teaching Hawaiian dance classes at the Forever Learning Institute for over 20 years. She studied hula at numerous workshops in the mainland and in Hawaii.

Michael Amodei, M.A - Michael Amodei is executive editor and curriculum development manager at Ave Maria Press, where he writes and edits Catholic high school religion textbooks. He is the author of Reaching for Heaven: 14 Spiritual Goals as You Grow Older, and several books, including Send Out Your Spirit, Catholic Essentials, The Ave Guide to the Scriptural Rosary, and The Ave Guide to Eucharistic Adoration. Amodei also has acquired a number of spiritual books for Ave Maria Press, including A Teen’s Game Plan for Life by Lou Holtz, Holy Goals for Body and Soul by Bishop Thomas Paprocki, and Expect More! by Muffet McGraw. Amodei earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, where he also earned a master’s degree in religious education. Amodei previously served as director of religious education and as a youth minister at St. Monica Catholic Church in Santa Monica, California. He also served as a math, religion, and gym teacher, as well as a Catholic Youth Organization sports coach at St. Monica Elementary School. He is leader of the Ave Maria Press Chapter of Catholic Relief Services, a member of the Association of Catholic Publishers, and a third degree in the Knights of Columbus. Amodei has been a youth sports coach for more than forty years and is the field supervisor for home football games at the University of Notre Dame. Amodei lives with his family in South Bend, Indiana.

Nancy Barr - Nancy has been a watercolor student at Forever Learning for several years and began teaching watercolor in Spring of 2024. Her goal is to teach basic watercolor skills and bring a spirit of fun and positivity to the learning experience.

J Duane Beals, M.Div., MA, PhD -- Duane is a graduate of Bethel University, Asbury Theological Seminary and the University of Notre Dame, and is an Ordained Minister in the Missionary Church.  He grew up in suburban Detroit in the 1950's and, like most all Detroit boys, was interested in "all things cars."  His career pursuit changed when he received a call to the ministry after high school graduation.  Prior to graduating from Bethel, he met his wife-to-be, Charlotte Burelison.  He attended Asbury for a year, and then went to Hong Kong where he served as a missionary for three years.  In 1966 Charlotte joined him in Hong Kong for a bi-lingual wedding.  They traveled by boat and train to Stuttgart, Germany where they picked up a VW and commenced a one month camping tour of western Europe.  They returned to a three year pastorate in Indianapolis, IN.  Over the next several years they moved to Fort Wayne IN; Myerstown PA, and Portland OR during which time Duane was a professor, seminary dean, and seminary president.  He has served on Canadian and US mission boards and on the board of St. Petersburg Christian University (Russia) for ten years.  The Beals have traveled and served internationally - Duane in 47 countries - and Charlotte in 36 countries.  Duane retired from Bethel in 2015 and retired from the pastorate of Bremen (IN) Bible Church in 2023.  The Beals have two married daughters and four grandchildren.  Duane's teaching specialties are New Testament, Systematic Theology, and Pastoral Ministry.

Roberta Baranowski M.A. - Roberta studied French in college and as a graduate student. After retirement in 2015, she started taking French classes at FLI, and thanks to her wonderful teachers and classmates, she found her interest in the language rekindled. She wants to share her enthusiasm with others who are interested in improving their language skills through conversation in a casual, low-key environment.

Phil Bertoni, MNS - Phil has been an instructor at Forever Learning for several years.  He formerly taught secondary mathematics and computer science, retiring after 38 years. Phil also taught as a mathematics adjunct instructor in several community colleges over the years.  He served in the US Navy for 6 years, active and reserve. Phil and his wife, Gini, moved to South Bend in 2015, where they enjoy the many social, educational, and sports opportunities that this area offers. They are both active students and volunteers at FLI.

Mark Beudert, A. Mus. Doc. - Mark Beudert's opera career included studying with Franco Corelli, George Shirley, Placido Domingo, and Giuseppe di Stefano, winning the Pavarotti Competition, an international career in roles from Monteverdi to world premieres, a memorable year working with Leonard Bernstein, simultaneously heading Opera Notre Dame and Eugene Opera in Oregon--and even singing on Broadway with Linda Ronstadt and Kevin Kline! For the past several years, he's been enjoying NOT being on airplanes, being home for Christmas, getting to know Michiana, looking forward to his next adventures, and teaching at Forever Learning. As a teacher, he takes great delight in attempting to make complex musical concepts accessible to "civilians."

Marie A. Blunt, M.Min. - A retired executive director of a local counseling center, Marie passionately shares her wide range of interests with students. In addition to her Master of Ministry degree from Bethel College, she is the author of The Lighthouse Primer, an archery instructor at a local summer camp, a published paper crafter, a St Joseph North Pier Lighthouse docent, and a clarinetist. She is a certified instructor for several nationally recognized curricula, including the Question-Persuade-Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Program and the AARP Smart Driver Course.

Marjorie Bowles 

Marie Brenner, Ph.D.- Marie has a doctorate with a Victorian literature specialization from SUNY-Binghamton.  She taught at Medaille College in Buffalo, New York. Marie moved to Indiana in 1990 and taught at St. Mary's College and at Bethel. Now retired, she is enjoying gardening (even the weeds)
and Forever Learning.

Cheryl Brezinsk - Cheryl has always been an artist, taking classes, attending seminars, and teaching acrylic painting. During the pandemic, she moved to watercolors and painting and learned new skills and methods every day. She loves to teach and share her love of artistic expression.

Beth Buechler, MA, English - Beth retired in 2013 as an Adult Education Instructor for a family literacy program in Maine, enabling her to write full-time. She organizes an international fiction writers’ group and another local group and currently has 5 to 7 books in multiple genres close to the finish line. She says she's "working like a graduate student" on the publishing learning curve.

Beverly Butler 

Vincenzo Carrasco - Vincenzo has more than 10 years of teaching experience and has been a professional drummer for almost 30 years. He teaches drum and rhythm classes with FLI and also teaches with Music Village, in addition to playing with various local bands. 

Kevin Cawley, Ph.D. - Kevin has a Ph.D. in English and has taught at John Carroll University, Cornell University, and Vassar College. He has been interested in poetry and song his whole life. Kevin plays several musical instruments and does not mind singing in public.

Rev. Marianne Chalstrom, M.Div. - Marianne has been an instructor at Forever Learning for several years. She is an ordained minister and retired from active ministry in the United Methodist Church, where she served for her entire career. Since retiring, Marianne has continued to teach in various venues, combining art and exploration to assist others in their personal and spiritual journeys.

John Chapleau - John is a former office assistant and volunteer for Forever Learning Institute. He currently works in security for the Snite Museum of Art and returns to Forever Learning to assist students with their technology needs along with Cindy Nikolai.

Mary Chapman 

Roger Chrastil, M.A. - Roger Chrastil is an avid life-long learner, community volunteer, writer, and lover of literature.

Doris Collins, DMD - Dr. Collins is a semi-retired general dentist, who has participated in Forever Learning programs for many years. Although no longer in private practice, she has been actively teaching at IUSB & Ivy Tech dental hygiene programs for almost the past 10 years. Dr. Collins looks forward to sharing the knowledge and insights she has gained over the years to all those interested.  

Joe Collins, Program Manager, ALZN - Joe has been the Program Manager of ALZNI since February 2021, bringing with him over 16 years of rich experience in the healthcare industry. His expertise covers a wide range of areas, including behavioral health, life enrichment, executive leadership, and particularly dementia care. In addition to his healthcare career, Joe has a musical background as a trombonist, guitarist, and drummer. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Tampa. In 2022, he completed his HealthRHYTHMS facilitator training with the Cincinnati Music and Wellness Coalition, followed by Drum Circle Leadership training in 2023 with Jim Donovan Drumming. Joe is committed to enhancing his knowledge and skills in understanding how music impacts the brain and effectively implementing various evidence-based programs.

