FALL 2020
Educate Liberate Prosper
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Christine Adams is the Alternative Education teacher at Saco Learning Center. She attained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maine at Farmington, and has spent many years working in education in various roles.
Tommy Aikins has been working out for 42 years. He has worked out in gyms all over the country, Asia and was lucky enough to learn a lot about physical fitness from many people over the years, some of them accomplished bodybuilders.
Art Night Out instructors are experienced, passionate crafters. They provide a relaxed, fun environment with lots of support and quality materials and tools to ensure a positive learning experience. You will leave class with new skills and an amazing project you created yourself. See our Gallery.
Ron & Sheri Aube are long time musicians performing locally for 15 years and known as Nick of Time. Ron plays guitar, fiddle & mandolin and Sheri plays guitar, mandolin & harmonica. They’ve played at picker’s circles throughout ME, both joining the Fiddle-icious orchestra in 2016.
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Mary Bailey, an avid and talented baker, is a Culinary Arts major at YCCC. She is a cook & baker at Saint Joseph’s Convent in Biddeford and also makes bagels for Biscuits and Co. in Biddeford.
Kathy Baillageon, professional home organizer & owner of Room by Room Organizing, graduated from UMaine at Farmington with a degree in Community Health Education. She has created her own sacred spaces and enjoys finding what works for herself and for others.
Meret Bainbridge, LAc, MAcOM, owner of Acupuncture by Meret in Portland and Saco, has been practicing acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Greater Portland since 1997, and in Saco since 2016. Meret is a licensed acupuncturist and a registered practitioner of Jin Shin Do Bodymind Acupressure with over 20 years experience.
Gene A Barber, a wholesale rep for Devenish wines, started his first wine tasting club in 1974 and has been an avid student ever since. He deals primarily in low-yield, low-production wines that are sustainable, organic and natural.
Jessica Barker has been belly dancing for most of her adult life, starting with the Desert Dancers with Miraya Swanson. Continuing her studies with world renowned instructors such as Nathifa Shakti, Heather Powers and Rosa Noreen. As a certified Yoga Instructor with hundreds of hours of teaching experience, Jessica is excited to fuse her two passions.
Kristen Bartlett was exposed to art at a very early age which inspired her lifelong creative path. With schooling in drawing, oil painting, graphic design and photography, Kristen practices many forms of art. Her current loves of artistic expression have been in mixed media collage and Japanese Shibori dyeing.
Krystian Beal studied Elementary Education with a concentration in Music at UME @ Orono. He currently plays in several local bands and is also a soloist, singer-songwriter.
Shannon Belt is a League of American Bicyclists League Cycling Instructor. From teaching skiing in the winter, bike mechanics in the classroom, or traffic safety on our roads, education is at the heart of what he likes to do.
Vanessa Berry holds a BS in Elementary Education from UMaine Farmington where she was part of their Sustainable Campus Coalition. She joined the ecomaine team in August, 2018, as an Environmental Educator.
Gisele Biron, a Bates College graduate, has worked in the educational/medical fields for 30+ years. She has certificates in facilitation, mediation and compassionate interaction. As a bereavement facilitator, Gisele has helped people through the struggle of talking and sharing with their loved ones and is passionate about helping you improve your communication skills.
Steve Boillot received a BA from the University of Missouri and has taught ESOL for eight years after retiring from a career in college textbook publishing.
Heather Boisot is National Healthcare Association Instructor certified with 16+ years of experience. She is currently nurse manager at Freeport Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, where she is in charge of a staff of 50+ people.
Jacqueline Boudreau has extensive background training in Ayurveda, pranayama, yoga, meditation, herbalism, and holistic health. She teaches an array of classes that focus on uplifting, energizing movement, mindful attention and using breath as fuel to navigate challenging opportunities for growth on and off the mat.
Beth Boucher, Founder of Boucher Family Chiropractic, earned her Doctor of Chiropractic from Sherman College of Chiropractic and has a practice built around family wellness care focusing on education for her practice members and lifestyle choices.
Emma Bouthillette trained through the Fluid Yoga School at Samudra Studio, completing her 200-RYT and Yoga for All training to foster inclusivity for all body shapes, sizes and abilities in her teaching. Her classes embody her joyful spirit and laughter!
Lisa Bouchard is a licensed massage therapist, Shiatsu practitioner and acupuncturist. She has owned and operated MassageCraft in Biddeford and Old Orchard Beach for the last 25 years.
Jill Braceland has been designing and delivering seminars in a variety of management and writing topics for more than 30 years. She has successfully owned training companies in MA & NY.
Ron Breton is a Maine-grown carpenter and house painter. He has run a very successful painting and property management business for the past 20 years. He loves painting and sharing the techniques he has developed.
