Jim Holmes is a physical therapist by training and holds a
physical therapy degree from the University of California, San Francisco, a masters degree in motor control from the University of California, Berkeley, and a postgraduate certificate in advanced physical therapy from Kaiser-Permanente in Hayward, California.
Mr. Holmes is a man of varied interests including being an amateur historian and competitive ballroom dancer. In addition to his love of China, he brings with him an enriched background of experience in many areas of American culture. His thoughts and insights helped to formulate our course, while his determination and devotion to our philosophy served to make our inaugural course in Beijing a huge success. His love of the Chinese people and his compassionate yet direct manner of giving individual criticism helped win the students’ trust and admiration, helping many solve their pronunciation difficulties and work through the self-consciousness preventing many from speaking English confidently.
Mr. Holmes believes in adapting the course to the needs of the students and so he continually updates and plans topics daily during the course. His delightful yet purposeful delivery style keeps the course interesting and each student engrossed and motivated.
physical therapy degree from the University of California, San Francisco, a masters degree in motor control from the University of California, Berkeley, and a postgraduate certificate in advanced physical therapy from Kaiser-Permanente in Hayward, California.
Mr. Holmes is a man of varied interests including being an amateur historian and competitive ballroom dancer. In addition to his love of China, he brings with him an enriched background of experience in many areas of American culture. His thoughts and insights helped to formulate our course, while his determination and devotion to our philosophy served to make our inaugural course in Beijing a huge success. His love of the Chinese people and his compassionate yet direct manner of giving individual criticism helped win the students’ trust and admiration, helping many solve their pronunciation difficulties and work through the self-consciousness preventing many from speaking English confidently.
Mr. Holmes believes in adapting the course to the needs of the students and so he continually updates and plans topics daily during the course. His delightful yet purposeful delivery style keeps the course interesting and each student engrossed and motivated.
Gary Mason is a state licensed (Virginia and California) high school instructor in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Mr. Mason teaches Honors Earth Science as well as coaching the HHS Academic Competition Team and providing science tutoring for at-risk students. He additionally has taught science for four years at the college and University levels.
Mr. Mason has 25 years experience as an engineer and laboratory manager in laser technology in the U.S., Germany, and Japan. Responsibilities included training engineers of Japanese and Korean hi-tech corporations. Mr. Mason additionally has taught English as a Second Language (ESL) to students of native Asian languages in both Japan and the U.S.
EDUCATION
M.A. Museum Studies (emphasis in museum education and geological collection management ), San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, 2006
B.S. Geosciences (emphasis in geoscience education), CSU, Chico, CA, 2003 (Summa Cum Laude)
B.A. Art, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 1980 (Distinction, Cum Laude))
Certificate Laser Electro/Optics Technology, Pasadena C.C., Pasadena, CA, 1982
CREDENTIALS AND LICENSES
Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential, State of California, Document No. 080002186
Collegiate Professional License, Commonwealth of Virginia, Earth and Space Science, No. CP-0618480
Limited Service Credential, California Community Colleges, Industrial, Machine, and Related Technologies, Valid for Life, No. 270482
A more detailed resume is available upon request.
Mr. Mason has 25 years experience as an engineer and laboratory manager in laser technology in the U.S., Germany, and Japan. Responsibilities included training engineers of Japanese and Korean hi-tech corporations. Mr. Mason additionally has taught English as a Second Language (ESL) to students of native Asian languages in both Japan and the U.S.
EDUCATION
M.A. Museum Studies (emphasis in museum education and geological collection management ), San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, 2006
B.S. Geosciences (emphasis in geoscience education), CSU, Chico, CA, 2003 (Summa Cum Laude)
B.A. Art, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 1980 (Distinction, Cum Laude))
Certificate Laser Electro/Optics Technology, Pasadena C.C., Pasadena, CA, 1982
CREDENTIALS AND LICENSES
Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential, State of California, Document No. 080002186
Collegiate Professional License, Commonwealth of Virginia, Earth and Space Science, No. CP-0618480
Limited Service Credential, California Community Colleges, Industrial, Machine, and Related Technologies, Valid for Life, No. 270482
A more detailed resume is available upon request.
