Born and raised in Seattle, John Birkland holds a B.A. in humanities from Washington State University, the real Cougars. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany as a transportation specialist when not skiing, traveling, or sampling the different brews. He spent 40 years in the transportation business, the last 20 years employed by Department of Energy (DOE) contractors, shipping hazardous and radioactive materials at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Washington state and then at the Nevada Test Site. Upon retirement he came to OLLI for the watercolor painting classes; he still struggles with that thankless art form.
Vicky Birkland was born and raised in Washington State and loves sharing curiosity, places and ideas across time and the world. She has lived and taught in various locations and enjoys collaboration and sharing interests among OLLI members.
Scott Emerson is a nationally recognized nonprofit strategist, executive coach, and educator with more than 30 years of leadership experience helping mission-driven organizations strengthen governance, improve performance, and navigate complex challenges. He is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Granite Group Solutions, where he works closely with nonprofit boards and executive leaders to align strategy, clarify roles, and elevate organizational effectiveness. His executive career includes senior leadership roles with the American Red Cross and United Way of Southern Nevada, where he led large-scale operations, fundraising, crisis and emergency response, and community partnerships.
Scott is deeply engaged in board service and nonprofit leadership development. He has served on numerous boards and statewide commissions and is widely sought after for his expertise in board governance, executive coaching, and organizational strategy. For over a decade, he has taught nonprofit management and governance through UNLV Lifelong Learning (formerly UNLV Continuing Education), equipping current and emerging leaders with practical tools to build stronger, more accountable organizations. Known for his calm leadership style and systems-thinking approach, Scott helps organizations translate mission into measurable impact.
Beth Flory is the Chief Executive Officer of S.A.F.E. House in Henderson, Nevada, one of the state’s most comprehensive domestic violence agencies, providing crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy, and community education. She joined S.A.F.E. House in 2009 and has served in multiple direct service and leadership roles before becoming CEO in 2021. Ms. Flory brings nearly two decades of supervisory and management experience, including leading multidisciplinary teams, overseeing program operations, and developing staff through trauma-informed and best-practice management approaches. She also serves on the board of directors for the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (NCEDSV) and The Giving Store. Ms. Flory is a SHRM-Certified Professional and a 2022 graduate of Leadership Henderson. She is passionate about leading and mentoring teams that provide direct client services, with a focus on supporting staff development and ensuring individuals in need receive high-quality, ethical, and effective services.
Education
Master's of Human Resource Management, Keller Graduate School of Management, 2015
Bachelor of Arts, Major Psychology, Minor Sociology, Hope College, 2001
Over two decades helping people and organizations get more out of the software they already have.
About Sharon
Sharon Fry is a trainer and consultant with a wealth of knowledge spanning various operational domains across diverse industries. Her dedication to teaching and supporting clients has persisted for over two decades. Sharon's passion lies in optimizing business processes through creative problem-solving and leveraging available technology in new and sometimes unexpected ways. Her innate affinity for computers and software has been a constant thread throughout her career as both a professional and an instructor.
Sharon's patient and genial manner makes her an outstanding instructor. Her facility with software and ability to break down complex concepts resonate well with learners. Sharon's extensive software expertise covers a wide spectrum of applications. Her current focus centers on the Microsoft 365 suite. She not only uses these tools expertly but also imparts proficiency and knowledge to clients of all sizes, levels, and experience. From one-on-one coaching to large-scale enterprise classes, Sharon's training empowers organizations and individuals through software.
Certifications
MCPMicrosoft Certified Professional
MOSMMicrosoft Office Specialist Master — certified in Access, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word
MCTMicrosoft Certified Trainer
MSMicrosoft Specialist, Project
MTAMicrosoft Technology Associate — Windows OS and Database Administration
Software Proficiency
Master-level certified across the core Microsoft 365 applications:
Holly Gagnon is the president of HGC Hospitality Gaming Consulting and is the Lead Independent Director of Bragg Gaming Group. From 2017 to 2020, Ms. Gagnon served as Chief Executive Officer of Seneca Gaming Corporation, which manages the gaming operations of the Seneca Nation of Indians. Prior to this, she served as Chief Executive Officer for Chumash Enterprises for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians from 2015 to 2017. Before joining Chumash Enterprises, Ms. Gagnon served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Pearl River Resort from 2012 to 2015 and, prior to this, in a number of key financial and operational roles with Caesars Entertainment Corporation, MGM Resorts International and Harrah's Entertainment Inc.. In addition, she is a founding board member of Global Gaming Women where she currently serves on the advisory committee and is a Trustee for the Conference Board and the Committee for Economic Development where she co-chairs the Women in Leadership Committee. She is a Distinguished Fellow for the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she has been part of the EDP team for the past 5 years. She lectures at the University of Massachusetts Isenberg School of Management on leadership and hospitality/gaming. Ms. Gagnon holds a B.S. in Accounting from Bentley University in Massachusetts and an MBA from Chaminade University of Honolulu and is a Certified Public Accountant.
