Margit Ahlin
Margit Ahlin is a certified practitioner of Jin Shin Jyutsu, having studied the art since 2003. She began seeing clients in 2007 from her home base in California, and now resides and sees clients in the Midcoasat, working out of her studio in Boothbay Harbor. Margit considers Wayne Hackett, Mary Burmeister’s first student, to be her mentor. She has studied extensively with him and many other top JSJ teachers in her career. She is also a member of the ABMP, Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. www.jinshinmidcoast.com
Shirley Anderson
Shirley Anderson has always loved to paint. She is primarily a New England landscape artist, born and raised in southern Maine and has developed a love for the outdoors that influences her artwork. She enjoys painting in acrylics and oils, sometimes starting in acrylics and finishing with oils. She primarily paints on canvases using high pigment paint and various techniques she has learned over the years. As an award winning artist, Shirley paints what inspires her. Salty Ambiance is her biggest triptych painting, it measures 9 ft across and features the world famous Portland Headlight Lighthouse at sunrise. This painting captures the beauty off the Maine coastline and is a must see in person! Shirley is primarily a self taught artist, whose work started as a hobby that has bloomed into a successful career in art. She displays works in an online artist gallery and juried art shows throughout the year. She is certainly a people person and prefers to present and meet clients in person as much as possible.
Alice Bean Andrenyak
Alice is a naturalist and a former physical education teacher who has been teaching outdoor sports and activities to thousands. While living in Connecticut and again once she returned to Maine, she was a trainer of trainers for the American Red Cross Health and Safety division. Alice is a native of Maine who started boating at the age of 6 months in a dory skiff while her Dad was chasing a small whale in Casco Bay. Since the age of four she has been rowing, swimming, and exploring Maine’s coast and inland waterways. She follows “Leave No Trace” ethics as well as treating the land and water sites we visit with great respect. She loves exploring Maine with new friends and sharing all that she knows. The State of Maine has rigorous testing and licensing requirements for its Maine Guides. Alice served on the Guides Board of Examiners, and holds a Master Maine Guide license for Sea Kayaking, Recreation, Fishing and Hunting. Alice is a member of the Maine Association of Sea Kayaking Guides & Instructors, a former President and Secretary. She belongs to Maine Island Trail Association, and is a Wilderness First Aider. She is a NRA Instructor and Range Safety Officer. She is a Kripalu trained Mindful Outdoor Experience trainer leading Forest Bathing/Mindful Outdoor Experiences throughout Maine.
Debra Arter
Debra Arter of Damariscotta holds a BA and MFA in Fine Arts as well as MA in Intl. Relations. She has taught many art classes, Airbnb, as well as various baking classes over the past 20 years at various Adult Ed. venues in the Midcoast. Her own kitchen efforts frequently win awards at local fairs. She is a member of several national art associations and created eight holiday cards for the Dana Farber Cancer institute. Singing and travel are favorite hobbies when not meeting new learners in her classes.
Peter Asquith
I am a past commander of Wawenock Sail and Power, currently serving as executive officer and assistant admin officer. I have been boating for over 60 years and have sailed most of the coast from Baltimore to Canso Nova Scotia. Thursday nights in the summer, I frequently crew, racing on a Pearson 30. I have taught several of the squadron boating courses, but my favorite is the ABC course. I’ve been teaching that as a certified instructor for over 10 years. U.S. Power Squadrons is a non-profit boating organization dedicated to helping people enjoy boating activities safely. They serve the Midcoast Region by providing boating skill enhancement classes and sharing boating experiences at regular social events.
Claire Loon Baldwin
Claire Loon Baldwin is an illustrator and designer inspired by the surreal beauty of nature. Her intricately detailed watercolor and ink illustrations blend scientific detail with folklore and abstraction. She draws inspiration from her experience working as an environmental educator and ranger in Grand Canyon National Park and the redwood forests of California, and strives to spark climate action through her art. Recent notable clients include Down East Magazine, The Nature Conservancy of Maine, and DK Publishing. She is now cultivating a native plant garden with her husband in their home in Brunswick, Maine.
Deena Ball
Deena holds a BA in Art History and Studio Art from Colby College in Waterville, Maine, and continued her studies at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art and Tyler School of Art. She has exhibited her landscape watercolor paintings throughout the country and studied for several years with the late Domenic DiStephano.
Her work has been featured in several exhibitions, including the Philadelphia Watercolor Society 121st and 122nd Anniversary International Works on Paper Exhibition- PA, Six by Six Show at Randy Higbee Gallery, CA, Green Mountain Watercolor Society- VT, 35th Northern National Competition- WI, Maine Art Gallery Members Exhibition, Northwind Fine Arts- NY, Back to Nature 2021, A Landscape Painters Invitational in Wayne, PA, New England Watercolor Society Gallery Show- Plymouth, MA, Great American Paint In – Cero Gallery, Florida, and the American Impressionist Society Member Exhibition. Her work has also been published in Plein Air Magazine, Splash 12 and 13, Watercolor Artist Magazine and through The Art List. In April 2024, the Richard Boyd Art Gallery( Portland, Maine) will host Maine Moods, Paintings by Deena s. Ball, a Solo Exhibition of Visual art.
Benefits & Beyond LLC
Benefits & Beyond LLC was created by Koriahn D Quint, CEBS, in 2019 specifically to support the unique benefit needs of small businesses in Maine and New Hampshire. In addition to our employee benefits and compliance support, Benefits & Beyond is offering the full resources of TRL, your Training Resource Library. Give your workforce a competitive advantage through our professional development resources. Our Mission: To cost-effectively strengthen organizations, to attract and retain quality talent, and maintain a thriving, engaged team. Call us today to explore how we can help your employees learn practically anywhere!