Jim Holmes
Carol A Gee
Gary Mason
Claudia P. Eckelmann
Education
Master of Arts 2005
Saint Mary’s College, Moraga, CA
Bachelor of Arts Liberal Arts/ Business; summa cum laude 1996
California State University East Bay
Golden Key National Honor Society, life member
Diablo Valley College 1992-1993
Transfer student, 4.0 GPA
Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society,
life member
Work Experience
Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill January 2006 – present
Adjunct faculty in the business education division
Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill August 2002 – October 2006
Senior Executive Assistant in the Office of the President
NOVO, San Francisco October 1998 to July 2002
Executive Assistant
The Acacia Group, Emeryville, CA
April 1996 to October 1998
Financial Planner
Executive Assistant, Human Resource Specialist, Marketing Coordinator
Owner/operator Cars and Castles Travel – educational travel enterprise 1993 - ongoing
Certifications
Great Teachers! 2009
Residential seminar; facilitated by founder David B. Gottshall
Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning 2008
California State University East Bay; 4.0 GPA
Introduction to Education Law 2006
Mark S. Williams, Esq., instructor
ACCCA Administration 101 2005
California Community College administrators’ professional development program at UCLA
Community College Leadership Development Initiative (CCLDI) Fellow 2002-2004
Additional Skills
Student Club Advisor 2009
German Club, DVC
One College, One Book 2005-2006
Inaugural committee member, DVC
Languages
Bi-lingual and bi-cultural German, American English
Technology
Proficient in:
Volunteer in Probation 2005
Mentor and computer instructor at the Juvenile Detention Center, Martinez, CA
Toastmasters International, Berkeley
Area Governor 1998, President 1997
_____________________________________________________________________________
I have a strong commitment to teaching and learning, as well as several years of experience instructing business administration. My innovative and student-centered approach to teaching has earned the highest marks. The variety of subjects in business administration that I have taught reflects my broad business background as well as my solid academic foundation. I am intellectually curious and dedicated to lifelong learning.
In 1989, I emigrated from Germany to the San Francisco Bay Area. I didn’t know anybody, had no family or friends in the States, and was not fluent in English. That experience influenced me profoundly. I vividly remember almost failing the driver’s test because I could not understand what the examiner was asking me. I just stared at him. I felt helpless, unintelligent, ashamed. He then kindly showed me what he meant, and I was able to repeat it. I think we were both relieved when I passed the test. This is just one of the many examples of difficulties and frustrations I encountered especially during the early months and years in my chosen new country. I hold these memories very dear because they provide me with the insights, inspiration, and empathy for the diverse students in our community college classrooms. Students might struggle with the language, but also with the difference in culture, traditions, and customs. I open this topic during the very first day of a new class. I volunteer information about my immigration experience and describe, humorously, my struggles.
I am also a passionate road bicyclist, often riding between 30 and 60 miles in one day. I started biking a three years ago, and it was a challenge. Those first days and weeks, I looked at my bike as I would at a fiery stallion – with admiration and fear. After climbing on the saddle, I was worried about everything around me: the ground so far away (or too close), potholes ready to trip me, glass to puncture the tires, other bikers, pedestrians, dogs, and, of course, cars. In addition to those distractions, I also tried to navigate 22 gears, breaks on the handlebars, a very narrow saddle pinching my bottom, and my shoes attached to the pedals with clips that made it almost impossible to stop without falling over. I was pretty much a nervous wreck after about five miles. What on earth then made me do it again the next day? I love a challenge, I love the feeling of making progress, of mastering a problem, of conquering my fear. When riding with a bicycle club group, we challenge each other and root for each other. This is a lot like how I envision learning. In addition, I enjoy the interaction between the mind and the body, the magic that can happen when I get into the ’flow.” I have some of my most creative ideas for instruction while on the bicycle.
