Expert Biographies

AWESOME EXPERTS

8BIT EDUCATION offers a variety of digital media classes ranging from game design to cinematography. Adrian R. Sanchez, owner of 8Bit Education, is an ITT Graduate with Honors in the area of media technologies. He has been teaching throughout the Dallas Metropolitan area and has been working with Dallas International since 2011. His goal is to prepare students for the ever-growing IT markets. Adrian creates fun, interactive, and educational courses, which can be viewed on Facebook @8BitEducation and on Twitter @8BitEdu. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since June 2013.

ABRAKADOODLE® strives to provide a dynamic learning environment that actively sparks children’s imagination. Strategically designed lesson plans are based upon popular children’s books and are aimed to build cognitive, fine motor, and language skills. Kids are encouraged to explore their originality through process art and build confidence in their own creativity. Abrakadoodle provides adventure into art education and helps develop an appreciation of art.

ANDERSON PERFORMING ARTS

is owned and operated by Kristine Anderson. Mrs. Kristine was born and raised in Orange County, California, where she began her dancing journey at the tender age of 3. She continued dancing and competing with local dance studios throughout her childhood. In 2007, Mrs. Kristine began teaching classes. Her vision is to share her love and passion of dance, cheer, music, and theater with children. She hopes to inspire her students and create performers of tomorrow. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since June 2017.

ALEXIS ARMSTRONG offers craft instruction. She has been working for the Senior Recreation Center since 2017. Alexis has always enjoyed crafting with family and friends. She has helped with the holiday craft projects and decorating for parties and luncheons, and has even taken on the role of bingo caller since becoming a member of the team. Alexis enjoys helping others expand their creative expression and have fun. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since January 2018.

CARYL BOOKER has been sharing her passion for music with children since 2004. She learned to play piano as a child from her mother who was the church pianist. Caryl loves to see her students conquer new songs that boost their confidence. She strives to make a positive impact in children’s lives through the gift of music.

PATTI BRADLEY is a 200-Hour Yoga Alliance-certified instructor with additional training from CorePower Yoga, YogaFit, and the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research. Patti mixes several types of yoga into her teaching style, including Vinyasa, Power, and Hatha, paying special attention to transitions, alignment, safety, and fun. She loves that participants of all ages and mobility levels can enjoy the exploration and practice of yoga. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since October 2012.

CHEFSVILLE® has been owned by Scott Horwitz, executive director, since May 2006. His program empowers kids to make healthier food choices by providing opportunities to experiment with various flavors and food groups while learning about nutrition. Scott brings his years of chef experience to the classroom to give youngsters the opportunity to play with food because food should be fun! Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since September 2015.

JARED CHONTOS has been playing the drums since 2004. His passion for percussion led him to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Music from Trevecca Nazarene University. After graduation, he quickly began teaching private and group drum lessons. He currently serves as the Head of the Music Department and Drumline Instructor for Lucas Christian Academy. Jared loves to see children get excited and enthusiastic about drumming.

KATHLEEN CLOWERS teaches Let’s Paint at the Senior Recreation Center. She began painting and drawing at a young age and has continued to develop her talent by learning from others her entire life. Kathleen loves to share her passion through hands on teaching with her students. She is most rewarded by helping others translate what they visually see into paintings.

DAWN COOK teaches Creative Confections and has been working at the Senior Recreation Center since 2018. Dawn enjoys cooking and baking for her family and is always interested in trying new recipes. She enjoys working with others and looks forward to finding quick and delicious treats to make and share. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since 2019.

NANCY CUNNINGHAM teaches Balance and Strength at the Senior Recreation Center. She began teaching group exercise classes in 1988, and earned her certification with Silver Sneakers in 2012. Over the years Nancy has led classes such as Silver and Fit, Zumba Gold, Jazzercise, and Chair Yoga. Nancy is passionate about balance, strength, and low impact aerobics classes. She incorporates body, mind, and spirit during her classes. Nancy believes that exercise, health, and happiness is vital for whole body wellness.

