Instructor Bios
Sara Venneri
Sara Venneri I was born and raised in the beautiful region of Puglia, where I developed a deep appreciation for both the arts and sciences. With
John Spencer
John Spencer John R. Spencer, Ph.D. is Emeritus Professor of Biblical Studies in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at John Carroll University. He earned
Stephen Kelly
Stephen Kelly Stephen grew up in Western New York and is a graduate of the University of Toronto. He has lived in Rancho Bernardo with his
Allison Weisman
Allison Weisman Allison is an experienced instructor in jewelry making and baking as well as cake decorating. She was a jewelry company owner and has been
Dominique Santoni
Dominique Santoni Dominique grew up in restaurants owned by his parents. Inspired by Rémy, his father, he learned to love cooking at an early age. His
Andrea Provino
Andrea Provino Andrea Provino was born in Bagheria, Sicily, Italy. His career began aboard yachts, cruise ships, and boats sailing across the Mediterranean. His journey took
Sonya Caruso
Sonya Caruso, M.A., CFRM, MCHC, NBC- HWC My mission is to empower my clients to take control of their health and wellness, revitalize their lives and
Zuliya Khawaja
Zuliya Khawaja Meet Chef ZuZu! Chef Zuliya is a passionate culinary artist and plant-based chef with over a decade of experience in the kitchen. With a
Linda Kurtz
Linda Kurtz Linda Kurtz earned her MA in Education. She taught Buddhism as a teenager; taught in Christian Sunday Schools; and taught in general and special
Lawrence Gach
Lawrence Gach I'm a transplanted East-coaster. Following a career at Bell Labs, I moved to San Diego in 1991 to pursue a job opportunity in mechanical
Fern Helms
Fern Helms I’ve been teaching dance for the past 35 years. I’ve danced since I was a child, but fell in love with ballroom dancing while
Hazel Turner
Hazel Turner Hazel has been playing bridge for over 40 years and is an American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) accredited teacher and is an ACBL Ruby
Ruth Mack
Ruth Mack I fell in love with yarn at age 9 when my mom taught me to knit. I really put that skill to use all
Suda House
Suda House Suda House is a photographer of national and international reputation living and working in San Diego, California. She is recently a retired Professor of
Christine L.
Christine L. For almost 11 years, I have dedicated myself to rehabilitating hummingbirds. My passion for these birds fuels my ongoing research into their behavior, both
Becky Barber
Becky Barber 35 years of scrapbooking
Sergi Bosch
Sergi Bosch He’s the founder of “iPhone For Seniors” and Your Tech Tutor, where students experience fun, activity-based lessons that are memorable and empowering. His teaching methods
Sheila Star Coulbourn
Sheila Star Coulbourn I have been serving people in Southern California for over 25 years through classes and private sessions, Care Management, Patient Advocacy and Reiki.
Dylan Hasinsky
Dylan Hasinsky My name is Dylan Padilla Hasinsky, I am a self taught sourdough baker, chef, and enthusiast of all things fermented. Previously, I served our
Yale Strom
Yale Strom Yale Strom (violin) is one of the world's leading ethnographer-artists of klezmer and Romani music and history. With his masters in Yiddish Studies Strom
Kelly Creeden
Kelly Creeden Kelly Creeden is a multiple subject educator using social studies and the arts with a passion to educate and inspire. She holds a B.S.,
Richard Carrico
Richard Carrico Richard L. Carrico, writer and educator, is a U.S Army veteran. He is a lecturer in the Department of American Indian Studies at San
LeeAnna Yater
LeeAnna Yater As an artist and designer LeeAnna Yater has had many diverse experiences in the art world. After receiving her MFA, she began her professional
Robin Daus
Robin Daus Robin is a retired Kaiser Family Medicine doctor who has been crafting for over 30 years. She is a Stampin’ Up demonstrator for over
Dora Graham
Dora Graham Dora Graham is a Certified Fitness Instructor and Certified Personal Trainer with American Council on Exercise, and with the Athletics and Fitness Association of
Sharon L. Bryant
Sharon L. Bryant "The most important thing that any of us can do to comfort the grieving is to listen when they want to talk -
Veronica Mitchell
Veronica Mitchell Veronica Mitchell is a writer and public speaker. She has had a column in The San Diego Union-Tribune and bylines in various media outlets.