Master of Arts 2005
Saint Mary’s College, Moraga, CA
Bachelor of Arts Liberal Arts/ Business; summa cum laude 1996
California State University East Bay
Golden Key National Honor Society, life member
Diablo Valley College 1992-1993
Transfer student, 4.0 GPA
Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society,
life member
Work Experience
Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill January 2006 – present
Adjunct faculty in the business education division
Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill August 2002 – October 2006
Senior Executive Assistant in the Office of the President
NOVO, San Francisco October 1998 to July 2002
Executive Assistant
The Acacia Group, Emeryville, CA
April 1996 to October 1998
Financial Planner
Executive Assistant, Human Resource Specialist, Marketing Coordinator
Owner/operator Cars and Castles Travel – educational travel enterprise 1993 - ongoing
Certifications
Great Teachers! 2009
Residential seminar; facilitated by founder David B. Gottshall
Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning 2008
California State University East Bay; 4.0 GPA
Introduction to Education Law 2006
Mark S. Williams, Esq., instructor
ACCCA Administration 101 2005
California Community College administrators’ professional development program at UCLA
Community College Leadership Development Initiative (CCLDI) Fellow 2002-2004
Additional Skills
Student Club Advisor 2009
German Club, DVC
One College, One Book 2005-2006
Inaugural committee member, DVC
Languages
Bi-lingual and bi-cultural German, American English
Technology
Proficient in:
- Macintosh and Microsoft operating systems
- Applications
- Microsoft Office Suite 2007 and earlier versions
- all established browsers
- Adobe Photoshop/Elements
- Camtasia, Jing, SnagIt, and Profcast
- HTML WYSIWYG editors
- Wiki, Blog, and GoogleDocs
- Web 2.0
- WebCT and Blackboard course management systems
Volunteer in Probation 2005
Mentor and computer instructor at the Juvenile Detention Center, Martinez, CA
Toastmasters International, Berkeley
Area Governor 1998, President 1997
_____________________________________________________________________________
I have a strong commitment to teaching and learning, as well as several years of experience instructing business administration. My innovative and student-centered approach to teaching has earned the highest marks. The variety of subjects in business administration that I have taught reflects my broad business background as well as my solid academic foundation. I am intellectually curious and dedicated to lifelong learning.
In 1989, I emigrated from Germany to the San Francisco Bay Area. I didn’t know anybody, had no family or friends in the States, and was not fluent in English. That experience influenced me profoundly. I vividly remember almost failing the driver’s test because I could not understand what the examiner was asking me. I just stared at him. I felt helpless, unintelligent, ashamed. He then kindly showed me what he meant, and I was able to repeat it. I think we were both relieved when I passed the test. This is just one of the many examples of difficulties and frustrations I encountered especially during the early months and years in my chosen new country. I hold these memories very dear because they provide me with the insights, inspiration, and empathy for the diverse students in our community college classrooms. Students might struggle with the language, but also with the difference in culture, traditions, and customs. I open this topic during the very first day of a new class. I volunteer information about my immigration experience and describe, humorously, my struggles.
I am also a passionate road bicyclist, often riding between 30 and 60 miles in one day. I started biking a three years ago, and it was a challenge. Those first days and weeks, I looked at my bike as I would at a fiery stallion – with admiration and fear. After climbing on the saddle, I was worried about everything around me: the ground so far away (or too close), potholes ready to trip me, glass to puncture the tires, other bikers, pedestrians, dogs, and, of course, cars. In addition to those distractions, I also tried to navigate 22 gears, breaks on the handlebars, a very narrow saddle pinching my bottom, and my shoes attached to the pedals with clips that made it almost impossible to stop without falling over. I was pretty much a nervous wreck after about five miles. What on earth then made me do it again the next day? I love a challenge, I love the feeling of making progress, of mastering a problem, of conquering my fear. When riding with a bicycle club group, we challenge each other and root for each other. This is a lot like how I envision learning. In addition, I enjoy the interaction between the mind and the body, the magic that can happen when I get into the ’flow.” I have some of my most creative ideas for instruction while on the bicycle.
Susie Wiser has had more than 30 years experience in the field of Special Education teaching children. Her work specialized in developing educational programs with appropriate curriculum for children with specials needs, particularly in the areas of communication skills, psychomotor skills, academics, social adaptation, and self-help skills. Her latest accomplishment involved the establishment of the first Special Day Class in the City of Hillsborough, California.
