Course Listing - by Instructor

Name Biography
Staff
Katia Abou-Haidar Katia attained a master's degree in Linguistics from Holy Spirit University in 2010. The main focus of her thesis was an action research in which she administered and conducted a qualitative and quantitative testing methodology to integrate cultural instruction in the ESL teaching/learning process to enhance students' oral communication, taking into consideration the students' verbal and non-verbal skills. Katia has been teaching English as a Second Language for university students for over twelve years within the Necessary and Sufficient English Program (NSEP) that is developed by Georgetown University, Washington D.C. She has adopted a teaching methodology integrating the five English skills together: reading, listening, speaking, writing and interactive listening/speaking. She has also taught English in a business context for bankers of various ages (26-50). She has planned, guided and evaluated students' oral presentations, and taught them the use of Microsoft PowerPoint as an aid to organizing and delivering their public speaking. Katia has prepared native and non-native students for the SAT and TOEFL exams that help measure their English proficiency, and prepares them for university admission. Moreover, she has been teaching Accent Reduction for International Professionals (Levels I and II) at UNLV since 2011, helping professionals to modify their foreign accents to an understandable level for everyday use. All of these years of teaching (since 2002) have helped her select and adopt the best mix of teaching knowledge and experience that is required for the success of every student who has passion for improvement and success.
Anne-Marie Abruscato Ms. Abruscato teaches in the areas of Direct Practice, Children, and Families. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from Arizona State University, and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Iowa. Ms. Abruscato has a background in working in both private and public service agencies. Her main area of interest is in the field of children and trauma.
Nelandra Anselmo Nelandra Anselmo, LMFT, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CHE Nelandra Anselmo is an experienced human resource consultant and a licensed mental health professional. With over 20 years of experience in HR, she has served as a director of human resources and worked in management roles in the areas of employee relations and organizational learning and development for hospitality companies including Station Casinos and Cannery Casino Resorts in Nevada. A certified Senior Professional in Human Resources, Certified Hospitality Educator, and certified Job and Career Development Coach, Anselmo has developed learning programs for various organizations and provides one-on-one coaching for leaders to effectively address personal and organizational needs. She currently supports companies and professionals in her role as a consultant and coach with True Core Business + Wellness, LLC and as an instructor in the Department of Hotel Management at The International School of Hospitality and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Medicine. As a practicing marriage and family therapist, Anselmo’s background in human resource management influences her approach to therapy, particularly in the areas of motivation, goal-setting, and developing interpersonal skills. She has written and contributed to articles for popular publications on the topics of relationships and career transition, and presents seminars, speeches, and workshops on mental health and wellness. Anselmo received a bachelor of science degree in communication studies and sociology, and a master of science degree in counseling from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Nevada Association of Fashion Design
Yanai Avila
Yareni Avila
Terry Bahr
Tonya Bates
Kathleen Bergquist Dr. Bergquist completed her PhD in Counselor Education at the College of William and Mary, MSW at Norfolk State University, and JD at UNLV Boyd School of Law. Her primary research interests are intercountry adoption from Asia and gendered violence in Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
Maria Bruce Maria Bruce Instructor: Basic Sewing, Patternmaking, Dressmaker Studio, Stitch it , Alterations, Swimwear, Designer Studio, Creative Art-Costumier' Maria has over 25 years of experience and professional designing skills in Sewing, Alterations, Patterns and Fashion Designing. Maria's communication bi-lingual skills includes English and Spanish. Maria is an accomplished fashion designer and has showcased in numerous Fashion shows in some of the most prestigious LV Casino's. Her background of experience is in Apparel Design & Fashion Consultation/Stylist. UNLV Fashion Design Graduate 2005. Fashion Instructor since 2005. Maria has designed apparel for national and international professionals, among Miss Nevada, & Testio. She is a City of LV Small Business License owner of MBRUCE Designs since 2009, specializing in one of kind, couture', embroidery & print apparel. Past-Station Casinos Costume Vendor, Current- State of NV clothing vendor.
T. Clay Buck T. Clay Buck, CFRE is a passionate advocate for fundraisers and the missions and donors they serve.