Detective Steven Broy has been with the OOB Police Department full time since 2016. He graduated from Newbury College in Brookline MA with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. Since joining the Department, Steven has attended numerous specialized trainings pertaining to Identity Theft, Fraud and computer crimes investigations.
Whitney Burdsall, Logistics Director for Green Tree Event Consultants, has 15+ years of experience in event planning and is also a member of the ME Small Business Development Centers Advisory Council. From small company outings and parties, to large scale conferences and fundraisers, she’s done it all.
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Merry Canillas has been sewing since high school. She has a Dressmakers/Design diploma from Penn Foster and has worked in the bridal industry. She has run several sewing companies over the last 25 years and currently runs Hand Strands in Saco.
Peter Carlino is a Certified SCORE Mentor and the Director of Client Workshops at the Portland SCORE office. Peter’s carer background is in computers and telecommunications where he worked with large companies and small to bring innovative products to market.
Karen Casey has been gardening for over 40 years. She has worked in numerous professional gardening positions and currently owns her own business called The Occasional Gardener, When You Just Don’t Have the Time.
Kim Chaurette,co-owner of Rover Bagel in Biddeford, ME, specializes in naturally leavened, wood-fired bagels. She is passionate about baking, using time-tested techniques and healthful, local ingredients.
Ali Clift holds degrees in Environmental Studies and Marine Science from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL. She is the Education & Outreach Coordinator for the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District.
Chani Cochrane, Yoga Alliances certified with 200 hours, began exploring her own yoga practice after a long career in massage therapy and kids yoga. She believes in the healing powers of breath and movement and the community connection that a yoga family provides and is committed to guiding practitioners through their own practice of self healing, growth and connection.
Janet Conner holds a BS in Art Education from Moore College of Art and Design in Pennsylvania, and is a member of the Saco Valley Fiber Artists. Her hooked rugs have been exhibited regionally, and can be seen at Maine Fiber Arts Center in Topsham. See our Gallery.
Jennifer Courtois, RN, has 40 years of nursing experience, from hospital, home health, diabetes & community education and 10+ years teaching of CNA, PSS & CRMA in both the classroom & clinical areas.
Kim Crepeau, a basket weaver since 1984, has been enthusiastically teaching her craft for the past 15 years. From beginner to intermediate, the baskets Kim chooses for her classes can be made by all.
Alinson Cruz began working for Microsoft 5 years ago as a Technical Advisor and has worked his way up to Business Manager. He is a lifelong tech junkie who prefers Windows-based devices for their flexibility and business software benefits and is passionate about helping people discover the endless possibilities of their Microsoft products.
Robert Cyr is a Safety and Wellness Instructor, Certified Health Coach, organic gardener, and personal chef. He has been an Official Trainer & Pacesetter for the Hannaford-sponsored training runs since 2003 for the Beach to Beacon road race.
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Sharon deFonteny has a degree in Business Education with a concentration in Accounting and spent many years in Corporate America working in Accounting and Finance. She has created and taught online Business courses for Bucks County Community College.
Sarah deGrandis, BFA in New Media from ME College of Art, is a formally trained artist and longtime crafter who knows a little bit about a lot of things. She is passionate about learning different crafts and using modern, fun takes on traditional techniques.
Amanda Delorme received her 200 hour yoga training from Pranakriya School of Yoga and Healing Arts and holds a Master’s in Occupational Therapy and incorporates her yoga expertise into her work. She offers a place for individuals to access one’s self and heal not only body, but mind and spirit as well.
Iona Desmond is an artist and teacher with over 38 years of experience. Her pastels and sculptures are in many private collections in the US and Canada and she has won several awards for her artwork.
Gregory Downs, holding a BA in French, minored in German at USM. With a strong passion for foreign language acquisition and linguistics, Gregory loves to share the knowledge he has gained.
Missy Dunaway is a fine artist with a BA in Fine Art and Art History from Carnegie Mellon University. Her travel sketchbook was featured in Travel & Leisure, Huffington Post, Airbnb and in A World of Artist Journal Pages, by Dawn Devries Sokol. Missy also teaches online at creativebug.com where she shares her talent for creating amazing travel sketchbooks.
David Durkee has worked in adult education for fourteen plus years as both an educator and administrator. He has served as a director of TRIO programs through Southern Vermont College, and is the current director of OOB/Saco Adult Education. With degrees in English and Secondary Education from the State University of New York, David is a lifelong learner and a strong advocate for the importance of education. David is commited to offering a range of enrichment and basic education courses to community members, and enjoys helping empower students through new educational and career pathways.