Jennifer Doheny
Jennifer Doheny Certified Comprehensive Essentrics Instructor, First-Aid and CPR- Certified Essentrics is a slow and gentle approach to stretching and exercise in a relaxed manner with
Cathlyn Choi
Cathlyn Choi Cathlyn Choi is a renowned culinary artist and television personality passionate about promoting healthy Korean cuisine and cultural heritage. As the host of the
Eva Beim
Eva Beim Eva Beim is an American singer/songwriter, journalist and filmmaker. Eva has performed in bands ranging from original pop to large Orchestras, and has performed on both coasts
Ann Dunham
Ann Dunham Ann Dunham received her MS Product Design from ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, CA. and her B.F.A. with a concentration in Industrial Design
Linda A. Doll
Linda A. Doll, AWS, NWS Linda A. Doll, AWS, NWS, is a painter, photographer, collage artist, instructor and juror. A teacher of workshops and seminars throughout
Donna Bird
Donna Bird I’m Donna Bird. I am an Experienced, Dependable, Enthusiastic fitness instructor with great music, a great attitude, and many years of experience with a
Fariba Zarieh
Fariba Zarieh My name is Fariba Zarieh and I’ve been educating Medicare beneficiaries for 12 years in San Diego County. When it comes to Medicare, it’s
Jeanne Neilson
Jeanne Neilson Certified Piano Teacher and Composer Jeanne began studying piano at the tender age of five. At nine, she studied with Marion Marti, president of
Virginia Berger
Virginia Berger A retirement coach, Virginia helps Baby Boomers create an inspired action plan for their retirement that reflects their values and dreams. A retiree herself,
Maria Ghaibi
Maria Ghaibi Maria Ghaibi is a Holistic and Functional Nutrition Health Coach who graduated from The Functional Nutrition Alliance, which is accredited by the American Association
Kathy Hassett
Kathy Hassett Ordained Buddhist Priest in the Order of Hsu Yun 2008 Ordained Taoist Priest, Complete Reality School of Taoism 2008 Second Vice Abbot of the
Nisha Manek, MD
Nisha Manek, MD Nisha Manek is an internationally recognized leader in Integrative Medicine. Dr. Manek turned her scientific expertise to the singular question: What is the
Mark Carlson
Mark Carlson Mark Carlson Witty writer, ravenous reader, historian and author of ten books, Mark Carlson, 63, in San Marcos. He is a freelance writer and
Neil J. Farber, MD
Neil J. Farber, MD Neil J. Farber is a retired academic internal medicine physician, having practiced academic general internal medicine for 40 years, teaching, researching and
Dora Bonaventura
Dora Bonaventura Dora Bonaventura teaches all levels of Italian. She holds a Bachelor's from the Istituto Universitario in Scienze Motorie of Rome and a Masters in
Karen England
Karen England Karen England, an herb gardener of over 30 years, is on the board of directors of the International Herb Association and a regular food
Dr. Joseph Casciani
Dr. Joseph Casciani Dr. Joseph Casciani has a 35-year history in aging as a psychologist and manager of mental health practices. He was awarded the
Farima Tabrizi
Farima Tabrizi Real Estate Broker Certified Senior Home Specialist and Certified Probate and Trust Specialist As a Senior Real Estate Specialist, Farima is keenly aware of
Bryan Devore
Bryan Devore, REALTOR®, SRES • DRE #01397835 Bryan is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist and Director of the Senior Division of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California
David McGee
David McGee, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) David McGee is a Senior Loan Officer for C2 Financial Corporation with over 30 years’ experience in residential lending. David
Laura Muto
Laura Muto, Certified Fitness Instructor In 2011, I discovered Zumba Gold at Oasis and immediately loved the class where you get a great workout while
Pam Toomes
Pam Toomes, Certified Fitness Instructor I’ve been teaching group exercise & yoga classes for 30 years, from Hi-Lo aerobics, step aerobics, toning and weights, as
Julia Doughty
Julia Doughty, MFA, Certified Yoga Teacher and Therapist, Holistic Health Practitioner Julia Doughty has over 50 years of experience as a yoga practitioner, therapist, and
Andra Valencia
Andra Valencia Andra is a certified cardio drumming and cardio dance instructor. She has taught fitness classes since 2016. Her passion in life is to
Michelle Baker
Michelle Baker Michelle Baker has been studying, practicing, and teaching yoga and meditation for 30 years. It is her great joy to share these practices
Danielle Deaton
Danielle Deaton Danielle Deaton was born in Paris, France, and came to the U.S. many years ago to join her father. After many years of
Bill Simmons
Bill Simmons Bill Simmons is a retired lawyer who has been involved in end-of-life issues for over 15 years. His website, www.finalexodus.org, is a great
Bob Basinger, MBA (Accounting), MSEE
Bob Basinger, MBA (Accounting), MSEE Bob Basinger, MBA (Accounting), MSEE, retired from a career as a software engineer then switched to another obsessive-compulsive occupation –
Beatrice Ricart
Beatrice Ricart Beatrice Ricart grew up in France and at a very young age helped her mom in the kitchen. As a teenager, she started
Joe Nalven, Ph.D. JD
Joe Nalven, Ph.D. JD Joe Nalven grew up in Brooklyn, New York and came to San Diego in 1970. Along the way, he served in
Matilda Parente
Matilda Parente Matilda Parente, MD, Certified Specialist of Wine: Matilda has taught wine for more than a decade, as wine director and wine educator at
Jacqueline A. Silverman
Jacqueline A. Silverman Jacqueline Silverman is a compassionate Certified Senior Advisor® and Aging in Place Specialist with Aging Advisory Services. Her expertise lies in assisting
Vincent Rossi
Vincent Rossi Vincent N. Rossi is a freelance writer/researcher with a special interest in history. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Saint
Dr. Ken Druck
Dr. Ken Druck Recipient of the Distinguished Contribution to Psychology award for his groundbreaking work on healing after loss, Ken Druck has inspired and guided
Preet Works
Preet Works From painting the figure to keeping the figure! Instructor Preet Works has taught in the art industry for over two decades, primarily in
Nadin Benrey M.A. NBC-HWC
Nadin Benrey M.A. NBC-HWC I am a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, passionate about helping others achieve their goals to live healthier. I
Fred B. Bercovitch, Ph.D.