New Yorker by birth, growing up in the suburbs of New York and Connecticut, "Gabbie" was able to frequent Manhattan and benefit from all of its cultural resources. Gabriél attended Cornell University's College of Fine Art and Architecture, graduating with a B.F.A. Panting Major, an Art History Minor and the equivalent of a minor in literature. She took additional classes in the more "commercial" skills and illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. More recently, she added some computer skills to the repertoire. You can never have too many options. "Gabbie's" experiences as an artist in both the "Fine" and commercial fields continues to be extremely varied. Her work is in the collection of Comedian Bill Cosby, the former presidents and CEO's of large corporations, in the Trotter's Hall of Fame, Goshen, New York, in hand-painted costumes for the '80's group Full Force (CBS records), and Donna Sommers. In the same week, she worked on a twenty foot mural for a local casino, and a digitally "invented" pirate ship mast for a private home-owner's fantasy swimming pool. She has even designed sets of tarot cards......Whether crafting a watercolor still life to demonstrate traditional themes and techniques for students, or mixing media to capture a dreamscape or archetypal vision, the possibilities are unlimited, and the artist loves a challenge.
Eileen Moore Johnson is a proven senior level operations and strategic human resources executive across the transportation, hospitality and casino gaming sectors. She has demonstrated an expertise in attracting and developing high performance teams and cultures to drive market outperformance and shareholder value. An executive with over 30-years of professional experience, Eileen has worked for and developed some of the best hospitality and gaming brands in the world. Her career has spanned corporate strategy, operations, marketing and human resources. She is highly accomplished at crisis management and corporate turnarounds through complex balance sheet restructuring, activist shareholders, mergers, divestitures and acquisitions. Her leadership has spanned LBO's, IPO's, Family Ownership and Private Equity (TPG & Apollo). Eileen has excellent communications skills and has been a key leadership communicator to the media, boards, shareholders, consumers, executives, employees, labor unions, regulatory bodies, celebrity partners, and as an on-air judge on The Food Network's: Vegas Chef Prizefight. She is also recognized for her innovation and leadership in DEI initiatives. Eileen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Administration from Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, and an MBA from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. Continuing education has consisted of strategic board and governance focused programs including, KPMG and Women Corporate Directors Board Training Boot Camp and was also a member of the 2019 class of Catalyst Women On Boards program.
For the past 15 years, Jessica Kennedy has been calling Las Vegas home. Originally from Missouri, Jessica has lived all over the United States and has worked in the field of graphic design longer than she would like to admit. A graduate of Drury College in Springfield, Missouri, Jessica was employed in St. Louis and Chicago simultaneously after her graduation. Working with such diverse clients as Godiva Chocolatiers, The St. Louis Blues, Pepsi, National Industrial Services Incorporated, Kinko's, Iconn Watersports, The College of Southern Nevada Foundation, Las Vegas Hospitality Association, and several Las Vegas casinos, Jessica has a unique perspective on what it takes to have successful design in a vast array of markets. Her prowess in Social Media has been given accolades in the Las Vegas Review Journal and she is the social media "go-to" for News Channel 13. Teaching full-time at Rancho High School has allowed her to remain on top of social media as well as up-and-coming trends in graphic design and Internet security through networking with other high school graphic design instructors and industry professionals across the valley, and the United States. The responsibilities of being a full-time mom, business owner, business partner in a local art gallery, and full-time graphic design instructor keep Jessica busy and always on the run, yet she always has extra time for students who are in need of assistance.