He is the Founder and Chief Consultant of Tactical Fundraising Solutions, a full-service fundraising partnership firm focused on developing the systems and operations that drive highly effective fundraising.

Clay is an experienced fundraiser with well-rounded, proven experience in all aspects of development. He has particular expertise in developing the systems and infrastructure that support donor-centered fundraising,
inspired and informed by quality data and robust analytics. Having been both a frontline fundraiser at several nonprofits and a consultant for large, national firms, he brings a unique perspective on developing and crafting fundraising programs that really work.

He has held the Certified Fund Raising Executive certification since 2010, served as President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Las Vegas chapter for two years, and has been a member of the Advisory Board for Rogare, the fundraising think tank, for which he co-authored the United States Critical Fundraising Report. He is an AFP certified Master Trainer and speaks frequently on fundraising at conferences, workshops and trainings, including the AFP International Conference, the annual APRA conference, the Tessitura conference and many others. He teaches the fundraising courses for the Nonprofit Management Certificate and the Fundraising Certification program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He was recently named one of the top 20 Charity Influencers online.

Clay makes his home in Las Vegas, NV, spends too much time tweeting about fundraising at @TClayBuck and is owned by two Labrador Retrievers who do not get nearly enough exercise but could probably create their own fundraising and communications plan to solicit more kibble if they really wanted. He holds a BA from the University of Georgia, a Master of Fine Arts from Michigan State University and a Certificate in Professional Writing from the University of Chicago. He is a graduate of the Leadership Las Vegas program, class of 2017.
Kimberly Butterfield
Charlie Carr Charlie Carr instructs Continuing Education courses in the Human Resources (HR) Management Certificate Program and the Organizational Leadership Certificate Program at UNLV. Charlie has extensive academic and work experience in HR, organizational change management (OCM), leadership development and assessment, counseling and coaching, management consulting and teaching.
Through his company, Creative Workforce Solutions, LLC, Charlie contributed to the 2016 Prosci Benchmarking Report, Best Practices in Change Management, and has contributed significant OCM tools and methods to top tier OCM consulting practices and businesses. As an adjunct professor and instructor, he has developed and taught courses in MBA, HR Master's degree, Bachelor's degree and continuing education programs. He has also delivered American Management Association courses onsite at businesses in support of ISO certification programs.
Charlie's education includes a BA from Indiana University, an MA from Webster University and an EdS degree and doctoral work from The College of William & Mary. His diverse professional experience spans many industry sectors, including state, local and federal government; aerospace; retail; military; agriculture; information technology; finance and accounting; real estate; and medical.
In his spare time, Charlie enjoys golf, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Manuela Carrescia
Sara Cerruto-Jacobs
Erik Christensen
Kathy Clemens
Stephanie Council
Carlton Craig Dr. Craig served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1985-1991. He received his B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from Bowling Green State University in 1991 and after receiving his M.S.S.A. from Case Western Reserve University in 1993 was a clinical social worker for the Benjamin Rose Institute in Cleveland, OH and the John Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit, MI.

He currently holds LCSW licensure and supervisory certification in North Carolina and received his Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was the Vernon R. Wiehe Endowed Professor in Family Violence at the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Social Work from 2012-2016 and was an associated faculty member for the UK Center on Trauma and Children (CTAC). At CTAC, he was Co-investigator on over $3.5 million of SAMHSA funded grants for providing trauma informed care to children and adolescents as well as training clinicians across the state of Kentucky in trauma informed empirically supported treatments. As part of his experience at CTAC he clinically trained in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and parent child interaction therapy.

