Instructors Bios

Vickie Bailey-McMichael was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She received her Masters of Education specializing in Gifted and Talented programs. Having made her home in Conway for 37 years, she cares for two rescue donkeys, Lester and Esther. She also enjoys hiking in state and national parks as well as gardening of all types. Winter 2026 is her first time to teach for LifeQuest at Conway.

Karin Bara began practicing yoga in 1996 and started teaching yoga in 2010. She holds a 500-hour certification in therapeutic style yoga, and a certification in chair yoga. Her yoga philosophy is, “If you can breathe, you can practice yoga." Her yoga classes focus on safety, stretching, fun, and well-being. Karin has two grown children, two grandchildren, and lives in Little Rock with her sweet rescue dog. She began teaching for LifeQuest in 2016.

Michael Borrelli, retired Basic Science Professor at UAMS. Has bachelor's in Astronomy and Biology as well as PhD in Biophysics. Part of the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society. Began teaching astronomy at LifeQuest in Fall 2022.

Born in West Memphis, Arkansas. Dr. of Pharmacy. Enjoys reading, and exercise. She is an avid volunteer for LifeQuest and the Patrick Hayes Center. Began teaching at LifeQuest in 2018.

He has been a columnist since February 1986 and won several state awards and two national awards from the Association of State Capitol Reporters and Editors for commentary. He authored a book on Bill Clinton's first year as president, entitled High Wire, published in 1994. He began his popular "Behind the Headlines" class for LifeQuest in 1997.

Experienced oil painter who has taught at LifeQuest since 2019. Won Best of Show Gold Award in 2020 from the Arkansas League of Artists Members Show. Enjoys games, exercising and gardening. Began teaching at LifeQuest in 2019.

Began teaching at LifeQuest in 2018. Retired professor of Theatre & Dance from UALR, he has a degrees from University of Arizona, and a PhD from the University of Utah. Drawing from his background and varied interests, he incorporates film, poetry, music, dance, and spoken word and dramatic scenes in many of his LifeQuest classes.

Caprise Cooper was born in Chicago, Illinois. She has a degree in fine art and studied for 8 years at an open studio. She has about 20 years experience with pastels and is a member of the Arkansas Pastel Society. She has taught pastel underpaintings and oil painting. She also enjoys hiking and motorcycling.

Tom Courtway was born in Wynne, Arkansas and graduated from Conway High School. He went on to graduate from Hendrix College, the University of Arkansas School of Law, and Georgetown University. Courtway practiced law for several years and previously served as UCA general counsel and interim president, vice president of Hendrix College, interim director of the Arkansas Department of Education, and served three terms in Arkansas House of Representatives. The Winter of 2026 will be his first time to teach with LifeQuest at Conway.

Born in Little Rock, AR. Tom has degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music as well as a Master's in Social Work. He has taught about the history of jazz piano, jazz piano instruction, and composition for over 45 years. Click his picture for more information. Began teaching at LifeQuest in 2019.

Ruthann was born in Pittsburgh, PA. She attended the College of William & Mary, the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver and University of Central Arkansas. She began teaching as a Theatre Artist after a long professional performance career on stage. She currently serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Conway Symphony Orchestra. She enjoys pickleball, traveling, and is an avid reader. Her first class with LifeQuest at Conway was in the winter of 2026.

Tom DeBlack is a native Arkansan from Little Rock. He studied at SMU and the University of Arkansas. He taught at Arkansas Tech on Arkansas History and Civil War History. He has written and published on both topics. He enjoys caring for numerous pets, exercise, researching and reading. He began teaching at LifeQuest at Conway in 2026.

Editorial Cartoonist for the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Syndicated Cartoonist for Creators Syndicate, Sculptor for Deering Studio. He studied Art at Truman Alston Studio and University of Arkansas at Little Rock. John had a unique childhood growing up in a fire station and is the only instructor to have been bitten by a piranha and a monkey that we know of. Began teaching at LifeQuest in 2016.

