Trainer — Mac, Web, Internet

Teaching Experience

Computer

Since 1997 I have been presenting sessions at Macworld Expo's east & west coast shows. This has included User Conferences, Pre-Conference Workshops, Mac Beginnings sessions, and other special sessions. I have also appeared on the IDG Books' stage, at the User Group Lounge, and as a guest at vendor booths.

As a book author, I have spoken/taught at many a venue, such as bookstores, Adobe-sponsored workshops, local business organizations, and Macintosh User Groups.

As a Mac and Web specialist, I have taught at trade shows such as MacFair LA (1995-1998) and Internet World.

As a contractor for a major computer training company from 1994-1997, I was hired to do Mac training at many companies around LA. Clients included several divisions of Universal Studios, Dreamworks, Wells Fargo executives, and more.

As an independent Macintosh consultant since 1994, I have done training at numerous LA companies and individuals. Companies include Disney, Sony Studios, some Centruy City law firms, Fatburger, FedEx, Khera clothing design, a Santa Monica Blvd bookstore, and a few area actors. My clients have been able to count on full confidentiality.

In the days before the internet was public I spent a couple of years teaching Prodigy to the public. I did formal training classes at New Horizons. I did scheduled classes/presentations in computer stores. I did impromptu demos in software stores.

Additional details are on my Speaking page.

School

Substitute Teacher
For several years, in addition to doing brochure design, I was a substitute teacher (CBEST certified) in 3 Southern California school districts for public school grades K-12. All too often a sub has a difficult task, but my unique approach to teaching never failed. Why? Because I brought my world travels to the classroom, using my photos and travel stories to lead into lessons. Kids that found no reason to bother with fractions suddenly learned them with me when it meant they could do currency exchange and learn about the food in the photo I was showing them. Skills suddenly mattered when students realized the skill would open the world up to them. I was frequently requested back and listed as a preferred instructor — and teachers didn't bother with lesson plans, asking me to use my best judgment and do what struck me. Computer labs were typically closed when the computer teacher was out, but with me in the district computer classes went on. It's this type of reality and connection that I bring to any class or seminar in which I participate.

Adult Ed Computer Teacher
At one elementary school I helped the school make fuller use of its Mac lab by creating a unique family-oriented evening program. My classes introduced parents to the Mac so they could know what their children were doing. I taught the Mac OS as well as ClarisWorks, introducing consumer and business skills along with letter-writing literacy. Because babysitters cost valuable money and the need hindered parents from attending classes, children of all ages were welcome in the class. I trained some of the students to be "Kid teachers" and teach the other children at the back of the room. My "Kid teachers" also did language translation for me as there were four languages spoken in any given class on any night.

High School Programming Specialist
As the "Sub Program" Coordinator at Syosset High School, I developed and implemented daily programs as alternative to subs. This included researching and arranging unique events and speakers that brought extra perspective to the students. I also facilitated internships and externships for students and managed a student staff.

Education Credentials

• Adobe Certified Training Provider & Adobe Certificate Expert (ACE), GoLive
  (in need of renewal)
• CBEST (California Teacher's Credential)
• Sales certifications from IBM, Compaq, Apple, and HP
• BA Communication Studies: State University of NY, Oswego
  Of note, SUCO was the first-ever teacher's college in the US. My major and minor included several education courses at this ground-breaking school.

Real-World Mac, Web, and Software Experience

Computer sales, specializing in video & graphics, SOS Computers, LA & Inacomp Computers, Costa Mesa

Computer Solutions Coach, Since 1994
Recommend equipment and software and MacOS solutions for businesses and individuals. Train users in proper, creative, efficient use of equipment and programs. Create forms, databases, mailings and other tools.

For website-building experience, please see my Web Design page.
My Resume page also provides more details.

How to contact me for training

Please feel free to contact me if you're interesting in having me do a training session for you, your business, trade show, professional group, or event. Or, consider getting a few friends together and we can do a small group session.