Alice Bean Andrenyak is a Master Maine Guide and Maine native who lives at Mere Point in Brunswick. Owner of Alice’s Awesome Adventures and Maine e-Learning, she trains future Registered Maine Guides and outdoor enthusiasts in navigation, canoeing, SUP, sea kayaking, snowshoeing, nature studies, and overnighting skills, and is a former Guide’s Board Examiner. She has been visiting Malaga Island for over 30 years and leads regular sea kayak and hiking tours of Malaga Island. Alice is also a certified NRA instructor.
BoomerTECH Adventures was begun in 2014 by three friends and colleagues, all former educators who have worked with adults and technology for more than 100 years (collectively)! We provide expert guidance and personalized resources for the 55+ age group to develop competence and confidence using Apple devices. Our team: Ed Brazee, tennis player, runner, “refocused” professor & editor, consultant, and author; Jill Spencer, traveler, enthusiastic gardener and photographer, middle school teacher, international consultant, and author; Chris Toy, chef, YouTube cooking sensation, long-distance biker, school principal, international consultant, and author.
Paula Apro is a Certified Practitioner of Eden Energy Medicine, and the Emotion Code, as well as a Certified Quantum Health Coach and an Advanced Pranic Healer. She is currently working toward her Doctorate and Ph.D. in Natural Health. Her practice, Mariposa Energy Therapy is located in Rockland, ME and she specializes in helping clients to optimize and/or restore their health using a new paradigm of energy medicine based on the premises of Quantum Physics and Neuroscience. Her motto is “Change your energy and change your life!”
Sophia Arnall is a lifelong dancer and movement enthusiast based in Seattle WA, who was drawn to Pilates for the holistic strength it brings to her practice. As a young professional dancer, Sophia struggled with hypermobility and chronic pain. After stepping back from the dance world, she found that Pilates was what brought her back into her body with strength and limited pain. Wanting to share this gift with others, she enrolled in a 450-hour certification program in 2019 via Vilalioty Pilates, where she is now employed. Sophia has a particular interest in working with clients who have the goal of minimizing pain and increasing their range of motion through gentle, joyful movement. She loves working with clients who are new to Pilates or adding it to their existing movement routines! Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Sophia has been consistently grateful for the opportunity to connect/move with people via Zoom from anywhere in the world.
Debra Arter has been an educator with Adult Ed for over 30 years. She used the pandemic downtime to prepare several online classes while hosting people in her Airbnb. She also enjoys teaching baking and art classes in various venues.
Bill Babb is a retired teacher and home baker. He has searched for the perfect baguette for fifteen years taking several King Arthur Baking Workshops and attending Skowhegan Kneading Conferences along the way.
Patsy Baldus is a retired teacher who spent thirty-three years teaching everything from Kindergarten to Grade 6. She has always loved to write! Her memoir, “Love, Lutefisk, and Lemon Zest Sneakers” was written as a legacy for her two now-grown children, who are only slightly scarred by their mother’s book. Patsy lives with her husband in mid-coast Maine and continues to plot and scheme about her next adventure as a flower gardener.
Jordan Benissan has been cooking for friends and students ever since he arrived in Maine in 1999, and finally realized his dream of opening a restaurant in 2017. His original Me Lon Togo restaurant is located in a distinctive blue and purple historic home on Rt. 1 in Searsport. He opened a new branch in Camden in July 2020, which moved to Rockland in late 2021. Jordan also teaches African drumming at Colby College, the Watershed School, and other area schools.
Rick Bernard, a former school counselor, has been performing magic for numerous parties and corporate events for over 35 years. He has also taught magic classes for over 25 years.
Mary Beth Blake has been teaching Zumba Gold® for over 10 years. It is her joy and passion. She is known for bringing amazing music to her classes and keeping her moves safe and easy to follow.
David Bradbury is an amateur musician who considers himself an artist who is writing and recording songs. Born in Dulwich, London, he is now living in Camden, Maine.