ANGELA DANIEL teaches Creative Confections and Card Making. She has been working for the City of Wylie since 2010 and at the Senior Recreation Center since 2016. Angela loves sharing her creativity and recipes with those around her. She has many great memories of cooking and baking with her grandmother, mother, and children. Her favorite quote is, “The fondest memories happen while gathered around the table.” Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since September 2016.

BEE EGAN is a certified USA Level 1 Archery Instructor. Bee began participating in the sport recreationally in 2013. She gained her love of archery through her family who taught her about the sport. Bee enjoys shooting with her family and participating in friendly competitions. Bee’s objective is to share her passion for archery with others.

SANDY ELKINS offers fine art painting classes. She started painting as a hobby in 2005. In 2011, she became a Robert Garden Certified Instructor. Her lessons include using oil paint, acrylic paint, watercolors, oil pastels, and charcoal. She teaches several techniques using the different mediums, through monthly classes and camps. She teaches perspective, color theory, and timesaving brush strokes, so students may develop a greater understanding of the visual world. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since July 2012.

ENGINEERING FOR KIDS®

brings math, science, technology, and engineering to children in a fun and challenging way. They encourage children to have fun while using their knowledge of engineering and science to design, create, and improve solutions to engineering problems. Programs are designed to meet national standards in STEM education from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-affiliated associations. Engineering for Kids® engages students in hands-on, real-world engineering experiences. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since June 2014.

AWESOME EXPERTS CONTINUED

FUGITIVE FITNESS is owned and operated by Chad Deaver. After receiving his degree from University of Texas at Dallas, Chad discovered the fascinating world of parkour while searching for an outlet from his nine-tofive routine. Now he holds certifications from Cooper Institute, World Parkour, Freerunning Federation. His goal is to share his passion and love for parkour with the youth.

KATHARINE ISBELL, a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, has completed over 500 hours of yoga training and has been teaching in the Wylie area since 2008. Her specialty is Gentle Flow Yoga in which poses and flows, chosen to suit the student’s abilities, are sequenced into a coherent practice. Her desire is to build stronger, healthier participants by sequentially relaxing different areas of the body while strengthening others. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since February 2008.

CHALLENGE ISLAND is owned by Janet Epstein. Janet is passionate about fostering a love of learning in children. She spent 23 years in primary public education as a teacher and an administrator. In 2015, she took on a new venture. Her love of science, math, and engineering led her to Challenge Island. It is her hope that all children will discover new capabilities and come away with a desire to learn more about all things related to STEAM.

ANGELA JACKSON is the founder of Metropolitan Charm and Modeling, and executive director of The Miss Denton County Scholarship Pageant. Since 1999, Angela successfully participated in numerous pageants. She progressed from modeling in rural Southeast Texas to the DFW area, and continued to model and compete in pageants while in college. She accredits her success to manners classes, modeling training, and pageant prep workshops. Her longtime mentor is nationally recognized Ada Duckett of the Miss Texas/Miss America organization.

LORI JAYNES teaches Zumba Fitness. She considers herself a late bloomer in the exercise world, but believes it is never too late to begin a healthy lifestyle. Lori began working for the Senior Recreation Center in 2016, and received her Zumba Basic certification in 2017, and Zumba Gold certification in 2018 in order to share her passion for dance and music with seniors. Lori’s goal is to get you moving and show that exercise should be about having fun. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since October 2017.

GINA KATIN has been coaching volleyball since 2011. She plays competitive sand volleyball every week, but her true passion is teaching kids. Gina has coached all ages, from kindergarten all the way through high school. Her classes focus on the rules, plays, and techniques of volleyball. Gina’s goal is to coach in such a way that kids become confident with handling the ball and acquire a love for the sport.

MATT KRUSE leads Model Masters and Texas Hold ‘Em instruction. Since joining the Senior Recreation Center staff in 2013, he has become the goto handyman and card dealer. Matt is an experienced woodcrafter who can build anything from cabinetry to decorative figurines. Matt perfected his woodworking and whittling skills while growing up on the family farm. He loves to teach others the trade. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since June 2014.