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Jason Eckerson has worked in restaurants around the country for over 15 years, landing him most recently as sous chef at Eventide Oyster Co. in Portland.
Heather Edgerly holds a Master’s in Buddhist Studies and has taught at OLLI for the past several years. She is currently training to become a yoga instructor at Samudra in Saco.
Dr. Jonathan Emlet, DC, of Scarborough Family Chiropractic, has BAs in Biology & Life Sciences, a Masters in Nutrition & Human Performance, and lectures to share valuable tools on how to live healthier by focusing on what is natural for the body.
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Karl Finley, volunteer firefighter for 20 years+ with Scarborough Fire Department, is an EMT/Paramedic and worked at the Saco Fire Department for 15 years. He has been the Public Education Coordinator for six years and teaching CPR for eight.
Gayle Fitzpatrick has taught in public and private schools, colleges, adult and community programs for 30+ years. She is a practicing artist who creates and exhibits works in painting, printmaking and paper.
Jodi Flynn, founder of Luma Coaching, specializes in supporting business leaders overcome stress and self doubt and creating the business and lifestyle of their dreams. Her podcast, Women Taking the Lead, inspires women to overcome self doubt and lead with confidence and integrity.
Michael Foley, an appointed ME Notary & Dedimus Justice for 10+ years, has notarized countless documents including basic forms to real estate closings along with performing marriage ceremonies yearly. He lives in Westbrook with his family, owns various businesses & has been serving his community for over 15 years in various elected & appointed positions.
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Jess Gagne, RYT200, took her first yoga class at the Y in 2000 while recovering from an illness and has been practicing ever since. Last year, she completed her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training program with Samudra in April. Jess strives to bring together breath, mindfulness, strength, fluidity, with a dose of humor into each of her classes.
Marcus Gale has been practicing Falun Gong, also called Falun Dafa, since 1998. He offers free instruction throughout Southern Maine and NH to help promote the good it does for people’s well-being.
Jesse Galkowski is a lifelong creator of video and music. After getting his degree in Film & Television at Boston U, he traveled to Africa to make a documentary. He now lives in Biddeford with his partner and two dogs, and runs his own digital video production company, Feels Like Media.
Faith Garnett began teaching card making in 2009. She sells her original greeting cards at craft fairs and at Seacoast Crafters in Portsmouth. See our Gallery.
Mark Gerardi has been studying and teaching martial arts for 25 years. He is the founder of Samurai Fitness and a professional member of the National Qigong Association. He is also an Energy Healer who recognizes the health benefits of these active moving meditations. www.luminousandhealthy.com
Chrystina Gastelum’s therapeutic massage training includes deep tissue and lighter pressure modalitites, with specialties in jaw, abdomen and fascia. Chrystina is a yoga teacher with advanced training in structural alignment and is completing her training in Cranio Sacral Therapy. Sean Hasey has been licensed to practice massage since 2002. He practices deep tissue and Eastern modalities and is also trained in Cranio Sacral Therapy. He has studied with Taoist Master Mantak Chia, learning a powerful form of massage that helps to align and vitalize the visceral organs, muscles and connective tissues of the abdomen.
Together they opened Hark House in 2018.
Sue Giarolo is certified in Let Your Yoga Dance, Restorative Yoga, YSR12 and Reiki 1 & 2. From movement to stillness, sheer bliss to deep inward exploration, her goal is to guide each person to be their own Guru.
Deborah Gordon, a lifelong vegetarian turned vegan 10 years ago, has experienced the many facets of transitioning to a healthier diet and lifestyle. She enjoys sharing her style of intuitive cooking, encouraging others to do their own research, and is always ready to help answer the multitude of questions surrounding the growing “Why Vegan Why Now” movement.
Tory Gordon is a watercolor and pen-and-ink artist living & working in Biddeford. Her art is inspired by people, places and things and expresses itself in a fluid style. She believes everyone has an artist within waiting to express itself in beautiful, surprising ways.
Mandy Green, owner of Forever Fit, has been in the fitness & health industry since 2000. She received the Bill Evans Senior Exiting Award for Excellence in Dance at University of New Mexico and was with the Boston-based Rainbow Tribe for three years. She is also a NASM & AFAA certified personal trainer, pilates trained through the PhysicalMind Institute and willpower & grace, TRX, Beyond Barre, Zumba and Reiki I/II certified.
Jennifer Greiner, of Green Thinking, uses a unique approach of professional counseling and essential oil wellness to integrate alternative, natural methods into your own health & lifestyle.
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Mike P. Harris, a professional speaker/entertainer and a trainer of Public Speaking at UNUM, has mentored many who felt terrified in front of groups into confident, effective speakers & group leaders.