Anthony Dillard is the Onboarding and Culture Manager at Little Rock Athletic Club and is the Beginning Pickleball Instructor for the winter 2024 term thanks to our sponsor, The Little Rock Athletic Club. Originally from Springfield, Missouri, he and his wife have a young daughter, Emery.

BFA in art & design. Worked as interior designer and retired in 2011 when she began teaching painting. Graphite and oil mediums are preferred. Click on picture for more information.

Jenni Duncan began teaching at LifeQuest in 2023. She was born in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. She has a BS in Education with a minor in Spanish and a Masters of Religious Education. She is a retired United Methodist pastor, writer and artist. She has taught English as a second language, bilingual cooking classes, and Spanish-language Bible Study.

Jessica Durand was born in Columbia, Tennessee. She is the Senior Associate Pastor at St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock as of 2021.She studied history at Auburn University and received her M.Div. from Emory University.. She enjoys running, reading and knitting. She has 200 hours as a Certified Yoga Teacher from Blue Yoga NYLA in North Little Rock. She has taught yoga at LifeQuest since Fall Term 2022.

Originally from Dumas, Arkansas. He attended school at Hendrix College (B.A.), and Georgetown University (J.D.). Retired U.S. Ambassador (Republic of Malawi and Republic of Congo) and Foreign Policy Instructor at Hendrix College form 2010-2017. For more in-depth bio, please click Alan's photo to download more information. He enjoys reading foreign policy and fiction and traveling (mostly to France.) He began teaching at LifeQuest in 2016.

Dr. Charles Feild studied at Hendrix College, UAMS and Tulane University. He specialized in pediatrics and was the Executive Director of Head Start in Arkansas. He enjoyed association with the Quapaw Area Council of the Boy Scouts including as a board member. His family genealogy in Arkansas has been a passion serving as his material for teaching at LifeQuest beginning in Fall 2022.

Charlie Frith is retired from Toxicology Pathology Associates. He earned his DVM from Auburn University and PhD in Veterinary Pathology and Toxicology from Colorado State University. He loves photography, reading, and gadgets, especially Apple products. He other passions include volunteering with Stewpot and Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Family Services. Charlie began teaching at LifeQuest in 2000.

Born in Romania, Ticu Gamalie began a career in the travel industry with short tours of the Black Sea. Graduated from Bucharest Physics University. Invited to the US in 1998 as an exchange professor where he graduated with a Masters in Science and Education. He is an Associate Professor at Arkansas State University in Beebe since 2010 and teaches Physics, Earth Science and Environmental Science. He began teaching at LifeQuest in the spring of 2024.

John retired from FIS/Systematics after working for over 34 years just before the pandemic hit. He was born in Pine Bluff but raised in North Little Rock. His degree in History and Writing was received from UALR. He has studied Napoleon for over 40 years and published two articles in Napoleon Magazine. He began teaching at LifeQuest in the Fall of 2022.

David Edwin Gifford is a noted author and art pottery expert with several books on Niloak, Camark, and American art ceramics. His work has contributed significantly to the documentation and preservation of Arkansas’s ceramic traditions from the early 20th century to the postwar era. He began teaching at LifeQuest in the Spring of 2025.

Terry earned a PhD from the Chicago Theological Seminary in history and religion. He taught world religions and world history for a number of years. In his free time, he enjoys reading, writing and sauntering in state parks. Terry facilitates book groups and offers classes online for the Cobb Institute / Center for Process Studies (part of the Eco-Civilization movement). He began teaching with LifeQuest in the winter of 2023.

Dennis Haning is a retired insurance agent who serves as the treasurer for the Rotary International in Little Rock. He first joined LifeQuest in the spring term of 2024 and has been involved with Tell Your Own Story since. He joins JoEllen as a co-facilitator of this class in the winter of 2025.

Born in Jena, Louisiana, Earlene Hannah began her studies in fitness with a BA in PE from NLU and continued with her Masters in Kinesiology from UCA. She has played pickleball since the late 1970s. She was the first full-time female athletics staffer at Hendrix in 1974 and taught there until 1997. Along with her passion for pickleball, she enjoys paper crafting and card making. Her first term with LifeQuest at Conway is in Winter 2026.