Ron Cosner, M.A. - Ron Cosner came to the Forever Learning Institute after teaching US History and German for 40 years. Now retired, his interests also include music, participating in choir, band, and ensembles.

Brooks Crofoot, M.D.  - Brooks is a (mostly!) retired emergency medicine physician with a long-time interest in language - both classical and modern.  He taught at an ESL school for several years and there authored the text Exploring English Morphology, which he now uses in the Morphology course at Forever Learning. 

Nancy D'Antuono, Ph.D. - Nancy L. D’antuono, professor of Italian Emerita, Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN, holds a doctoral degree in Romance Languages from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she specialized in both Spanish and Italian literature. She is the author of a book, Bocaccio’s novelle in the theater of Lope de Vega (Madrid:Turanzas, 1983) and numerous  articles related to the ties between Italian and Spanish literature from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century, with a particular focus on the interdependence of the theaters of both nations during those centuries..  Her most recent publications include “Dell’Arte rapresentativa: Andrea Perucci’s Passion for Spanish Golden Age Drama.” In Atti del Convegno “La Comedia Nueva spagnola sulle scene italiane nel Seicento”, Firenze: Leo S. Olschki., 2016. pp. 237-249; the dual-language edition an eighteenth century opera buffa libretto, L’infedelta fedele by Giambattista Lorenzi for Domenico Cimarosa’s opera, (Napoli, 1779), A- R Publications, Operas of the Classical Era (Middleton, Wisconsin) 2012 and an article, “Le peripezie italo-spagnole del ‘finto astrologo.’ dal folklore al palcoscenico for the journal Commedia dell’Arte Annuario Internazionale, 2011 (Università degki studi di Bergamo) Firenze, Leo S. Olschki, 233-245. 

Sharyl Dawes

Indi Dieckgrafe, MFA - Indi has been involved with InterPlay for over 25 years, becoming a certified leader in 2001. She has also been a lifetime member of the Sacred Dance Guild where she served as President and as regional representative. She incorporated the principles of InterPlay in her teaching at Saint Mary’s College where she built and directed the Program in Dance for 33 years. She holds a BFA in Dance Performance and an MFA in Performance and Choreography. She moved to the South Bend area in 1985 where she and her husband raised three daughters, all involved with the arts.

Pete De Kever, M.S. - Pete is a lifelong Mishawaka resident and a graduate of Mishawaka High School. For 32 years, he taught high school English and U.S. History. Pete also coached 28 state championship teams in Academic Super Bowl social studies and Spell Bowl. For over 25 years, De Kever has researched and written about Mishawaka history, and he has participated in various projects that promote the city's historical identity. Pete has written dozens of articles and six books on Mishawaka historical topics. In 2019, Mayor Wood named him as the city's Historian Laureate. De Kever is a founding board member of the Mishawaka Historical Museum and serves as the museum's president and curator. He also writes a weekly Mishawaka history column in the Mishawaka Enterprise.

David Denlinger - Forever Learning's partnership with The Music Village brought Dave to FLI. Dave has been teaching at FLI for several years and has been teaching guitar and ukulele for 10 years at TMV.

E. Jane Doering, Ph.D. - Jane received her PhD from Northwestern University in French Language and Literature with a specialization in the 19th and 20th century. Jane's attraction to the French philosopher Simone Weil began three decades ago in graduate school, and since then, she has continued to read her works and publish reflections on the application of her thought to contemporary concerns. Sharing her inspiration for living an intentional life and her insights into the human condition is a contagious joy. From Jane's many years of teaching literature at the University of Notre Dame, she values the Socratic method of discussing a topic as an equal among equals. Retired now from the University of Notre Dame and pleased with her recently published co-authored book, When Fiction and Philosophy Meet: A Conversation with Flannery O'Connor and Simone Weil, Ruthann K. Johansen, and Jane decided to share with others the intellectual enrichment of knowing these two extraordinary intellectual women.  Since many friends and colleagues over the years had spoken of the pleasure in both teaching and learning at the Forever Learning Institute,  Jane looks forward to sharing with other thoughtful readers her discovery in pairing selected short stories of Flannery O'Connor with the well-honed essays of Simone Weil.

Michael Duff, CIG - Mike retired from the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union #172 in 2019 after a long career that included 27 years as a vocational instructor in their training facility. He currently works part-time as an Interpretive Naturalist Intern for the Interpretive Services division of the St. Joseph County Parks. He is deeply involved in the yearly sugaring operations at Bendix Woods County Park, and he enjoys helping others enrich their knowledge of nature and conservation through prepared presentations and interpretive hikes. Mike is an alumnus of the Indiana Master Naturalist Program and is a member of the National Association of Interpretation where he holds professional certification as a Certified Interpretive Guide. He has a great passion for the conservation and stewardship of parks, nature preserves, and other protected areas that have been set aside for future generations to learn from and enjoy.

Deborah Dwyer - Deborah has enjoyed helping people make progress toward racial healing and oneness at Forever Learning since 2018. She has served as a Participant and Facilitator for Study Circles on Race, sponsored by the South Bend Human Rights Commission, since 1994. 

Mansour Eid, M.A Ed - Mansour has been in the field of education for the last 35 years in the South Bend Community School Corporation. He has served in many roles. He currently is the principal at the South Bend Virtual School. One of his proudest accomplishments was turning around Clay High School from a ten year failing record to an eight year all time high. He also served as Director of High Schools for two years. He was born in Palestine and grew up in East Jerusalem. He completed his elementary and secondary education at College Des Freres (a de La Salle/ Christian Brothers High School). He was Graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts degree followed by a Master’s of Art Degree in Teaching from the University of Portland. He earned his principal’s licensure degree from Marion University in Marion Indiana. His claim to fame is that he could navigate the streets of the old city of Jerusalem blindfolded. He is happily married and is the proud father of a daughter and a son.

Alan Eisenhower

Laura Elliott, BFA - Laura began teaching at FLI in 2022 after taking numerous classes. She has been compiling years of nature photography into prints, books, and digital slideshow presentations since 2011. Laura hopes that her artwork inspires and encourages others. She is serving as a volunteer leader within the 12 Step Recovery movement and a board member of Arts organizations and her neighborhood HOA. Laura worked as a Director of Marketing for a local industrial company and remains active in business. She graduated from St. Mary’s College with a BFA and Kendall College of Art with a Graphic Art degree.

Sue Fassett

Bob Feferman, B.A - Bob serves as Community Relations Director for the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley, a position he has held for the last ten years. Prior to that, he taught History and Language Arts at The Montessori Academy in Mishawaka for almost 20 years. Bob was born and raised in South Bend and graduated from Adams High School in 1971. He attended Indiana University in Bloomington graduating with a B.A. on Political Science. In 1973, Bob did his junior year on overseas study at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Following graduation from IU in 1975, Bob immigrated to Israel where he lived for 11 years. During his time in Israel, he served in the Israel Defense Forces and worked in social services as a community organizer. He is married to Shoshana who he met while living in Israel. Shoshana is the Rabbi of Temple Israel in Valparaiso. They have two children, a daughter-in-law, son-in-law and five grandchildren who live in Bloomington and Israel.

