BEYOND BASIC

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Intermediate

Introduction to on-lead heeling, off-lead recalls, and stays; continued work on basic obedience skills. Limit 6-8.

PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic or permission

MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104

•  INT-W630   |   Wednesday 6:30pm starting 4/2   |   Co-instructors Bari Tassinaro & Jackie Upwood 

• INT-TH715  (limit 6)  |   Thursday 7:15pm starting 4/3   |   Co-instructors Larry Krieger & Martina St. Leger

Canine Good Citizen (Prep Class with Test)

Reviewing all 10 exercises for the CGC test. Extra help on how to train your dog for exercises you may need to work on. At the last class meeting you will be able to take the test for the CGC title. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic or permission

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

• CGC-SU7  |   Sunday 7pm starting 4/13    |  Instructor Pam Renock, assistant Libby Lougnot

*New!* Therapy Dog

Would your dog make a good therapy dog? This class will explore and practice exercises expected of most therapy dogs. This class is not specific to any one therapy dog organization, nor will your dog be certified at the end of the class. Dogs will need reliable basic skills including loose-leash walking and a sit or down stay at the handler’s side. Dogs may be crated during part of the class. If you have a portable crate, bring it so you can crate in the ring. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic  or permission

MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52

• TD-W630  |  Wednesday 6:30pm starting 4/2  |  Instructor Judy McManus, assistant Ann Hardy

Tricks

AKC Tricks is a non-competitive titling program that starts with a series of simple tricks at the novice level and progresses through more difficult tricks. The highest levels (not taught in this class) progress to choreographed routines with music and storytelling!

This class is suitable for beginners up. A title does not have to be your goal as tricks are fun to train/show off and are an excellent way to establish and maintain a great training relationship with your dog. In addition to learning specific tricks, this class will teach you how to break down elements of tricks to teach them on your own. Training skills applicable to all dog sports will be emphasized. A list of the AKC options for each level of trick title will be provided, and each dog/handler team will determine what tricks they wish to learn. As much structure and/or customization for each dog/handler team will be provided.

Just a few trick options are: shake, circle around handler either forward or backward, stand on a platform, get in a box, jump through arms or a hoop, roll over, weave through your legs as you walk, figure 8 through your legs, etc.

Limit 4.

PREREQUISITE: A prior successful SOTC class or permission of instructor (don’t hesitate to ask). This class is restricted to dogs that are not reactive to other dogs or food/toys being tossed since we will be creating some quick movement and excitement for the dogs. Dogs need to be able to be managed by handlers. You may need to supply some of the equipment needed for certain tricks. A clicker is recommended (but not required) for training these skills. An introduction to clicker training will be covered.

MEETINGS : 6 meetings,  45 minutes

PRICE:  SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members  $78. Optional AKC title test(s) after completion of class for a $10 additional fee.

• TRX-TH630  |  Thursday 6:30pm starting  4/3  |  Instructor Lynn Miller, assistant Helen Pfleuger

*New!* Shaping Behaviors & Skills 

Teach your dog the foundations of training by shaping behaviors. Good for dogs of any age, all dog sports, with emphasis on agility. Limit 6. 

PREREQUISITE:  SOTC Basic or permission

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

• SBS-TU345   |   Tuesday 3:45pm starting 4/1 (will not meet on 4/8, 5/13)   |   Co-instructors Karen Vanderburgh & Sue DeRienzo

*New!* Happy Heeling

Ready to have some serious fun with your dog? This class is perfect if you dream of a dog who loves to heel - Whether you're into obedience, rally, freestyle, or just want a super-confident, happy dog by your side. We'll be using games and playful techniques to make training fun for both you and your furry friend. Think of it as a fun, engaging way to build an amazing bond with your dog while mastering those heeling skills. Limit 6-8.

PREREQUISITE: SOTC Intermediate or permission

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

• HH-TU6  |  Tuesday 6pm starting 4/1  (will not meet on 4/8, 5/13)  |  Co-instructors Kathy Morse & Paul Vautrain

Conformation

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Conformation Drop-ins

Drop in class for training dog and handler for the conformation (breed) ring.  If appropriate for class make-up, breed standards, conformation rules, grooming of dog and handler will be discussed.