Frank Burtnett, Ed.D., is a veteran counselor, school and college educator, educational association officer, and independent consultant. At various points in his career, Dr. Burtnett was responsible for the generation of external support for programs and services through the preparation of grant and contract proposals with philanthropic organizations, government agencies, and independent gift-makers. Additionally, he has served as a proposal reader and evaluator for numerous philanthropic organizations and government agencies.
Tina Casteris is a self-taught knitter who loves sharing this craft with those who desire to learn and improve in a supportive environment.
Sandy Clement has been teaching sewing classes for over 10 years. She has sewn since she was a child and has found it to be a valuable life-long skill. She has helped with costuming for local school and theater groups.
John Coffin has held his USCG License since 1985 and has operated charter vessels in the Florida Keys and Maine. He is a Master Maine Guide and a certified Boating Instructor for U.S. Powerboating and the National Safe Boating Council.
Keith Drago is the Deputy Director of the Rockport Public Library. He has worked in the library field for over ten years and has his master’s in Library and Information Sciences.
Erik Durbas has worked in the construction industry for over two decades. His hands-on skills range from cabinet making to custom building, with the last 12 years having been focused solely on architectural design. He currently practices sustainable, energy-efficient residential design and passive house design consulting from his home office in Union.
Andrew Eckman has been involved in emergency services (police, fire, and EMS) for more than 45 years, and has been a medical instructor for more than 30 years.
Diana Falciani has extensive experience in apparel and costume design as well as pattern and hat making. She earned a Certificate of Achievement in Apparel Design from Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, California, and has been sewing since the age of twelve.
Paul Garcia is a translator who has taught at secondary and university levels for many years. He has lived and worked in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Spain, and Argentina.
Leah Haraden has ten years’ experience teaching photography through Augusta, Bath, and Freeport Adult Education programs both live and using Zoom.
Marta Haydym is a licensed Financial Advisor with Edward Jones based in Kittery. Alex Jackson is an Estate Attorney working for Jackson and MacNichol in South Portland.
Thomas Hepp grew up in a small Midwest town where he was discouraged from asking questions and never taught to think for himself. There was a pivotal moment about the time he turned 21, he began to question almost everything. He became interested in design and how things worked. He began to study politics, economics, and religion. He was looking for answers to questions that made sense. More than fifty years later, he found some of the answers he was looking for and continues to question and research subjects that have an impact on our everyday lives. He is willing to share his knowledge for the benefit of the greater good.
Sherwood Hilt first discovered wood carving at Camp Bomazen in 1990 where he learned how to do relief carvings, neckerchief slides, signs, and a variety of other items. In 2012 he started carving shorebirds and ducks. He has taught merit badge wood carving for the Boy Scouts for many years. Sherwood has a degree in building construction and worked at Lyman-Morse as a cabinet maker until retirement.
Fran Hodgkins is an award-winning author who has written more than 25 books for young readers, including The Secret Galaxy (Tilbury House) and Andre the Famous Harbor Seal (Down East). In addition to writing, she has worked as an editor in both trade and educational publishing. She is currently at work on a middle-grade trilogy.
Guillaume “Will” Hospod is a Parisian native and business professional who lives in Camden. He studied at the Sorbonne Université in Paris and has extensive experience teaching languages to students of all ages. In France, he helped high schoolers prepare for their Baccalaureate tests, in the U.S. he taught French at the Winter Academy in Stowe, VT, and held private discussions with Francophile adults.
Vanessa Berry joined the ecomaine team in August of 2018 as an Environmental Educator to provide classroom instruction, virtual programming, and design educational curriculum to help Maine residents become better recyclers where they work, live, and play. Born and raised in Maine, Vanessa graduated in 2015 from the University of Maine at Farmington with a B.S. in Elementary Education, and recently completed her Master’s Degree from Unity College in Environmental Studies and Sustainability in December of 2020. Vanessa uses her teaching background and passion for the environment to help Mainers of all ages follow the famous 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, then Recycle!