Reegan Hebert is the owner of Positive Vibes Wellness and is known as a leader in the communities she serves.
Bo Hewey has taught from kindergarten through high school and Adult Education. With a Masters in Literacy Education from USM and a MA in Progressive Education from Goddard, he is a lifelong learner who enjoys teaching and learning with his students.
Anna Hewitt works to encourage creativity, connection and provides resources for living a less wasteful, more abundant life with a focus on using scraps, odds & ends and stuff that is often thrown away to create something beautiful, useful or delicious.
Dr. Lesley Hoey is a licensed orthopedic and pelvic physical therapist, as well as a health and fitness specialist and yoga teacher with over 30 years of experience teaching clients how to improve their quality of life. She is in private practice in South Portland.
Eric Holsinger became interested in photographing the public when he began contributing to MaineToday.com’s Seen Photoblog in 2013. He shoots formal portraits of strangers on the street and has an ongoing urban landscape project: @SacoLikeTaco.
Barbara Hopkins, Masters in Communications Management & certification in Corporate Training., is a licensed Maine agent, has 20 years experience in health insurance operations including 10 years conducting member education meetings throughout Maine.
Detective Huntress brings detectives from the Saco Police Department to present this class. The detectives have more than thirty years of collective experience in investigating a wide variety of crime scenes.
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Jennifer Jackson graduated from USM in 2006 with a BFA in Fine Art with a concentration in Painting and took many courses in Drawing, Printmaking, Photography, and Art Education. She continues to try new techniques and crafts to keep herself immersed in the art world.
Tracy Jamison, LCSW, works with children, adolescents and families. She holds a Bachelors degree in Child Development/Family Relations as well as Bachelors and Masters degrees in Social Work. Tracy has over 27 years of social work experience and has a private practice in Scarborough.
Mona Jerome, owner/operator of Ever After Mustang Rescue in Biddeford, has worked with horses for 30+ years, specializing in Mustangs. She trained with numerous national horse trainers & volunteered at Bureau of Land Management adoption events. www.mustangrescue.org
Alexandra Johnson, BA in Media & Communication from USM, has been writing avidly for years, focusing on the techno-thriller genre and working as a contract marketer and freelance writer. She is excited to show students how amazing it feels to immerse yourself in your own world of words.
Dana Johnson is a certified health coach and owner of A Healthy Life and Biddeford Saco Bootcamp. She enjoys helping people feel better and achieve their goals. www.danajohnsonahealthylife.com
Glen Johnson, a dowser for over 50 years, specializes in finding water, moving water veins, map dowsing and locating lost objects.
Wendy Johnson is a wealth of creative knowledge and is especially passionate about book binding, photography, and the combination of the two!
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Jennifer Kain of Lindy Maine is an experienced teacher of tap, swing dancing, and solo vernacular jazz. She has taught locally with with her own business, Lindy Maine, as well as Portland Swing Project, Biddeford Adult Education, and Portland Adult Education.
Amanda Kimball has been studying the use of essential oils for several years and creates homemade products ranging from therapeutic body care to toxic-free household cleaners. Her personal journey to find natural products for her health concerns has turned into a passion for sharing natural solutions with others.
KUMA Fit team believes every woman should feel powerful! KUMA Fit is a place for every shape, size, color and fitness level and we stay judgement-free, respecting your choice to sweat it out! All coaches are here to support and empower you throughout your fitness journey.
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Jennifer Laflin is a medium (psychic) empathic who enjoys working with individuals to assist them on their journey. She provides gallery and personal readings locally and at public venues and fairs as well.
Sarah Lafortune completed her RYT 200, in 2014, after graduating from Sacred Seeds Yoga School under the guidance of Jacqui Bonwell. She believes that with practice and compassion, anyone can quiet the mind and experience the benefits of yoga both on and off the mat.
Marie Laverriere, certified instructor in Life Coaching, Aromatherapy and Spiritual Direction, has been providing holistic approaches to well-being for 20+ years. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Maine.
Mike Leonard, a photographer since the ‘80s with experience ranging from TV production to leading photography cruises, has been teaching for 12+ years. He has been acknowledged by Adobe Systems as the leader of a Photoshop User Group in Portland, ME and enjoys teaching photographers at all levels to help them to grow their talents.
Sara Leonard has been practicing and receiving consistent instruction in TCCMM since 2012. She is an accredited teacher and remains in contact with her colleagues, her TCCMM community and keeps current with medical updates, teacher trainings and retreats.
Eileah LePage has been teaching French and Spanish to beginners for thirteen years. She is excited to share her expertise and passion for language with adult learners.
Susan Lieberman has traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia. She never takes more than one bag and always finds the bargain-priced trip!
