Instructors
Jennifer August
As an artist, Jennifer August is captivated by the lightplay of contrasts characterized by strong lines and soft pauses. Her CHEER Academy art students will be immersed in a carousel of learning modules that stretch the imagination and fill the spirit.
In 2015, Jennifer was recognized by the Rehoboth Art League as teacher of the year for art outreach and STEAM (STEM+Art) classes. As a graphic designer, she has created brands for national and emerging companies. In 2018, the American Art Therapy Association awarded its legislative service award to Jennifer for her work in bringing about licensure for Art Therapists in Delaware. She now works as a Licensed Professional Art Therapist in Delaware and Maryland, treating all ages in her Lewes practice, The Art Therapy Way.
The CHEER Academy courses will be art-for-wonderful art, and not shoulder into mental health realms. Come create!
Bob Burakiewicz
Bob Burakiewicz is a seasoned Retirement Income Planner with over 30 years of experience helping retirees and pre-retirees protect their savings an enjoy peace of mind in their retirement years. As the founder of Optimum Retirement Group, Bob specializes in “Safe Money” strategies that protect lifetime income without market guesswork. Known for his warm, down-to-earth style, Bob uses humor and clear language to make topics simple. Bob will take it slow, keep it fun, and never talk over your head. You will leave each class saying, “I can do this?”
Deb Hunt
Deb is a retired Special Education teacher and certified IIN Health Coach. A long life health and fitness enthusiast, she has practiced mindfulness for years. When she became caretaker for her mother, she joined her in a Tai Chi class. The benefits Deb felt drove her to immerse herself in the practice. Deb has a number of teaching certificates through the Tai Chi for Health institute, including Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, Tai Chi for Arthritis 2, seated Tai Chi, and Tai Chi for Heart conditions. Deb has a level 1 certification in Qigong from Nick Loffree. She has Level 1 and 2 certificates in Qigong and Tai Chi from the Silver Lotos Training Institute.
Lester James
It was in the Marine Corp that Lester learned how to play chess. He has been playing the game of chess competitively and for fun for over 40 years. He has played close to 100 tournaments, has won a few and of course lost a few, but teaching chess is where he finds his most enjoyment. “I believe the game of chess is great for anyone regardless of age, it stimulates the mind and overall it’s just fun to play!”
Gregory Kompes
Gregory A. Kompes (MFA, MS Ed.), founder of The Writer Workshop, is an award winning and bestselling author of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. He served as a Subject Matter Expert during the development of SNHU’s MFA program, where he now teaches fiction courses and serves as a thesis advisor
Dennis O’Neal
Dennis started teaching and calling square dancing in Frisco, Colorado in 2006. He is a member of the Callerlab, the largest organization of Square Dance Callers in the world. He is currently teaching/calling for two clubs on the Eastern Shore, “The Pine Steppers” and the “Dorchester Swingers”. Square Dance is “Friendship set to Music”, it’s a lively and social form of fold dance.
Barbara Popiel
Barbara is a passionate yoga teacher (RYT-200) with over 15 years of experience guiding students toward strength, stillness, and self-discovery. Rooted in the wisdom of yoga’s eight-limbed path, her teaching blends mindful movement, joyful energy, and heartfelt connection. Drawing from her own experiences with fitness, injury, and healing, Barbara teaches with compassion and clarity. She emphasizes anatomy, alignment, and self-awareness – encouraging each student to move in a way that feels authentic and supportive. In her classes, modifications are celebrated as signs of growth, not limitation. After many years of mentoring and managing in the corporate world, Barbara chose to follow her heart and dedicate herself fully to teaching yoga. She believes that yoga is not just practice, but a lifelong journey toward balance, resilience, and joy. Off the mat, Barbara finds peace in her home gym, out walking, or tending her garden. Her greatest joy comes from time spent with her family-especially her grandchildren, who remind her daily of the beauty in presence and play.
Gary Tompkins
Gary is a retired RN and has been practicing Tai Chi since 1987. He has previously worked with masters in Austin, TX and Denver CO and is currently studying with instructors from Silver Lotus Training Institute in Lewes DE. He is certified by Silver Lotus in Qigong and Beginner Tai Chi Forms and by Dr. Lam’s Tai Chi for Health Institute in Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention. Gary is also a Reiki master practitioner and a woodworker making bowls. His passion for Tai Chi stems from his initial Tai Chi experience where he developed and gained better coordination, balance, strength and energy. His desire is to share Tai Chi experience and help others to develop in similar ways.
Lyndsie Smyser
Lyndsie fell in love with cardio drumming as a form of exercise nearly 5 years ago after taking a class at a local gym in Maryland, and has been taking classes both in person and virtually ever since! In January of 2025, she moved to Delaware and completed her “Drums Alive” certification to become a Cardio Drumming instructor. She has also completed the “Golden Beats” Drums Alive training, which is specific to teaching seniors. Lyndsie loves working with Cardio Drumming students of all ages, and teaches locally at several Senior Centers and libraries. Her goal is to make her classes challenging for those who really want to work out, but accessible to everyone through modifications. She loves Cardio Drumming because it’s so much fun, that it doesn’t even feel like exercise!