Fred B. Bercovitch, Ph.D. Wildlife Biologist & Conservation Scientist Fred Bercovitch received his B.A. (University of California, Berkeley), M.A. (Arizona State University), and Ph.D. (University
Sheryl Chesivoir
Sheryl Chesivoir Mah Jongg Instructor Sheryl Chesivoir is an American Mah Jongg teacher. She follows the NMJL rules and guidelines. She has been playing this
Pam Chilton
Pam Chilton Certified Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor Pam Chilton’s passion of having an active lifestyle began at a very young age practicing cartwheels and handstands. So,
Costa Dillon, M.P.A.
Costa Dillon, M.P.A. Experienced National Park Ranger/Superintendent Constantine (Costa) Dillon is a retired National Park Service (NPS) ranger and park superintendent who worked in more
Carolyn (Lyn) Earl
Carolyn (Lyn) Earl Sewing Specialist After learning to sew in the 7th grade I honed my skills making clothes, home decor items and quilts for
Ed Griffith and Lee Wells
Ed Griffith and Lee Wells Verlosity | Soul Line Dance Instructors Ed Griffith and Lee Wells are Soul Line Dance instructors for Oasis San Diego
Chuck Gunderson
Chuck Gunderson Chuck Gunderson was raised in San Diego, California, the site of the Beatles 8th stop on the 1965 North American tour. He was
Linda Hawley, Ed.M.
Linda Hawley, Ed.M. Former teacher & college adjunct professor of 28 years in New York State & Ohio, Linda received her Master’s in education from
Gigi Howard
Gigi Howard Gigi Howard is an active resident of Rancho Bernardo's Seven Oaks 55+ community. She retired in 2020 after thirty years of teaching in
Nancy Isbell, BA
Nancy Isbell, BA Former Owner/Founder of Bravo School of Art, Mural Artist & Instructor Nancy Isbell is an artist, muralist, illustrator born and raised in
Kathy Jorgensen
Kathy Jorgensen Certified Fitness & Yoga Instructor Kathy is a group fitness instructor, certified personal trainer and yoga instructor with a passion to guide and
Richard Lederer
Richard Lederer Union-Tribune Language Columnist Senior instructor and Union-Tribune language columnist Richard Lederer is the author of 60 books about language, history, and humor, including
Marilyn McPhie
Marilyn McPhie Storytellers of San Diego; TEDx Speaker Marilyn McPhie, professional speaker and storyteller, once had to choose between cleaning bathrooms and telling stories. The
Lynn Morgan
Lynn Morgan ZIN Member since 2010 Lynn loves to dance! She studied dance in Alberta, Hawaii, and California. The 70’s dance fitness craze meant she
Barbara Norman
Barbara Norman CFP®, ChFC® CDFA® is the CEO of the financial planning firm, Sage Path Solutions™ Barbara Norman specializes in helping divorced and widowed women
Trina Pascale
Trina Pascale Art Instructor I love to share my love for stamping with others. Over 12 years ago, I attended a stamp workshop and have
Drs. Marti & Dave Peck
Drs. Marti & Dave Peck Dr. Dave Peck is a physician and author of two books on the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition; Marti Peck
Sid Shapira
Sid Shapira Author, Public Relations and Corporate Communications Specialist Sid Shapira is a San Diego-based author, public relations and corporate communications specialist. A journalism graduate
Glenn Smith
Glenn Smith J.D., LL.M., Professor of Constitutional Law (ret.) Glenn Smith confesses to a lifelong interest in the intersection of law, government, and politics. This
Rose To
Rose To Rose To, M.R. Ed, M.S. Ed (TESOL) is a professional teacher, trainer/coach & speaker/presenter. She has taught diverse age & ethnic groups in
John Wolf
John Wolf Produced two television series for public access television (The Writer’s Loft, Creative Collaborations), musician, and author of five books. John is also a
Alan J. Zacharin
Alan Zacharin Alan has had a varied career in education, business, and law. He earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from U.C. Berkeley and
Michael Birmingham
Michael Birmingham Tai Chi Instructor Michael Birmingham has been studying and teaching fitness for the last 6 years and has worked diligently to understand the body and movement.
