Course Listing - by Instructor
| Name | Biography |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Dan Anderson | |
| Patty Ascher-Lewis | |
| Nevada Association of Fashion Design | |
| Heidi Bianchi |
Heidi Bianchi is the CEO and Founder of The Bridge Event Agency, where she harnesses her extensive expertise in event management to shape and elevate the industry. With a distinguished history in orchestrating corporate events, Heidi has led high-impact initiatives for companies in the venture, venture capital, financial services, startups, and biotech sectors. During her tenure as Director of Events at Silicon Valley Bank, she skillfully managed a nationwide team. Her strategic approach and leadership have been pivotal in managing diverse and complex events across these industries. Heidi's passion for cultivating the next generation of event planners drives her mission to offer exceptional training and mentorship, ensuring the continued growth and development of future industry professionals. |
| 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. |
| Manuela Carrescia | |
| Erik Christensen | |
| Kathy Clemens | |
| David Dace | |
| Jesse Del Quadro | |
| PEX Department | |
| Michelle DiTondo |
Michelle DiTondo is a Principal with Avion Consulting, a management consulting firm specializing in leadership, team, and organizational development. Michelle has over 30 years of experience in human resources leadership and organization transformation. Most recently, Michelle served nearly a decade as the Chief Human Resources Officer for MGM Resorts International, leading culture transformation and employee engagement initiatives for the company's 88,000 employees worldwide. As a key member of the senior leadership team, Michelle worked in partnership with the C-Suite on a broad range of company-wide strategies in both talent and overall business improvement. Prior to assuming this role, Michelle was the Vice President of Human Resources with MGM Resorts at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and New York-New York Hotel & Casino, overseeing all human resources functions at each property. Michelle joined MGM Resorts in 2006 from Harrah's/Caesars Entertainment, where she held the position of Vice President of Human Resources for Flamingo and Harrah's Las Vegas. Michelle received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Arizona State University and her Master of Business Administration from Brigham Young University. Michelle resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband and two children. She has held Board positions with the Culinary Training Academy, Asian American Pacific Islander Scholarship Fund and the Red Cross of Southern Nevada. |
| Heather Doane | |
| Ray DuGray | |
| 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. |
| Leaderverse Faculty | |
| 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. |
| Sharon Fry |
Sharon Fry is an independent software consultant and trainer based in Las Vegas. Both knowledgeable and experienced in multiple operational areas of varied industries, Sharon focuses on streamlining business processes with creativity and utilization of available technology. She enjoys discovering ways that software can be used to help businesses and individuals devise solutions. Moreover, she has always taken naturally to computers and software throughout her career. These qualities, along with a patient and genial manner, enable her to be an instructor with a proven track record of successful training delivery. Sharon uses a wide spectrum of software applications, particularly Excel, Access, and SharePoint, primarily for the small to mid-size business user. Presently specializing in the Microsoft Office System including Office 365, SharePoint for 2007, 2010, and 2013, and Skype for Business, Sharon is a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) and a Master Microsoft Office Specialist (MOSM) certified in Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word. She is certified as a Microsoft Specialist in Project 2013 and a Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) in Windows OS and Database Administration. Sharon is also a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and her company, PPO Help, Inc., has been a Registered Microsoft Partner since 2004. |
| Tim Furlong |
A nationally recognized speaker, facilitator & executive coach, Tim Furlong and his unique brand of "edutainment" have been engaging organizations for two decades. The Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, Whole Foods, Michael Kors, the National Parks Service, the University of Michigan athletic department, and the NHL's Nashville Predators are just a few of organizations that have chosen to utilize Tim and his dynamic, insightful presentations. Tim is also the author of the book Quarter Turns-Small Shifts, Big Impact and the creator of the "Quarter Turns" coaching program which enables leaders to identify small shifts in behavior that yield highly impactful, sustainable results. From CEO's of fortune 500 companies, to platinum selling recording artists, Tim's coaching & training programs have empowered thousands of individuals and organizations to achieve at the highest levels. |
| Holly Gagnon | 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. |
| Jason Ghazinour | |
| Claire Griffith | |
| Gregory Gudenkauf | |
| Marcy Harper | |
| Maggie Harris | |
| 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. |
| Constance Holdip | |
| Eileen Moore Johnson |
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. |
| Cathy Judd-Stei |
Cathy Judd-Stein was appointed in February 2019 by then Governor Charlie Baker as chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the single regulatory body of Massachusetts's casino and sports wagering industries. In March of 2024, she retired from her lengthy public service career and recently established a consulting firm, CJS Strategies LLC. Prior to her appointment to the MGC, Ms. Judd-Stein served, from both sides of the political aisle, as part of five successive gubernatorial administrations, in roles including Deputy Chief Legal Counsel to Governor Baker and Executive Director of the Judicial Nominating Committee for Governor Deval Patrick. She also served as General Counsel to the State Treasurer and Director of Policy and Special Counsel for the Massachusetts State Lottery. She began her legal career in the real estate department of a large Boston law firm. Ms. Judd-Stein has been recognized for driving governance excellence and innovation through her strategic perspective and a commitment to compliance, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. Ms. Judd-Stein served as an instructor of "Ethics and Public Policy" for UMass Boston's John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies from 2007-2015. Ms. Judd-Stein is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School. She is President of the Board of Trustees of St. Johnsbury Academy in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. She is a member of the Women's Health Advisory Board for the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. In 2020, she completed her six-year term as a member of the National Board of Directors for GLAAD -the media amplifier and advocate for the LGBTQ community. Ms. Judd-Stein served as president of her college class from 2012-2018 and as president of Dartmouth College's Class Presidents Association from 2014-2015. She is past chair of the Board of Directors of Boston's Nurtury and past chair of the Board of Trustees of Winchester (Massachusetts) Foundation for Educational Excellence. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Rob Levrant | 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. |
| 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. |
| James Massey | |
| Jim McClenahan |
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. |
| Melissa Moats | |
| Judith (Judi) Moreo | |
| Maria Ngo | |
| Amy Pourciau |
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 | 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. |
| Cynthia Radley | |
| John Reckling | |
| Trey Smith |
As an experienced business transformation consultant, George specializes in boosting productivity, reducing employee turnover, and streamlining processes. He focuses on empowering people through strong leadership commitment, fostering open communication, and aligning values with goals. His passion lies in creating sustainable transformation in organizational culture, driving enhanced employee engagement and satisfaction. With an MBA from UNLV, George also brings over 21 years of program management and business analysis with the US Air Force including earning Distinguished Graduate honors: Top 10% in leadership, academics, and physical fitness among graduating class of 300+ officer candidates. |
| Continuing Ed Staff | |
| ETC Staff | |
| Heidi Sunderhaft | |
| Vernetta Thomas | |
| Petersen 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 | |
| Chadwick Whetman | |
| Janise Wiggins | |
| 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. |
UNLV Community Education Building
4350 S. Maryland Pkwy.
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 895-3394