Vance Bessey
I am a graduate of The Joe Kubert School of Narrative Art and Illustration and I have made my living: illustrating, writing, publishing and teaching. I have done: Comic Books, Graphic Novels, Children’s Books, Comic Strips, Animation, Illustration and I am a published Author. My real love is teaching the skills, knowledge and tricks of the trade to the upcoming superstars of: Comic Books, Video Game Designers, Animators, Cartoonists, Illustrators, CGI enthusiasts and Film Makers. I also am a lifelong student of Unexplained Phenomenon and am hosting a class on The UAP situation.
Robin Brooks
Robin Brooks is a tai chi and qigong (Chinese yoga) teacher & visual artist whose joy is helping people of all ages and abilities. Robin is a 200-hour graduate of the IIQTC Barbara, California and a professional member of the NQA (National Qigong Association.) By skillfully combining age-old forms and improvising, Robin helps her students reduce stress, improve inner and outer balance, and cultivate their Qi, pronounced “chee”, or vital energy for health and well-being. Robin lives in Topsham with her husband Jon, a high school English teacher, and their tuxedo cat Toshi. Robin’s community “Healer Within” tai chi practice group meets on Zoom on Friday mornings and is listed on the Healer Within Foundation website. In the summer months Robin leads an outdoor qigong practice at Head of Tide Park that is free and open to all. For more information please visit her website: www.robinbrooksart.com or email her at: robinellenb@gmail.com.
Irene Burgess
Irene has worked most of her career in higher education and non-profit organizations. She started her Zentangle practice five years ago and has been a Certified Zentangle Teacher for three years. In her spare time, she hikes, kayaks, and reads.
Ben Campbell
Ben Campbell is a Riso-Hudson Certified Enneagram Teacher, President of Enneagram Northeast USA, and Founder of Wild Enneagram. Inspired by the landscapes and creatures of Maine, he is passionate about connecting our own self-awareness work with the capacity to be good stewards for the Earth. Ben’s teaching style weaves together clarity, compassion, and humor to communicate complex ideas in a practical and accessible way. You can learn more about Ben’s work and his offerings at www.wildenneagram.com or email him directly at ben@wildenneagram.com.
Allison Carroll-Duffy
Allison Carroll Duffy is trained as a Master Food Preserver through the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. She teaches canning and preserving classes and workshops, and has written about food for various publications including the Backpacker magazine, Taproot Magazine, and the Boston Globe. She is the author of the jam-making and canning cookbook Preserving Pomona’s Pectin, and has appeared a number of times as a food preservation guest expert on “207 Kitchen” on WCSH in Portland, Maine. Allison also holds a Masters degree in Gastronomy from Boston University where she focused on food history and culture.
Dave Cleaveland
Over the years, Dave has done aerial photography work for several of Maine’s construction companies, most of Maine’s colleges, a handful of TV shows, lots of real estate companies, several magazines, a few of Maine’s cities, some engineering firms, hundreds of home owners, and a former US President. Dave lives on the Kennebec River in Richmond, Maine with his wife Colleen, son Cody, 2 dogs- Isabelle and Maggie, and a pesky Maine Coon Cat named Max. You can follow him at LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. You can contact Dave and see his work at MaineImaging.com.
Craig Coffman
Craig Coffman is an experienced piano and guitar instructor, professional pianist and music director. He has over 30 years experience teaching piano privately. His piano and guitar seminars, offered through Community Colleges and Community Education Programs, have been attended by over 30,000 students throughout Arizona, Minnesota and the United States over the last 27 years. He has a degree in Sociology from Illinois Wesleyan University in Illinois (where he also studied piano) and a Master of Divinity degree from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Carlos Collado
Carlos was born in Puerto Rico and moved to the states when he was 10 years old. Served in the Marine Corps and he is privileged to have spent the last 30 years leading, teaching and mentoring youths and adults in nature education, martial arts, and forest therapy programs on the lands, mountains and waterways of Maine. He is a founding member of Mountain Pass Wellness LLC in Brunswick, Maine; certified to teach authentic Taiji Qigong Shibashi, Tai Chi, Forest Bathing and Nature Connection. He has long felt and benefitted from the effective healing and supportive energy that Nature and Qigong offer. This relationship has helped to shape his vision and fuels his passion to create and hold a sacred space where people can learn to connect to the land, themselves, and each other. He feels that there is no better way or place to feel at peace and connect with our ecological self. No better way to repair relationships with others, time, and the more than human world. And no better way to recharge and boost our bodies operating systems and improve your quality of life. His love of nature and Qigong and all they to offer is matched and fueled by both his wife and partner, Elizabeth and his son Marcus.
Colleen Condon
One of my hobbies is making handmade cold process soap. I have been doing this for about six years now. This is done with oils, butters, clays, lye and water (only way to make soap) then scented with essential oils, fragrance oils or unscented bars. I make small batches of bars in molds. Size is 4, 8, 10 bars per mold. I use the stovetop to melt the oils and butters, then a table between my kitchen and dining area where I finish the batches. When that is done the molds are wrapped in towels that sit to harden for 24 hours or more depending on the ingredients used, afterwards cut into bars, placed on a shelf to cure for 4 to 6 weeks so the lye and water evaporate from the bars before using.