Shannon Lindstrom has worked in the industry for 5+ years providing seminars, one-on-one & couples counseling. She is certified as an Accredited Financial Counselor through the Assoc. for Financial Counseling & Planning Education and a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor through the Credit Union National Assoc.
Carol Lombard is a social worker whose practice has been with youth at risk and their families. She has seen first hand the frustrations people face when having to run a household and raise a family when lacking basic knowledge. Her hope is that in attending this class you will learn skills to make your life a little easier.
Lisa Luken is a Professional Organizer and Simple Living Mentor, helping others find joy and freedom through simplifying. www.simplejoyliving.com
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Susan Mallon holds a BS in Spanish from USM and also studied at the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. She was heavily involved with the Hispanic population at Sacred Heart Church in Portland, ME and translatored for several families and the Spanish Mass. She previously taught at Carrabassett Valley Academy, Mount Blue Middle School and Lewiston High.
Laura Manuel is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst practicing at Integrative Health Center of Maine.
Mary Marra graduated from Emmanuel Collegewith a B.A. in Mathematics and earned a M.A.from UMASS Lowell in Community Social Psychology. Before teaching at Saco Learning Center, Mary taught mathematics on the high school and community college levels, and has used her problem-solving skills in various roles as community leader and nonprofit administrator. Mary is on our Academic teaching team.
Jennifer Martel, a self-taught artist, works primarily in oils, but uses all media from charcoal to gold leaf. She is excited to help you save valuable time consumed in trial and error by sharing tips and insights gained over 20 years of experience.
Kathleen McCallum, CYT 200, RPP, Advanced Amrit Yoga Nidra Facilitator, Reiki II (Usui Lineage), has developed a deep attunement to Spirit/Energy/Prana through the practice of Yoga. She attended the Amrit Yoga Institute for Yoga Nidra Professional Training and teaches at Kusum Institute. She offers services in Polarity Therapy, Reiki, Yoga Nidra, and Yoga.
Kate McCarty, Food Preservation Community Educator at UMaine Cooperative Extension, served with the AmeriCorps VISTA program and has completed the Master Food Preserver Program, an intensive, hands-on training in all aspects of home food preparation.
Sean McCloy, MD, MPH, MA, is Medical Director/founder of Integrative Health Center of Maine and specializes in Lyme-literate treatment. He received his MD from NYMC, is dual board-certified Diplomate in both Family Medicine & Holistic Medicine.
Meg McCroary is the Community Liaison with Hospice of Southern Maine. She joined the organization in November 2015 after experiencing hospice with a family member.
Kelcy McNamara is a registered yoga teacher (RYT) who is also certified through the Boston Trauma Center to facilitate yoga for trauma treatment. Kelcy teaches group and private sessions of TCTSY (trauma center trauma sensitive yoga) and offers workshops for yoga teachers and clinicians.
Lucille Ann Meltz, founder/owner of Touch the Soul Personal Coaching, trained with a master from the International Institute of Hand Analyses. She has done 100s of readings providing in-depth and often life-changing insight into an individual’s talents, personality and soul’s agenda.
Rob Moody has extensive knowledge from nursery development and landscape design to irrigation installation and engineering. Rob has worked at Moody’s Nursery for over 35 years and was President of the Maine Landscape and Nursery Association. Visit www.moodysnursery.com
Ryan Moore is a self-taught cook and second-generation restaurateur. He has worked hard on perfecting his pasta recipes and techniques and enjoys teaching people how to make their own dough and shapes.
Bil Moriarty, of the Biddeford School Committee & Director of Santa Bil’s Workshop, a local nonprofit, has eight years experience building fast, low-cost sites and cross marketing social media to maximize onine effectiveness.
Mary Moskowtiz, MS, CHHC is a Health and Nutrition Counselor at Mainely Health and Nutrition in Saco. She has a MS degree from USM and is a board certified Holistic Health Counselor through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in NYC. www.mainelyhealthandnutrition.com
Melissa Mowery is the Academic Coordinator & Adult Education Teacher for the OOB/Saco Learning Center. Raising two children and having degrees in Industrial Arts & Math Education led her to a rewarding career of volunteering and teaching grades Pre-K through 12 for 20+ years.
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Helena Nash, of Live Lighter, has been helping people get unstuck and energized in their spaces since 2009. Her clients are often living busy lives or are experiencing a transition such as a move, birth or death. She loves to help people find more lightness, clarity and peace in their lives.
Stephanie Nichols, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the Husson School of Pharmacy in Bangor, is a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist with 13 years of clinical experience and six as a full time educator. She is passionate about opioid use disorder and opioid safety and wants to help save Maine’s future.