LUPE KUHARSKY offers wreath making. Lupe is a former educator and administrator from Mesquite ISD and has been a participant of the Senior Recreation Center since 2012. After retirement, she was inspired to start crafting by her sister, who makes beautiful jewelry, and a neighbor, who made wreaths. In addition to making wreaths, Lupe’s favorite crafts are sewing one-of-a kind blue jean purses/ bags and cross stitching. She loves seeing the excitement from the ladies as they finish their own individual wreaths. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since September 2016.

ERIN LAREW has a passion for both people and Zumba that led to her becoming an instructor in early 2009. Erin brings a positive, vivacious attitude to the classroom, and it is reflected in her dance style. Classes are lively and interactive. Erin has participated in several major Wylie Recreation Center events, including Club Sweat. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since April 2011.

PAM LITTLE leads the Rock On class at Wylie Senior Recreation Center. She has been part of the Senior Recreation Center team since 2016 and strongly believes in expressing yourself through art. Her love for crafting began when she was a Brownie in Girl Scouts and has grown into a full-time hobby in her adult life. Pam is a patient leader and enjoys engaging with her students in new crafting projects. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since October 2017.

DEBRA MEYER teaches cake decorating. She has been part of the Senior Recreation Center team since 2019, and is excited to share fresh inspiration, and design techniques. Debra learned techniques to design a professional-looking cake from her mother, and enjoys enhancing her skills through making cakes often for family and friends.

KATE PHILIPPI teaches Basic Floral Design and Gardening. She has been an active participant of the Senior Recreation Center since 2014. Kate started in the floral industry in 1973. She studied floral design and earned her Florist Transworld Delivery master design certification. She has owned four flower shops in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and taught floral design at the Tulsa Technology Center for 12 years. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since June 2016.

PLAY-WELL originated in 1997 when Tim Bowen had the idea to get kids engaged and excited about the concepts of engineering, architecture, and physics using LEGO. Play-Well’s mission is to help kids solve problems, provide an opportunity for creative expression, and develop teamwork skills through building elaborate objects and collaborating with their peers. PlayWell is dedicated to kids having fun and expressing themselves through the world of play.

KARRI ANN PONS has been sharing her passion for art since 2006. Karri grew up loving nature and the great outdoors. She had a knack for photography and enjoyed capturing the wild, open spaces of the countryside. Earning an art degree from Texas A&M University, Karri mastered drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, and more. She enjoys creating something from nothing, and sharing the joy of art with others.

SHIRLEY POULAN leads Scrap It! After retiring from air conditioning contracting, Shirley found herself with a creative mind and a lot of free time. She began scrap booking to create unique and meaningful gifts for each of her grandchildren to own when they graduate from high school. Now, Shirley is excited to share her skills with others and help them turn their memories into precious works of art.

JAMES RANDELL has been practicing Tibetan, Wu, Wu (Hao), and Yang tai chi since 1990. He began his student teaching in 1998 under the direction of his teacher and mentor Dr. Robert Carpenter in New Mexico. After four years of training, James was awarded a black belt and the title of “Sifu” (teacher) in Yang style tai chi in 2000. He has taught at the YMCA in Dallas and Plano, as well as private and semi-private classes. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since April 2011.

DAL SANDERS, founder of the Dallas Magic Academy and former Ronald McDonald, has been teaching and performing magic since the 1980s. Dal has performed all over the world, appeared on a variety of television shows, and served as the President of the Society of American Magicians. Dal has a passion for sharing his love of magic with kids. He believes that magic connects people together and teaches vital interpersonal skills.

STEVE SCHKADE has been teaching Tennis since 1980 and is a United States Professional Tennis Association certified coach. He coached for 14 years at Frisco ISD and 13 years at Allen ISD, building both of the tennis programs into consistent top 10 programs in the state of Texas. Coach Schkade was named Dallas Morning News All Area Coach of the Year in 2008. He has also been named Coach of the Year at the 3-A, 4-A, and 5-A levels.