Mary Finlay-Sims - I have answered the call to create since the age of 14, but few of the crafting processes have lasted long-term. From Crochet to Papier Mache to Stained Glass - and one Quilt, I have created a handful of finished pieces and then moved on. Christmas ornaments have been recycled back into my life every year because my daughters always wanted to try new kinds. In addition to crafting with kids, I have taught Writing Workshops, led Cultural Exchange Seminars, and instructed in Pain Management Massage. 

LeRoy Friesen, ODCS, Ph.D. - LeRoy Friesen was born and educated within the Mennonite community. After earning his M.A. in Theology from the University of Southern California and Ph.D. in Christian Ethics from the University of Iowa, he lived five years with his family in East Jerusalem, directing the work of the Mennonite Central Committee among Palestinians. After returning to the United States and engaging in pastoring, seminary teaching, and global education, the author and his wife, Sharryl Lindberg, managed a Quaker-affiliated international guesthouse in Washington, D.C. It was here that they entered the Roman Catholic Church. During the 1997-2006 decade, they were owner-operators of the Inn of Silent Music, a B&B that they created in the village of Tylerton on Smith Island, Maryland in the Chesapeake Bay. Following seventeen years in hospitality, Friesen and his wife retired to South Bend, Indiana where he teaches courses in Carmelite spirituality and is involved in the care of an adult son with special needs.
See Listening to the Silent Music: The Memoir of a Journey in Place, 2009 and Mennonite Witness in the Middle East: A Missiological Introduction, 1992. 

Cappy Gagnon - Cappy came to South Bend when he enrolled at Notre Dame with the Class of 1966.  He has had varied careers, including in high school teaching (English) and coaching (baseball); social work (as executive director of two local agencies (Big Brothers and Youth Services Bureau); law enforcement (Chief of Staff of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department); and Los Angeles area public figure protection (with Gavin de Becker, Inc.)  He retired from the Notre Dame Police Department and Notre Dame Football (in charge of Stadium Personnel). He has written a book on the history of Notre Dame Baseball and published more than 50 articles in baseball journals and encyclopedias.  He is a former two-time President of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR).  He is currently finishing a book on early (1887-1917) Notre Dame Football.  He is a frequently used by Notre Dame Sports Media on various topics in Notre Dame Athletics.  In his bridge hobby, he has achieved the rank of Sapphire Life Master.

Dennis Gamble M.M.E - Dennis is recently retired from teaching high school band after 35 years in the South Bend and Mishawaka school systems.  He is currently working as the Wind Ensemble conductor and Jazz Ensemble director at IUSB where he also serves as an adjunct lecturer in music education.  He is the musical director of the New Horizons senior citizens band and the Jazz Assemblage in Elkhart.  He is also the trumpet coach for the South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra.  Dennis is a graduate of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University Bloomington from which he earned Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music Education degrees.  Dennis is an active trumpet player and arranger.  He has written numerous arrangements for chamber groups, marching bands, concert bands, and, most avidly, Jazz ensembles.  He resides in Granger with his wife, Marcie. Their daughter Rebecca is a middle school band director in LaPorte, Indiana. Dennis has loved the world of Star Trek since the original came out in the 1960s.  He has all of the episodes of the Star Trek, Star Trek the Next Generation, Deep Space Nine and Voyager saved to either DVD or VHS and collects technical manuals and various other books.  

Sonia Gernes, Ph.D. - Sonia Gernes retired from the Notre Dame English Department after thirty years on the faculty.  While there, she taught mostly Creative Writing and American Literature. She has been on the faculty of Forever Learning since 2007, and is delighted by the creativity and analytic skills of her students.  Her published work includes a novel and four books of poetry.

Bill Gilroy, M.A., M.S. - Bill Gilroy worked for 35 years in public relations and retired after 18 years with the University of Notre Dame. He also was an adjunct faculty member in the Department of History and Political Science at the University of Scranton for 16 years, offering classes in Russian History and the Politics and Government of the Soviet Union. He holds a Master of Arts and a Master of Science degree.

Jerry Gloster, M.A. - Jerry has a Bachelor's Degree in modern language with a     concentration in French from the University of Notre Dame and a Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from Indiana University. His first official classes in French began when he was a student at Notre Dame. Prior to that, he was self-taught from the age of 12. French has been his lifelong passion since then. Jerry spent over 22 years of his working life in teaching and education. "I greatly love teaching French and that is why I have signed onto FLI as a French Instructor. I find it so satisfying teaching seniors, especially since they are so 'thirsty' to learn," he says.

Mikaela Gohn - Mikaela is a Leisure Services Supervisor with St. Joseph County Parks, focused on creating programs that engage the community in outdoor recreation. Passionate about connecting people with nature, she works to create inclusive opportunities for all to enjoy local parks, while promoting wellness, recreation, and environmental stewardship. Mikaela is also a board member of the Indiana Parks and Recreation Foundation, helping to further the growth and development of parks and recreation across the state. 

Jack Gordon MS, Ed.D.  - Jack has been researching American political assassinations, particularly the two Kennedy Assassinations for almost 50 years. He received his bachelor’s degree in History from Hamilton College. His Masters and Doctorate in Higher Education with a minor in American History both came from Indiana University in Bloomington. His interest in the Kennedy assassination dates from research in American History done while a graduate student at IU. Dr. Gordon taught history courses at Western New England College and Holyoke Community College between 1979 and 1983. He also acted as a consultant to NOVA (PBS), 20/20 (ABC) and was an advisor to the mini-series Kennedy starring Martin Sheen in 1983. In 1986, Los Angeles Mayor Thomas Bradley named him to a 12-person Select Committee that was charged with choosing a repository for the LAPD records of the Robert Kennedy Assassination. He was then appointed to the 4-person Advisory Committee that made recommendations on the disclosure of those materials through the State Archives in Sacramento, California. For the past 50 years Dr. Gordon has lectured at more than 100 college campuses in 44 states.

Bertha Gunn, M.A. - Bertha Gunn has been an instructor for Forever Learning for 10 years.  She studied German language and literature at Washington University in St. Louis and taught German in a suburban St. Louis high school for five years, acting as department chair for three years.  Since retiring Bertha has tutored adults and children in German. She enjoys gardening, reading for pleasure, and traveling.

Sam Haag

John H. Haas, PhD - John is a retired professor of history. He taught at Bethel University over the past twenty-five years, and before that taught and was a research associate at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned his doctorate. He studied history and philosophy at Temple University, and has theological degrees from Reformed Episcopal Seminary MDiv) and Princeton Theological Seminary (ThM). He hails from the Philadelphia area, and has lived for extended periods in Texas, Colorado, and Arizona, as well as Indiana. His interests in US history include politics and foreign affairs, especially, as well as culture and religion.

Mary H Hagen, PT, MHS. - As a physical therapist, Mary read the research on the benefits of Tai Chi for fall prevention and continues to learn and experience the benefits of this exercise. Mary began taking tai chi classes locally and in Madison, WI, in the ‘90s. Retiring in 2006, she studied and certified in Tai Chi Fundamentals through Tricia Yu—Tai Chi Health and also Tai Chi for Arthritis. Those essential principles of TCF are a foundation as she studies other Taiji forms and QiGong.

Carol Meaney Halperin, Ph.D. - Carol has a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin in American Studies. Previous to that she earned her B.A. and M.A. from the University of Notre Dame.

Jim Halteman, Ph.D. - Former Hendrickson Professor of Economics at Wheaton College, IL.  After taking a couple of FLI courses, it became clear to me that interacting on important issues in the environment provided by FLI is intellectually stimulating and enjoyable. In my years as a college economics teacher I directed student overseas programs that explored the economies from Western Europe to Russia. I also consulted and taught in Russia in the early 1990s when they hoped to alter their system toward a more market-oriented economy. While my research focuses primarily on the history of economic thought and the social institutions that provide glue to our system, I enjoy applying economic principles to our everyday experiences.

