Q: What kind of things do you see happening in your fitness and relaxation class at the Aphasia Center?

The class has changed and developed over the year or so that I have been here. What we do has been influenced by the needs and interests of the members in the class. If something does not work I change it or eliminate it. The members of the class are very responsive and I am excited at the work they are able to do with their limited range of motion. I can really see progress in some of them, especially the ones who come regularly. There is also a strong feeling of community in the group. Everyone encourages each other. When I see smiles on everyone's faces that makes me extremely happy.

Q: How does your ACC work compare to work you've done in the past?

My work with the ACC is different from what I have done in the past because it is the first time I have taught a group with physical limitations.

It has been a challenge to find ways to move that will accommodate the physical limitations but still challenge the class physically. I am learning a lot as I work at the ACC.

Q: Why is the ACC a unique place to teach?

The ACC is a unique place to work because there is such camaraderie among members in the group. Also, the staff is extremely supportive of my work and that is always appreciated. Working with a smaller group has a great sense of intimacy that I do not get some of my other classes with 55 people or more.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself, both personally and professionally.

My background is in the field of dance. I taught dance at the high school level for 36 years. My classes included modern dance, jazz dance, some ballet, ethnic dance and choreography. Throughout my teaching career I continued to study and take classes. I have had some performing experiences as well. My introduction to dance was at the age of 4, when my mother enrolled me in ballet class with my sister. I studied ballet for 8 years, and then realized that I was not going to become a ballerina given my height and weight. In high school I discovered modern dance and fell in love with that style of dance. I t seemed so much more creative and fit who I was. After high school I went to S.F. State and majored in home economics with a minor in dance. (There was not a dance major at that time.) During my first two years of teaching, I taught home economics and dance. Over the years I began to teach more dance until I came to Skyline High School where I had a full program of dance-- beginning, intermediate, and advanced. We did numerous shows and I choreographed both for my class and for the musical that we did each year.

Personally, I enjoy working in my garden, travel, and various forms of crafts. At the present time I am exploring making mosaics. I also do bead work. I love spending time in the out doors and am a member of the Sierra Club. I am co-leader of a weekly hike at Lake Chabot in Castro Valley. I also go camping with the Sierra Club, and sometimes with my sister who lives in Northern California. I try to juggle being retired and working at the same time. Some days are free just for me to do what I want, but often they get filled with activities. I joined the YMCA in order to have another place to exercise. I know the importance of exercise in maintaining a healthy body and I try to commit myself to working out on a regular basis as well as teaching.

Q: What led you to pursue a career in teaching?

My mother was a teacher. When she married my father, she quit teaching to raise her family. My dad died when I was only 16. My mother still had my brother and me at home. With her teaching background she was able to get a job again, this time teaching adults, and she taught for about 15 more years. She really influenced my decision to become a teacher. Also, when I was going to school there were not as many options for women as there are today. I enjoyed my 36 years of teaching and have never regretted my choice of professions.

Q: Can you think of anything else you would like to mention?

I love dance, and I love movement! My body has to move. It has a hard time being still. When I dance hard it is like the most wonderful therapy. It is incredibly restorative. In the past two or three years I have done some liturgical dance at my church. This has been a new experience and very satisfying.