Lori-Suzanne Dell
Lori-Suzanne Dell attended La Salle Military Academy in Oakdale, New York and was further educated at both the University of Southern Maine in Portland and Southern New Hampshire University in Brunswick, Maine. She is a historian, freelance journalist, and author living in Brunswick, Maine. Her first book, Texas City: Love amid the ruins, is a romance novel set against the backdrop of the depression, World War II, and the devastation of the Disaster at Texas City that occurred on Wednesday, April 16th, 1947. The novel is available online in Kindle and paperback versions. Dell’s second book is The Quill and The Bayonet: From Uncle Tom’s Cabin to Appomattox Court House and is a non-fiction biography focused on Harriet Beecher Stowe and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain’s historic impact upon the American Civil War. This book is also available online in paperback and kindle versions. This book earned Best Seller title on Amazon.com in 2018.
Sienna Dode
Sienna Dode majored in Fine Arts at a Junior College in Boston, followed by a 3rd year Teaching Assistantship-Independent Study. In 1992, Sienna joined a Meditation Group at her church which developed into a serious daily practice of over 30 years. In 1998, after attending Women’s Week for several years at Ferry Beach Retreat Center, Sienna was asked to facilitate a creative workshop the following year. Sienna has worked for almost 4 decades with men,women and children as an in-home care provider. Expect Sienna to show up each week with a new “bag of tricks” for 90-minutes of fun and enlightenment.
Andrew Elijah Edwards
Raised in New Jersey, my creative journey led me to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where I studied art and experimental digital media with Steina and Woody Vasulka through the vibrant experimental media scene Santa Fe emitted, later to further hone my craft at the University of Denver, receiving an MFA in Emergent Digital Practices in 2015 while working at the Denver Art Museum developing and caretaking New Media exhibitions. Post-graduation, I relocated to Brunswick, Maine. Through a range of platforms, I channel my fascination with existence and imagination into facilitating a growth environment for people of all ages and abilities to explore channeling the imaginal; teaching a suite of digital literacy and creative toolsets throughout Midcoast Maine, and through IMAGINARIUM, my education program that guides groups of young adults and children through story creation, animation, world building, green-screen video performance, prop and set building, stage performance, and channeling the power of imagination.
Jeff Edelstein
Jeff holds a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Cornell University and is a former licensed Professional Engineer. His work in the highly conflictual arena of industrial-scale recycling facility development, and subsequent work as an independent environmental consultant for entities entangled in public policy disputes, led to a twenty-five career as a public policy mediator and facilitator. With over 25 years of experience as a public policy mediator and facilitator, Jeff Edelstein helps governments, businesses, and non-profits throughout the U.S. resolve difficult conflict situations and make effective strategic decisions. His work has ranged from community forums to statewide planning processes to national policy initiatives. Jeff’s background as a professional engineer, combined with his proven track record of mediation and facilitation, enables him to take a wholistic systems view of conflict, equipping him to handle the most challenging and complex situations.
Stephanie Eklund
Stephanie Eklund is the A Family for ME Recruitment Specialist for York, Cumberland & Sagadahoc counties. She is a former and long-standing advocate for victims of domestic violence. Stephanie brings with her a wealth of knowledge regarding recruitment, collaborative efforts with community members, public speaking and training, volunteer engagement, and helping people in need. In her personal time, Stephanie enjoys reading, working out, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Paulla Estes
Paulla Rich Estes holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Southern Maine’s Stonecoast Program, a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from George Mason, and a book coaching certification through Author Accelerator. Her favorite parts of teaching are encouraging new writers as they figure out what they want to write and why, and helping seasoned writers that are craving new inspiration or looking for a fresh angle on an old piece. Paulla lives in Brunswick with her husband and a feisty German Shepherd named Dinah.
Anna Fiedler
Anna grew up in Wisconsin, and has lived in Maine since 2011. She has a background in conservation, ecology, and systems thinking; she holds a Master’s degree from Michigan State University in Entomology and a PhD in Entomology and Ecology. Anna has been Grants Officer at Maine Farmland Trust since 2022, and has supported several Maine nonprofits in fundraising and organizational development since 2012. After helping form Midcoast Conservancy from five founding organizations in 2016, she was previously director of land conservation there. She brings a passion for supporting human wholeness through connection with nature and each other to her board service with Hearty Roots. In her off time, you are likely to find Anna berry-picking, doing art/craft projects with her daughter, cross country skiing, or in/on the waters of Midcoast Maine. She has taught Nia mindful dance fitness since 2007, and enjoys creating space for others to connect together to tap into their power and well-being through movement.
Megan Franasiak
Megan Franasiak is an Finance & HR Associate at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. They hold a BFA in Painting and Printmaking from Boston University and a MFA from Maine College of Art & Design. They created puppets for the performance of The Girl Who Swallowed A Cactus at Maddy’s Theatre in the fall of 2021. CMTM’s mission resonated with them and Megan decided to become more involved by joining the staff. Megan is an interdisciplinary artist who also finds joy in conducting art classes with students of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities. They believe that consistently exploring and learning through creativity is beneficial for any and everyone.
Josephina Gasca
Josephina believes in the transformative power of dance. She began belly dancing in Chicago in 1998 as a lark when her about-to-be tango partner met the love of his life on his way to meet her at registration. Belly dance didn’t require a partner. She showed up for her first class with Jasmin Jahal and fell in love with the music and the movements. After moving to the East Coast in 2004, she took classes with several area teachers, but found home with Jamileh, her mentor and friend. Josephina has also been privileged to study with Hadia, Karim Nagi, Dunya, Ranya Renee, Artemis Mourat and Tamalyn Dallal to name a few. Josephina currently teaches in Mid Coast Maine and hosts many area events, including an Annual Studio Show. She has performed with the Maine Middle Eastern Ensemble, Zapion Middle Eastern Ensemble, Okbari Middle Eastern Music Ensemble and the Alhan Middle Eastern Music Ensemble and on behalf of Maine Belly Dance, the World Affairs Council, USM, and the Down East Country Dance Festival, among others. While she loves to perform, teaching is her greatest joy.