Liis Nigol is the Student Services Coordinator for the OOB/Saco Adult Education program. She has worked as a counselor with high school, and college students for over 30 years.
Bistra Nikiforova holds a doctorate degree in Communications from U Memphis, TN and taught business communications, social media, media and culture for more than 10 years before starting her website design and marketing business.
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Marjorie Otis, a decorative painter for about 30 years, continues her studies at regional conferences for Decorative Paining in ME and PA. She is a member of the Decorative Painters and Southern Maine Crafters Societies, Sea Strokes of Maine, Tole n Me and the United Maine Crafters.
Grace Ouellete graduated from USM with a degree in Biology and a focus in Botany. She works at highland farm in Scarborough and currently has over 100 plants in her home that she is very passionate about.
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Kathleen Parker, a community herbalist based in South Portland, has a passion for working with local plants, growing in her home gardens, wild-crafting and harvesting around the state and creating plant medicine that encompass the beneficial, medicinal constituents of the herbal material, while honoring the verdant energy and spirit of the plant. She founded Madcap Moksha Herbal & Ayurvedic Apothecary in December 2018 creating custom blended products and nourishing infusion teas.
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Patil, former Indian film, TV & theater artist, was cast in her first TV series at age 12 and began her classical dance training at 14. She has choreographed for many events and keeps up on her art form by attending a Bollywood intensive camp in Saco every summer. Her passion is Bollywood fusion style with a combination of dance moves and fitness training.
Dana Peck, born and raised locally, is a volunteer with the Biddeford Historical Society. He has always been passionate about the history of our towns and more specifically the historical effect the Pepperell Mills had on them.
Savanna Pettengill, a BFA graduate of photography from Maine College of Art, shares her photographic process to young and old alike. Her work is a gathering of spontaneous and subconscious reactions to her surroundings, woven into visual narratives about the beauty and traumas of life.
Lazaro Hernandez Pomeras grew up in Cuba, where he began dancing at a very young age. Lazaro attended a Cuban school of dance, finishing with a degree in Physical Education. He was invited to teach in Russia, later moving to Portland, ME, where he is known as one of the most energetic and skilled dance instructors available.
Jennifer Poore holds two 200 hour yoga certifications. She has been practicing yoga for more than 15 year and discovered Ashtanga eight years ago. She is excited to share this beautiful tradition with her students.
Dr. Aline Potvin is a naturopathic doctor, teacher, medical muse, and healthcare advocate. Her love of working with patients in her family health practice in Arundel, ME is only surpassed by her deep desire to educate and support families to become independently healthy, and bring that forward into building community.
Jay Potvin is the head coach, certified by U.S.A. Boxing, and program director of the Southern Maine Boxing Club. He started boxing at age 6 and startyed coaching in 1993. The Southern Maine Boxing Club was founded by Jay’s father, Dick Potvin, and is designed to help detour negative youth activities through the teaching of Olympic style boxing.
Deborah Pouliot was an art teacher at Noble Middle School for 28 years. She taught Tangling in her classroom as well as to 100+ teachers in her district with the goal of aiding students transitions from one activity to another.
Chef April Powell, a Certified Wellness Chef, Internationally Certified Sports Nutritionist and Holistic Health Coach, has crafted her own style of cuisine using local and global flavors, seasonal ingredients and nutrient-dense foods. She runs a consulting and mobile teaching service in Maine. www.fitkitchfoodedu.com
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Moira Rascati has been a sous-chef at Joseph’s by the Sea for the past 12 years. She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York.
Mitch Reed began playing stringed instruments at age 12 and has performed and toured since age 17. He has contributed to four Grammy-nominated albums and received a 2009 Grammy with BeauSoleil for “Live at the 2008 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival”. He has taught for many years, recently retired from touring and has an online music school.
Linda Reynolds is the Food Service Director for the Ferry Beach Park Association. She has degrees in Hospital Management & Culinary History, owned a baking/personal chef business and has over 20 years experience.
Elizabeth Richards is co-author of four editions of Maine: An Explorer’s Guide. Her work has appeared in Parent and Family Newspaper, Yankee Magazine’s Travel Guide to New England, Family Fun Magazine and Kitchen and Bath Design News.
Sally Ring lives in Arundel, ME and became a Certified Health Coach through the Dr Sears Wellness Institute in 2018 after working in the fitness industry for many years. She enjoys educating, motivating and encouraging people to live a healthier lifestyle.
Gregory Rogovin, certified long-term care advisor for 10 + years, works with clients to review their long-term care policies, help submit claims and give guidance and support to caregivers trying to navigate the complexities of coordinating care for a loved one.