Roger Hawkins moved to Little Rock from Delaware. He has a Masters in Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. On behalf of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas, Roger now provides new tutors with valuable insight and prepares them to become the best tutors they can be at training workshops.

Born in Montrose, Colorado, Rhonda pursued an education to become a pediatrician. Her studies included University of Oklahoma and a Pediatric Residency at University of Arkansas. She enjoyed being a pediatrician in Conway Children's Clinic for many years. She enjoys gardening, cooking and brewing beer. As an avid reader, she is excited to have her first book club at LifeQuest at Conway starting in Winter 2026.

Spring Hunter is the Board Chair of Conway Ministry Center. She graduated from Arkansas Tech. She has made multiple trips to Central America for mission work. Representing the Conway Ministry Center, she is sharing her passion to help Arkansans with LifeQuest at Conway in Winter 2026.

Born in Santa Ana, CA, Susan enjoys painting landscapes and walking. She is pastel artist with training from Louisiana Tech University. Has taught portrait and landscape classes in Arkansas, Ohio, and Georgia. Click her picture for more information. She began teaching at LifeQuest in 2019.

Born in Fordyce, Arkansas and living in Little Rock with her husband, a retired museum exhibits designer, Jane is a retired natural history interpreter who last worked for Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. Jane graduated from Hendrix College and taught environmental education in the state for more than 35 years. She began teaching at LifeQuest in 2023.

Originally from Johnson City, Tennessee, Rev. Nathan Kilbourne is the Senior Pastor of Conway First United Methodist Church as of January 2023. He has served in multiple appointments across Arkansas during the last 14 years. He has a Masters of Divinity from Duke Divinity School. His loves to share about his past and future travels. His first class with LifeQuest at Conway is in Winter 2026.

Born in Digby, Lincolnshire, England, Ian King was educated by receiving his BA in Politics from University of Hull, UK; a PhD in Political Science from University of Minnesota (Twin Cities); and MFA Creative Writing from Queens University of Charlotte, NC. He taught politics and literature at Hendrix College from 1985 - 2011. He enjoys creative writing, and photographing wildlife in connection with global travel. He first taught at LifeQuest in 2017.

Pam Kiser was born in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. She is a retired family medical specialist with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She enjoys reading, taking care of dogs and spending time with family and friends. She began teaching Pickleball at LifeQuest in the Winter 2023 term.

Doris received a math degree from Queens College in New York. She worked for Systematics and Alltel in the training department. In 2020, she began taking photographs as a side job including weddings, birthdays and other events. She is a member of the LifeQuest Board of Directors and Curriculum Committee. She began teaching in the Fall of 2022.

A member of Mid-Southern Watercolorists, Stephen came highly recommended to LifeQuest. He retired from teaching mathematics at Mabelvale Schools in 2019. Click his image to see his art. He enjoys teaching watercolor and drawing. He began teaching in Fall 2022.

A native Arkansan, Laura was born in Little Rock. Her background includes a BA in English/TESOL and she has worked as an ESL instructor. She is currently the Program Director for Literacy Action of Central Arkansas and enjoys sharing her passion for helping others read. She listens to music and creates crafts in her spare time. Her first time to teach with LifeQuest was in 2023.

Originally from New Orleans, she has degrees in Elementary Education and a Master's in Audiology. She has been an avid Mah Jongg enthusiast for over 40 years and has taught the game to players all over the world. Ellen has been teaching Mah Jongg since Fall 2010 at LifeQuest.

Raised in Georgia, Floyd has degrees from University of Illinois, University of Iowa and from Carleton College. He taught art history for over 30 years at UALR as well as lead field trips to a number of regional museums. He cofound the Arkansas Art History Symposium. Click his image to watch a short interview. He began teaching art history at LifeQuest in 2023.