Although retired, Ms. Wiser is now working part-time as a Behavioral/Educational Consultant helping families with special needs children.
Recently, Ms. Wiser was sought out to help edit the English copy of a newly developed textbook MANDARIN AND ME written by Sheree Lin. Ms. Wiser feels that working with Ms. Lin has been a fun, educational experience. With Ms. Lin's direction, Ms. Wiser is looking forward to completing this editing assignment by the Fall of 2010."
Ms. Wiser enjoys traveling to different countries, reading books (Jane
Austen fanatic), and experiencing nature. In her free time, Ms. Wiser is
engaged in hiking, biking, and skiing. She and her husband have plans to visit New Zealand where they will hike, bike, and kayak through the
countryside.
When asked about the ³Speaking English in 9 Days,² Ms. Wiser expressed her excitement about the prospect of teaching motivated students another language. She has had a life-long interest in language development and will bring her expertise to the program.
Although retired, Ms. Wiser is now working part-time as a Behavioral/Educational Consultant helping families with special needs children.
Recently, Ms. Wiser was sought out to help edit the English copy of a newly developed textbook MANDARIN AND ME written by Sheree Lin. Ms. Wiser feels that working with Ms. Lin has been a fun, educational experience. With Ms. Lin's direction, Ms. Wiser is looking forward to completing this editing assignment by the Fall of 2010."
Ms. Wiser enjoys traveling to different countries, reading books (Jane
Austen fanatic), and experiencing nature. In her free time, Ms. Wiser is
engaged in hiking, biking, and skiing. She and her husband have plans to visit New Zealand where they will hike, bike, and kayak through the
countryside.
When asked about the ³Speaking English in 9 Days,² Ms. Wiser expressed her excitement about the prospect of teaching motivated students another language. She has had a life-long interest in language development and will bring her expertise to the program.
Susie Wiser
Carol Ching
Carol Ching is a retired computer security specialist. After receiving a BA in Mathematics from the University of Hawaii, she moved to San Francisco for opportunities in the computer field.
She worked for a major oil company as a programmer and systems analyst in the computer technology area. As Corporate Coordinator for end-user computer languages, Carol developed and conducted training programs, and functioned as lead for the support staff of these languages. She continued her expertise in the training and support of other software products while on loan to an affiliate company in Saudi Arabia for three years.
Upon returning to the San Francisco bay area, she joined the Corporate Audit staff as an Information Systems Auditor whose responsibilities included reviewing security issues for computer systems and applications. As a Corporate Auditor, Carol highlighted security issues and methods for mitigating risks at meetings, in audit reports and during management presentations. As a Computer Security Specialist for the Corporation, she participated in the development and deployment of the Corporate-wide Computer Security Program. During the rollout of this program, she travelled nationwide to inform local managements about their compliance with the new program.
Carol functioned as a consultant for other companies following her retirement from the Oil Company. Now fully retired and a self-proclaimed ‘professional student’ Carol enjoys taking classes at the local community colleges. She has plans to take Marine Biology following the current Oceanography course as they will help her become more knowledgeable about the ocean and marine life during her international scuba travels.
Carol believes retirement is a second career doing all that you never had a chance to do in your previous life. In addition to taking courses, travelling and scuba diving, Carol enjoys working on charity causes, practicing yoga, gardening, walking/biking, being with friends and family, but always looking for new experiences.
‘I am so excited about this new project with Sheree Lin, and I am looking forward to helping Chinese students in China improve their English. It will be a wonderful experience for the students, and most of all, for me.’
She worked for a major oil company as a programmer and systems analyst in the computer technology area. As Corporate Coordinator for end-user computer languages, Carol developed and conducted training programs, and functioned as lead for the support staff of these languages. She continued her expertise in the training and support of other software products while on loan to an affiliate company in Saudi Arabia for three years.
Upon returning to the San Francisco bay area, she joined the Corporate Audit staff as an Information Systems Auditor whose responsibilities included reviewing security issues for computer systems and applications. As a Corporate Auditor, Carol highlighted security issues and methods for mitigating risks at meetings, in audit reports and during management presentations. As a Computer Security Specialist for the Corporation, she participated in the development and deployment of the Corporate-wide Computer Security Program. During the rollout of this program, she travelled nationwide to inform local managements about their compliance with the new program.