Felicity Gibbs
Felicity has been working in the industry for 15 years, in both New York and Los Angeles. Most recently with NBCUniversal. Felicity earned her BA in cinema studies for Cal State Northridge and an MBA in entertainment business from Regent’s College (UK). She possesses an extensive knowledge of the business of film and the ins and outs of the industry.
Josefine Glauder
Josefine, a world languages teacher at Mt. Ararat High School in Topsham, is a native German speaker who has lived in the US for many years. She is passionate about teaching. “It seems every position I’ve ever had in my professional career beginning with the US Army, eventually ended up as a teaching role. At this point, I am looking to consolidate my linguistic as well as technical and people skills into new endeavors.”
Violet Hart
My name is Violet Hart, and I am a transgender writer, podcaster, and creator. I’m the host and producer of the Queer Cheer podcast, and my first nonfiction book, Legalize Me, is available now. My work blends nearly a decade of creative and personal experience with a deep desire to help my local queer community to the best of my ability in an environment that is comfortable, educational, and safe. “There’s power in being seen. By living authentically and fully as ourselves, we’re also ensuring that those who need to see someone like us, can.” — Andy Duran.
Penny Hartwell
Penny started taking classes in 1977 at a stained glass studio and adult education in R.I. Moving to Maine in 1981, Penny began sharing her love of glass work thru teaching adult education.Penny cultivated her stained glass style by her love of English gardens, woods and coastal Maine.In recent years Penny has added acid etching, painting with powdered glass and fusing to her repertoire. Many pieces incorporate locally sourced sea glass, rocks, fossils and pottery shards for an added dimension. Penny says stained glass was more challenging 40 years ago there are more tools now that make cutting glass easier as well as an amazing array of glass colors and textures.
Ed Higgins
I currently teach art at People Plus in Brunswick and at Merrymeeting in Topsham. I have expertise and teaching experience in a variety of media and techniques. Life/Figure drawing, landscapes, still life, portraits, oils, watercolors, graphite, pen and ink, pastels, old master techniques like trois crayons (sanguine, black, and white chalk) on toned paper. Also commercial illustration, and working digitally or for reproduction. I stress the importance of keeping a sketchbook, and learning how to overcome the bad habits and negative attitudes that are obstacles to artistic development. I stress boldness, decisiveness, looseness; allowing sketches to inform all disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, design, carving and more. I was educated at Skidmore College in studio art and art history, and at the Fine Arts dept. of the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, where as a teaching fellow, I taught art history to undergrads, and Graduate students at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. I was an Aga Khan Scholar of Islamic Art and Architecture in a Joint Harvard/MIT PhD program. While an undergraduate, I was a student of acclaimed landscape painter James Lancel McElhinney, author of the “Sketchbook Traveler” series. I continue to be a practicing artist, and graphic designer. I enjoy fly fishing, fly tying, gourmet home cooking, and am a contributing author to the Farmers’ Almanac.
Pam Justice
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Laura Kenworthy
Laura Kenworthy has studied the astrological archetypes and been a practicing astrologer for over 40 years. She writes the weekly Magical Mexicali astrology blog for Mexicali Blues and sees private clients for readings. She retired to Maine from NYC where she ran the Rudolf Steiner Bookstore on West 15th Street. Come learn to dance with the stars!
Sandi Konta
Sandi Konta knows from experience that even the most progressive couples can fall into traditional gender roles. Fair Play helped her and her partner transform their relationship and household, one conversation at a time. Her success inspired her to become a Certified Fair Play Facilitator. Sandi brings her honesty, humor, and compassion to each workshop and strives to get every student started with Fair Play in a way that feels good to them. Ready for more equity, more free time, and more connection?
Heather Laffely
Heather Laffely graduated from UMO with a B.A. in Women’s Studies, a minor in Peace Studies, focusing on Women’s Reproductive Health and Advocacy. While raising her 5 children, she has spent the last 30 years developing her skills with movement & rhythm, and their connection to health and vitality. This has inspired her work across the decades as a dancer, former deejay, doula, and Yoga/movement instructor and enthusiast. Heather received her YT-200 through the Maine Yoga-Fest School of Scarborough Yoga. She is certified Trauma-Informed trained in Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Recovery, Gentle, Chair and Buti Yoga. She holds numerous fitness/movement certifications, currently teaching Barre and Fiesta Fitness(Latin Dance-Fitness). Heather is very involved with the Recovery Community and teaches Recovery yoga in-studios, at residential treatment centers, and privately for those in Recovery to addictions of ALL kinds. Heather has begun training in sound and vibrational healing, and will be adding this level of offering to classes upon completion. Her classes are creative and inviting; Blending her passion for physical wellness, with an awareness of the mind-body connection.
Patti Lanigan
Patti Lanigan has been teaching Zumba and Street Funk/Hip-Hop dance-fitness classes over the past 10 years. Her infectious energy inspires students to move and have fun while getting a good workout. She’s a member of the Zumba Instructor Network and has taken classes in modern, jazz, street funk, hip-hop, and West African dance. Patti has also played congas and drum kit in bands and loves the connection between dancing and drums. With a background in education, she loves teaching and is happy to break down steps, answer questions, and help everyone feel comfortable moving.