Sterling Roop a lifelong cribbage player, has played on 6 of the 7 confinents in countries from Afghanistan to Zanzibar. He has taught many friends and family the game along the way.
Zack Rouda, founding director of Rewild Maine, an educational nonprofit program based in Portland, whose mission is to deepen the connection between people and the Earth through land stewardship, education and community.
Marianne Russo is a certified tea specialist trained at Specialty Tea Institute. She attends The World Tea Expo, Tea Tutorials with Pearl Dexter of TEA, A Magazine, and with John Harney, of Harney & Sons Fine Teas.
Clifford P. Ryan, President and founder of Elder Planning Advisors of Maine, Inc., has over 30 years experience in the financial services profession. Cliff provides overall firm direction and is th principal in the financial planning an dinvestment management procss.
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Hugh Sadlier, practicing hypnotherapy for 21 years, has worked with over 1800 people on more than 200 separate issues, including weight management & eating disorders. He practices at the Integrative Health Center of Maine in Portland.
Candace Sanborn of Radiant Image has 30 years of business branding experience. Believing people have brands, she transferred her expertise in 2019 to work with individuals, helping them understand what goes into developing a personal brand and how it can help them achieve greater self-esteem and the results they want in their career and life.
Elvira Saucier graduated from art school in Russia in 2003. Elvira has experienced many different types of art. Her current interests are glycerin-based soaps and sculpting gorgeous berries and flowers from polymer clay.
Meghan Schoening earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern College of Chiropractic. She works at Boucher Family Chiropractic focusing on whole family wellness care and nutrition and is also the owner of Balanced Wellness offering nutrition classes and detox.
Cassandra Elizabeth completed a clinical training program for herbal medicine at Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism in 2015. She is a partner of The Maine Botanical Clinic in Portland and an apothecary bartender for private parties and events.
Marilyn Sell earned her BA in French from the University of Wisconsin, studied French at American University in DC, and lived in Tournai, Belgium. She attended the Académie des Ursulines and currently teaches French at Loranger Middle School.
Kathy Slack has a BA in Theater/Speech with a Minor in Voice from Ithaca College. She went on to NYC where she trained with Manhattan School of Music faculty member, Jutta Rose, and performed Off-Off and Off Broadway as well as landing soap opera work as a nurse, on the old TV show, The Doctors. Her recent training has been with jazz greats Rhiannon and Bobby McFerrin, in addition to Jeanette LoVetri of NYC’s, Voice Workshop. Kathy completed her full certification (Level III) in the LoVetri Method, a vocal technique/system for all styles of singing stressing vocal health, expression, and adaptability to myriad repertoire. She sings out as a soloist and is a member of the National Association for Teachers of Singing.
Geri Lynn Smith is an award-winning photographer who shoots primarily in the New England area. She is a member of the Portland Camera Club where she enjoys teaching and leading a mentor/mentee group. See our Gallery.
Sam Smith is a Master Blacksmith & Guildmaster of the Maine Blacksmith’s Guild. Internationally renowned for his work on UNESCO World Heritage sites in Europe and over 20 years experience in the craft, Master Smith represents an unbroken line of Blacksmiths since 1836.
Edward Spicer is a licensed PI in Maine, MA., NH, and RI with 31 years of investigative experience in both law enforcement and the private sector.
Janet Spiegel began practicing yoga almost a decade ago to add power classes to her running training. After crossing the finish line she kept coming back to her mat. Her practice and teachings honor the balance between energetic movement and calmness. Janet will receive her 200-hour Fluid Yoga Teacher certification in April 2019.
Sarah Spiegel, owner of Samudra Studio, a space for yoga, mindfulness, and community in Saco, completed Stil Studio’s 200 and 500 hour Fluid Yoga Training in 2013,. She is certified in Thai Yoga Massage Level 1, Yin Yoga and Meditation, as well as an SPA Yoga teaching with Betty Riaz.
Robin Stickney, teaching at Forever Fit since 2011, is certified in Pilates Mat & Apparatus thru the PhysicalMind Institute. She holds certifications in BeyondBarre, TRX Group Suspension Training, TRX Suspension Sports Medicine Training, CPR/AED and is passionate about sharing the benefits of pilates with others.
Morgan Stoner is the proprietor of Stoner & Co medical dispensary in Biddeford, Maine. Stoner & Co. was established in 2015 by Morgan Stoner and his wife Karleena. With a passion for mindfulness and well being, they have launched a mission to make normal people feel normal, one loyal patient at a time.
Stacy Strout of the KUMA Fit team believes every woman should feel powerful! KUMA Fit is a place for every shape, size, color and fitness level and we stay judgement-free, respecting your choice to sweat it out! All coaches are here to support and empower you throughout your fitness journey.