Keith Mesecher
Keith Mesecher Registered Investment Advisor, Ordained Zen Buddhist Keith has been a Registered Investment Advisor since 1994. His practice has enabled him to invest for individuals, as well
Richard LeVine
Richard LeVine Attorney Richard LeVine has worked in two professions, having served as a San Diego Superior Court hearing officer, Judge Pro Tem, and arbitrator. Further work in
Lisa Benton
Lisa Benton Oasis Instructor Lisa Benton is a lover of mysteries and has been leading the Whodunit Book Club at San Diego Oasis since 2013.
Melynnique Seabrook
Melynnique Seabrook M.A. in Spain, UCLA and Middlebury College After Melynnique finished an M.A. in Spain from UCLA and Middlebury College, she followed her dream of performing aboard
Danisa Mardones
Danisa Mardones B.A, Business Administration, major in Marketing in Santiago de Chile Danisa Mardones is Chilean, and has a bachelor's degree in business administration with a major in
Dr. Phil Goscienski
Dr. Phil Goscienski Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist, UCSD School of Medicine (ret) Since Dr. Phil Goscienski, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist, retired from active practice and the
Aniko Makranczy
Aniko Makranczy MFA, B.A. Aniko Makranczy, received her MFA from the University of Maryland, College Park and her B.A. in Anthropology from UC Riverside. She taught studio art
Lola Sparrowhawk
Lola Sparrowhawk International award-winning author and historian Lola Sparrowhawk is an international award-winning author and a historian in the interdisciplinary world history genre. Her history specialty is integrating
Chris Burns
Chris Burns, M.A. Chris Burns, M.A., has taught “history through music” for over 40 years, originally focusing on world history through the lens of classical music and United
Muriel King
Muriel King Succulent Designer and Owner of the Perfect Plant Muriel creates a variety of succulent and air plant designs. In addition to one-perfect-plant to one-perfect-pot, she
Many Strings
Many Strings Musical collaboration of Chris and Jamie Burns Many-Strings is the musical collaboration of Jamie Burns on her hammered dulcimer and Chris Burns on guitar. Their
Julie Derry
Julie Derry MBA, CSA Julie Derry, Board Chair, is an expert at creating and leading vision, execution and measurement of customer focused strategies that align with company
Paula Matthews
Paula Matthews, MA Professor of Italian Language and Culture at Mesa College Paula Matthews is a long-time Oasis instructor who is always delighted to share her knowledge of
Mary Burns
Mary Burns, MS, MA Community College Instructor Mary Burns is an instructor for San Diego Community College District, teaching in the Emeritus Department. She has taught with Oasis
Jacki Montierth
Jacki Montierth Founder of Wiseboomer.Com Jacki Montierth is a retired educator and founder of wiseboomer.com. With degrees in psychology, mathematics, educational administration, as well as technology and instructional
Patrick Griffith
Patrick Griffith Sifu Patrick Griffith has been teaching Tai Chi since 1997 and has been working with Oasis and the Escondido Senior Center since 2002. He has worked
Henry George
Henry George Engineer, Archaeologist Geologist After retiring from his career as a Geological Engineer for a large construction firm, Henry returned to college and earned a MA in
Oliva M. Espín
Oliva M. Espín, Ph.D. Oliva M. Espín is Professor Emerita in the Department of Women’s Studies at San Diego State University and the California School of
Julia Fister
Julia Fister, MA Studio ACE Executive Director Julia Fister, a St. Louis, Missouri native, graduated from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte with a Bachelor’s
Russell Rowe
Russell Rowe MS, Exercise Physiology Russell Rowe has an eclectic assortment of interests which are reflected in his trainings and credentials. He received his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical
Peter Bolland
Peter Bolland MA, Professor of Philosophy and Humanities at Southwestern College Peter Bolland is a long-time Oasis instructor who brings the life-changing insights of the world’s wisdom
Laura Diaz
Laura Diaz Board Certified Coach (BCC) Laura Diaz is a professional trained life and business coach. She is the founder of In Harmony Coaching, a company whose mission
Eddie Omens
Eddie Omens Artist Since 2010, Eddie Omens has had the honor of sharing his passion for art and watercolor with his Oasis students and friends. Eddie grew up
Blaine Davies
Blaine Davies, MA Professor of U.S. History Blaine Davies earned an MA in history and a BS degree in Business. He taught US history at Boise