Marcia Haslett M.Ed. - Marcia Haslett has been a Forever Learning sign language instructor since 2018. She has worked in deaf education for many years in three other states and continues part-time as a teacher for students with hearing loss for a local school district. Marcia is active in the Deaf/hard-of-hearing community and enjoys attending workshops and social events where sign language is the mode of communication. Tri-lingual--she also is working to improve French reading, writing and speaking skills.

Thomas Hebron

Aaron Helman, B.S. - Aaron is the author of several local history books including An Incomplete History of St. Joseph County and Ride the Jackrabbit. He writes regular articles at SouthBendNewsTimes.com and is the host of the podcast, A Bend In Time, presented by The History Museum. He is a 2002 graduate of LaSalle High School. Learn more at aaronhelman.com/books.

Cheryl Herman, M.A. French/Secondary Ed - has been teaching French for 40 years in South Bend and Mishawaka. Now that she is retired, she is ready to share her love of French culture and language with members of the community. She hopes that FLI students will bring their enthusiasm to learn about a language so rich in culture and history.

Maretta Hershberger, M.A. - Maretta has been an instructor at Forever Learning ever since she started Silvertones with eight people in 2016. With degrees in music education and worship music, she has many years of experience working with volunteer musicians as a church choir and music director. Since retiring, she has continued to work part-time as a church secretary and organist. In her spare time, she loves to read and piece the occasional quilt.

Judith Heying  - Judith retired in 2015 after 30-plus years as an elementary teacher. She discovered Forever Learning in the spring of 2019. Having been a movie buff since high school, she eagerly signed up for the class on classic movies. When COVID shut down in-person meetings, she was flattered to be asked to help “present” movies via YouTube with instructor Randy Matthews. When classes resumed in Fall 2021 – on the big screen at Howard Park! -- she became a full-fledged instructor along with Randy Matthews and Jeff Schneider. Judith has a fondness for comedies and musicals (or anything with Cary Grant or William Powell!) but has grown to appreciate other genres through Randy’s and Jeff’s presentations.

Dr. Carolynn Hine-Edington, PhD EdD - My name is Carolynn Hine-Edington and I’m a parishioner at St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church since about 1997. My Doctorate degree in is Dance Education (Ed.D.) from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I have taught, performed, presented scholarly papers, and given workshops in Christian Sacred Dance throughout the United States. Currently, My dancers and myself present Sacred Dance periodically at Little Flower Church. Also, I’m in the process of writing a book on Christian Sacred Dance. I am a retired professor (Chair of the Dance Program) at Indiana University South Bend where I taught Ballet, Modern Dance, Choreography, Spanish Flamenco, and Dance History. I was also in charge of hiring 7 Adjunct Professors to teach various genres of dance. Although I am a retired professor of dance, I am now self employed. I am director/teacher/choreographer of Spanish Rose Dance Studio in South Bend and also Artistic Director/Choreographer of a not for profit organization, La Rosa Spanish Dance Theater, Inc. Here is an example of a dance we did in the backyard of Little Flower Church:

https://youtu.be/LYx2fRDde5I?si=O6EG6p-MSplKTQvW

Bill Hooper - Bill Hooper is a Professor in Statistics and Data Analysis at Purdue University, but better known as a Professional Juggler and close-up magician. In 2015, he and his son Todd created the workshop “Juggling for Fitness and Creativity,” which has been presented at twenty conferences throughout North America. Bill can juggle five balls and four clubs and, with his son Todd, pass six clubs, six torches, and even six machetes (not all at once). He has also performed close-up card magic at several international conferences.

Cecelia Hossler - Cece has been teaching Tai Chi since 2015 at Forever Learning, and about 40 in total.  After a friend mentioned she needed help with balance, Cece taught her some techniques used in Tai Chi.  That experience led her to teach these same techniques to assist students at Forever Learning. Cece is also a singer with the Silvertones and shares her love of Mahjong and Chinese cooking with us whenever the opportunity arises.

Dorota Janik, PhD - Dorota is a native of Poland and has been in the US since 2003. Dorota holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry and has studied business and accounting at the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University at South Bend. She became an active volunteer and strong advocate for Reins of Life in 2007 while looking for a way to use her free time to help others. She also volunteered for the Michiana Dressage Club and South Bend Community School Corporation's Mentoring Program. In July of 2012, Dorota was named Executive Director for Reins of Life by the Board of Directors. She has been an instructor at FLI for ten years. As she says, the Monday morning classes with the students at Forever Learning are a great way to start the week.

Robert Jankowski, MBA - Bob came to Forever Learning with a love of learning, teaching, and history. He has taught U.S. and world history courses, as well as math and science. Bob has an undergraduate degree from Indiana University and an MBA from Bethel University.

Len Jepson, M.Div. - Len, parish pastor, ecumenist, and interreligious leader, sets the stage for peaceful, better lives with his improvisational personality.  His pattern develops a contagious mindset promoting curiosity with radical openness, flexibility, and the desire to build bridges instead of barriers.  His resources were expanded and enhanced as he studied emerging religions in San Francisco, Helsinki, and Hong Kong.

Ruthann K. Johansen, Ph.D. - My interest in the contribution of narratives for understanding human consciousness, history, and values, and in Flannery O’Connor’s fiction in particular, have shaped my research and publication over the past three decades. While on the faculty at the University of Notre Dame, I taught in the Program of Liberal Studies, which emphasizes largely, but not exclusively, works of the Western intellectual tradition. I enjoyed examining the interface between literary, historical, philosophical, theological, and scientific thought with students. For six years as president of Bethany Theological Seminary, I also worked with theological faculty and Master of Divinity and Master of Arts students. I am grateful that the Forever Learning Institute fosters life-long learning with its excellent array of courses that regularly attract inquiring mature students. Flannery O’Connor’s religious convictions and wide, cross-disciplinary reading, combined with my own interdisciplinary interests, led to my discovery of O’Connor’s attraction to Simone Weil’s thought. Co-authoring with E. Jane Doering When Fiction and Philosophy Meet: A Conversation with Flannery O’Connor and Simone Weil has been immensely satisfying, and I look forward to sharing and expanding further some of the fruits of that collaboration with students of the Forever Learning Institute.

Omer Karavani - Omer is the Israeli emissary to the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley. He is 24 years old, and was born and raised in Ashkelon, Israel, a coastal city, about a one-hour drive south of Tel Aviv. It is located eight miles from the border with Gaza. Before his mandatory service in the Israeli army, out of motivation to serve his country, Omer decided to do a gap year of volunteer service. He worked in Jerusalem in underserved communities with children and the elderly. In August 2019 he joined the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to be a combat soldier in the Artillery Corps and served for almost three years. Omer’s family story represents the diversity of the Jewish people. His family came from Iraq, Romania and Yemen. 

Karen Kazmierzak, M.S. EdD - Guten Tag!  I have taught German at Clay and Adams High Schools for 39 years, retiring in 2023.  Since retiring, I have volunteered at Holy Cross Grade School, teaching German as an elective for the second trimester.  During my high school teaching career, I have organized 5 GAPP exchanges to Sondershausen, Germany for my students.  My educational background includes a B.A.in German from Notre Dame and an M.S. in Secondary Education from IUSB.  My many hobbies include swimming, reading, bicycling, guitar and gardening.  Like all good Germans, I enjoy nature and hiking.  I look forward to working with aspiring German speakers at the Forever Learning Institute.  Auf Wiedersehen!