Tom Jamrog is a licensed clinical professional counselor, a nationally certified school psychologist, and a registered Maine Guide. For the past several years he’s been consulting the I-Ching to assist with decision making. In addition, Tom received the Triple Crown of Hiking award from the American Long-Distance Hiking Association in 2014. He has gone on to successfully complete additional thru-hikes in Vermont, Canada, and Portugal.
Namdol Kalsang is originally from Tibet. She grew up in India and came to America in 2009. After living in Portland, Maine, for several years she recently moved to Rockland with her family.
Linda Leach and Sandy Clement have 30 plus years of painting and craft experience. They are the co-owner of the Maine Lights Collection. Visit their page at http://mainelightscollection.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/mainelightscollection/
Tatiana Lopyreva taught Russian to English and Russian speakers in a private school and in public schools in Toronto, Canada. She enjoys exploring her native language and having a great experience with her students.
Patti Luchetti studied oriental dance for 25+ years with such stars as Katia of Boston, Morocco of NYC, Casandra of Minneapolis and is the Director/Choreographer of Shalimar’s Studio in Rockland, where she also teaches Modern Dance and Exercise/Stretch classes.
Jacinda Martinez is an artist and a landscape designer in midcoast Maine. She specializes in food and flowers. You can find more about her work at www.groundedlocal.com
Mike McCune has a degree in Biology and has been carving and watching birds for over 20 years. He has taught duck carving for over 7 years.
Kate McMorrow graduated from the Scherer Institute of Natural Healing in 1990 as a licensed massage therapist. She went on to study the Hakomi Method of body centered psychotherapy as well as Sheng Zhen Qigong. In 2009 she became a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner with a focus on Electro-Dermal Stress Analysis and in 2019 became a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach through FMCA.
Anna Moorman has been with Allen Insurance & Financial for over 6 years. Anna has a background in healthcare and public health.
Dee Patel had so many requests for Indian food from her coworkers at Pen Bay Skin Care that she decided to open a three-day-a-week takeout in her family’s lodging The Ledges in Rockport in June 2019. She not only has been received with rave reviews but routinely sells out of everything on the menu.
Laura Lee Perkins, MS is a writer, educator, and flutist. Author of 14 books and 150+ articles, she was awarded 5 Artist-in-Residencies, produced 5 CD recordings, and collaborated on three audiobooks. Perkins received 13 grants and placed 3rd in the 80th International Writers’ Digest Awards (Inspirational Category) and 2017 Creative Writing Institute’s Short Story Contest. Her public lectures and classes draw 5,000 attendees each year in Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Arizona.
Laura Philbrook is a mom and wife who is always learning and making changes to live a more natural and healthy life. She uses essential oils to support many aspects of her family’s wellness.
Brie Pio is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ professional and is the Principal of Birch Point Wealth Management LLC, an investment advisory firm located in Rockport, Maine. Brie completed the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at DePaul University in Chicago, completed the Personal Financial Planning Certificate Program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and has over ten years’ experience in finance, accounting, and operations.
Alex Plummer is a PGA apprentice studying to obtain his Class A certification. He has been involved in the golf business for over 10 years, teaching golf for the past 6. He was an assistant at Goose River Golf Club before moving on to the Samoset as their first assistant professional. Currently, he is in his fourth year as the head golf professional at Goose River Golf Club. Alex wants to introduce the great game of golf to as many people as he can.
Resa Randolph is a local artist/musician with a passion for drawing birds with pastels.
Gary Roberts is a Registered Maine Guide and resident of Appleton and has been a volunteer naturalist, trip leader, and speaker for over 30 years. He specializes in guiding from a natural history perspective and focuses particularly on the native flora and fauna of Maine. Gary has been a longtime volunteer for Maine Audubon and has volunteered with the Maine Plant Conservation Volunteers, Mountain Birdwatch, Maine Owl Survey Project, and Seanet.
Antje Roitzsch started her career as a goldsmith, jewelry designer, and artist over 35 years ago with a 4-year apprenticeship in Germany. She now creates sculptural mobiles, jewelry, and is a Massage Therapist.
