Faculty and Staff

• Jamee Stewart, Department Chair, Professor

  Gymnastics, Swimming, Foundations of Kinesiology, Elementary Physical Education, Personal Health, Drug Use/Abuse

  EDUCATION

  M.A., Counseling: St Edwards University
  M.Ed., Health & Physical Education: Physical Ed: University of Houston
  B.Ed, Health & Physical Education: University of Texas at Austin

  SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CERTIFICATIONS

  1976: Swam the English Channel (Dover, UK to Cape Gris Nez, France) in 14 hrs 31 min

  Former US Masters Swimming National Champion in Individual Medley, Backstroke, Freestyle, and short and long course Butterfly

  Certified Swimming Coach, US Masters swimming

  Certified Gymnastics Instructor, USA Gymnastics

  USA Swimming Coach

  AAU Swimming, Diving, Gymnastics, and Trampoline/Tumbling Instructor

  American Red Cross Lifeguard, First Aid CPR/AED Instructor

  TEACHING/COACHING EXPERIENCE

  1972-73 Secondary Science and Physical Education Teacher & Athletics Coach, Leander ISD

  1973-76 Secondary Science and Physical Education Teacher, Varsity Swimming & Gymnastics  Coach, Austin ISD

  1976-79 Elementary Physical Education Teacher & H.S. Swimming Coach-Spring Branch ISD, Houston, TX

  1980-present ACC Health & Kinesiology Department Chair and Professor

  1987-present Anderson Mill Barracudas AAU Group Summer League Swimming Coach

• Beverly Averyt, Adjunct

  Bowling, Tennis, Volleyball

  EDUCATION
  M.Ed, Physical Education: Southwest Texas State University
  B.S.Ed, Physical Education: Southwest Texas State University

• Josef Birdsong, Adjunct

  Martial Arts Conditioning, Aikido, Yoga

  EDUCATION
  M.A., Physical Education: California State University Sacramento
  B.A., Physical Education: California State University Sacramento

  TEACHING EXPERIENCE
  American Peace Corps, India, 1966 – 1967
  Aikido of Austin-Austin, TX 1984 – Present
  Austin Community College, 1986 – Present

  PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS
  Master’s Thesis: “Aikido and The Ritual Bow,” California State University-Sacramento. 1974.
  “Aikido and Training Methods,” Agatsu (the newsletter of the Midwest Aikido Federation). 1984.

• Helene Christopher, Adjunct

  Yoga, Mid-East Dance, Conditioning Stretching/Flexibility

  EDUCATION
  B.A., Drama: Franklin and Marshall College

  TEACHING EXPERIENCE
  Austin Community College 1988 – present.
  Teacher of Middle Eastern Dance locally and nationally as a seminar instructor and performer.

  PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS
  “Middle Eastern Dance: The Emergence of the New Sacred Temple Priestess,” First International Conference on Middle Eastern Dance at Orange Coast College, CA, 1997. Habbibi magazine.
  “Zen, Yoga, and the Art of Belly Dance,” Zaghareet magazine.

  WEBSITE
  www.zhelene.com

• Corinne Coons-Gallagher, Adjunct

  Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries, First Aid

  EDUCATION
  M.A.,Health and Physical Education: Southwest Texas State University,
  B.F.A., Dance: University of Texas Austin

  TEACHING EXPERIENCE
  1987 to present: Adjunct Faculty, Austin Community College
  2004 to present: Authorized Provider and Instructor, American Red Cross CENTEX
  2003 to present: Adjunct Faculty, Huston-Tillotson College
  2000 – 2001: Faculty Advisor, ACC Intramural Sports Club
  1998 – 2000: Campus Co-Coordinator of ACC Intramural Sports
  1992 – 1993: Fitness Coordinator, Austin YWCA and South Austin Medical Center
  1986 – 1992: Fitness Instructor, Austin YWCA, Austin, Texas
  1988- 1990: Instructor Pre/Postnatal Exercise, Austin YWCA

  PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS
  Dec. 1998, The Effects of Step Aerobic Training on Ground Reaction Forces at Varying Step Heights, abstract and poster presentation, Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance

• Patti Gagne, Adjunct

  Yoga, Conditioning Stretching/Flexibility

  EDUCATION
  M.A., Dance: Texas Women’s University,
  B.S., Health & Physical Education: Lamar University

  TEACHING EXPERIENCE
  Austin Community College instructor, 1985-2001, 2004-present
  Austin Yoga Institute, yoga instructor, 2004 – present
  Bodhi Yoga, yoga instructor, 2001 – 2004
  The Hills Fitness Center, Aquatics and Yoga Instructor, 2000 -2009
  St Edward’s University, group fitness instructor, 1996
  UT Austin, fitness/ wellness instructor (aquatics and yoga) 1990 -2000; Informal classes: 2000 – 2002
  Sacred Heart Elementary School, Physical Education Instructor, 1980 -1981

  CERTIFICATIONS AND AWARDS
  Austin Yoga Institute, 2004 -2006 Yoga Teacher Training, 500 hours
  Santa Barbara Yoga Teacher Training Program, May 2000
  Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher
  500 hour Hatha Yoga Instructor
  Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Instructor
  Licensed Massage Therapist
  The TEAM Player Award, UT Fitness/Wellness program certificate of Appreciation

• Oleg Kechko, Adjunct

  Weight Training

  EDUCATION
  B.S., Physical Education: Belarusian Sport Institute

  TEACHING EXPERIENCE/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  ACC adjunct Professor since 1995
  1996 Summer Olympics in weightlifting; middle weight class
  1998 World Championships in weightlifting; middle weight class
  Coaching competitive athletes since 1995
  Coached National Championship weightlifters
  International Weightlifting Coach, USSR Sports Federation
  Certified Volleyball Coach, USA Volleyball
  International Master of Sport-Olympic Weightlifting, 1989

  Personal Best Lifts
  165kg Snatch
  200kg Clean and Jerk

  Competition
  1987-1992 CCCP National Team
  1987-1992 CCCP National Team Representative
  1989 Cups of the USSR 1st Total 355kg
  1989 Cups of the USSR 1st Snatch 160kg
  1991 #1 Ranked Olympic Weightlifter 75kg
  1992-1996 Belarus National Team
  1993 European Championships 2nd 360kg Total
  1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta
  2004 Arnold Classic Champion
  2005 Arnold Weightlifting Championships 1st 85kg
  2006 Arnold Weightlifting Championships 1st 85kg, 4th Overall
  2007 Arnold Weightlifting Championships 2nd 85kg, 5th Overall

• Dianne Kesslinger, Professor

  Conditioning Stretching/Flexibility, Social Dance, Yoga

  EDUCATION
  M.A., Creative Arts: San Francisco State University
  B.A., Psychology:University of California Los Angeles

  TEACHING EXPERIENCE/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  Austin Community College (ACC), Austin, Texas (1996 – present): Professor, Wellness Coordinator & Former Artistic Director
  Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio (8/94-5/96): Full-time Instructor, Kinesiology
  DeAnza College, Cupertino, CA (6/93-8/94 & Summer sessions 1995, 1996): Adjunct Instructor
  Canada College, Redwood City, CA Summer Sessions 1995 & 1996): Adjunct Instructor
  Mission College, Santa Clara, CA (1/91-8/94) Adjunct Instructor
  University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA (10/76-10/88): Instructor
  French-American International School, San Francisco, CA (10/76-6/86): Instructor and Administrator
  AFAA and ACE certified Yoga & Stretching Coach

  PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS
  “Social Dance” – Austin Community College (1996, revised 2005)
  Authored book as reference for students taking Social Dance class at ACC
  “Principles of Ballroom Dancing” – Bowling Green State University (BGSU) (1994)
  Authored book as reference for students taking Ballroom Dancing.