SCIENCE MATTERS has been offering high-quality STEM enrichment programs since 1999. Their handson, inquiry-based curriculum sparks imagination and fires up creativity. Science Matters introduces young scientists to chemistry, physics, biology, and more. They bring science to life through daily projects and activities. Science Matters’ goal is to ensure that every child has meaningful hands-on STEM experiences.

DONNA SHIRLEY from the Smith Public Library heads up the Third Monday Book Bunch. She has been with the library since 2003. Donna earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies at Oklahoma Christian University and received a Master of Library Science from The University of Oklahoma. While she enjoys reading nonfiction and many other genres, she is especially fond of British mysteries and horror. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since November 2015.

AMBER SMITH has been sewing since 1992. Her passion for fabrics, stitches, and embroidery began with her mother, who taught her the art of sewing and quilting. At the age of 11, Amber began selling her sewn items and handmade doll clothes. Amber strives to boost hand-eye coordination, self-confidence, and creativity within her students. She has taught sewing and held private lessons since 2011. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since January 2013.

SOCCER SHOTS is a leader in youth soccer development for children ages 2 through 8. This nationally recognized program offers a high-energy, ageappropriate introduction to the game of soccer. The innovative curriculum utilizes creativity, games, and imagination to teach both soccer skills and character development. The goal of Soccer Shots is simple: to leave a lasting, positive impact on every child served. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since October 2011.

SOCCER SPARKS has been teaching soccer skills in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2009. Their focus is the physical development of children and the community as a whole. Their classes are designed to teach kids the proper skills and sound principles of the game while focusing on fun in a noncompetitive environment. This allows youth soccer players the opportunity to simply enjoy the sport while acquiring the necessary skill set and passion for the game without the pressure of outcomes.

MICHELLE STONE teaches Good Yarns. Michelle has been working at the Senior Recreation Center since 2015. She has been crocheting since she was a teenager and continues to learn new stitches to bring to her students. Michelle enjoys sharing what she has learned with others and loves seeing the joy on students’ faces when they understand a concept or master a new skill. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since June 2016.

SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS

AND ATHLETES (SSA) is geared toward preparing children for their future while having fun. SSA strives to enhance confidence, leadership, and communication skills within their students. SSA emphases the importance of physical and mental health. Children experience boosted self-esteem, the ability to focus and be more alert, reduced stress levels, improved teamwork skills, and enhanced positivity. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since June 2013.

DAN THOMPSON holds a black belt in karate. He began training in martial arts in 1990, beginning with four years of tai chi and then moving on to karate. Dan wants to share his experience, knowledge, passion, and skills with his students. Dan believes karate is a lifelong activity and that there is always a new skill, technique, and move to learn.

YEE HSUN U holds a fifth degree black belt in Ryubukai Okinawan KarateDo and a first degree black belt in Kojosho Karate. Since 1967, Yee Hsun has practiced various forms of martial arts including Karate-Do, Taekwondo and Bukijutsu (Kobudo), Judo, Wing Chun Kungfu, and Arnis. Yee Hsun has been an assistant instructor to sensei Nakaya of the Okinawan Karate-Do classes since 2004 and the head instructor at the City of Mesquite Florence Community Center since 2008. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since April 2011.

LESLIE WILLIAMS is a health and fitness enthusiast. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science and was a springboard diving coach for five years. Leslie has been teaching Boot Camp classes since 2016. One of her favorite aspects about the Boot Camp format is that it is a group activity. This builds community and allows people to encourage each other and grow stronger together.

YOUNG REMBRANDTS® teaches basic to advanced drawing skills, art techniques, and vocabulary. Using a step-by-step method, every student is a creative success. Since 1997, Young Rembrandts has used technical drawing skills to break down complex objects into familiar shapes and increase student creativity, helping students to turn their drawings into astonishing masterpieces. Young Rembrandts® unique method also improves fine motor skills, patience, focus, and the ability to stay on task. Awesome expert for Wylie Recreation since February 2012.