Barry Keating, Ph.D. - Barry is a Professor Emeritus of Finance at the University of Notre Dame. He specializes in understanding how not-for-profit organizations function. Barry also works in the areas of statistical forecasting and predictive analytics. His forecasting and predictive analytics textbook (in its seventh edition with McGraw-Hill) is the best-selling forecasting book for use in colleges and universities. He is a Heritage Foundation Fellow, a Heartland Institute Research Fellow, Former President of the Economic Club of Michiana, former Chair of the Department of Finance at Notre Dame, and serves on the Board of Advisors of both the Indiana Policy Review Group and the Institute of Business Forecasting. He has also been a Radio Amateur for over 50 years.

Jane Keller

Michaele Klingeman

Rev. Christopher Kuhn, M.A. - After teaching history at Notre Dame High School in Niles, IL, for 30 years, Fr. Kuhn was assigned to be Director of the Province Archives for Holy Cross Priests & Brothers at Notre Dame, IN.  Fr. Luis Putz, FLI founder, was his superior for 4 years at Moreau Seminary. He was always learning new things, even in old age. He inspired Fr. Kuhn to be a lifelong learner. "I have enjoyed teaching history at Forever Learning these past 12 years. I am going back to teaching history with adults who need very little motivation, they are lifelong learners."   

Thomas Labuzienski, M.B.A - Tom has been a WVPE Underwriting Consultant since April 2013.  Labuzienski earned his M.B.A. degree from Indiana University and his bachelor's in Communication Arts from the Loyola University of Chicago.  Currently, he is on the board of directors for the Holy Cross Associates and the LaSalle Council of the Boy Scouts of America.  Recently, Labuzienski was on the School Board of Saint Joseph’s High School, St. Joseph Grade School, and Chairman of the National CBS Television Sales Advisory Council. Tom has been a youth soccer coach for almost twenty years and is a local coordinator for foreign high school students and host families. Labuzienski and his two sons hiked and biked the Camino de Santiago, Spain, in 2017, and he has been teaching about his experience and religious pilgrimages at Forever Learning ever since. Tom has walked and biked multiple Caminos in Spain and the Kuman Kodo Camino in Japan, earning the rare Duo Pilgrim certification. He is also on the national board of directors for the American Pilgrims on the Camino and local coordinator for the local Camino chapter.

Greg Leyes - Lover of all things growing and sharing that love with others.  You can find Greg working at Ginger Valley and teaching for Forever Learning on his days off.

Linda Loftus - Linda retired after 43 years of teaching students with special needs. For the last 17 years of her career, she taught students who were deaf and/or hard of hearing. Linda has had hearing loss for over 40 years. She and her co-instructors are passionate about teaching others about living with hearing loss. They each bring their own experiences and knowledge to the class.

Bob Macel - Bob is a recent graduate of the Forever Learning courses of Pickleball for Beginners and Advanced Pickleball. With the growing interest in the game, he and his fellow instructors, Rich Mullin and Amy Stone, wanted to offer additional FLI sessions so more students have the opportunity to learn and practice the game.

Robert (Jay) Malone, PhD - Jay majored in history at the University of Florida. For his last history paper, he wrote about the Protestant reception of Copernicus’s radical theory that the sun, and not the earth, is at the center of our galaxy. The professor asked if he was part of the history of science group at the university and he said “who?” So, finally recognizing that the history of science was actually a thing, he returned to school to earn his PhD in the history of science. He led the History of Science Society as its first Executive Director for over 20 years, while teaching at the University of Florida and at Notre Dame. His research focus is on science in the lower Mississippi River Valley in the 18th and 19th centuries, but he has studied everything from evolution to meteors. He taught at the Institute for Learning in Retirement in Gainesville, Florida and is delighted to be a part of Forever Learning. He believes that everyone can understand science and that such understanding is not only fun, it is crucial to the functioning of a democracy. 

Gloria Mann - Gloria has been involved in art since high school and has worked with many types of arts and crafts. After retiring in 2012, Gloria dedicated more time to studying art and has taken several Forever Learning watercolor courses, as well as watercolor and drawing classes at the South Bend Museum of Art. Gloria is a member of the St. Joe Valley Watercolor Society, providing her with the opportunity to enter shows and learn from fellow artists. Gloria worked in the food service industry beginning in 1979, retiring from Saint Mary’s College, where she was a baker for 15 years. Gloria shares her cake decorating and cooking skills with Forever Learning as well as teaching our Watercolor Workshop. Sarah Martin and Emily Normand work in the education department at the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art. Through experiences with art and the practice of close looking, we seek to encourage wonder, enrich critical thinking, and foster dialogue. We believe that everyone contributes to the museum's life.

David Marzke, M.B.A. - David is a CPA who moved to South Bend in 1978, raising four children here.  "My interest in the Civil War started in my hometown when I was young. The local library had an exhibit about General Milroy, and there was also a monument to him in the downtown park. I started to gather information about him and discovered there were a lot more interesting generals in the Civil War than our local heroes. From that research, I also learned to admire (and almost revere) the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln in guiding our nation through the Civil War. Thanks to FLI, I now have the opportunity to spend time discussing this pivotal period in U.S. history."

Randall Matthews, M.S. - Randy retired as an elementary education instructor after 27 years with South Bend Community School Corporation. As a lifelong educator, Randy volunteers his teaching skills to Forever Learning, sharing his love of old movies and languages. Randy also considers himself a lifelong learner. “My students give back to me more joy and knowledge than I can impart.”

Tim McBride, B.A. - Tim is Past Vice President and Sales Manager of Schwarz Paper Company, where he worked for 38 years. Now retired, he currently serves the South Bend community in various ways.  Tim is a 4th degree Knight and past Grand Knight of the Santa Maria Council 553 of the Knights of Columbus. He and his wife, Tish, are members of the Knute Rockne Kiwanis Club of Mishawaka. He is a member and Past President of the Notre Dame Alumni Club of St. Joseph Valley. Tim serves as a Cantor at Little Flower Catholic Church and at Christ the King Catholic Church and is a member of the Little Flower Choir. He also sings with Forever Learning’s own Silvertones. Tim and Tish have four sons who live in the Denver area, Granger, and Indianapolis. They have eleven grandchildren. Tim’s hobbies include bike riding, swimming, boating, and fishing. Tim has presented courses on WW2, Geology, Quantum Mechanics, Extreme Weather, and The History of Medicine. He has the ability to make complex subject matter understandable and memorable. 

Angela McCarthy, Ph.D.  - Angela is an Associate Teaching Professor of Political Science specializing in Religion and Politics, Political Behavior, and Public Opinion. Her work has been published in several academic journals. Currently, she is working on two co-authored manuscripts entitled "Religiosity and the Pocketbook Over Time: A Long View on How Religion and Income Structure Partisan and Ideological Orientations" and "Continuity and Change in the Determinants and Effects of Attitudes Toward Same-Sex Marriage, 2004-2024." Her research focuses on contemporary social values and economic concerns among individuals. McCarthy has dedicated much of her time to undergraduate teaching. Her teaching interests include Ethics, Morality Policy, Religion and Politics, Contemporary Issues in Public Opinion, and Research Methods. She believes teaching is an interactive enterprise where students must engage with course materials, contribute to class discussion, and reflect on critical thinking exercises. McCarthy's primary objective is to provide students with the tools and resources to articulate their unique and well-informed opinions. McCarthy also serves as an advisor and mentor to undergraduate students at the University of Notre Dame, helping students with course selection and academic and professional career planning. Her approach to advising is to provide students with available opportunities and aid them in discerning their path. Before moving to Indiana, McCarthy was the Experiential Learning Coordinator and Assistant Instructional Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Florida. While there, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year by the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition, McCarthy earned the Distinguished Dissertation Award at Louisiana State University for her dissertation entitled "The Religious Impact: Understanding the Influences of Religiosity on Attitudes Toward Policy Issues."

