I began taking ASL in high school. I helped in the program they had for deaf and hard of hearing students my senior year. That summer I was hired by a camp to sign for 2 students they had attending. I took a semester of ASL in college, but it was the only class they offered, so the rest of my experience has been in life. I worked for Hillside and CMH in Allegan where I was able to sign to students and clients. I have taught ASL classes at CMH to clients and I’ve been hired to teach employees at an OT facility some basic signs. I have been teaching ASL to my 5yr old twins since birth and been using Signing Time resources so I’ve expand my knowledge that way as well. I’ve been signing for over 20 years. I chose to teach this class to both adults and kids because it’s a passion of mine. I feel communication is such a gift and this visual language is beautiful.
My theatre experience begun in 2008 with a One Acts Festival. It was an interest of mine, but it didn’t make its way into my life before then. One show and I was hooked!!! I became a board member of The Play n Well players. This is where I learned how to do everything from act, to build sets, how to produce a show, direct, stage manage, sound/lights, and whatever else possible you can think of. Shortly after being on 1 board I joined the Allegan Community Players board where eventually I became Vice President. Through my many shows and years of experience I have also hosted improv shows, taught youth camps, and even written 2 one acts that have been performed. I love to teach theatre especially to youth. I have seen shy people transform and come out of their shell, confidence build, and public speaking flow because of theatre. It truly is an amazing experience and there is something for everyone. If acting isn’t your thing, there’s fun stuff behind stage to learn about. Building sets is a great creative process, producing or directing teach you skills not only for theatre but for other aspects in life, and so many friendships and bonds are formed through theatre. It is such a passion of mine I hope to share and inspire in others.
I fell in love with painting because it became very therapeutic for me. Working through anxiety and depression painting allowed me a peaceful escape from daily stresses. I have been working as an artist for 3 years and recently started teaching abstract paint in the last few months. I felt nervous for a long time at the thought of teaching, but I finally felt brave and wanted to try! I love teaching and I especially enjoy teaching young children that there is no wrong way to paint. I love interacting with children and adults during my painting classes. I enjoy seeing others come out of their shells and be creative with mixed media and paints.
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I have been teaching art, music, and martial arts since the mid 1990's. Including art classes all 4 years in high school, 2 years in college and then was our unit's artist when I was in the service. I started teaching based on the fact that I knew I really enjoyed the subject matters and I hoped that others would enjoy it as much as I did. I started really focusing on teaching veterans free in 2018. One of my favorite things about teaching is seeing students of all ages really getting into the subject and learning a new trade.I am a passionate teacher, there are those that know the materials and aren't as passionate.. but I really want those who take my classes to see NOT only my knowledge of the subject, but also to see how much art, music etc.. really is a part of my life.. and I hope that it can be a part of theirs as well!
I have wanted to be an artist my whole life and never wanted to be anything else. I started teaching art to kids whilst touring with Cirque Du Soleil 10 years ago. I have a degree in theatrical practices, so I have been working with mixed media and materials for a really long time, it is an exciting transition to use these skills in teaching various craft and maker projects. I have been involved in the arts my whole career, I have a passion for getting people excited about the arts and how they can enrich our lives. Art in all forms can bring joy and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to teach that! The most rewarding thing about teaching my class is the look on peoples faces when they 'get it' or how proud kids look when they produce something they are super proud of.
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My interest in yoga started when it was part of a workout program I was doing. It was so different yet so effective. I taught classes when my son was little (6 years ago), but just started back up this September. I started teaching yoga because I have a passion for it and I really liked the idea of being able to share it with my community. The best part of teaching yoga is being able to educate people about their bodies. So often we don’t realize how everything is connected. I love seeing the realization on my student’s faces when it all clicks.
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I have been drawing, crafting, sewing and completing DIY projects with my mom since I was a little girl. I have been teaching children ages 4 to 12 years old for about 15 years. I just recently started formally teaching crafting classes. Working with children and crafting are two things that make me happy! Offering classes at O’Flynns gives me the opportunity to do both! The best part about teaching someone is that not just one person learns. I do too!
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