Anthony LaBounty is Professor of Music and the Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he directs the UNLV "Star of Nevada" Marching Band, UNLV Symphonic Winds, the UNLV "Runnin' Rebel" Basketball Pep Band, and the UNLV Community Concert Band. Since his appointment to the faculty in 1988, he has helped develop the UNLV Bands to become one of the finest collegiate band programs in the nation. He teaches courses within the music education degree programs and is an active clinician and adjudicator throughout the United States. He has served as a guest conductor and performer throughout Europe, Japan, Mexico and China. He has conducted special performances by the UNLV Community Band at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland (March 2009) and at the Teatro Principe in Palestrina (Rome), Italy (June 2012). In 2005 he directed the UNLV Band before an estimated multi-national Asian television audience of 340 million viewers in a special invited performance at the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Parade and Festival in Hong Kong, China. He is a past state chairman of the Nevada Chapter of the National Band Association, and is a member in the Phi Delta Kappa Honorary Fraternity, the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, and is a past member of the Texas Music Educators Association. In 2005, LaBounty was awarded UNLV College of Fine Arts Outstanding Teacher of The Year. In 2014, LaBounty was distinguished by election to the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and was the first ABA member to be elected in the new, dual category of band conductor/composer. Under his leadership, the UNLV Symphonic Winds has performed as a special exhibition ensemble premiering the wind band transcription of Sonata for Alto Saxophone, Op. 29 by Robert Muczynski at the North American Saxophone Alliance Conference (2011). The group has also performed with special guest soloists John McMurtery (flute), Gary Cook (percussion) and Timothy Jones (percussion). The Symphonic Winds have also recorded numerous catalogued wind band repertoire holdings of TRN Music Publisher, Inc. LaBounty is a published composer of original works for band. Among his original compositions for wind orchestra: Psalm 92 (2015, Published by C.L. Barnhouse), Salmo Della Rinascita (2012, published by TRN Music Publisher, Inc.) Favor and Treasure (2013, published by Opus III/C.L. Barnhouse), Sharakan (2010, published by LudwigMasters/E.F. Kalmus). Prayer For Asia (2008, published by Opus III/C.L. Barnhouse), and Le Sentier (2007, published by TRN Music Publisher, Inc.). LaBounty's wind orchestra setting of How Deep The Father's Love For Us is published by Opus III/C.L. Barnhouse. Sonata Op. 29 for Alto Saxophone by Robert Muczynski transcribed for band by LaBounty is published by G. Schirmer/Hal Leonard Corporation. Salmo Della Rinascita, Favor and Treasure, Le Sentier, Prayer For Asia and How Deep The Father's Love For Us are recorded by the UNLV Wind Orchestra and available on the Klavier records label.
Ken Lange’s work spans leadership, education, public policy strategy, and nonprofit development. He has built and led organizations, advised elected officials, taught children and adults, and has actively engaged social and civic issues of our time.
At the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Lange is in his twelfth year as an instructor in the Lifelong Learning program, where he has taught courses in nonprofit organizational development and leadership. His teaching is rooted in lived executive experience and integrates governance practice, systems thinking, policy awareness, and adaptive strategy into classroom application. He is currently focused on nonprofit management and governance, leading innovation, and strategic process.
Lange served in senior executive roles across education, nonprofit, and public policy sectors. He was Executive Director of the Nevada State Education Association for nearly twelve years, serving six legislative sessions as chief lobbyist helping to lead statewide funding initiatives and policy advocacy. He later served as Executive Director of Olive Crest–Nevada, where he expanded foster care and family support programming and strengthened organizational sustainability. As Chairman of the Care Coalition, a substance abuse prevention and public health organization, he worked to address these critical community needs. His company, Lange Development Group, provided consulting, coaching, and government relations services to nonprofit and
membership organizations.
Today, Lange remains active in Nevada’s policy environment as a strategic advisor and writer, particularly in areas of economic diversification, workforce development, governance structure, and long-term institutional design. He approaches public leadership as architecture—building systems that endure beyond any one individual.
Parallel to his civic and educational work, Lange is a performing singer-songwriter rooted in Americana, folk, and blues traditions. His original songs draw on labor history, western landscapes, family memory, and contemporary civic themes. His creative work reflects resilience, dignity, and belief in engaged citizenship.
He holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Georgia State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Michigan. Doctoral study in Public Affairs at UNLV deepened his analytical approach to governance, institutional design, and policy systems. He is a Certified Executive Coach.
Ken has lived in Nevada with his wife, State Senator Roberta Lange, for 30 years. Together they have four children and eight grandchildren.
Dr. Rob Levrant has been the director of OLLI at UNLV since 2015. Prior, Levrant had an extensive career in higher education administration and community engagement. From 1996-2003 he served as Director of Housing and Residence Life at Rocky Mountain College where he taught an undergraduate leadership course, and led community education efforts aimed at improving student experience, public safety, and quality of life on campus and throughout the community.