Randy Lindsey
Randy grew up in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and began his career in guitar performance by teaching himself at age 14. He performed Rock and Roll with several local bands for many years and began teaching at local music stores at age 20. During his career, Randy has also performed solo, with duos and trios, and with bands of many different genres. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Guitar Performance and Music Education at the University of AL in Huntsville in 1981, Randy founded the Guitar Program at the University of North Alabama in Florence, in 1983, as Adjunct Professor. In 1992, he continued his education, earning his Master of Musical Arts (MMA) degree at The University of Southern MS, where he also pursued Doctoral studies through 1996. Randy’s college and university teaching experience includes instructing applied classical guitar majors and guitar elective students, along with conducting guitar classes and guitar ensembles. Now, in Maine, teaching Adult Education classes in Guitar and Voice in Bath and Topsham allows Randy to continue sharing the magic of making music with people of all ages and levels of experience. He offers private lessons in guitar, voice, and piano.
Jennifer Linskey
I have been teaching art, in some form, for over 30 years. I have taught university, community college, in the public schools, through continuing education in Colorado, out of my home studio…I also worked at the Victoria Mansion prior to receiving my MFA. I taught visitors about art and architecture and trained new docents. I love combining my love for art within the community. I enjoy when students bring a sense of discovery to their art experience. It also makes me happy to see someone fulfill their desire to engage creatively. I work from observation, so the act of looking and seeing informs my work. I am continually amazed by the singularness of a leaf, or the way a shadow falls on an object. Nature never ceases to inspire, and wow me. I love an historic downtown which speaks to an earlier time. Maine is “The Way Life Should Be”, a place where community comes together and people are kind and neighborly. When I was a kid I got up before school to shovel the neighbors driveway. I went to a good roast beef supper with husbands serving the pies their wives had made. Hopefully some husbands made the pies too? Anyway, I loved the charm and history of this view. Wiscasset, in addition to Portland (my hometown), was prosperous enough to have their own Customs House, which is far down the hill in my painting. I actually was so intrigued by the history that I went to Bowdoin’s Special Collections and read the diary of one of the ship captains and looked at the Customs House receipts. The downhill view allowed me to capture more of the picturesque houses by the water. I painted on site, with even the Wiscasset police cheering me on as I worked. You get to see a lot of people when you are outside working, some will stop and chat. Painting outside is both solitary, and very much about community.
Valerie Lovelace
Valerie Lovelace was the grassroots leader and organizer from 2014 through passage of the law she co-authored in 2019. She is the founder and executive director of Maine Death with Dignity, a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving the people of Maine. Val has a master’s degree in Human Relations with an emphasis on counseling and pastoral care from Husson University. She is an ordained interfaith chaplain and a retired Navy veteran of 20 years. Val has been teaching adults in a variety of military and non-military organizations since 1981.
Mad Science of Maine
Mad Science of Maine is a leading science enrichment provider. We deliver unique, hands-on science experiences for children through after-school programs, birthday parties, workshops, special events, and summer camps. Our innovative programs are as entertaining as they are educational! Mad Science was founded in 1985 in Montreal, by two brothers, Ariel & Ron Shlien. Their hobby of conducting spectacular science experiments, to the amazement of the children in their neighborhood, grew from a passion into a thriving business. Mad Science is now a global enrichment company that brings the love of science in a unique, hands-on way to millions of children every year!
Maine Tasting Center
Maine Food and Beverage Education Center (also known as Maine Tasting Center) is a non-profit education center located in Wiscasset, ME that works to support and promote Maine’s small food and beverage producers. MFBEC offers a variety of classes designed to teach you how to cook with unique Maine ingredients and where to source them. Our classes are taught by chefs, food producers, and industry experts from across Maine. Learn more at mfbec.org or mainetastingcenter.com.
Aaron Manning
Aaron is a licensed health insurance and Medicare agent with Health Markets serving his clients in Maine and New Hampshire for over five years. As a local agent, his job is to help his clients navigate their insurance options to ensure they get the best coverage that meets their needs and works with their budget. He also offers free Medicare 101 classes to help educate the public on the confusing ins and outs of Medicare.
Sarah McDarby
Sarah is a mom of two and a self taught macrame artist. She has been creating on and off for the past 20 years and started Chickpea creative in 2020. Sarah derives most of her inspiration from the natural world and strives to use only sustainable and consciously resourced materials in her art. She lives sharing macrame and the live of all things fiber with others!
Barbara McGranahan
Barbara was always aware of fitness. She is a professional in the medical world, and was certified as a Health Fitness Specialist at one point in her career as a nurse. She started some yoga in the 1970’s for a short time. Years later, when a family member began a rapid health decline, she says “I needed something that would allow me to have ‘me’ time, other than work and dealing with an ailing family member.” Barbara continues “I started with yoga 1x week. Really enjoyed it – and then had the time – through work changes, to do more yoga. I always like to try different instructors. Then I got a real sense of MORE becoming better – because I started to feel better! My allegiance to the more traditional components of a fitness program started to shift. I looked at a lot of research and articles, and found that yes, you do need to keep the blood flowing through the circulatory tree – but how aggressive you become, whether you do running or some interval training or a walking program (and then add the aging factor) – you need to be kinder to the joints! Stretching and flexibility took on greater meaning; my work moved me into more and more sitting; I had an 8 hour day, a 40+ hour work week. It started out as a combination of sitting, standing, moving around, and then gradually moved to more computer work. So – with the emphasis on flexibility, and then the strength training component that yoga offers, I started to see that I was getting more muscle definition, particularly in my upper body. I never achieved that with free weights, with machines, – but through the various poses within yoga and really using upper body muscles, that made a big difference.