Lynn McDonald, MSN, MSEd - Lynn McDonald has been an instructor at Forever Learning Institute since 2011. She is passionate about American mah jongg and wants to spread her joy for it to others. Her background in nurse-midwifery and counseling gives her particular appreciation for the game's gifts of brain exercise and interpersonal connection. In addition to teaching at FLI, Lynn offers private classes in her own and her students' homes.

Dorothy McGovern, M.A. - Reading and Literature have always been a part of my life, but my degree is in Technical Writing.  I worked at several software companies, first writing the manuals and online help systems, which led to doing quality assurance on new software, which led to training tech support and then training clients.  After retiring, I found FLI and was thrilled to find so many people who shared my enthusiasm for books and learning. Along the way, I picked up a paintbrush and fell in love with that too. After attending classes at FLI and enjoying every one of them, it was time to step up and help. 

Jan McGowan, MLS - Jan is an Interpretive Naturalist for the St. Joseph County Parks, where she enjoys sharing the wonders and joys of our natural world with people of all ages.  An avid birder, she earned her Master of Liberal Studies from IUSB in 2020. Her thesis was “Folk Tales Take Flight: the Storied Biology of Birds.”  She is on the board of Wild Ones South Bend. As their Outreach speaker, she helps people discover the beauty and ecological imperative of using native plants in their gardens and landscapes.

Janet McPeak, PhD - I have taught Adult Education courses, Community College courses, and College courses during my career, including 21 years until my retirement at Notre Dame. Here is a link to my Notre Dame bio:

https://romancelanguages.nd.edu/people/faculty/janet-fisher-mcpeak/   I have taught courses in French, Spanish and German. I was the Coordinator for both French and Spanish 100=200 level programs, and the Director of Teaching Assistants in French, Spanish and Italian.  I also taught courses in French Phonetics as well as a course on the culture of French Polynesia.  I was a two time recipient of the Notre Dame Kaneb Teaching Award.

Deacon Brian Miller B.A. - Deacon Miller is a University of Notre Dame graduate with a degree in Communication Arts.  In 1975, he was ordained to the permanent diaconate and has served at St. Anthony de Padua Parish for 47 years.  He is the co-founder and director of Queen of Peace Ministries and has been a sponsor of the National Medjugorje Conference for 25 years.

Chris Miller, M.A. - Chris Miller has instructed theology and philosophy for over thirty years and now focuses on the history of the early Church, Christianity in a post-Christian West, the congruence of all world religious thought, and mystical spirituality.  Chris has taught at Forever Learning for nearly ten years, and if his students have gained as much as he has gained from the teaching/learning experience, it is teaching at its best.

Dorothy J. Mincy, M.A. - Dorothy has taught at Forever Learning for three years and is a lifelong learner.  She studied Business and has an MA Degree in Industrial Relations. Her career included positions in the steel industry, behavioral health non-profit, and Notre Dame.  In retirement, she loves to coach and teach and does freelance work as a Certified Job Search Strategist, a Career Management Coach, and a Professional Resume Writer.

Mary Ann Moran - Mary Ann is a retired librarian who has been active in community theater for over 50 years. Her interest in Play Selection comes from many years on South Bend Civic Theatre’s Play Selection Committee. A former Board member of FLI, she is aware of the enthusiasm among other students for literature and theater.

Pam Murphy, OTR -  Pam is an Occupational Therapist who has been practicing in this community for the past 40 years specializing in Geriatric Rehabilitation and Senior Wellness Programs. Fall prevention and fall recovery are areas of professional expertise and personal interest. She has experience in treatment interventions within skilled nursing facilities, as well as, education and training for safe aging-in-place at home. Her students should plan to learn some facts, assess their individual strengths and weaknesses, experience strategies for the development of personal goals, and share in problem-solving.

Patrick Murphy, Ph.D. - Pat is a retired Professor of Marketing at the University of Notre Dame. He enjoys reading, travel, gardening, and spectator sports. He also cherishes the time spent with his seven grandchildren. After taking several Forever Learning classes, he has decided to become an instructor.

Rabbi Fred Nebel, M.S. EdD  - Rabbi Nebel received a Rabbinic Ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchonon Theological Seminary (Yeshiva University) and an MS in Education from the David J Azreilli School of Jewish Education and Administration (Yeshiva University). Rabbi Nebel is the Director of Jewish Family Services, which operates within The Jewish Federation of St Joseph County. He and his family have lived in South Bend for 13 years.

Cynthia Nikolai, Ph.D., M.S. - Cynthia has been teaching at the Forever Learning Institute since 2013.  She has degrees in both Mathematics and Computer Science. She was a GAANN Fellow (Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need) at the University of Notre Dame, where she worked with the Kaneb Learning Center to learn how to teach well.  In her spare time, Cynthia loves putting together jigsaw puzzles. Her personal website can be found at www.cynthianikolai.com.

Hyun Ro Painter - Ro has a love for creating intricate origami designs and features her work at the Farmer's Market and craft fairs throughout Michiana.

Thomas Parisi, Ph.D. - Tom Parisi is professor emeritus at Saint Mary’s College where he taught psychology and the humanities, in courses ranging from brain and behavior to seminars on Freud and Dante in translation.  For his work on Dante, he received two summer grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and in 1994 and 1996 led NEH Summer Seminars for Teachers on Freud and the Roots of the Moral Life.   He first taught Dante at FLI in 2003.   After retirement, having taken students on summer trips in Europe, he went back to school for a certification in tour directing, and was a licensed guide in his hometown of New York City as well as Washington DC.   When the pandemic hit, he turned to teaching again at FLI with courses on Dante and George Eliot.  He has recently taught Dante in the Moreau College Initiative at Westville Correctional Facility. Tom is also an amateur musician and an instructor in guitar at The School of American Music in Three Oaks, MI, and serves students in the Michiana region. 

James Pauley, Jr., B.A - James was born and raised in a small town in southwestern Michigan. He received his bachelor’s degree from Albion College, with a double major in German and Spanish. Spending a semester each in Guadalajara, Mexico, and Heidelberg, Germany, piqued his interest and lifelong love of international travel. He abegan his career as a commercial flight attendant in 1978, a job he loved for almost thirty-five years, before retiring in 2013. He failed miserably at retirement, however,and began a new career as a flight attendant for a private airline in 2014. After nine years of flying the rich and famous all over the planet (with lots of stories just begging to be written about . . . but can’t, due to that bothersome non-disclosure agreement he had to sign), he hung up his wings for the final time in 2023. His second retirement has proven to be much more successful, allowing him the time to pursue several interests such as writing, reading, traveling, and taking courses at Forever Learning Institute. He is the award-winning author of Bumpy Rides and Soft Landings and coauthor of An Unconditional Friendship, with best-selling author Charlene Potterbaum. He lives with his spouse in Granger.

Jeanne Peckiconis - Jeanne started learning sign language in the early 1980’s at Indiana School for the Deaf and continued her interest in sign language and the Deaf Community in Massachusetts and Maine.  Through her volunteerism and work over the last 30 years she has provided adults with lessons in Reading and Computer Software.  She uses her unique life experiences in her approach to teaching.

