Meet Our Instructors

Creative Arts

Karen Halpren: 

Karen Halpern has been an Art Instructor at Indiana State University, where she received her Masters Degree in Art. Since moving to Michigan 35 years ago she has taught adult classes at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, and surrounding communites while also connecting with many students while teaching Painting Workshops in many scenic locations. Her work has been included in 90 exhibitions and is included in private and corporate collections. You can view her work at karenhalpern.net.

Marat Paransky:

Next welcomes mixed-media artist and instructor Marat Paransky — whose studio practice includes sculpture, painting, drawing, photography and other media. Marat’s artwork falls into one of several themed projects including research-based work on social issues, text pieces about the art world, and more spontaneous assemblies of found materials. Marat has a BFA in Drawing & Printmaking from Wayne State University, and a MFA degree in visual arts from Lesley University College of Art & Design. 

Fitness: 

Karen Lutz: Mat Yoga, Seated Yoga and Meditation 

Karen Lutz, An E-RYT 500 who has guided over 5000 students. Karen teaches a gentle Hatha based yoga practice with a focus on honoring the way we feel and allowing the flow of breathing to be the foundation of the practice. She specializes in yoga with a chair, yoga for seniors, gentle yoga on the mat, and yoga for those who are healing from surgery or are caregivers.

Caryn Ciagne: Fitness, Flow Yoga, Seated Yoga and Mediatation 

Caryn Ciagne, Concierge Wellness Coach and owner of CC Yoga, discovered yoga to reduce stress and anxiety. She continues to enjoy yoga and its myriad of benefits and looks forward to sharing what she has learned!

Cheryl Goodwin: Tai Chi for Health

Cheryl started Karate long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away.  She received her black belt and 2nd Dan rank under Sensi Dennis Fritchie.  While training in Karate, she also studied Yang-style Tai Chi with Carol Yamaski, a student of Chengman-Ching. Cheryl has also studied Aikido and Iaido, with ranking in both styles.  Cheryl has returned to Tai Chi and has received certifications to teach Tai Chi for Arthritis, Tai Chi for Fall prevention and seated Tai Chi in 2018. 

Christine Stewart: Line Dancing 

Christine Stewart has been teaching line dancing for 13 years. She loves her work and invites you to join her in exercising body and mind as you move to different types of music and learn new steps and dances.