• Alexander Kourotchkine, Adjunct

  Weight Training, Conditioning Walk/Jog

  EDUCATION
  M.S., Physical Education, minor in Vocational Science: Kazakhstan State Teachers’ Institute
  B.S., Physical Education: Kazakhstan State Teachers’ Institute

  TEACHING EXPERIENCE/ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  Athletic Experience:
  1984 Alternate Olympic Games (Men’s 1600M relay team Gold Medalist)

  1984 National Record Holder (Men’s 1600M relay)

  1986 Goodwill Games (Men’s 1600M relay team Gold Medalist)

  1986 European Championships (Men’s 1600M relay team Gold Medalist)

  1986-1988 National Champion (Men’s 400M Gold Medalist, Men’s 1600M relay team Gold Medalist)

  Coaching Experience:

  1992 Coached Olga Nazarova to an Olympic 4x400M relay team gold and 400M 4th place finisher

  1992 Coached Lidiaya Vasllevskaya in Russian Cup Cross Country Championships to Women’s 3000M Track & Field National Junior Champion

  Instructor for Boy’s & Girls Track & Field at Moscow State School for Youth

  Instructor of Physical Conditioning and Kinesiology for the Department of General Athletic Team Preparation, Central Sport Organization of the Red Army of the U.S.S.R.

  Personal Fitness Trainer for Dallas Cowboys athletes

  1986 Level I and II Junior National Coaching Certificate, Moscow Track & Field Federation of Russia

  1986 Level I and II Senior National Coaching Certificate, Moscow Track & Field Federation of Russia

  Adjunct ACC Faculty since 1998
  Certified Sports Performance Coach, USAW

  HONORS AND AWARDS:
  -1986 Instructor of the Year for Physical Conditioning and Kinesiology, Central Sport Organization of the Red Army of the U.S.S.R.
  -1992 National Coach of the Year with High Honors, Moscow Track & Field Federation of Russia
  -1992 School Coach of the Year with Honors, Moscow State School for Youth

• Dana Leidig, Associate Adjunct

  Yoga, Cardio Conditioning

  EDUCATION
  B.A., General Studies: Concordia University Austin

  TEACHING EXPERIENCE/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  – Certified Group Fitness Instructor with ACE, the American Council on Exercise, January 2014
  – Senior Fitness Specialist, ACE
  – Fitness Nutrition Specialist, ACE
  – Inner Peace Yoga, Durango, CO June 2014-August 2014
  – 35-hours Mentorship Program for Functional Yoga Therapy
  – Inner Peace Yoga, Durango, CO September 2014-November 2014
  – 35-hour Mentorship Program for Yoga Therapy for Chronic Pain
  – Inner Peace Yoga, Durango, CO June 2012-November 2012
  -Completed 300-hours of training in Yoga Therapy with designation CYT
  – Earned 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher certification with concentration in Yoga Therapy with designation RYT-500
  – Yoga at The Yoga Room, Round Rock, TX 2012 to 2013
  – Yoga at TMLT 2009 to 2011
  – Design and teach Kundalini and Hatha style yoga classes for TMLT employees and others as part of the TMLT wellness initiative for the Healthy Employee Program
  – Mentor students in relaxation techniques, modifications and adaptations of yoga asanas, meditation, mudra, and mantra
  – ACC Adjunct faculty, Health and Kinesiology Department; February 1993 to January 2000.

• Mark Leidig, Adjunct

  Martial Arts Aikido, Tai Chi, MA Weaponry, MA Conditioning, Self-Defense

  EDUCATION
  B.A., Psychology: University of Texas Austin

  TEACHING EXPERIENCE/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  -Adjunct Faculty Austin Community College 1989-present
  -Recipient Sixth Annual (2000) ACC Teaching Excellence Award (8/25/2000)
  -Professional martial arts instructor since 1979 (ACC continuing education, and Austin YMCA)
  -Chief Instructor title by appointment of Chief Instructor US Ki Society, March, 1981.
  -6-Dan Aikido since 2003.
  -Currently Chief Instructor of School of Inner Martial Arts.
  -7-Dan School of Inner Martial Arts.
  -Areas of expertise include Aikido, Taijiquan, Weapons, Conditioning and Target Archery, all taught through ACC Kinesiology since 1989 (archery not current at ACC).
  -Examples of professional seminars in Aikido and Taijiquan taught since 1985: Austin, Houston and El Paso TX, New Orleans LA, Atlanta GA, Kona Hawaii, Boulder CO, Albuquerque NM
  -Aikido instructor at Texas School for the Blind, Talented and Gifted Program, 1984-1986
  -27 years with TCEQ and predecessors as a senior environmental scientist/chemist/investigator

  PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS
  Flavonoids from Stephanadoria tomentella
  Nianbai Fang, Mark Leidig, Tom J. Mabry
  J. Nat. Prod., 1986, 49 (4), pp 737–738
  DOI: 10.1021/np50046a051

  Diterpene glycosides from Gutierrezia sphaerocephala
  Gao, Feng | Leidig, Mark | Mabry, Tom J.
  Phytochemistry, ISSN: 00319422, Vol: 25, Issue: 6, Date: May 22, 1986, Pages: 1371-1376

  Six 2’-hydroxyflavonols from Gutierrezia microcephala
  Fang, Nianbai | Leidig, Mark | Mabry, T.J. | Munekazu, Iinuma
  Phytochemistry, ISSN: 00319422, Vol: 24, Issue: 12, Date: November 26, 1985

  Fifty-one flavonoids from Gutierrezia microcephala
  Fang, Nianbai | Leidig, Mark | Mabry, Tom J.
  Phytochemistry, ISSN: 00319422, Vol: 25, Issue: 4, Date: 1986

  Ent-labdane derivatives from gutierrezia grandis
  Gao, Feng | Leidig, Mark | Mabry, Tom J.
  Phytochemistry, ISSN: 00319422, Vol: 24, Issue: 7, Date: 1985, Pages: 1541-1543

  Nianbai Fang, Mark Leidig and T. J. Mabry
  The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78713, U.S.A.
  Phytochemistry
  Volume 24, Issue 11, 29 October 1985, Pages 2693-2698

• Helen McCandless, Adjunct

  Yoga

  EDUCATION
  B.A., Drama: University of Texas Austin

  TEACHING EXPERIENCE/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  Director for Invisible Inc. Modern Dance Company
  National Endowment of the Arts Grant Recipient
  Former Member of Laura Dean Postmodern Dance Company, NYC
  1993 – 2010 Taught yoga for ACC at various campus locations, primarily at RGC.
  1987 – 1993 Taught dance for ACC out of private studio.
  1975 -1993 Taught adults and train professional dancers in modern dance, improvisational and jazz at own private studio.
  1971 – 1973 Teach Modern Dance, level one, for UT Drama Dept.
  1969 -70 Taught modern dance to adults for Ballet Austin, then known as the Austin Civic Ballet.

• Kermit Meister, Adjunct

  Fencing

  EDUCATION
  M.A., Journalism: University of Texas Austin
  B.F.A., Art: University of Texas Austin

  TEACHING EXPERIENCE/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  -Coach for the university of Texas saber team -1987-1988
  -Served on the board of directors and served as an instructor for the Texas fencing academy, 1988-1989
  -Fencing instructor at Austin Community College for 21 years

  PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS
  “History of the Evolution of the Western Sword” (DVD)

• Olga Nazarova, Associate Adjunct

  Conditioning Walk/Jog, Weight Training

  EDUCATION
  M.S., Physical Education: Lenin State Central Institute of Physical Culture

  TEACHING EXPERIENCE/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  International competitions:

  Year	Competition	Venue	Position	Event	Notes
  Representing Soviet Union
  1986	European Championships	Stuttgart, Germany	semi-final	400 m	52.11
  1986	European Championships	Stuttgart, Germany	DISQ	4 × 400 m	—
  1987	World Indoor Championships	Indianapolis, United States	4th	400 m	52.76
  1987	World Championships	Rome, Italy	8th	400 m	51.20
  1987	World Championships	Rome, Italy	2nd	4 × 400 m	3:19.50
  1988	Olympic Games	Seoul, South Korea	3rd	400 m	49.90
  1988	Olympic Games	Seoul, South Korea	1st	4 × 400 m	3:15.17 WR
  1991	World Championships	Tokyo, Japan	1st	4 × 400 m	3:18.43
  1992	Olympic Games	Barcelona, Spain	4th	400 m	49.69
  1992	Olympic Games	Barcelona, Spain	1st	4 × 400 m	3:20.20