PREREQUISITE:   None! Dogs should be at least 12 weeks of age and should have received age-appropriate vaccinations.

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $9 or 2 tickets, non-members $13 (per drop-in, pay as you go -- checks, exact change, or  click HERE to pay on-line with a credit card)

TO REGISTER:  To reserve a spot for a particular meeting and to confirm that class will be held, email the instructor via the link below

• CON-TU7   |   Tuesday 7pm starting  4/15 (will not meet on 5/13)  |   Instructor Mary Walker, assistant Mary Kobis

RALLY

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Rally students must crate their dogs while they walk the course. Non-members may use a guest crate, if available, or bring their own crate each time and carry it out after class.

Rally Novice 

An introduction to AKC Rally, with an emphasis on learning the signs and how to run a smooth and efficient course. Students will work their way through the Rally Novice signs and will learn to walk a course. Dogs will be leashed on course. Limit 6-8.

PREREQUISITE: SOTC Basic graduate or permission. Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course.

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

• RAL1-TU5 | Tuesday 5pm starting 4/1  (will not meet on 4/8, 5/13)  |  Co-instructors Kathy Morse & Paul Vautrain

Intro to Rally Skills 

We will work on the skills needed to start competing in Rally. We will work on basics like heeling and stays in addition to learning the Novice signs and the Rally rules. Limit 6-8.

PREREQUISITE: Dogs must be able to do sustained heeling and have reliable sit, down and stay. Dogs must be able to be crated during class.

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

• RSK1-F215 | Friday 2:15pm starting 4/4  (will not meet on 5/2, 5/16)  |  Instructor Judy McManus, assistant  Ann Hardy

Rally Skills, Advanced Through Master

Each class meeting will focus on a single skill, and students working on all the exercises (regardless of level) related to that skill.  For example, if working on the Excellent-level “backup 3 steps,” we will also work on the Master-level backup signs. We will work sequences, not full courses. Limit 6-8.

PREREQUISITE: Must be working at or above Intermediate and must be able to work off lead. Dogs must be able to be crated during class.

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

• FULL, WAITLIST FORMING  RSK3-F1 | Friday 1pm  starting 4/4  (will not meet on 5/2, 5/16)  | Instructor Judy McManus, assistant  Ann Hardy

Rally Master

Courses with instruction.

PREREQUISITE:   RE title; or RN and CD; or permission of instructor. Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course. Limit 4.

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

• FULL, WAITLIST FORMING  RAL5-M1030   |  Monday 10:30am starting  3/31 (will not meet on 4/7)   |   Instructor Pat John, assistant Jennifer Taylor

Ready to RACH

Considering going after your Rally RAE and RACH? This class will use and review all level signs and start to build your dog’s stamina to run more than one course in a day. Format will be three courses, Advanced, Excellent, and Masters, run during the 90-minute class. Time will be spent on skills necessary to properly execute the “harder” signs, and hone your basics. Limit 4 teams.

PREREQUISITE: Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course.

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

• FULL, WAITLIST FORMING  RAL6-M1130  |  Monday 11:30am starting 3/31  (will not meet on 4/7)  |  Instructor Debbie Keith, assistant Kathy Mosher

• RAL6-M1  |  Monday 1pm starting 3/31 (will not meet on 4/7)  |  Instructor Debbie Keith, assistant Kathy Mosher

COMPETITION OBEDIENCE

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Young Dog Competition 3 (continuation class, part 3 of 3) 

A continuation class for those who took YDC1 in the fall (C. Clemett, M. Kobis, L. Krieger, W. Longden, S. Podejko, B. Tassinaro, P. Vautrain)

PREREQUISITE: For those continuing from Young Dog 2

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE:  SOTC members $54 or 6 points

• REGISTRATION CLOSED  YDC3-TH6   |   Thursday 6pm starting 4/3  |  Instructor Kathy McCloskey, assistant Marcia Martin

Intermediate Novice

For those familiar with the Novice exercises but not ready for competition. This class will continue work on Novice skills, including the recent changes to the CD requirements. Limit 6-8.

PREREQUISITE: Prior Novice class, BN/PN title, or permission. Students must have Novice skills prior to sign-up.