Patricia Piechocki - Patricia is the Manager of Programming and Continuing Education of The Institute for Excellence in Memory Care (A department of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana and REAL Services.)  Patricia is a graduate of Indiana University Bloomington and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist who has worked in the memory care field for over 28 years. She is certified through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, an Expressive Arts in Long Term Care Train the Trainer, and is a Certified Montessori in Dementia Care Professional by the International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. In November 2019, Patricia received training from the Vivium “Dementia Village” consulting team, and in July 2020, Patricia and the Institute for Excellence in Memory Care received fullinternational endorsement by the Vivium-Be® consulting team. Patricia A. Piechocki, CTRS, QMCP

CTRS- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

QMCP- Qualified Memory Care Professional

John Pletcher, Ph.D. - John holds a PhD in Systems and Aeronautical Engineering. He is a retired Air Force Colonel, having served as a pilot, engineer, and professor at the United States Air Force Academy. He has played chess since high school and mentored the Cadet Chess Club at the Air Force Academy.

James Powell, Ph.D. - James Powell is a retired academic who worked in college and university research, teaching, and administration. He has always wanted to create a short course for laypersons describing all of creation from the beginning to the present day. The result is the six-part course for Forever Learning entitled The Universe: From the Big Bang to Now.

Richard Putz, M.Div - Richard retired from a career in emerging technology, working for Oracle, C-bridge, Coopers & Lybrand, and American National Insurance. During his professional career, he traveled, delivering over four hundred fifty keynote addresses and workshops for the Global 2000 and various industry associations in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. Richard's focus is helping people, organizations, and businesses understand that "Innovation, Education, and Collaboration” are the keys to the greater good as the world enters a new era called the "Autonomous Revolution." Richard's undergraduate and graduate work was at Saint Meinrad College and School of Theology. Richard is an active member of the International Thomas Merton Society (Richard has been an avid student of Thomas Merton since 1967), the International Bonhoeffer Society, the International Cardijn Institute, and the American Academy of Religion/Society of Biblical Literature. Richard and Therese live in St. John, Indiana. Therese is a retired teacher who taught in Catholic High Schools her entire career. Their daughter is a Senior Principal with Slalom Consulting in Chicago, and their son is a lawyer in Houston, Texas, specializing in family law.

Gabrielle Robinson, Ph.D. - Gabrielle is Professor Emerita from IUSB, where she taught Literature and Drama. She received her MA from Columbia University and her PhD from the University of London. Gabrielle has published eight books and over forty articles, most recently Better Homes of South Bend and a memoir/biography, Api's Berlin Diaries. My Quest to Understand my Grandfather's Nazi Past. Based on her work on Better Homes, she has secured South Bend's first two State Historic Markers honoring African American history. After years of moving from country to country, she is now happily settled in South Bend.

Cathy Roe, B.S. - Cathy Roe has been a leader in the dance and fitness industry for over 40 years. She has produced over 150 educational films on dance, yoga and fitness and how to teach. Her curriculums and videos sell internationally from her online web store at www.cathyroe.com. Cathy holds a B.S. degree in dance education from Western Michigan University and has also earned certifications in yoga, fitness, zumba, pilates, and senior yoga. Cathy is the current Ms. Senior Michigan with a platform expressing the importance of exercise and the need to keep moving. She loves to bring yoga and fitness to all age groups, but especially seniors. And that's so much easier if the class is fun and set to the music we baby boomers know and love!

Megan Rogers - Megan has worked 16 years in the social services field in Michiana and graduated from Bethel College with a double major in Sociology and Criminal Justice. She has four years of experience working at the local Community Mental Health Center and ten working with the Area 2 Agency on Aging Real Services with the Aged and Disabled population. Currently, she is the Northwest Indiana Region Volunteer Supervisor and has vast knowledge of the Aged and Disabled, TBI, and BDDS Waivers; Nursing Home assessments and approvals; and Person-Centered Planning Techniques where each position required her to have an extensive knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid. Megan is a Certified Memory Care Professional and certified in two Suicidal prevention techniques: QPR (Question, Persuade, and Referral) and ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), as well as a certificate in Non-Profit Business Management from IUSB. She is also the primary caregiver to her mother and father and resides in Plymouth with her husband.

Elliot D. Rosen. Ph.D.

Yukako Sakaue - Yukako has been drawing for 20 years. She taught in Japan for 5 years and has been teaching and learning through Forever Learning for several years.

Ann Carey Schmiedeler, BA  - Ann has been a journalist for 40+ years. She has been a staff writer for the South Bend Tribune and a correspondent for Our Sunday Visitor, and has authored two books as well as hundreds of articles in Catholic periodicals.  After teaching at the high school and college levels, Ann particularly enjoys teaching seniors because of their deep desire to learn, their enthusiasm for the subject matter, and their fascinating life experiences.

Leighton Schmitt, B.S - Leighton is a local business owner, history buff, teacher and board member with Forever Learning. Leighton earned a BS in Physics and Mathematics from IUSB and his career is in the insurance and financial industry. Areas of interest include history, science, economics, and business management. He enjoys teaching because he can help people understand important topics, entertain them, or, ideally, both.       

Jeff Schneider - Jeff has a passion for movies and history and has taught Golden Age Cinema movies and history classes at FLI for 5 years. He has watched, studied, and analyzed thousands of movies and actors and has a remarkable memory to connect his knowledge to students.  Prior to teaching, Jeff created training modules for financial auditors as an Indiana Tax Auditor of 35 years. He also served as director for a local program for families hosting visiting French teenagers.

Sue Schneider - Sue began her career as a high school teacher and then moved on to working with adult training as a Director of Religious Education. From there, she went to the Social Security Administration, where she spent almost forty years working with offices throughout northern Indiana and Michigan. Part of her responsibilities included teaching formal entry-level classes for employees as well as providing ongoing training on new laws, policies, and computer processes. After she retired, Sue discovered pickleball, and wants to share her new-found passion and introduce this sport to others.  She continues to attend classes and clinics so she can bring the most effective techniques and drills to pickleball students at Forever Learning.    

Leah Kelly Schrock, M.L.S. - (That's Liberal Studies, not Library Sciences). After years of teaching health and wellness classes and seminars for the elderly through a social services agency, Leah has turned her teaching efforts to exploring the fascinating historical mysteries and meanings of ancient mythology.

Teresa Shaffer, M.Ed. - Teresa has been an instructor for Cardio Drumming since 2017.  Cardio is a full body workout set to the great music of the 50's, 60's and 70's.  Using drum sticks, a stability ball and 16-24 gallon bucket, we work at our own pace using our arms, legs and core!  

Kirsten Sharpe, B.A. - After 25 years in the corporate world of Sales & Marketing, Kirsten made a life choice to have a more meaningful career and became The Realtor for Seniors™. She owns her own real estate firm and her passion is helping seniors with all aspects of selling their long held family home. It's a physical and an emotional journey, on which Kirsten gently guides her clients with patience and professionalism. When she's not working, she loves spending time outdoors and is a runner, swimmer, cyclist, skier, golfer and loves white water rafting in WV.

Mike Snyder, MFA - Michael began volunteering at FLI in 2016. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree with a concentration in vocal performance from The Catholic University of America and holds a Masters Degree in Liberal Studies from Indiana University South Bend. He teaches voice at The Music Village in downtown South Bend and is president of From the Prairie Publications, Inc.