  – Current world record holder for 4x400meter women’s relay; unbroken record since 1988
  – Personal Trainer for elite athletes and up-and-coming athletes since 1994
  – Certified Level I Senior Athletic Coach, Moscow Track & Field Federation of Russia
  – Fitour certified Personal Trainer
  – Taught at ACC as wellness instructor and Adjunct Faculty since 2014

• Tracy Partin, Adjunct, Intramurals Coordinator

  Basketball, Softball, First Aid

  EDUCATION
  M.Ed, Sports Administration: Concordia University
  B.S., Recreational Administration: Texas State University

  TEACHING EXPERIENCE/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  1982-1984 Taught elementary school in the GCCISD and HCCISD districts, all subjects.
  1985-1986 Hope Lutheran Private School – Coached basketball, football, and girl’s volleyball.
  1986-1992 Coached Girl’s Fastpitch Softball – San Marcos Little League Association
  1985-1987 Coached basketball at Hancock Recreation Center.
  1996-2003 Coached basketball, soccer, and football at Hancock Recreation Center.
  2008-2018 Currently teaching Kinesiology 1105(Basketball)for Austin Community College.
  2013-2017 Substitute teaching in Hays CISD
  2014-2018 Currently teaching Kinesiology 1140(Softball) for Austin Community College.
  2014-2018 Wellness Coach – Hays YMCA

  PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
  -Member of National Strength and Conditioning Association
  -Member of Texas Girl’s Coaching Association
  -Member of National Intramural-Recreation Sports Association
  -Member of Texas Community College Teachers Association
  -USA Softball, District 40 Commissioner
  -Texas Amateur Athletic Federation State Certified Sports Manager
  -Texas Amateur Athletic Federation
  -Certified TAAF basketball official
  -Certified TAAF flag football official
  -Certified USA softball umpire
  -State Certified Director Credentialed Child Care – Learning Links
  -Developed Sport Programs for ACC
  -Developed Intramurals Handbook for ACC

• Uvaldo Perales, Adjunct

  Conditioning Stretching/Flexibility

  EDUCATION
  B.S. Dance and B.S.Ed, Physical Education: Southwest Texas State University

  TEACHING EXPERIENCE/ CERTIFICATIONS
  -Certified by American College of Sports Medicine
  -Certified Pilates Method trainer
  -Pilates/Strength Trainer for Mecca Gym & Spa for over 12 years
  -Trainer at Metropolitan Club for 13 years
  -Adjunct professor in the Kinesiology and Fitness department at Austin Community College for 25 years
  -Taught at several studios and schools including fifth grade students at Believe in Me

  PROFESSIONAL DANCE EXPERIENCE
  Austin Musical Theatre: Peter Pan, West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Music Man, Man of La Mancha, Sweet Charity, Celebrate Austin Musical Theatre! and The Wizard of Oz
  Zilker Park Theatre: Crazy For You
  Arts On Real: Pageant under direction of Stuart Moulton
  Scottish Rite Children’s Theatre: The Clown Prince
  Additional dance experience with Austin Ballet Theatre, Sharir Dance Company, Tapestry Dance Company, Austin Dancefest and StillPoint Dance
  Television and commercial credits with Third Coast Productions
  Choreographer for fashion shows, dance companies and individuals at the competitive level.

• Roy Ramos, Adjunct, Coordinator, Fitness Center

  Cardio Conditioning, Volleyball

  EDUCATION
  B.A., Physical Education, minor in Business Administration: St. Edward’s University

  TEACHING EXPERIENCE/ CERTIFICATIONS
  -Texas Teacher Certification: ALL LEVEL – Physical Education, SECONDARY – Business Administration
  -American Council on Exercise Group Fitness Instructor Certification: Member since 2005
  -Austin Independent School District 1985 – 1989
  -Dallas Independent School District 1990 – 1994
  -Austin Community College 1995 to present: Fitness Center Coordinator (RVS) & Associate Adjunct Professor
  -Currently Teaching Cardio Conditioning and Volleyball Classes.

• Cindi Reaka, Adjunct

  Cardio conditioning, Conditioning Stretching/Flexibility, Weight Training, Yoga

  EDUCATION
  B.F.A, Dance: University of Texas Austin

  TEACHING EXPERIENCE/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  ·Danced professionally from 1985-1990 primarily with Daniel Llanes doing cultural, folkloric dancing for the community and teaching children in the schools and the children’s museum.
  ·Performed in many plays, musicals, and modern dance pieces with various artists for the last 20 years.
  · Managed Corporate Wellness Programs through Studio One Corporate Fitness since 1993.
  · Created an on-site fitness program for employees of major corporations including Seton Hospital, AMD, Tracor, Austin American Statesman, and BMC Software.
  · Prepared corporate fitness program instructors for local jobs and national recognition as fitness professionals.
  · Managed Aerobic Fitness Programs since 1993 for various clubs such as Future Firm, HQ Fitness, and Studio One; hired and trained instructors to teach classes and become nationally certified.
  . Taught aerobic classes for 25 years in various gyms in San Antonio, Austin, and Georgetown Texas.
  Adjunct Faculty Member in Kinesiology at Austin Community College since 1993

  CERTIFICATIONS
  · First certification from Mary Mayta to teach aerobic dance in 1980
  · National certifications from American Council on Exercise and maintain Aerobic Fitness Association of America Group Fitness and Personal Training
  · Certified in CPR/ First Aid for 20+ years
  · Certified Yoga Instructor through ISSA since 1999. Certified through Fitour since 2003.
  Programs

• Christian Smith, Adjunct

  Self Defense, Martial Arts Conditioning, Karate

  EDUCATION
  B.S., Criminal Justice: Texas State University

  TEACHING EXPERIENCE/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  ·ACC Adjunct Faculty since 2002
  -Multilevel Blackbelt in Soryu Karate
  -Over 8 years of Aikido Experience
  -Assistant to Master Walter Cooper for 10 years

• Luis Valera, Professor

  Intro to Physical Fitness and Sport, Personal Health, Coaching, Weight Training

  EDUCATION
  A.A.S., Diag Med Imaging-Radiology: Austin Community College
  B.S.Ed, Physical Education: National University of Trujillo
  M.S.Ed, Physical Education: National University of Trujillo

  TEACHING EXPERIENCE/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  -1987-present Full-time ACC Professor of Kinesiology
  -Senior Director of Coaching at Forza Sports Academy, 2015-2017
  -Head Coach of University of Texas Women’s Gymnastics Team, 1991-1997
  -Director of Training at Texas Gymnastics Academy in Bastrop, 1995-1996
  -Director of Training at Cedar Country Youth Soccer Association in Cedar Park, 1990-1998
  -Member of Peruvian national Gymnastics Team
  -South American Champion 1978-1990
  -Member of the Peruvian National Soccer Team, U-21 1977
  -Coach of the Year in Gymnastics 1994-1995
  -National Merit Award 1995-1996
  -Coached Multiple Soccer Teams to Regional Championships

  CERTIFICATIONS
  -Certified Strength Coach by The Peruvian Institute of Sport for Weight lifting
  -Certified Soccer Coach by The Peruvian Soccer Federation
  -Certified Level I Coach by the American Track & Field Association for
  -Certified by The International Olympic Committee to Judge Gymnastics
  -Certified in numerous European countries in Soccer Training and Fundamentals of Tactical Development
  -Certified Level I Coach by United States Weightlifting Federation

• Rebecca James, Full-time Administrative Assistant and Teaching Assistant

  (bio coming soon)