Carol functioned as a consultant for other companies following her retirement from the Oil Company. Now fully retired and a self-proclaimed ‘professional student’ Carol enjoys taking classes at the local community colleges. She has plans to take Marine Biology following the current Oceanography course as they will help her become more knowledgeable about the ocean and marine life during her international scuba travels.
Carol believes retirement is a second career doing all that you never had a chance to do in your previous life. In addition to taking courses, travelling and scuba diving, Carol enjoys working on charity causes, practicing yoga, gardening, walking/biking, being with friends and family, but always looking for new experiences.
‘I am so excited about this new project with Sheree Lin, and I am looking forward to helping Chinese students in China improve their English. It will be a wonderful experience for the students, and most of all, for me.’
Carol A Gee,Bilingual in Mandarin Chinese, Carol Gee is a practicing attorney specializing in business start-ups, nonprofit, trusts and probate matters. She was formerly associated with
the firm of Baker & McKenzie, in their San Francisco office, after having interned in their Taipei office.
She graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law and was admitted to the California Bar in 1987.She received a Masters in Bilingual Education, from the University of San Francisco in 1981. Her teaching experience includes:
• Interpreting/presenting to groups of visiting judges from China on the topic of the U.S. legal system.
• Teaching Mandarin to children in a Saturday Chinese school sponsored by the Ta Chueh Lian
She Buddhist Temple.
• Offering training sessions in Chinese on tax aspects of incorporation;the laws relevant to juveniles; and appearing on a Chinese language radio program discussing these topics.
• Teaching contract law to students in the Paralegal Certificate Program at the University of San Francisco.
• Speaking/lecturing to classes in public and private schools on the topics of immigration and the legal profession.
• Teaching vocational English to adults in Chinatown at Chinatown Resources. Development Center, and standard English to various classes and individuals in varying capacities in Taipei, Taiwan.
In addition, her community involvement includes membership on the pro bono panel of the Aids Legal Referral Panel providing free and/or low cost legal services for clients with HIV/AIDS, as well as serving as a former board member for the Panel. She has participated in the Home Equity Fraud Prevention Program of the Bar Association of San Francisco and has served on the Board of Governors of the University of San Francisco School of Law. She recently served as an arbitrator for the Homeless Shelter Arbitration Project, as a member of the board of directors of Chinese Newcomers Service Center, and on the parents’ steering committee forTroop 88 of the Boy Scouts of America.
A more detailed resume is available upon request.
the firm of Baker & McKenzie, in their San Francisco office, after having interned in their Taipei office.
She graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law and was admitted to the California Bar in 1987.She received a Masters in Bilingual Education, from the University of San Francisco in 1981. Her teaching experience includes:
• Interpreting/presenting to groups of visiting judges from China on the topic of the U.S. legal system.
• Teaching Mandarin to children in a Saturday Chinese school sponsored by the Ta Chueh Lian
She Buddhist Temple.
• Offering training sessions in Chinese on tax aspects of incorporation;the laws relevant to juveniles; and appearing on a Chinese language radio program discussing these topics.
• Teaching contract law to students in the Paralegal Certificate Program at the University of San Francisco.
• Speaking/lecturing to classes in public and private schools on the topics of immigration and the legal profession.
• Teaching vocational English to adults in Chinatown at Chinatown Resources. Development Center, and standard English to various classes and individuals in varying capacities in Taipei, Taiwan.
In addition, her community involvement includes membership on the pro bono panel of the Aids Legal Referral Panel providing free and/or low cost legal services for clients with HIV/AIDS, as well as serving as a former board member for the Panel. She has participated in the Home Equity Fraud Prevention Program of the Bar Association of San Francisco and has served on the Board of Governors of the University of San Francisco School of Law. She recently served as an arbitrator for the Homeless Shelter Arbitration Project, as a member of the board of directors of Chinese Newcomers Service Center, and on the parents’ steering committee forTroop 88 of the Boy Scouts of America.
A more detailed resume is available upon request.