Patrick Somers, M.Div, D. Min. - Patrick taught introductory and advanced preaching to lay speakers and preachers within the United Methodist Church through the Lay Servants Academy for over two decades in North and Northwest Indiana, and was a frequent educational workshop leader while serving earlier in the Chicago area. Patrick now expands his teaching on public speaking beyond the church. One familiar with the fear of public speaking, he brings real life experience and practical tools to approaching public speaking. Patrick has served the church in northern Indiana for 25 years, most recently in South Bend when he retired nearly three years ago. His doctorate focused upon the effective communication of core values. Patrick continues serving the community through the Food Bank of Northern Indiana and as usher at the University of Notre Dame.

Andrew Sommese, Ph.D.  - Andrew (Ph.D. Princeton, 1973), now retired, joined the Department of Mathematics at Notre Dame in 1979 following positions at Yale and Cornell as well as at research institutes in Princeton and Bonn, Germany. At Notre Dame he has occupied an endowed chair as Duncan Professor of Mathematics since 1994. He was a consultant at General Motors Research Labs on applied math topics from 1986 to 1997, and was one of the founding members of Notre Dame's ACMS (Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics). He has published over 200 papers and is co-author of four books. His teaching and research span topics in both pure and applied mathematics. He was one of the leading members of a team that developed computational software known as "Bertini," in use today. He likes mathematical puzzles and real-life examples, financial and investing issues and their history, and enjoys teaching.

Ralph Spelbring - Delivered RVs and trucks for a dozen years until 2024.  Was a chemist at   Whitehall Laboratories for two decades before the plant closed.. 

Paul Stevenson, M.A. - Paul enjoyed a 15-year corporate career in GE’s healthcare division, serving in a variety of sales and marketing management positions, followed by 14 years as an adjunct professor of business and communications at Trine University. In the corporate and collegiate classrooms, his courses included: entrepreneurship, leadership, international business, marketing, public speaking, and strategic management. He is committed to continuing education, having served on multiple academic-related boards and establishing several scholarships at the college level. He has served on the Forever Learning Board of Directors since 2016.

Bill (William) Stockton - Bill grew up in New Carlisle and, other than a short stint at Purdue and in the Army, has lived in the county his entire life. He has a wide variety of interests, including history, stained glass, woodworking, old cars, clocks, and, of course, pocket watches. Bill has had several occupations, from repairing mechanical adding machines for Remington Rand, construction laborer, Realtor, appraiser, and mortgage loan officer. Those last three led to several management positions over 33 years with Mishawaka Federal Savings. Like most pocket - watch people he has met, his interest began when he was given his grandfather’s non-working Waltham pocket watch about 40 years ago. However, even though he bought, sold, and collected various brands over several years AND lived his whole life in the county, he had never heard of the South Bend Watch Co. He saw his first South Bend watch maybe 25 years ago and decided to learn more. When researching the company, Bill discovered that barely any official records existed. It seems that they were deliberately destroyed. Over the years, many individuals and groups have researched and pieced together information about the company, its people, and its products. As a result, he was able to put together a presentation that is as accurate as possible, covers a brief explanation of the evolution of the need for precise timekeeping, a little about watch terminology, the critical part played by railroad needs, how the company began, its products, people, successes and ultimate failures. 

Amy Stone 

Carol Stuart, Ph.D. - Carol has enjoyed a long career in social work, most recently as a parent aide with Child and Parent Services (CAPS). She spent 18 months in Guatemala conducting research and volunteering with an international human rights organization Peace Brigades International in the early 90's where she became fluent in Spanish.

Richard Sunshine, Ph.D. - As part of his job as an international technology director, Richard coached engineering teams on three continents on using technology to improve product performance and add new features, as well as to eliminate hassle and tedious tasks from their jobs.  Since fall 2016 Richard has enjoyed teaching technology at Forever Learning, and has developed database technology to improve the operation of the Forever Learning office.

Linda VanOverberghe - Linda began teaching with Forever Learning in 2025, and teaches a popular line-dancing class.

Mia Vetter - Mia, originally from South Korea, has made the United States her home for the past 25 years. During her time at Goshen College, where she pursued general studies, she was introduced to Korean culture in her classes. This exposure ignited a passion in her to share her rich cultural heritage with others. With the global rise in the popularity of Korean culture, Mia finds great joy and purpose in teaching the language and culture.

Dave Warkentien, B.S. - Dave graduated with a B.S. degree from Purdue University and worked as a sales engineer and in sales management for Motorola, GE, and MDS.  He became concerned about climate change after watching An Inconvenient Truth documentary back in 2007 and began researching ways to live fossil-fuel-free, affordably, and comfortably.  In 2015, Dave designed and built what is possibly Indiana's most energy-efficient house in Mishawaka, with an integrated solar power system and electric car.  Dave is the founder of SHEVI CONSULTING, which helps homeowners with energy-efficient house design and the selection of solar power systems and electric cars. 

Laura Wade 

Monika Wayne, M.A. - Monika Wayne has been an instructor for FLI for several years, starting with teaching German and then adding French. She received her M.A. in legal and economic translations from the University of Geneva and later taught German at the University of Notre Dame. Teaching languages connects Monika to her past and brings back memories of growing up in Switzerland. Monika also serves on the Forever Learning Institute Board of Directors and volunteers in our office.

Marty Weber, M EdD - After working in the field of education as a special education teacher, then a school psychologist for 46 years, it was time to retire. Thus I began a new chapter of my life. I was ready to embark on various activities that I did not have the time to do while working full time. Being born to parents who immigrated to this country after WWII from Hungary, I grew up with the language and culture. After both my parents passed away, it was more difficult to find people to talk Hungrian with and do Hungarian things.  As luck would have it, someone sent me a link to Magyar Living. They offered many products, books, etc. Most importantly they offered Hungarian language classes. This began my journey with new  found friends in similar situations as I taking language classes from Gergely Nemeth that resides in Hungary!  With Skype, so many things are possible. I want to share my love of my homeland with others!  More importantly, I have the time to do it!

Todd Zeiger, B.S. -  With a degree in historic preservation from Roger Williams University, Certificate of Executive Management from the University of Notre Dame and a minor in business, Todd Zeiger has built upon his passion for historic buildings over his 34 years in the field. His experience ranges from museum and non-profit management to building restoration, relocation and real estate development involving commercial, residential, and public buildings. Todd has been with Indiana Landmarks for over 25 years where he has served as the director of the Northern Regional Office since 1998. He provides a wide range of consultation, project development and advocacy assistance to grass roots organizations, historic preservation commissions, Main Street communities and private building owners over a twenty-four-county area overseeing two field offices.  As an adjunct Professor of the Profession in the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture, Todd is helping grow the next generation of preservation minded professionals through a variety of classes in the Historic Preservation Concentration. He has also lectured at state and national conferences and too numerous to count talks to local groups, organizations and professionals interested in our historic architecture. Following graduation from Roger Williams, he returned to his hometown to dedicate his career to helping save the architectural legacy left by the previous generations – the fingerprints of those who have come before us.  He and his wife of 30 years Terri have three children Lindsey (Gib) Spaulding, Rachael and Jacob. They reside in South Bend, Indiana, as the fifth generation on their historic farmstead along with their two and a half horses, chickens and other assorted pets. He is presently restoring a 1958 Chevy Impala convertible purchased by his father in the mid 1960’s with a 1939 Studebaker truck waiting in the wings.

Anthony Zmirski, Obl OSB - Tony is a retired pharmacist with backgrounds in critical care and chronic disease management. He holds the CDCES (Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist) credential as well as other certifications earned during his career. He is a Lay Benedictine Oblate of the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Chicago. Interests include Polish/Slavic, Byzantine Catholicism, and jazz history.