Emery Abshier lives on a blueberry farm with his wife and kids. During the blueberry picking season family members help out with the operation. He also works in the insurance industry.

James Albury, planetarium director at SF's Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, has been immersed in the cosmos since childhood. His career in astronomy began at age 14 at the Miami Museum of Science's planetarium. Albury holds a bachelor's degree in Astronomy from UF and spent over a decade with UF's Office of Academic Technology before returning to his true love, Astronomy.

Dr. Giovanni Aloi is an author, editor, and art curator specializing in the history and theory of photography, representation of nature, and everyday objects in art. He has published with Columbia University Press, Phaidon, MIT, Laurence King, and Prestel.

Dr. Jamie Amir completed his dental training at Guy's, King's and St. Thomas's Dental School in London, before moving to Florida where he completed two years of comprehensive dental implant training at the University of Florida Center for implant dentistry.

Lars Andersen is a full-time river guide and naturalist for Adventure Outpost in High Springs, Florida.

Ina, a teacher for more than 30 years, earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration from the University of Iowa in 1975. Her background includes Psychology, Biological Sciences, Research, Philosophy and Administration. Now retired, she is following her love of gardening and completed the Marion County Master Gardener Volunteer Training.

Teresa Armstrong, a retired Physician Assistant with a specialization in emergency medicine, has a diverse background marked by service and expertise. Teresa served in the Air Force as a crew chief on F15 aircraft and as a club manager. She is a disabled veteran.

Michael Arnold is the Construction Liason at On Top of the World Communities.

E. Billy Bass is a native Floridian in which his family has been in Florida since before the United States purchased the territory. A graduate of Florida State University, he has been teaching in local schools since 1993.

John N. Beck is a lawyer with the Colen and Wagoner firm. His areas of expertise include Estate Planning, Taxes, and Corporate Business Law. He has experience planning for high net-worth individuals, and complex charitable planning. John stays active in education, routinely publishing articles and giving webinars to both clients and practitioners alike.

Giovanna Benitez is part of IFAS in the Marion County Central. Specialty: Family and Community, Financial Management.

Penny Berton has been a professional Tap Dance instructor for over 30 years. She has received extensive training from New York's finest including Gregory Hines, Brenda Bufalino, Jan Mickens, Savion Glover, and Phil Black. Penny has owned a successful dance studio in New York for over 20 years, and has taught tap in numerous venues for all ages.

Leigh Blair is the Director of Marketing at Hospice of Marion County (HMC). She has worked at HMC 12 years, and has worked in the healthcare industry for 30 years. Leigh brings her positive, compassionate personality to inform and educate audiences about hospice care.

Devin Breedon, a passionate dietitian and wellness enthusiast, founded Vital Nutrition with a mission to revolutionize health through personalized attention and evidence-based advice. Witnessing the transformative impact of nutrition, he aims to inspire individuals to take control of their well-being.

Pat Burns has been a certified UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Master Gardener since 2016. She was previously on the Board of Directors as Director of Educational Outreach and Plant Clinic. As an avid gardener with a talent for raising Monarch butterflies, Pat has also performed many speaking engagements for the organization. I am sure you will find Pat a delightful and talented speaker.

Born in Kobe, Japan, Shizuka Yamagishi Campagna earned her Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics at Jochi Daigaku (Sophia University) in Tokyo. After moving to the U.S. she worked as an international marketing and business development manager for the Westinghouse Electric Corporation in nuclear field, and later for the SONY Corporation.

Tina Carchia is a very versatile instructor and has been teaching art classes at Master the Possibilities for the past 15 years. She is a self-taught Artist / Instructor specializing in the beginner & intermediate levels in Watercolors, Acrylics, Oils and Reverse Glass Painting. Tina is a Member of T.E.A.M.

Professor Michael Carter has taught college level history courses for 42 years at the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. He is a member in the New England Historical Association, the American Historical Society and the Civil War Educational Association. He has also lectured at assisted living residences in Massachusetts for more than ten years.

Retired CPA with 20 years government and 14 years banking experience.

Jerry Colen is married and has three adult children and eight grandchildren. Jerry graduated from Ohio State University then earned his JD from University of Texas School of Law. He has practiced in the state of Florida for 50+ years specializing in real estate, simple and complex estate and financial planning, wills, probate, trust administration and elder law.