Lee Sullivan has experienced the home-buying process multiple times and successfully redeveloped several bank-owned residential properties. She is a HUD and hoMEworks-certified housing counselor and homebuyer educator.
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Laurie Thompson is a nurse health coach and professional reflexologist. She is a member of the Maine Council of Reflexologists and The Reflexology Association of America.
Katie Tomai, Licensed Massage Therapist and graduate of the NH Institute for Therapeutic Arts, specializes in Deep Tissue Massage and working with injuries and chronic pain. She loves helping people find ways to address discomfort in their bodies and feel empowered in their own healing process.
Maureen Topa graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. Since graduating, she has worked as a designer for a print shop, a newspaper, a nonprofit and for various clients as a freelance artist, which is one of the great things about the field of graphic design.
Paula Truman, certified Spinning instructor, teaches at Saco Sport & Fitness. She has been teaching indoor cycling for many years. Paul works with all fitness levels, from beginners to the seasoned athlete.
Thomas Tutor grew up on an island in Penobscot Bay where self-sufficiency was simply part of island life. He has a BS in Economics from the University of Mary Washington and is currently the Solar Design Team Manager at ReVision Energy. He has been consulting with homes and businesses to determine their most practical energy investments for many years and has recently completed his own 90 year old home’s energy transition to 100% electric and fully solar powered!
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Stephanie Walsh, CPT, CNTP, CEPC is a certified Nutrition Therapy Practitioner, Eating Psychology Coach and Personal Trainer. Her focus is a holistic approach, creating a program catered specifically to each client.
Linda Holmes, a certified Zumba and Group Exercise instructor, has been dancing and teaching for over 50 years. She has studied dance all over the USA including Boston, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Antonio. Linda is a lively instructor who enjoys getting people on their feet and dancing!
Leah Wentworth, owner of Inner Wisdom Health & Wellness, is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, Reiki and EFT/Tapping Practitioner. She is passionate about creating balance in the body’s energy system and providing guidance to reconnect with inner wisdom.
Russel Whitten, a local artist, studied at The Art Students League of New York, Heartwood College of Art, and is a member of the Art Guild of the Kennebunks and The Ogunquit Art Association. Russel has been teaching painting and drawing to children and adults for the past several years. See our Gallery.
Leah Williams was first drawn to yoga in 2013 as a way to add variety to her fitness routine. It wasn’t long before she realized how effective it was in calming her overly anxious mind. After contemplating taking teacher training for quite some time, the community at Samudra Studio helped encourage her to take the leap and sign-up for the 200-hour Fluid Yoga teacher training. Leah loves sharing the practice and benefits of yoga with others in the hopes it will impact their lives as much as it has changed hers.
Scott Whytock, Certified Financial Planner, has been an investment advisor for 10+ years helping clients plan for issues that arise from the time they enter the workforce through retirement. He assists with investments, insurance, tax planning, estate planning and how all these issues impact you and your family.
Amy Witt, formerly with UMaine Extension, is an educator and horticulturist who has been developing educational programs and events in ME for many years. She is the founder/director of Earth Walkers, in Cape Elizabeth, that provides nature-based educational programs, events and consulting services.
Laura Willett, owner of LEW Consulting Services, is a Freelance Financial Consultant and an experienced financial professional, educator, team-builder, mentor and lifelong learner.
Martin C. Womer, Esq. is the President and Managing Attorney of the Maine Center for Elder Law, LLC in Kennebunk. He assists clients with MaineCare planning and applications, planning for VA Pension eligibility, estate planning, guardianships and conservatorships, and trust and estate settlement.
Jessica Wood has been vegan since 2002. While she has a variety of passions and hobbies, perhaps one of her greatest is experimenting with vegan cooking. She enjoys entertaining and cooking for her friends and family.
Linda Woodard, an avid bird watcher, has been the Director of Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center for 18 years. She has taught high school biology, bird watching, marsh ecology and a wide variety of environmental topics.
Kelsey Woods LMT has been practicing massage for the past 6 1/2 years and is the owner of Zen Massage & Wellness. She strives to support her clients in finding more relaxation and wellness in their busy lives.
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Anna Youngmann is the Community Educator for Caring Unlimited, York County’s Domestic Violence Resource Center. She has a background in anti-violence education and awareness and graduated from Siena College in NY.
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Wade Zahares has illustrated seven children’s books, including Window Music, a 1998 NY Times Best Illustrated Book. He specializes in corporate commissions for such clients as McDonalds, Bank of America & HBO. See our Gallery.
Ashley Zipp is an oil painter who studied at MassArt in Boston. Portrait, still life, land or sea – she loves to paint from observation.
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