Midcoast Fencing Athletic Club
Cara Taggersell, owner of MFAC, started fencing at 9 and achieved a Division II Women’s Foil National Championship in 2008. She joined Temple University’s Division 1 Fencing Team, became an international official for USA Fencing, and attends various fencing events worldwide. Creating a local fencing club has always been her dream, and she looks forward to sharing her passion with the community. Fencing is an exhilarating and refined sport that combines athleticism, strategy, and grace. It offers a unique opportunity for individuals to master the art of swordsmanship while cultivating mental focus and physical agility. Whether you seek the thrill of competition or simply wish to acquire a new skill, our fencing club offers a welcoming environment for beginners and experienced fencers alike.
Linda Murray
Linda Murray is a water media artist living in West Gardiner, Maine. Her work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibits throughout New England and abroad, including the Arnold Arboretum, Boston, Ma; The Charles Danforth Gallery at the University of Maine, Augusta, Me; The Zullo Gallery, Medfield, MA; Bowdoin Colleges Smith Union, Brunswick, ME; Aucocisco Gallery, Portland, Me; Qasimsabti Gallery, Baghdad, Iraq and The Djiboutian Arts Institute/Institut Francais-Arthur Rimbaud, Djibouti City, Djibouti, Africa. She is represented by The Cynthia Pettengill Fine Art Galleries in Wayne, ME. In addition, Murray’s work is held in private and public collections in the United States and United Kingdom including the University of Maine in Augusta and the Cocheco Falls Millworks, Dover, New Hampshire. Linda has received many awards including second place in the New England Watercolor Society’s regional juried exhibit in 2011 and the Mary Jo Rines Memorial Award for Innovation in Art in 2018. Murray has a B.A. in studio art from the University of Maine in Augusta, Maine. She has also studied under watercolorists Carlton Plummer and Judy Wagner of East Boothbay and Florida. In 2001 she raised the funds to bring the Arts for the Parks to the University of Maine at Augusta. This marked the first time this traveling exhibit, supported by the National Park Service, had traveled to Maine. Her artwork has been featured in publications such as Models, Numbers and Cases, Still Point Arts Quarterly and Paintingand Painting in Acrylics The Indispensable Guide. Murray teaches art in public and private venues and was awarded Enrichment Teacher of the Year by the Merrymeeting Adult Educational System in 2010. In 2004 she served as the first executive director of the Harlow Gallery, a non-profit gallery located in Hallowell, Maine. She is a Signature Member of the New England Watercolor Society.
Roger Nadeau
Dr. Nadeau is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic. With over 30 yrs experience in wholistic health, soft touch adjustments, and nutrition counseling he very much enjoys teaching folks a straight forward approach to healthy eating, shopping and wellbeing. Healthy eating habits began early in his teens years when he was initially introduced to a healthier lifestyle by a younger brother who started a small natural food store in a room in their home, How fortunate that was! Living a healthy lifestyle has been a passion since then! His offices are at 14 Middle Street in Brunswick and in Fort Kent. He can be reached at rognadeau1@gmail.com
Laurie Notch
I am a writer of fiction and non-fiction. I have also written shorts for screen (Project Z in 2012) and stage (Crowbait Theater and Portfringe). In 2003, I established IdeaGems Publications (now IdeaGems Media) producing periodicals Adventures for the Average Woman (featuring women writers and artists), IdeaGems Magazine (an eclectic compilation of short stories, memoirs, and travelogue with award-winning photography and artwork), and Tough Lit (a publication of crime drama, dark fantasy, and noir). Current issues include Hell’s Half Acre (a collection of horror stories by New England writers) and Paranormal World Magazine (devoted to true and creative accounts of uncanny encounters). My published fiction includes my novel The Spoiler (2009) and an anthology of horror shorts, Death’s a Bitch and Then You Haunt, which put me on Google’s Top Ten Paranormal Writers list in 2010. I received my MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Southern Maine (2017). I have been teaching at Merrymeeting Adult Education since 2008.
George Oliver
I grew up in New Orleans, where dancing is part of the culture. I’ve danced all my life, but started line dancing in 2012. When I relocated to Maine in 2014, I brought my line dancing interest and my teaching experience to Bowdoinham, where I and some friends started a line dancing group in 2015. Since then, I’ve taught and led line dancing at local libraries, schools, retreats, farmers markets, and festivals. I’ve taught for MCAE since Fall 2022 and with students from those classes started a bi-monthly dance in Topsham.
Heather O’Neil
I have been a practicing artist for over 40 years and an Art Educator for 18 years. I hold both a Bachelors and Masters degree from Maine College of Art. Aside from teaching Ceramics through Merrymeeting Adult Education, I also hold a full time teaching job at Morse High School, where I teach 6 classes ranging from Art 1-3, Ceramics 1+2, Sculpture and Imaginative Art. Outside of my work, I focus my personal practice on Ceramics with a concentration on Utilitarian imprinted slab vessels. My work has been exhibited in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and throughout Maine.
Cary Ouellette
I’m Cary, a holistic healer & Transformational Mentor. My mission is to empower people to heal from toxic relationships, release emotional baggage, and transform their lives through Subconscious Energy Clearing. Explore the links below to learn more about my services, content, and how I can support you on your journey to inner peace and empowerment.
Veronica Perez
Veronica Perez is an artist who works alongside the community to speak about erasure, identity, and interdependency. Perez uses these frames of reference to situate their work deep within intimate stories and experiences – and share them with a broader audience through sculpture and story. In 2020, they were awarded the Ellis-Beaureguard Visual Arts Fellowship. In 2021 they were the inaugural fellow at the David C. Driskell Black Seed Studio. And In 2022, they were a fellow at the Lunder Institute at Colby College. Perez works as the Administrative Assistant at Indigo Arts Alliance. They are also co-organizer in Tender Table.
