Come, Learn & Grow
Medina Valley Community Education Program

Meet the Instructors

T. J. Bazzoon | Rhonda Brast |Doris Cronin | Colleen Gibson
Charles Kokel |Steven Merchant |Danny Passmore | Robert Perreault
Gary Pieratt | Linda Schauer | Elliot Schilling | Gilbert Schultze Jr.

T. J. Bazzoon holds a Master's Degree in Music from the University of Texas at Austin. He is currently the Director of Music at St. John Lutheran Church in Boerne, Texas. Over the past ten years, T. J. has played for choirs, rock bands, instrumental groups, accompanied silent films, and taught group and private piano classes. He teaches music in a variety of styles including classical, popular, jazz and country.
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Rhonda Brast is a local Castroville resident who is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and AFAA Certified Group Fitness and Kick Boxing Instructor. She is an experienced Yoga Instructor trained through the Yoga Fit System. Also an LVN, Rhonda takes a personal interest in each of her participant's health and wellness, providing a safe, fun and motivating atmosphere for each of her classes.
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Doris Cronin grew up in Quihi, attended Hondo High School and received her BBA from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She has been a Creative Memories Consultant since 2000, and has a passion for helping people preserve their photos and memories. She now lives in Castroville, where she stays home for her four children and helps people with their albums in her spare time.
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Colleen Gibson lives in Castroville and is a member of the Medina Valley Art Society and the Hondo Art League. She has a BA degree from Incarnate Word University and has taught in Northside ISD for 34 years. Since retiring she has pursued a career in art.
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Charles Kokel is currently teaching Automotive Technology classes at the Medina Valley High School. He has had an award winning program for many years and has taught Automotive Technology Classes for over 20 years. His high school students regularly repair all kinds of equipment, from cars to lawn mowers.
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Steven Merchant is a lifelong resident of the San Antonio metropolitan area. He has an Associate of Arts Degree and is an experienced computer software programmer and technician with 14 years experience in the industry. An avid musician, Steve has played guitar, piano or trumpet for most of his life.
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Danny Passmore is a Grandmaster 8th degree Black Belt who is currently living in Waco, Texas. He has been training in the martial arts since 1972 and has years of experience. He is the President and founder of the Texas martial Arts Hall of Fame.
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Robert Perreault is a retired Air Force pilot with many years of experience as a professional photographer, working for different area organizations and free lance work which has included weddings, school sporting events, and many other events and venues. He enjoys sharing his knowledge of photography and is well versed in traditional as well as digital photography, including equipment and techniques.
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Gary Pieratt is a long time resident of Castroville and is a 5th degree Black Belt with years of Karate Teaching experience, owning and operating the Castroville Karate Club for many years. He and his staff strive to provide a safe, Christian environment which is conducive to the learning process for both child and adult alike.
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Linda Schauer is a retired teacher from LaCoste with over 30 years of teaching experience, 18 of which were spent with the Medina Valley Independent School District as an elementary teacher. She is currently teaching GED classes during the day for the Medina Valley Even Start Program, where she has taught for the past 2 years.
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Elliot Schilling currently lives in Hondo after previously residing in Florida for 25 years. While there, he obtained an Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems and a Bachelors in Operation Management from Tampa Technical Institute. Retired from the U.S. Army in 1976, he has taught computer science courses since 1998, and has over 20 years experience in the computer industry.
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Gil Schultze Jr. has owned and operated his own company, Schultze's Home Improvements and Water Services, for the past 20 years and has an extensive knowledge of home construction, repair and remodeling. He is a Licensed Home Inspector and currently works as a Skilled Maintenance Lean Man in Plumbing and Electrical for the Medina Valley Independent School District.
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