In the last two years, he was PI of over $2.3 million in HRSA and SAMHSA funded grants on integrated behavioral health and substance screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment. He holds the QCSW, ACSW and DCSW certifications with the National Association of Social Workers and is author of over 60 publications and presentations on childhood trauma and loss, trauma-informed empirically supported treatments, populations fleeing genocide, and secondary Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

He has taught and developed BSW, MSW and Ph.D. curricula for over 14 years which includes serving as Director of Graduate Studies from 2013-2015 for the UK College of Social Work. He is currently Professor and Director of the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Social Work.
David Dace
Jesse Del Quadro
Ray DuGray
Brittany Dupree
Scott Emerson >
Scott Emerson served 31 years with the American Red Cross, the first 12 as a volunteer. His roles have included leading and modernizing the Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross. Scott has proven himself as a dedicated leader, growing resources and developing strategic partnerships to improve local services for our community. He is the recipient of numerous awards including the Non-Profit Administrator of the Year from the Association of Public Administrators, several Red Cross leadership awards, and from the Golden Hand Service Award from the Cultural Diversity Foundation. Scott is often requested to work with agency’s Board of Directors and staff to inspire and strengthen agency fulfillment. Scott works extensively with the Leadership Las Vegas program of the Metro Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Board of Golden Rainbow and in an advisory capacity to several local non-profits.

With a focus on innovation and collective impact, Scott collaborates with supporters and actively engage the community to create measurable impact through United Way’s Community-Based Agenda, a roadmap to improving lives through early education, high school achievement, post-secondary attainment and workforce supports. Using information from United Way’s recently-launched information hub, Community Connect, Scott leads the organization’s efforts to fund community work using data and research, both of which are critical to solving Southern Nevada’s greatest challenges.
Justin Fertick
Mayweather Fitness Certified Instructors Certified Yoga Instructors-Yoga instructors are wellness and fitness professionals trained and certified to conduct group classes that involve meditation and specific poses that are designed to connect breathing to physical movement and mental exercises. A yoga instructors guides students to connect to breath while conducting a series of physical and mentals exercise to aid in achieving spiritual wellness.
Alyssa Fitzpatrick
Ashley Fitzpatrick
Kushica Flowers
Robert Forney
Carli Gilchrist
Jeff Grandy
Marc Greges
Noelle Gribbin
Alejandro Grimaldo
Maggie Harris
Cheri Hauer
June Heydarian
Gabbie Hirsch 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.
Olga Jeffrey
Judy Jenner Judy Jenner is the award-winning owner of Twin Translations, a small business in the languages industry with clients on three continents, a federally certified Spanish court interpreter, master-level court interpreter for Spanish (Nevada), court-registered interpreter for German (Nevada), court-certified Spanish interpreter (California) and a long-time industry insider. With her business partner and twin sister, she’s the co-author of one of the leading business books in the translation and interpreting industry, The Entrepreneurial Linguist: The Business-School Approach to Freelance Translation, and a frequent keynote speaker at industry conferences around the country and the world. She’s a spokesperson of the American Translators Association and the past president of the Nevada Interpreters and Translators Association. Judy was raised in Mexico City and has resided in Las Vegas for more than 20 years. She’s a proud two-time alumna of UNLV and serves on the advisory board of UNLV’s Honors College.
Samantha Jepson
Marcy Johnson
Cheryl Johnston
Jessica Kennedy 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.
Steve Krystek STEVE J. KRYSTEK
Director

Steve Krystek's professional history includes a respectable mix of operational law enforcement, security, military and related training experience. He is an accomplished instructor and credited with the development of more than 40 tactical training programs for various U.S. Military and Federal Government organizations. Steve has earned multiple certifications, Black Belts and instructorships in half a dozen combative martial art systems since 1990 encompassing unarmed combatives, grappling, and weapons defense. Steve possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from St. John’s University.

Steve previously served as the senior team leader and trainer of a U.S. Air Force Emergency Services Team. During that time, he trained and operated with over 200 specialized law enforcement teams, military units and government agencies throughout the United States and overseas. Steve’s military experience included special weapons and tactics, protective services, force protection/anti-terrorism, and serving as a member of the San Antonio Armed Forces Police Detachment.

Upon completion of military service, Steve joined the United States Department of Energy's nuclear protective force (National Nuclear Security Administration) charged with securing and safeguarding nuclear explosive devices, special nuclear material and classified government research projects. Steve's training and experience through the DOE's Central Training Academy and NNSA Nevada Operations included sensitive resource protection, specialized weapons skills, Special Response Team tactics, and advanced weapons instructor certification.

