Saturday, January 29, 2011

2011: Speakers in Auditorium

Ellen Prager, Ph. D, Marine Scientist/Author/Lecturer, President of Earth2Ocean, Inc, Former Chief Scientist, Aquarius Reef BaseThe Aquarius Reef Base program in Key Largo, FL includes the world’s only undersea research station. Ellen is also a consultant for clients such as the world-renowned Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science at the University of Miami, the President’s U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, Celebrity Cruise Lines, and StormCenter Communications. Inc. She has published a series of books with the National Geographic Society and appeared on many television shows. She is a leader in developing innovative ways to share her passion for the oceans and the en
vironment with the laymen.
Jessie Michaels Cohen
Advanced math student, singer, actress
Jessie is a twelve year old singing sensation! She is also a 7th grader who enjoys advanced classes in science, language arts and mathematics. Last summer she played Annie in the Naples Players musical production, Annie. You can hear her live at Naples’ Evenings on Fifth, the Farmers’ Market, Thursdays on Third and at Village Nights on Venetian Bay, or on her website, www.jessiemichaels.com.
Jaime Crossan-DeBresChild and Youth Advocate at the Shelter for Abused Women and Children, NaplesJamie is a Child and Youth Advocate at the Shelter for Abused Women and Children. Previous to working at the Shelter, Jaime worked as a child protection investigator, a rape crisis counselor, a counselor of a women’s health clinic and a facilitator of a teen pregnancy and parenting class. Jaime has also served on many councils and commissions regarding child abuse and neglect and the equitable treatment of women and children. She is completing her Master’s of Social Work at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Nancy Smith
M. Ed., Teacher on Special Assignment, Collier County Public Schools“Am I a powerful girl? I think so. I’ve spent my life learning, listening, living and loving all aspects of me. I have been an educator for almost thirty years, always trying to answer the whys. I graduated from Purdue University and received my Master’s degree from the University of Southern Florida. I always inspire!”
Heather Zimmerman
Chemistry and Forensic Anthropology student, Florida Gulf Coast University
“I am twenty-three years old and recently graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Forensic Studies and Criminal Justice Studies and minors in Anthropology, Biology and Chemistry. I plan to go to graduate school in hopes of obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy in anthropology, specifically for Forensic Anthropology. My love of science, particularly in the field of chemistry, has given me a unique perspective on the world.

Glen Beitmen
Wizard at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Glen has a degree in education and a degree in art. He has taught college, pre-school, elementary and mentally challenged students and was an Art Director on Sony Playstation and directed projects like Scooby Doo’s Jinks at the Sphinx. Through the United Arts Council he taught classes in Immokalee. “We had such a great time. We wanted to crea
te a perfect mix of science and art to blend with the children’s natural curiosity and love of creating new things.”

