MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS

Ann Daley Smrekar—Knitting

Ann Daley Smrekar has been knitting since she was seven years old.  Pink variegated Barbie® sleeping bags gave way to hats, mittens, and sweaters, and now she will knit just about anything with just about anything.   Ann lives with her patient husband, their daughter and son, and too many single balls of yarn in Willoughby .  She and Louise Vouk are members and newsletter co-editors for the Northcoast Knitting Guild.    

Debbie Dolovacky—Cardio Express

Deborah Dolovacky is an ACE certified instructor since 1998. She has taught a wide variety of classes for businesses and community programs including body sculpting, step aerobics, abdominal and cardio classes. In addition, Debbie has designed fun, innovative programs to help clients lose weight and become more educated in health and well-being.

Louise Fabian Vouk —Knitting

Louise admits to being a knit-o-holic, knitting furiously for family and friends. She learned while living abroad, promptly forgot it when she returned and picked it up again in the early 90’s. She belongs to the Northcoast Knitting Guild (www.northcoastknitting.org) and loves to share knitting with others so that they too can enjoy its calming and soothing effects.

Paula Gardner--Yoga

Paula has been practicing yoga for eight years and is a graduate of TRY4LIFE teacher training. She has received her 200 hours yoga teacher certification and is a member of the Yoga Alliance. She is continuing her yoga journey by studying for the 500 hours teacher certification and certification in yoga therapy. Paula is also a level II reiki practitioner and she teaches yoga at Lakeland Community College, The Federated Church in Chagrin Falls, Burton Board of Education and senior chair yoga at the Weils of Bainbridge. Paula is committed to a paractice of mindful awareness and compassion. Her intention is to help her students discover health, healing and well being. Paula lives in Chesterland with her husband, Brent, three cats and two dogs.

Mary Ellen Piraino—Massage Therapy

Mary Ellen is a 2003 graduate of the massage therapy program at Lakeland Community College . She is licensed through the Medical Board of Ohio and is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. Mary Ellen enjoys providing seniors with relief from sore muscles, joint and nerve pain, while lifting their spirits and encouraging them in a healthy lifestyle!

Nancy “Nailah” Schuemann (wesnap@juno.com) —Middle Eastern Dance

Nailah has studied Middle Eastern dance for over 20 years with numerous renowned dancers and has given private lessons and group seminars. She is a former member of Troupe Dayim Lahib and has danced professionally, incorporating sword and cane in her American Cabaret and folk routines.

Paul Wallace—Tai Chi Chuan

Paul has been studying and teaching tai chi chuan, which is an ancient Chinese art form and exercise, for over 15 years. He has taught tai chi programs for several senior centers and recreation departments over the years.