ADULT PROGRAMS - Needham Public Schools

INSTRUCTOR BIOS
Writing from Lesley University, and has several years
of experience researching and editing in writing groups.
She has taught writing classes for Needham Adult Education
for several years and is an instructor for Intuitive
Writing Workshops. Recently, Anna has also taught
adult education writing classes in her native Sweden.
Anna is also a culinary instructor and loves sharing her
passion for food, especially educating others in Glutenfree
baking and cooking.
DAVID SMOKLER received a BA in English from Connecticut
College and an MA in Teaching English from
Bridgewater State College. He taught English at Needham
High School for many years and collaborated with
NHS colleague Dan Hudder to design a program of
SAT Prep classes for high school students. His latest
book, Interactive Learning Experiences, Grades 6-9:
Increasing Student Engagement and Learning was
released by Corwin Press in 2009.
ELIZABETH SPARK, MD, brings over 25 years of experience
teaching communication and stress management
skills in group settings as well as in her medical
practice located in Newton, MA. NVC (Non Violent
Communication) has touched her profoundly and has
become a major influence in her work with patients as
well as in her personal life. For more information on
NVC, go to www.cnvc.org
KAT SUWALSKI is a personal trainer, teaches Russian
Kettle Bells, is co-owner at Love Pole Fitness in
Bellingham and a teacher trainer through Hoopnotica
Hooping. She teaches hula hooping at various area
programs. Her infectious passion for health and fun
gives this 1960’s pastime a thrilling face-lift! Visit Kat
at www.wildkathoops.com
LAVONNE SUWALSKI graduated with a BA in Fine
Arts from Emmanuel College, and received a MA in
the Liberal Arts with a Watercolor Focus from Clark
University. Lavonne has taught all levels and ages of
artists, from elementary age children to adults. For a
gallery of Lavonne’s work, and more information about
her philosophy and teaching style go to www.lavonnesuwalski.com
KATIE SWEGAN has an undergraduate degree in
Spanish from the University of Mary Washington, and a
MEd with a concentration in Spanish from Framingham
State College. She teaches Spanish at Needham High
School, and has taught SAT Prep classes for Needham
Community Education since the fall of 2006.
SANDRA THORBJORNSEN has been teaching
Zumba and Hip Hop classes at area health and
recreation programs for many years. Her classes
have an enthusiastic and loyal following. Sandra has
recently begun teaching Zumba Toning classes, having
received certification as a Zumba Toning instructor.
BRIAN WASIK is co-owner, with his family, of the
Cheese Shop in Wellesley, a well-known and popular
shop started in 1979 by their father and mother, Steve
and Carol. Born into the business and raised in the
back room of his family’s cheese shop, Brian now
serves as head cheese buyer and cellar manager.
Brian has devoted his life to the knowledge of procuring,
ripening, and selling cheese. His Cheese classes,
done for private parties and events, are known to be
informative, delicious, and most of all fun. For more information
on the Cheese Shop, go to www.wasiks.com
NANCY WILDE, a Needham resident, is a massage
therapist, Certified Neuromuscular Therapist, and a
Massachusetts Licensed Vocational Technical Educator.
She has taught massage therapy for over 20 years, both
at the certification level and for professional development
and continuing education. She has a massage
therapy practice in Needham Center where she specializes
in massage therapy for relaxation, clinical massage
for pain and injury and prenatal/pregnancy massage.
BABETTE WILS is a member of the Needham Community
Farm Board of Directors and has a long-standing
commitment to sustainable living. This has included
three green building projects, a large sort-of permaculture
garden, and thinking of new ways to eat local food
year round in New England. She lives with her husband
and two children in Needham and works as a policy
consultant at UNICEF and the World Bank.
ANDREA WINTERER is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL
PLANNER, with more than 12 years of experience
as a financial services professional. Andrea graduated
Summa Cum Laude from the University of Vermont
with a degree in finance. In addition, she completed
the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Designation and
had CLTC designation (Certified in Long Term Care
Planning). She enjoys tennis, CrossFit, and skiing.
MIKE WOLOSHYN is a professional upholsterer who
has taught upholstery for Needham Community Education
for many years, and has developed a following of
very enthusiastic students.
FAX: 781-455-0417 • PHONE: 781-455-0400 x235
39