Duncan Perry
Learning to play the ukulele is a stress buster, brain expander, and all around fun thing to do! I love teaching people to play the ukulele and spreading the joy of music. I’ve been teaching ukulele since 2007 and when the pandemic struck in 2020, I moved my programming from in-person classes to live online classes. The pandemic crisis has had a huge impact on the uke courses I teach, but in a good way. What delights me the most is that online teaching enables me to spread the magic of the uke to a much wider audience than in the days of traditional in-person teaching because I’m not bound by geographic considerations or travel needs and neither are the folks who take my courses. A bonus is that I can reach people who otherwise would not have ukulele courses like mine available. I’m currently teaching ukulele in cooperation with 12 Maine adult ed programs plus one parks and recreation program covering a large part of the state from Kittery, up the coast to Portland and inland to Gorham, Gray and Readfield and then up to Ellsworth, MDI and Presque Isle and the County. This approach allows participating programs to avoid canceling a course even when only one person registers because I run classes even when enrollments are small. We thus reach more people and disappoint no one who registers.
Claire Reynes
Claire Reynes is an artist and educator living in South Portland, Maine. Her work involves handmade paper, water marbling, and sewing that draws from nature and the human body. Claire is the owner and operator of Tempered East, a marbling studio that creates small-batch marbled papers and goods. The objects she constructs from marbled fabric are functional pieces that celebrate color and pattern. From hats and scrunchies to silk ties and pillows she plays with multiple forms. She also teaches introductory marbling workshops. Her paper artworks are images built with a variety of traditional and non-traditional materials including natural plant fibers, saturated pigments, yarn and sewing scraps, and found objects.
Barbara Rondeau
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Zack Rouda
I didn’t grow up in the woods and I do not have a lifetime of experience, but I have chosen my path based on my personal conviction that our shared need to develop a connection to the natural world is paramount to ensure the survival of humanity and the living planet. I value open and honest communication and am comfortable giving and receiving feedback. I am committed to continuous learning, teaching and sharing. In 2016, at the behest of my neighbors, and with support and encouragement from my friend, Peter Bauer (founding director of Rewild Portland) I began leading wild-edible-foraging tours and started teaching basket-making classes. I recruited a board of directors to incorporate Rewild Maine as a 501(c)3 educational non-profit in 2017. Over the years, the organization has grown and changed. I am continuously grateful.
Alexis Rybny
Alexis Rybny is a Navy veteran who served 5 years active duty as registered nurse. After her time in the Navy, she went back to school to become a nurse practitioner and started her career and family in Baltimore Maryland. Alexis and her family moved to Brunswick in 2020 to be closer to family and enjoy all that Vacationland has to offer. Alexis has always had a passion for art since she was young, and while she did not formally study art, she has always turned to art as a form of self-care and stress relief, particularly during the pandemic. Alexis’ love for printmaking started with linocut but recently has shifted towards finding ways to use recycled material in her printing process (see “Green Prints” series). Alexis’ personal practice is to “waste nothing,” so using and recycling various components from prints and “misprints” and incorporate them into mixed-media collages. She enjoys finding ways new ways for art and sustainability intersect.
Martin Samelson
Experienced American Sign Language Program Director and Instructor with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Conflict Resolution, Public Speaking, and Job Development. Nationally certified job coach and supported employment specialist with federal security clearance. American Sign Language / English Interpreter for the Deaf – – Certificate of Completion from Union County College, Cranford, NJ.
Catherine Scanlon
Catherine Scanlon is a graphic designer, illustrator and mixed media artist, and the Evening Administrative Assistant for Merrymeeting Adult Education. A passionate artist, Catherine is interested in many forms of art and has a diverse art background, including degrees in Communications & New Media/Graphic Design and Liberal Arts. She has also demonstrated tools to Martha Stewart, taught a class on a PBS Craft show and presented products, live on Create & Craft TV.
Peggy Schick
Peggy has been a professional astrologer since 2017, giving readings, teaching classes, and occasionally making presentations. In 2018, Peggy added Reiki to my wellness practice (she is certified at the Master level), and in 2020 she was trained in regression hypnotherapy. Whether they are used separately or in combination with each other, these healing modalities are profoundly helpful to clients, most of whom are seeking greater self-knowledge, soulful healing, and a deeper understanding of their life path. Peggy has a private practice, Soulful Wellness, LLC in Topsham. Doctoral level study in depth psychology informs her work. Soul evolution is her specialty, and she offers clients an in-depth exploration of their astrological chart themes through regression therapy, to explore unconscious influences (past life or current life memory, collective unconscious themes, spiritual exploration). In addition to serving individual clients, she teaches astrology classes, leads group regression experiences, and offers presentations through non-profit organizations in Maine. Learn more at https://www.peggyschick.com/
Heather Shaughnessy
Heather Shaughnessy-Cato is a Certified Mindful Self-Compassion teacher, mindfulness and yoga teacher, and integrative health coach with a MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has a certificate in mindfulness & contemplative psychotherapy from the Nalanda Institute. Heather offers 1:1 coaching, community classes, and custom workshops for organizations. In her offerings, she helps participants to build and deepen practices in mindfulness and self-compassion, explore skills to manage stress, and set and meet goals for greater well-being and flourishing. To learn more about Heather, please visit www.heathershaughnessy.com.