Libby Schrum is a furniture designer and maker in Camden with nearly 20 years of woodworking experience. She often teaches at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship and offers one-on-one instruction in her studio.
Geoff Scott has been involved in all forms of snow sports for most of his life and has enjoyed exploring midcoast trails for more than 20 years. He’s instructed downhill skiing as well as worked in the outdoor industry in various incarnations for almost all his life, including with Outward Bound.
Bev Shejen has been quilting blankets for over 20 years and is a huge fan of all kinds of quilts but especially enjoys creating a fast-creative gift using shortcut techniques.
Mike Shunney is the Director of Inner Works Taijiquan and Qigong in Rockland – http://www.InnerWorksCenter.com. Mike is privileged to be recognized by the First family of Taijiquan in China, the Yang Family, as qualified to teach their system of Traditional Yang Family Taijiquan, which includes Qigong, Taijiquan, Taiji Jian (sword), Taiji Dao (broadsword), Taiji Qiang (spear/staff), and two-person play. He is the first person in Maine to hold that honor.
Holly Smith is a Maine native who graduated with a B.S. degree in Art Education from the University of Southern Maine. Retired from teaching high school art and photography for 31 years she now happily teaches adult ed. Holly is represented by the Portland Art Gallery, Bonnie Farmer Assemblage Art & Gallery, and the Lincolnville Art Gallery.
Jeff Space has been tying flies for 20 years and loves to share his knowledge with others. Jeff is a resident of Hope and loves to be on the water.
David Spahr is a naturalist, photographer, and forest farmer who has collected, photographed, and eaten wild mushrooms for 35 years. He is a member of the Maine Mycological Association and maintains a website devoted to the subject, mushroom-collecting.com. He is currently writing a book on foraging.
Bobbie Tilkens-Fisher explored quilting, bargello, embroidery, macramé, and sewing before she discovered weaving with a $15 child’s loom soon after the birth of her son – and never looked back. She soon graduated to a 60×64” frame loom and became immersed in the texture, color, and whimsy of modern weaving, transforming the natural fibers into a new, very contemporary form.
Katie Tranzillo is an independent dance instructor who has been leading partnered, individual, and group programs for 20 years, with children, teens, adults, and people with disabilities. She is spreading the joy of dance throughout Maine and building strong dance communities. www.joyfuldancing.com
Karen Tripolitis is a certified yoga instructor for children and adults. With 11 years of teaching mindful yoga and a career as a classroom teacher, she is always excited to teach these skills to students young and old. Her studies included a particular focus on yoga therapy, mindfulness in schools, and trauma-informed yoga instruction. She is the founder of Mindful Roots Yoga.
Sharon Turner owns Crystal Lake Farm and Nursery in Washington, ME. She specializes in open-pollinated vegetable and flower seedlings, native perennials, shrubs and trees, and cut flowers. She grows for Fedco Trees and Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District. She has been a certified Master Gardener Volunteer for more than 20 years.
Paul Whiton has been a vocal music instructor for more than 45 years. He has been teaching in Maine for over three years, his prior years were in Connecticut. He has sung professionally with churches, opera companies, stage companies, and choruses in both the New York and New England areas. More details are available at https://paulwhiton.com/
Craig Wilson is the director of Midcoast Recreation Center.
Mike Wilson is a computer instructor and author whose passion has been helping 1000’s of adults and seniors learn computers in over 40 cities in 17 years. He has taught at colleges, workforce and development, community education centers, Parks and Recs, libraries, and many senior centers. Mike gets overwhelmingly excellent comments about his unique style of teaching, which is basically simplistic. He takes even the advanced things and breaks them down so students can understand them. His goal is for “no student to be left behind” and he ranks extremely high in trying to fulfill that goal. Mike instructs students virtually from the privacy of their own homes! His live sessions are great for dabblers, tinkerers, and those who have recently bought a computer for personal or business use.