Stacy Bowen Composition I & II
Alana Cooke Psychology
Floyd Disney Arts & Humanities
Greg Matthews History
Sandra Stoecker Reading
Stacy Bowen Mrs. Stacy Bowen earned her bachelor's degree in History from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville in 1999. She went on to earn her master's degree in English with an emphasis on The Teaching of Writing in 2005 also from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Ms. Bowen began teaching at LLCC in 2006. She teaches Composition I (COM 111) and Composition II (COM 112) at the Litchfield facility. Ms. Bowen also teaches English, Literature, Mythology and three LLCC dual credit full-time at North Mac High School. In her spare time, Ms. Bowen enjoys reading, traveling and photography. The one piece of advice Ms. Bowen gives to her students is to read! Alana Cooke Ms. Alana Cooke holds a bachelor's degree from Blackburn College, a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from University of Illinois, a master's in education from National University and a Secondary Teaching Credential in English. Upon completion of her dissertation, Ms. Cooke will also hold a Ph.D. in Leadership and Higher Education from Saint Louis University. At LLCC-Litchfield, Ms. Cooke instructs General Psychology, Human Development and Child Psychology. In her leisure time, Ms. Cooke is the drummer in her church band and is also the superintendent over the Sunday School program. Ms. Cooke's piece of advice for her students: "Life is a journey; it's hard to move forward if you are always looking behind you." Ron Deabenderfer Mr. Deabenderfer has an associate's degree from Warpen Wilson College, a bachelor's degree from Blackburn College and a master's degree from Sangamon State University. Mr. Deabenderfer began teaching for LLCC in the fall of 1992 and continues to teach Composition I (COM 111) and Composition II (COM 112). Prior to his retirement, Mr. Deabenderfer taught American Literature, creative writing, sports journalism, and composition at Hillsboro High School. He also coached freshman basketball and was the soccer coach for the first seven years of the program. In addition to teaching at LLCC, Mr. Deabenderfer serves on the Montgomery County Board, writes a monthly column (Ramblings), covers Hillsboro High School sports for The Journal-News and spends as much time as possible with his three grandchildren. The one piece of advice Mr. Deabenderfer has for his students is to attend class with a serious approach to learning and what one learns is more important than the degrees one can list. Floyd Disney Mr. Disney received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Olivet Nazarene College (now University) in 1976. He also holds a master's degree in Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary received in 1983. His major fields of study have been biblical literature and church history. Mr. Disney teaches speech, world religions, humanities, ethics and The Bible in the Humanities. Mr. Disney often works as an interim pastor and during his spare time he enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with his family. Mr. Disney feels it is important to not view education as a "right," but as a "privilege" won for us by the founders of our country and those who have given their lives for it. Do not view education merely as a way to get a "high paying job," but as an opportrunity to become a better informed and more well rounded person. Avoid the "entitlement" mentality, and be thankful for all of life. Mr. Disney's piece of advice to his students is to be willing to work very hard in all of your classes, but learn to balance work with recreation and relationships. A college degree will seem meaningless if, in attaining it, you sacrifice meaningful relationships with family and friends. Cathleen Ferguson Mrs. Ferguson is pursing a master's degree in Nursing from Milliken University. She currently holds a bachelor's degree in Nursing from the University of Evansville. Mrs. Ferguson teaches the nurses assistant (CNA) course and also licensed practical nurse (LPN) courses. Her career with LLCC began in 2005. Mrs. Ferguson enjoys camping, hiking, traveling, and counted cross-stitch. She is also active in her church community and enjoys playing board games with friends and family. Mrs. Ferguson's advice to students is that what you get out of life depends upon what you put into it - this holds true in the classroom as well! Vicki Joiner Mrs. Joiner earned her bachelor's degree in English/Communications from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. She later went on to earn her Teaching Certificate from Blackburn College. Mrs. Joiner began teaching Developmental English (COM 099) for LLCC in 2005. In her spare time, Mrs. Joiner enjoys spending time with her family, reading and attending auctions. Enter every class willing and eager to learn is the piece of advice Ms. Joiner gives her students. She feels you will find use for the material at some point no matter the course. Deb Lazenby Mrs. Lazenby holds a bachelor's degree in Nursing from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. She began teaching CNA courses at LLCC in the fall of 2004. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Lazenby serves as secretary of her church and is also very involved with the food pantry. Mrs. Lazenby and her husband, Larry, have twelve grandchildren and one great granddaughter. In her spare time, Mrs. Lazenby enjoys spending time with her family, scrapbooking, quilting and camping. She feels it is important for students to "set goals and keep pressing on until they are reached." Dan Lesko Mr. Lesko earned his bachelor's degree in English from Valparaiso University and his master's degree in composition and creative writing from University of Northern Colorado. He currently teaches Composition I (COM 111) and Composition II (COM 112) at LLCC-Litchfield and LLCC-Taylorville. Orginally from the Mt. Olive/Staunton areas, Mr. Lesko and his girlfriend, Megan, currently reside in Butler, IL. Leisure activities for Mr. Lesko include reading, writing, creating his own CCG, graphic designing, snowboarding and playing with his dog, Ollie. Mr. Lesko's advice to students: "Do NOT give up. Life is a constant series of challenges. Sometimes it seems overwhelming. Do NOT give up on school." Shelly Lewis Ms. Lewis has a bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University and a master's degree from Illinois State University. Ms. Lewis has been teaching Composition I (COM 111) and Composition II (COM 112) at LLCC since the spring of 2000. Reading is what Ms. Lewis does in her spare time. The piece of advice Ms. Lewis gives to her students is don't skip class - period!
Greg Matthews Mr. Matthews holds a bachelor's degree from Spring Arbor University and a master's degree and adminstrative certification from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Since 1997, Mr. Matthews has been teaching History of Western Civilization and United States History at LLCC-Litchfield. Tennis, golf and antinque collecting are what Mr. Matthews likes to do in his spare time. The piece of advice Mr. Matthews gives to his students is to work hard and play hard. Linda McCoy Mrs. McCoy earned her bachelor's degree in Business Education from Eastern Illinois Univeristy, her master's degree in Instructional Technology from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Mrs. McCoy began teaching for LLCC in 1985. She currently instructs Computer Applications and Instructional Technology at LLCC-Litchfield. In her spare time, Mrs. McCoy enjoys exercising, traveling and reading mystery/detective books. Ms. McCoy encourages her students to take pride in the work they do and to give 100% effort.
Steven Phillips After earning his bachelor's degree in political science, Mr. Phillips went on to earn his master's degree. An adjunct faculty member since 1990, Mr. Phillips teaches American Politics and State and Local Government at LLCC-Litchfield. Mr. Phillips encourages his students to ask questions. Odds are someone else in the room also wants to know but doesn't want to ask. Ron Ryan Mr. Ryan has a bachelor's degree in Biology and Math from Western Illinois University, a master's degree in Mathematics from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and an Administrative Certification also from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. In the Fall 2010, Mr. Ryan began teaching Developmental Math at LLCC-Litchfield. Although retired from Mt. Olive High School, Mr. Ryan still enjoys coaching the MOHS wrestling team. This is his 42nd year coaching at MOHS. The advice Mr. Ryan would like to give to his students is to attend class, take notes and do your homework. Sandra Stoecker Mrs. Stoecker earned her bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. She also has a master's degree from Alaska Pacific University. Mrs. Stoecker began teaching at LLCC in the spring of 2002. Her area of expertise is developmental reading. Reading, sewing and gardening are how Mrs. Stoecker spends her spare time. Her piece of advice for students is to not skip class.