Jim McClenahan's mission is to link the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business's most valuable asset - its students -with companies that will benefit from their skills and talent and help those students grow in their personal and professional skills. As the college's executive director of outreach and engagement, McClenahan is responsible for connecting students to businesses through community events, internships, mentorships and providing contacts for career opportunities. He is also responsible for the Nevada Global Business program, which takes students around the world for experiential opportunities and for administering the college's Corporate Partners program. As the College expands programs, he handles professional and executive instruction, conference service, and serves as Interim Director of the Institute to Study Gaming and Commercial Gambling. McClenahan also teaches marketing in The College of Business Executive MBA program. McClenahan holds a master' degree in business administration from the University of Nevada, Reno and bachelor' degree in economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz. McClenahan currently serves as Past Chair of the Board of Directors for United Federal Credit Union, a $4 Billion national financial institution, and as past chair of the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement Northern Nevada, a nonprofit dedicated to financial literacy in K-12 schools. He recently finished his term as the past chairman of the board for The Reno Chamber of Commerce. He is an ordained Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church in the Diocese of Reno. He and his wife Karen have lived in Reno for the last 23 years and enjoy all the outdoor activities Northern Nevada has available.
Robert Myers is a native Southern Californian who relocated to Las Vegas in 2003. He has been CFO of a multinational corporation and serves on the OLLI Fundraising Committee. He is excited to bring the joy of pickleball, alongside his mentor Esther, to anyone willing to try it.
Amy is a Fortune 500 human resources executive with expertise in organizational development, talent management, and performance management. Amy's broad human resources experience includes establishing international offices, developing and leading enterprise-wide initiatives, rapid property expansions, centralizations and leading operational transformations, and talent development. Amy holds a master's degree in organizational leadership and learning from the George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from UNLV.
Mary Ann Racheau has over 35 years of experience in costume and fashion design and construction. Racheau spent over eight years as a costume and shoe technician for Cirque du Soleil’s KA at the MGM Grand. Her background also includes 14 years as the lead seamstress with the Siegfried & Roy show at the Mirage and six years as the costumier for Nevada Ballet Theatre, Nevada Opera Theatre, the Mickey Finn Show, and various Las Vegas productions. She is a designer of her own unique line of collectible teddy bears, dolls and quilts. Skills include teaching, pattern cutting, designing, alterations, dyeing and construction of fashion garments and costumes, leather work, teddy bear, and quilt making. Racheau has assembled model garments for Cloth World in Las Vegas and Quiltique in Henderson, sample quilts for Sew Yeah in Las Vegas, and teaches privately and in classrooms throughout Las Vegas. She is certified as a “Master Sewing Educator" by Sewing Educators Alliance. This will be her fifth semester as an OLLI sewing educator.
Elsa Ringgenberg is dedicated to sharing the heart of Italy through culture, language, and lifestyle. She promotes Italian traditions and supports Italian businesses while celebrating the richness of Italian culture, including language, food, art, fashion, music, and social experiences.
Esther Schube a BS and a Masters in Education. Esther spent 15 years as a teacher and then a mental health therapist and enjoys teaching anyone to play anything, with the goal of having fun.
Alvaro Vergara-Mery, PHD, CMI is a Certified Medical Interpreter and licensed trainer in the Cultural and Linguistic Services Department at University Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is in charge of interpreter education and training, language proficiency, cultural competence, translation and curriculum design. He has extensive experience as a practicing medical interpreter in a Level I Trauma center that serves a large population of Spanish-speaking patients and he is nationally recognized for his advanced level workshops for medical interpreters. He is a certified and licensed trainer and a cultural and language access consultant and has received California Healthcare Interpreters Association's 2016 Trainer of the Year Award. He is also an adjunct faculty member at UNLV's School of Medicine.
Tania Williams has served in the field of Human Resources for the last twenty- eight years in various capacities. While currently working at the Regional Transportation Commission as the Manager of Human Resources, her experience includes specialization in organizational development, employee engagement, and executive coaching. Prior to working for public agencies, Tania worked many years as a generalist in key leadership roles within the retail and hospitality industries. In these roles, Tania provided direct oversight of employee/labor relations, compensation & benefits, training & development, management development, talent assessment, succession planning, reward & recognition, talent acquisition, employee services, workers compensation, leave administration, employee communication, and federal labor law and collective bargaining agreement compliance. Tania’s credentials include a Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University and a Master of Business Administration from Northeastern University. Additionally, she has earned several other certifications within the HR profession. Currently Tania serves as a Vice-Chair board member for FirstMed Health and Wellness Centers and is a member-at-large for the Public Sector Human Resources Association.
Carolyn Yucha is a registered nurse (RN) with a Ph.D. in Physiology. She has a deep appreciation for the human body and has been editing the professional journal, Biological Research for Nursing, for the past 24 years. Before retiring, Carolyn worked as Dean of the UNLV School of Nursing for 13 years.