2011: Classroom Presenters

Alicia Abbott
Senior Project Manager, Collier County Public Utilities, Engineering Dept.
Alicia grew up in Jamaica, graduated from the University of Miami, FL with a degree in Civil Engineering, married and has 5 children. As an engineer she has designed, bid and constructed many water and wastewater projects. The Governor of Florida appointed her to a water management board. She received the “Galaxy of Stars” Award from the school district for over 3000 hours of volunteer work. Alicia is also very involved in her church activities.
Tanya Neuhaus HorstenD.C., P.A. Chiroptractic Physician, Bohn Chiropractic Clinic
Tanya is originally from New York's Hudson Valley. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a concentration in Sports Medicine.She obtained her Doctorate degree in Chiropractic from Life University in Atlanta. She is married to an anesthesiologist and is a proud mother
Iris Bland
Ph. D, Retired Professor of Mathematics“I have taught math for many years both in high school and here at Edison State College. Today, it’s about you. Are you tired of adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing? If yes, then let me take you to the land of math that asks questions with “funny” answers. You will be surprised that math, yes, math can be so interesting…
Karen Bockrath
LPN, Aristocrat, Naples
“I grew up on a farm in Ohio. I milked cows and cleaned hog floors. I would tell my dad what I wanted to do when I grew up and he would remind me that ‘a woman’s place is in the home’. My grandfather taught me how to weld, take tractors apart and put them back together. I married my husband at age eighteen and had ten children. I graduated from Ohio State and worked as a processing engineer for twenty-five years. My factory closed down. I went back to college at age forty-seven to become a nurse, an LPN, and graduated number one in my class. I now work at the Aristocrat in Naples.
Bonny L. EadsB.S, O.D., F.A.A.O., Optometrist, Co-Owner of practice
She has been an optometrist for thirty-five years, in practice with her husband. They are proud of their two daughters, Stephanie, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Amelia, an architecture student in a Masters program. Bonny has made a strong commitment to be an active part of her community and be of service to others, especially those who are in the most need. Lifetime Girl Scout, past 4H leader, certified instructor at the Naples Equestrian Challenge for handicapped children and adults, involved with collaborations and vision services with Head Start, Shelter for Abused Women, PACE, Lions Club, Salvation Army and the school district’s Homeless Student program. It is not surprising her community has recognized her with many awards.
Nancy Beights
Ph.D,
Secondary Coordinator for Math and Computer Science, Collier County Public Schools
Nancy graduated from the University of Michigan with honors: biology major, mathematics minor. She graduated from Purdue with a Masters in Secondary School Administration and Mathematics, followed by a Doctorate with High Honors from the University of Miami in Educational Leadership. She received the Golden Apple Teacher Award and was nominated for Outstanding American Teachers in 2006. She sings in her church choir, is a member of her neighborhood association and is a member of the group, Friends of the Library.
Tracey TruesdellT^3 Regional Instructor, Collier County Public Schools
“I have been teaching Middle School mathematics for the past 16 years and am currently a Math Intervention Specialist for Collier County. I am also a Regional Instructor for Texas Instruments. I enjoy sharing my love of math and technology with students and other educators.”
Allyson Swanson
P.E., Project Engineer, Stantec Consulting
Allyson works at a professional consulting firm that supports public and private sector clients at every stage of infrastructure and facilities development from initial concept to completion and beyond. Her degree is in Civil Engineering. She fills her free time training for triathlons and marathons and teaching fitness classes at a local gym. She is actively involved in many professional and social organizations.
Jennifer L. Languell, .Ph.D. President, Trifecta Construction Solutions
Jennifer has been one of the country’s preeminent consultants in the creation of healthy, efficient and sustainable projects such as single-family homes, commercial buildings and land development. She conducts about 100 educational training seminars for the building industry. She has won awards for vision and leadership and small business practices. As an award winning author, she has appeared on CNN, Business Week, and the Discovery Channel. She serves on non-profit boards,
Kim Schemmer
D.V.M,
Veterinarian, Gulfshore Animal Hospital
“I grew up in central Florida with 3 brothers and an assortment of pets. Taking the pets to the vet helped me decide to become a veterinarian. My husband, a veterinarian, and I bought the Gulfshore Animal Hospital in 1987. We have 2 daughters. Our 16 year old has decided to become a vet, while our 18 year old wants to be a pediatrician.”
Jessica Stearns
Major United States Air Force, Retired
“I began flight lessons while in high school and earned my pilots certificate at age 17. I served 20 years in the USAF, as a navigator and a pilot. Next, I flew for People Express and Continental Airlines, retiring as a Captain in 2000. I continue to fly as an instructor in both airplanes and gliders.”
Gay ThompsonPresident, Cement Industries of Fort Myers
Gay is a fourth generation Floridian! She graduated from the University of North Carolina, Phi Beta Kappa, with a B.A. degree in French, and later, with a Masters Degree. She began working at Cement Industries in charge of payroll and benefits and is now president and CEO. Throughout the years she has taken leadership roles in business organizations and community associations. She enjoys hiking, reading, writing, travel and golf.