Philip has taught with LifeQuest since at least 2015 and only twice has he shared what would be shown in his class prior to the first day. A professional writer, artist, film critic, and author, he is also the Movie/Style Editor/Columnist for Arkansas Democrat Gazette. He is also an accomplished song writer and frequently shares pictures of his beloved dogs on social media along with his musings and songs.

Born in Memphis, TN. Retired from Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare, Studied at UAMS College of Nursing. Enjoys reading, daily hikes and art projects. Began facilitating LifeQuest Book Club in 2019.

Ann Muse retired as a Professor of Theatre Arts from Hendrix College in the 2025 and was employed there for 23 years. She is a graduate of Hendrix College and the University of Memphis. Her first class with LifeQuest is in the winter of 2026.

Jeff Nash was the chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at ULAR until he retired. He received his PhD in Sociology from Washington State University. He began teaching at LifeQuest prior to 2020. He moved to Fayetteville with his wife, Dina, in 2019. He enjoys outdoor activities and acapella singing. Most people are surprised to learn that college wrestling is his favorite sport.

Retired from UAMS Department of Pediatrics as an administrator, Anne Parat studied Art & English at Ohio Wesleyan University. She was the chairperson of LifeQuest Curriculum Committee from 2018-2022 and while coordinating many classes, is also responsible for encouraging many beloved art instructors to teach with us. She began teaching introductory art courses in 2023.

Ann Perry was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her education includes a PhD in Humanities from UTD, MA Interdisciplinary Arts from Columbia College in Chicago, a MA in English & Humanities from U of A, and a BA in Aesthetics from Mills College. This resulted in studying and teaching film for over 30 years and making two documentaries with her husband as well as teaching college courses in writing, literature and humanities. She enjoys dancing, performing and going to theatrical and art events. She began teaching with LifeQuest in winter 2026.

Jon received degrees in religious studies from Ouachita Baptist University and Yale Divinity School. He retired from Legacy Termite and Pest Control. He and his wife, Lisa, have been attending LifeQuest class for many years and enjoy watching their grandkids play sports. He began facilitating Great Books (now renamed Great Reads) in the Fall 2022 term.

Becky Rasnick is a retired administrator from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), serves on the LifeQuest at Conway Steering Committee member, and is a master weaver and fiber artist. Her nickname is Mama Bear which came from her being an academic advisor for the athletics department with an office full of purple bears at UCA. She began facilitating Sit & Stitch in Conway in the fall of 2025.

Born in the United States of America in July, Rudy Rieple barely graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M. He has been a volunteer facilitator of Socrates Cafe since before 2008. In his free time, he enjoys complaining and grousing, facilitating Socrates Cafe, and being self-deprecating. Rudy joined LifeQuest in 2023.

A retired museum professional and now full-time clay artist and community volunteer, Barbara works out of her home studio in Conway and exhibits her non-functional ceramic sculptures in university galleries, museums and arts centers. While directing UCA's Baum Gallery of Fine Art (2001-2011), she curated or coordinated over 100 exhibitions, workshops and related visiting artist components. As a Lecturer in UCA's Department of Art, she taught Art Museum Studies and Professional Orientation studio classes. She and her husband Jim Volkert have four children and seven grandchildren spread from the west to east coast and in between. She will be teaching at LifeQuest at Conway beginning with Winter 2026.

A native Little Rock resident, she attend Hall High School. Retired from the Workers Compensation Commission as a Legal Advisor, she has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with additional hours for school counseling certification and a Juris Doctorate. She is interested in facilitating book groups related to art or spiritual subject matter and has since 2019 for LifeQuest.

Gayle Seymour was born on Valentine's Day in Lexington, KY and grew up in Santa Barbara, CA. She received her PhD in art history from the University of California in Santa Barbara. She will complete her 40th year of teaching at UCA in May 2026. She enjoys antiquing, sewing and exploring the back roads of Arkansas. The Winter of 2026 is her first time to teach with LifeQuest at Conway.