Melissa Smith
Born in Maine, Melissa graduated from The University of Southern Maine with a bachelors of fine art degree. She co-owed and operated Two Point Gallery in 2008 on Congress street, and was a career photographer, as well as maintaining a studio practice exhibiting in Maine and Philadelphia. In 2018 she shifted gears towards education. These days she can be found teaching in a rural elementary school as a resource room teacher. She enjoys connecting with her community by teaching art to adults and children. Melissa Smith is a multi media artist that pulls inspiration from the natural environment and human interaction. In paint, chalk, fabric and clay she is interested in light, color, patterns and random chance! “When we collaborate, influence each other and allow ourselves the opportunity to take chances we begin to grow as artists and human beings.”
David Spahr
“Spahr is arguably Maine’s best-known forager, thanks to his 2009 book, Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms of New England and Eastern Canada, and the foraging and mushroom-identification classes he teaches. He sells his produce to high-end restaurants like Rockland’s Primo, where chef Melissa Kelly has simmered his beach plums into savory sauces, and Suzuki’s Sushi Bar, where Keiko Steinberger tucks his bluet blossoms amongst her maki and nigiri rolls. His Facebook page features hundreds of photos of his own gorgeously plated dinners, like baked smallmouth bass stuffed with blueberries, raspberries, and chopped jalapeños.” (credit: https://mainehomes.com/david-spahr-is-on-a-mission-to-revive-maines-rare-and-endangered-plants/). David Spahr has collected, photographed, and eaten wild mushrooms for 35 years. He is a member of the Maine Mycological Association and maintains a Web site devoted to the subject, mushroom-collecting.com. Also a second degree black belt and longtime tai chi practitioner, he lives in Washington, ME.
Regina Strongheart
I grew up in a small farm town in northern NH during the fifties and sixties. A nature lover from the start, in some ways, it’s been my church. In ‘74 I graduated from UNH with a BA in Biology then, in ‘76, a Masters in the Art of Teaching. I taught secondary chemistry and biology for thirty years in NH, Me. and Az. In 2004 I purchased a large, forested parcel of land and had my home built. In 2005 I started my business, Forest Circles, where I teach my classes on the healing arts, do energy healing sessions, and host programs showcasing a large variety of cultural spiritual traditions. As a first time author, I am thrilled with the reception my memoir, “When My Mother was a Mountain,” has gotten.
Jeannie Sullivan
Jeannie began her spiritual journey in earnest in 1996, She began that journey studying tarot and soon branched out into holistic energy modalities. She has always been intuitive and has been able to read people. Her extensive experience in the field of education has allowed Jeannie to create a curriculum and successfully teach many metaphysical learning opportunities. Jeannie loves to share her expansive knowledge of metaphysics and the spiritual world. Her passion is to help you reach your full potential whether that be through an energy session, reading, or workshop. When Jeannie isn’t working she can be found near a body of water, with friends, or friends who feel like family. Jeannie’s favorite place to be is at the ocean.
Chris Toy
My hands-on classes & workshops range from 1-4 days and focus on Asian and Asian fusion cuisine. Register with Maine Adult Ed or Now You’re Cooking in Downtown Bath to join me at exclusive coastal venues in Maine and New Brunswick, where you’ll not only learn about cooking techniques and rub elbows with other artists such as painters and woodcarvers. We’ll cover everything from choosing and caring for tools, to buying ingredients, to the history of recipes. Join us and Make Art – Share Food!
Jean Twomey
Jean is a World Languages teacher at Morse High School in Bath, Maine. Jean teaches Spanish for Beginners and she is currently teaching a level 2 class for beginners.
Elise Voigt
Elise Voigt is a performing arts educator and actor from Whitefield, Maine. She has worked on stage, backstage and in the classroom throughout Maine for the last 16 years. She has led camps in Bath for the Imaginarium Creator Camp the past three summers and is currently a freelance drama coach for schools and also has run improv workshops for teachers. She is most interested in making theater arts accessible to all people in order to foster and create artistic community through self exploration and expression.
Joelle Webber
Joelle Webber has spent forty years collecting book arts techniques in university & workshop settings. At Mermaid Bindery she binds books and boxes for others. As well as writing, paper decorating, collage, calligraphy, pop-up & paper sculpting to illustrate her own artist books. Building on these creative techniques, she designs workshops for many different communities of makers.
Herenya Wilkey
Ren Wilkey is a new addition to the Merrymeeting Adult Education staff. She had so much fun being the artist in residence here in 2023 that she decided to stick around. She is happy to share her glass cutting knowledge to help those who wish to explore the fun of mosaics! Or, as in her case, find a way to use up all those pesky glass scraps from creating stained glass art! She lives with her husband Will and his cat Ron in the woods of Wiscasset.
Ken Wise
Ken Wise is a professional woodworker in Brunswick, ME. Over the past three decades his interests and skills have migrated from house construction and finish carpentry, to cabinet and furniture making, to carving and turning. His work today consists of architectural turning, furniture, and a line of turned and carved bowls, spoons, and kitchenware that he sells through shops and galleries. Ken also makes canoe paddles and wildlife art in native Maine hardwoods for regional craft fairs, including the Common Ground Fair in Unity, ME.
Julie Zimmerman
Julie Zimmerman, RPT (ret.) was a physical therapist for twelve years. Chronic back pain forced her retirement 40 years ago. She has authored articles and a series of 3 books on chronic back pain: The Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis of Back Pain, The Almanac of Back Pain Treatments, Chronic Back Pain: Moving On. Julie has taught prisoners via correspondence for the last 20 years, one of those courses on “Exercise & Relaxation.”