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

• NOV2-M7  |  Monday 7pm starting 3/31  (will not meet on 4/7, 5/12)  |  Co-instructors Sue Eaton & Kelly Mueller

Obedience Drop-in Run-thrus

All levels welcome. Individual run-throughs and group stays.

Please include the level of your run through when emailing to reserve your spot.

MEETINGS:   8 meetings, 90 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $9 or 2 tickets, non-members $13 (per drop-in, pay as you go -- checks, exact change, or  click HERE to pay on-line with a credit card)

TO REGISTER:  To reserve a spot for a particular meeting and to confirm that class will be held, email the instructor via the link below

• ODI-W630   |   Wednesday 6:30pm starting  4/2  (will not meet on 4/30)  |   Instructor Colleen Clemett

* New! * Drop on Recall

Let’s take a deep dive into training the details!

This class is for dog/handler teams ready to work the Open exercises by focusing on the Drop on Recall. It is also for dogs working in Open who are having problems with their dogs traveling on the exercise or not dropping at all.

We will be teaching the dog the following things:

To “freeze” his forward movement / momentum

To use proper “drop form” so that he can best use his body to freeze and drop

To change his understanding so that moving backward is equally as desirable as moving forward, resulting in a dog that “stops, drops, and waits”

We will be using props to shape and show the dog what we want him to do. These will include a “front-foot target” and a “rear-foot target."

Limit 6. Auditors welcome!

PREREQUISITE:  Dogs must have a Novice recall with “wait,” “come” and “front.” Handlers should have some basic knowledge about shaping a skill, using either a clicker or a verbal marker.

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60  minutes

PRICE:  SOTC members $54 or 6 points

• FULL, WAITLIST FORMING  DOR-F2  |  Friday 2pm starting 4/4  |  Instructor Nancy Frakes, assistant Debbie Waters

Intro to Open

An introduction to the Open exercises. Limit 6.

MEETINGS: 8 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104

• FULL, WAITLIST FORMING  OPN1-M6  |  Monday 6pm starting starting 3/31 (will not meet on 4/7; decision about meeting on Memorial Day 5/26 TBA)  |  Instructor Wendy Longden, assistant Melissa Lanty

Intro to Utility

An introduction to the Utility exercises. Limit 6.

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

• UTL1-M5 | Monday 5pm starting 3/31 (will not meet on 4/7)  |  Instructor Kathy Helmke, assistant Sue Eaton

Advanced Open / Utility

A proofing and polishing class for Open and Utility. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE: Working knowledge of all the exercises

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

• OU3-M6 | Monday 6pm starting 3/31 (will not meet on 4/7)  |  Instructor Kathy Helmke, assistant Roberta Hennigan

Open & Utility Problem Solving

Not offered this time

FLYBALL

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Beginner Flyball

Intermediate Flyball

Not offered this time

Flyball Drop-Ins

For students who have taken Intermediate Flyball at least twice, or by instructor permission

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $9 or 2 tickets, non-members $13 (per drop-in, pay as you go -- checks, exact change, or  click HERE to pay on-line with a credit card)

TO REGISTER:  To reserve a spot for a particular meeting and to confirm that class will be held, email the instructor via the link below by the Tuesday before class

• FDI-W630  |   Wednesday 6:30pm starting 4/2    |  Co-instructors Emily Reynolds, Tara Fresch & Jessie Burgess

AGILITY

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Agility students must arrive on time so as to be available to help with equipment setup if required.

Dogs must be crated while students walk the course or move equipment. Students may use a guest crate or bring their own crate each time and carry it out after class.

Agility Foundations 1

This class will cover the foundation skills required for competition agility, such as teamwork, self-control, body control, and shaping. The class is appropriate for all handlers (experienced agility competitors as well as those new to the sport) and is required for inexperienced handlers. If you have never competed in agility, you must take Foundations before enrolling in any other agility class SOTC offers. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE:  SOTC Basic graduate or permission

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 75 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102

• AFN1-F630   |   Friday 6:30pm  starting 4/25 (note later start date; will not meet on 5/30, 6/6)   |   Instructor Janine Ramsden, assistant Jenna Hassett

*New!* Shaping Behaviors & Skills

A cross-disciplinary class (for all sports, including agility) taught by Karen Vanderburgh and Sue Derienzo. