2001-2002

Adrienne Haskins

Category: 2001-2002
Adrienne is the Director of Ojai Valley Community Nursery School, Ojai's only parent cooperative preschool and toddler program. She has a Master's in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks College and has taught preschoolers, toddlers, infants and their parents since 1980. Married, with three children, she is deeply committed to peace education.
 
Adrienne offers consulting and workshops in the following areas, for children aged 0-5
  1. Understanding the  emotional life of young children
  2. Building peaceful conflict resolution skills in young children
  3. Anti-bias curriculum (actively counteracting prejudice; empowering children to create peaceful solutions to problems)
  4. Children's literature and songs which support points 1-3
  5. Parent and teacher education in points 1-4.

Annelie Jeffre

Category: 2001-2002

Annelie graduated from high school in 1986 majoring in art and history and then obtained a degree in graphics design in 1991 in South Africa.  Her talents have taken her to Israel and Holland as a graphic designer and muralist.  In 1994, Annelie married Ojai resident Steven Jeffre and in 1999 started The Design Studio in Ojai focusing on graphic design and murals.  Having obtained her students pilot's license, Annelie has been a Ventura County 99's Women Pilots Volunteer since 2001.

As a woman entrepreneur focusing on graphic design and murals, Annelie will educate the youth of our community in the areas of art and design and the business aspect of those endeavors.  She also has a passion for flying and will share with future women pilots the adventure of going beyond your limits and the camaraderie other women pilots share.

Betty Matson

Category: 2001-2002
Betty has been a Docent at the Ventura County Museum of History and Arts since 1984 and is a past President of the Docent Counsel and a Museum Board Member for six years.  During her time with the museum, she has served on  the Membership Committee, the Fine Arts Committee, the Long Range Planning Committee and the Special Events Committee, as well as working in the library. Currently she is in charge of front desk personnel.  Betty has also been a member of the Ojai Festival's Women Committee since 1985 and has served as the Ojai Festival's Women's Committee President and on its Board of Directors for ten years.
 
Betty has taken artifacts from the museum collections to senior centers, retirement facilities and nursing homes in Ojai, as well as, throughout the county.  She is willing to continue her community outreach, the senior outreach and to help in whatever way she can in the service of her community.

Bruce Gladstone

Category: 2001-2002
Bruce received his BA in Psychology from Reed College in Portland, Oregon in 1969 and his Masters and Ph.D. in Psychology and Child Development from the University of Kansas in 1973.  He is a licensed clinical psychologist in California and for the past 23 years, has been director of the Gladstone Counseling Center in Ojai where he lives with his wife, Dixie and his two sons, Matthew and Jacob.  With his wife, Bruce co-founded the ASTER Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides long-term psychological treatment to low-income adult survivors of child abuse. He writes a weekly column for the Ojai Valley News called "State of Mind" and has numerous published professional publications to his credit. He is an active Rotarian and is dedicated to improving the mental health of his community.
 
Bruce is dedicated to breaking the intergenerational cycle of child abuse through the healing of adult survivors. He is available to organizations interested in knowing about the problem of child abuse and becoming part of the solution.

Bud McCracken

Category: 2001-2002
Bud grew up in the Ojai Valley and has been a Ventura County Deputy Sheriff for 20 years.  He is currently assigned as the school resource officer at Nordhoff High School.  As a member of the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation's Board of Directors and co-chair on the Youth Foundation's Mentoring Program, Bud feels that it a privilege to work with today's youth.
 
Bud would like to share his law enforcement expertise with today's youth to build a better partnership between law enforcement and our community.

Darlene Rand

Category: 2001-2002
As a marriage and family therapist in private practice since 1975, Darlene's interests include the mind-body connection.  In 1989, at age 61, Darlene began exploring the idea of moving beyond societal limitations placed on seniors by challenging herself to enter a triathlon.  Since then, through training, self-awareness and imagery, Darlene has completed 40 races and has achieved a California national age group ranking of first in 1996 and 1997.
 
Darlene would be delighted to speak with interested groups or individuals regarding the body-mind connection and  ways of breaking through "old tapes" that stop us from taking risks and moving beyond the comfort zone. Darlene is also in the process of starting a cycling club for senior adults.

Denise Thomas

Category: 2001-2002
Denise teaches Health and conflict resolution at Matilija Junior High School.  She is married with 2 teenage children and has lived in the Ojai Valley for 18 years.  She is the co-chairman of the Diversity Education committee of the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation Board.  In 1995 she implemented a course for 7th graders helping them learn how to deal with conflict and diversity issues.
 
With her background in conflict resolution and health, Denise will conduct workshops for teenagers concerning the issues of conflict, diversity and growing up.  These workshops will help them gain a better understanding of the value of being effect teenagers.  Denise will also develop a program for parents to help them learn the conflict resolution skills their children are learning in school.

Earl Ragland

Category: 2001-2002
Born on April 27, 1916, Earl graduated from Kansas State University in 1939 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering.  He married his wife Alice in 1940 and worked as a computer systems engineer from 1952 until the time he retired in 1981. Earl has lived in Ojai since November, 1983 and has been active within many community organizations including the Red Cross Board, the Worship Committee at the Methodist Church, H.E.L.P. of Ojai and publisher and editor of the Monthly Bulletin for the Retired Business and Professional Men's Club.
 
Earl offers computer courses at the Little House. A two-session course in Power Point is designed to show an easy way to create an effective presentation. No experience necessary. Check the website for classes offered and schedules.

Frances Mcarthy

Category: 2001-2002
I am 92 years old and confined to bed.  But with all due sense of modesty, I have my wits about me and enjoy the visits from many friends.  Until a few years ago when my eyesight diminished, I  had made almost 10,000 Rosaries which were distributed gratis to churches, orphanages and schools all over the world.
 
I can share with others the joy of living that I have experienced and felt all my years from my childhood to present day.  Providence has been kind to me and my cup has truly runneth over.

Ginger Wilson

Category: 2001-2002
Ginger was born in West Bend, Wisconsin and learned the aspects of volunteered community service from her parents.  Ginger is a graduate of Northwestern University.  She is married to John R. Wilson and raised five children in Ojai.  Ginger, grandmother of 12, became involved in local Ojai and Ventura County endeavors in the early fifties.
 
Ginger's program will promote music for young children as well as music therapy for the elderly.  In addition, Ginger promotes respect for the past and caring for the future by keeping history alive.  She will also mentor young people in reading.

Jackie Lee

Category: 2001-2002
Jackie is a single mom raising two teenagers by working two jobs and has been an Ojai resident for the past seven years.  She is extremely proud of just being able to purchase the house she had been renting.  Jackie is an avid fisher woman and pet lover who has opened her home to four small dogs, one cat and two parrots.  In 1999, during the evacuation from the Ojai fire, Jackie took in and tended for over 60 exotic birds and three llamas for two days.
 
Jackie is willing to help with programs like The Help of Ojai delivering meals and things of that nature.

Janet Cull

Category: 2001-2002
Janet arrived in Ojai with her family in 1983 and began working with junior high school students as a study hall supervisor.  During the past 18 years, she has developed a leadership curriculum, expanded the activities program, created Camp S.T.A.R. (a summer leadership camp) and became a conference presenter.  Janet's favorite quote is "academics plus activities equals excellence."
 
Through her experience working with student leaders, Janet has a "bag of tricks" to bring to your classroom, meeting or organization.  An action packed fun filled program of games, stunts, skits and challenges designed to build group unity, install individual self-confidence and encourage the cooperation and support of others in a positive environment.

Jim Halverson M.D.

Category: 2001-2002
Jim is a graduate of UCLA and Duke Medical School and has been a partner in the Ojai Valley Family Medical Group since 1987.  He is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Ojai Valley Community Hospital Foundation and President of MAESTRO, Norhdoff High School's music department. Jim is also past President of Ojai West Rotary and Monica Ross Board of Directors.  He is married to his wife, Robyn, and has two children, Jenna and Brad.  Jim's interests are playing the trumpet, singing and jogging.
 
Jim and his wife Robyn have been involved in music and the arts their entire lives.  As a result, they recognize the significant positive role the arts play in childhood education.  As a team, they will address organizations that wish to gain a greater understanding of how to support our youth. Whether you have a school age child or not, being involved within the youth community benefits us all.  Their program will present interesting and
supportive data that encourages your organization to become proactive. It's not just the purchase of a ticket, it's your attendance and applause that really helps. And those standing ovations are remembered forever.
    
As a physician, Jim will also speak on a variety of health topics and early prevention.

John Broesamle

Category: 2001-2002
Born in 1941, John received his BA from the University of the Pacific and his Master's and Ph.D. from Columbia University.  John was a professor of history at California State University, Northridge from 1968 to 2000, where he received the university's Distinguished Teaching Award.  He is the author of "Reform and Reaction in 20th Century American Politics" as well as other works.  John was President of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy from 1997 to 2000.  He and his wife, Kathy, have two children and one grandchild.
 
John speaks to public and private high school classes about key changes that have transformed America over the past century, the nature of 20th century U.S. politics, or the world wars and the cold war in perspective.  He is available totalk with one program per month.

Kaeli Dewire

Category: 2001-2002
Kaeli was born in the heart of Santa Barbara County where she spent 10 wonderful years playing sports, doing school work and building life long friendships.  When she heard that her family was moving to Ojai, she was devastated.  She knew nothing about the town or the people. In the four years she has been here, she has had the time of her life.  Kaeli has been involved in school, theater, leadership activities and sports and now feels that Ojai is a wonderful close knit community.
 
Kaeli is proud to be Matilija Junior High School Student Body President where she has led students in activities in political and social events.  She is a serious student, having been named to the honor roll for both 7th and 8th grade receiving straight A's.  She is also a peer mediator for local junior high school and elementary schools and has a heart for public speaking both politically and dramatically.  Kaeli has won numerous speech contests and she is currently involved in the Ojai Optimist Club.  Being very proud of her accomplishments, she hopes that she can use her talents to coach others.

Kim Reinman

Category: 2001-2002
Professionally, Kim is a graphic designer with national experience in advertising, corporate identity, packaging and promotions.  She is the mother of two "Ojai kids" and for the last two years has helped establish ART TREK, a volunteer docent program in Ojai elementary schools. Kim has also been a parent representative for BRAVO!, Ojai Music Festival Student Outreach Program and Vice President of San Antonio School's Parent Teacher Organization.  She is also a member of the School Site Committee.
 
Our kids are bombarded with advertising messages every day in many forms. Kim will share the concept of advertising/design as a form of communications with grades 2 through 6 showing them how to "package" themselves by creating an ad that represents who they are and how they wish to be perceived.

Michael Krumpschmidt

Category: 2001-2002
An Ojai resident and Junior High School teacher for the last 25 years, Michael is active in the community through the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy and citizens to Protect Ojai.
 
Michael believes that public school in general, and Junior High School in specific, can cause concern for students and parents alike.  He offers, "My 25 years as a public junior high school teacher has given me an understanding of those concerns. I will share with any student, parent or family how best to thrive in junior high." In addition, Mike and his family have traveled around the world, visiting some thirty countries. He is prepared to share insights on how to travel with young children for an extended period of time even while on a limited budget. He can advise on itineraries, necessary documents, preparations for your children and other assorted travel issues.

Nancy Hill Hinz

Category: 2001-2002
From a third generation family of Ojai, Nancy is active in the
Optimist Club, the Independence Day Committee and the Mexican Fiesta.  The
Miss Ojai Pageant, which she does through the Optimist Club, helps young people build self-esteem.
 
Nancy is willing to help organizations raise money for their programs.

Nathaniel Weyl

Category: 2001-2002
Nathaniel was born in New York City on July 20, 1910.  He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Columbia College in 1931 and did postgraduate work at the London School of Economics and Columbia University.  Nathaniel was President and Founder of the International Foundation for Gifted Children  authored more than a dozen books including Red Star Over Cuba.  He is a recipient of the Bronze Star from the U.S. Army and a member of the American Mensa and Phi Bet Kappa.  In Ojai he has served as program director for the Unitarian Church and is listed in the 2000 edition of Who's Who in America.
 
Nathaniel will present talks on modern history, world affairs, literature and writing.

Rikki Horne

Category: 2001-2002
Born and raised in New York, Rikki holds a Bachelor of Arts, Masters of Library Science and Masters of Business Administration Degree. She is the founder and President of Medical Claims Management based in Thousand Oaks.  In 1991, Rikki married Ojai resident, Rudy Petersdorf. Their daughter, Barbara, was born in 1993.  Rikki has also served as a member of the Ojai School Board since 1994, and the Ojai Valley Library Friends and Foundation Board since 2001.
 
Rikki has a passion for education and literacy and is a strong advocate of adults reading aloud to children.  She is available to read to children, as well as answer questions about public education.
  1. Robyn Halverson
  2. Sally Iwata
  3. Sheila Cohn
  4. Tyson Babayco