Steve then transitioned into civilian law enforcement where he was a full-time police officer and trainer with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. During his time at Metro, Steve served as a Field Training Officer (FTO), Firearms Instructor, and Defensive Tactics Instructor. In addition to being a first responder to countless real-world critical incidents and violent crimes in progress, Steve provided thousands of hours of in-service advanced weapons and tactics instruction to personnel department-wide.

In June of 2006, Steve assumed the full-time role as Director of Progressive F.O.R.C.E. Concepts, which included service as a Protection Agent and Team Leader for domestic and international Protective Security Details. He currently provides instruction, consultation, and protective services on a continuous basis to various Government agencies, Fortune 100 corporations, and private organizations worldwide.
Tony LaBounty 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.
Claudette Lachowicz
Kenneth Lange
John Larson John Larson, founder of Las Vegas based John Larson Marketing, is an online marketing strategist. His combination of psychology and analytics based approach has helped small to medium size business owners and entrepreneurs generate leads, attract customers and drive sales using the internet, social media and online advertising. He is a regular contributor to a variety of industry publications including Moz, as well as Search Engine Land, Search Engine Watch and other top industry forums. Outside of providing meaningful campaigns and marketing services, John has made it his mission to educate entrepreneurs on how to take advantage of the digital world.
David Loaiza-Funk Dávid Loaiza-Funk is the President and CEO of Diversidad LLC, a company that eliminates language barriers while enhancing inclusion in the community of Southern Nevada. Dávid has a Masters degree in Healthcare Administration as well as dual certification in medical/healthcare interpreting through NBCMI and CCHI and a black belt in Lean Six Sigma for Quality improvement. Dávid has served as a coach, and manager of medical interpreters for the last 10 years at different organizations including University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. David serves as the Director-at-Large for the Nevada Minority Health and Equity Coalition and has received the American College of Healthcare Executives' Regent at Large Diversity Award in 2017 and the National Association of Latinos Healthcare Executives (NALHE) 2016 caucus leadership award.
Melissa Moats
Randy Moreno
Judith (Judi) Moreo
Jamfest Music Group
Maria Ngo
Christina Nishiyama
Cecilia P Ordinario
Ciara Owens
Dueling Peacock
Michael Phillips
Amy Pourciau
Eric Prato
Mary Ann Racheau 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.
Liliana Radillo
Cynthia Radley
Madge Rascoe
Trey Reckling
UNLV STEM Camp
Janice Schaeffer
UNLV School of Social Work
Sri Sowmya Nemani
Continuing Ed Staff
ETC Staff
Lauren Starner
Allison Streater
Pascale Tessier Mrs. Tessier was born and raised in Paris, France. She earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Antony University and her master's degree in Education at Paris V University. After teaching various elementary grades in France, Mrs. Tessier and her family moved to the United States. She spent her first ten years in Annapolis, Maryland as a stay at home mom teaching her two young children both French and English. In 2009, the family had the opportunity to move to Henderson, Nevada. She loves teaching her native language and is excited to offer new French classes at UNLV in the Continuing Education department. When she's not sharing her knowledge on the French language and culture with the Las Vegas community, Mrs. Tessier likes to spend time with her family and friends. She also enjoys cooking gourmet meals and hiking in the our beautiful national parks.
Vernetta Thomas
Frances Tibayan
PFC Training
Alvaro Vergara-Mery 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.
Kimberly Virtuoso
Marko Westwood
Greg Wilken Greg Wilken is the Founder and Principal Member of Edunamo Consulting. Endunamo is a Human Resources consulting company that focuses on providing HR expertise and services to nonprofit organizations.
Prior to forming Endunamo, Greg had spent most of his career in corporate HR and practicing employment and labor law. He has worked in all aspects of HR with a particular focus on employee relations, labor-management relations and HR compliance.
Greg has a B.A. from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota where he majored in History and a J.D from the University of Baltimore School of Law.
Greg lives in Las Vegas and spends his free time running, cooking and traveling.
Betsi Williams
Alexis Wisniewski
Regina Yenser
Frances Young
Donna Zanetti

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