Born in Oklahoma City, OK. Senior Consultant, Arkana Laboratories, Little Rock, Arkansas. MD from Univ. of Oklahoma. Started in 1980 giving lectures on science topics and related theological overlaps, Enjoys reading, music, watching football and old movies. Relocated to Virginia in 2019. Began teaching for LifeQuest in 2012.

Bob Snider is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University and received an MBA from the University of Arkansas. Following two years as an officer in the US Army, Bob worked in the U S Senate and then had a thirty year career as an investment Banker with Morgan Keegan in Little Rock. He began teaching for LifeQuest in winter 2024.

Jill Thompson serves as the Director of Programs for the Alzheimer’s Association Arkansas Chapter. As Director of Programs, Jill oversees community educator and support group volunteers who provide vital education and support throughout the Arkansas community. Jill has a Bachelors degree from Hendrix College and a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas.

Born in Blytheville, Arkansas. She studied at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant for 20 years in acute care at Baptist Health in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is a registered yoga teacher and teaches at Barefoot Yoga Studio. She enjoys paddle boarding and reading. She began teaching for LifeQuest in the Fall 2021 Term.

Mary Todd was born in Chanute, Kansas. She has a BSE & MS in Physical Education and a Masters of Physical Therapy. She has played Pickleball in tournaments. In 2022, she placed 2nd in the women's doubles in the AR Senior Olympics. She placed 1st in the US National Sr Pickleball tournament in Oklahoma City. She also enjoys training dogs at the Little Rock Dog Training Club. She began teaching pickleball at LifeQuest in 2023.

Born in Colombus, Georgia, she received her B.S. from University of Montevallo, and her M.S. from University of Alabama. Served on two church staffs as Minister of Child Development to approximately 800 children weekly. She enjoys reading, watercolor and pastels, as well as other crafting projects. As a member of the Curriculum Committee, she is the Chairperson in 202-2026 so bring your new class ideas to her! She began facilitating Grandparenting Today in 2019.

Californian native, Rose moved to Arkansas in 2004 with her extended family following in 2007. She worked as a Benefits Technician Supervisor for the state of Arkansas. She volunteered as an art instructor with Easter Seals. She started sharing her love of dance with LifeQuest starting in 2018.

Over 45 years as a museum professional, Jim was the former Associate Director for the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), Smithsonian Institution, in Washington D.C. Prior to that, he was Director of Exhibitions for the Smithsonian American Art Museum. He has served as a consultant to museums nationally and internationally with museums and programs including in Central and South America, Europe, and the Middle East. Winter 2026 is his first term to teach with LifeQuest at Conway.

Sue is a retired veterinarian who graduated from Cornell University with a BS and a DVM. She practiced clinical veterinary medicine for 32 years before joining the Arkansas Department of Health as the state’s Public Health Veterinarian in 2005. She enjoys embroidery, reading and especially her two absolutely perfect grandchildren. She began teaching at LifeQuest in the fall of 2025.

Attended University of Texas. Retired from Mitchell Williams Law Firm (specializing in taxes). Click his photo to learn more. He has headed LifeQuest's Law Crew which has taught at LifeQuest on a variety of topics since 2000.

BS in Zoology, joined Peace Corps and went to Central African Republic. Returned and obtained a MS in Zoology/Aquaculture. He has taught Zoology, Fisheries Management, Limnology, Forestry, and Natural resource Management classes for about 20 years. In 2003, he began illustrating as a part of his job (he's a semi-retired science illustrator) that evolved into becoming a founding member of "Central Arkansas Urban Sketchers" He began teaching for LifeQuest in 2019.

Born in Passaic, New Jersey, JoEllen received her M.Div. from Drew University. A former minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Little Rock, JoEllen spends her free time knitting and crocheting, creating computer art, and sewing. She began to help facilitate Tell Your Own Story starting in Fall 2022.

Born in Kytesville, Missouri, she attended school in Salisbury, Missouri and Christian College in Colombia, Missouri. She enjoys painting, crafts as well as Zumba and line dancing. Has taught Tai Chi Northern Wu style at LifeQuest since 2011.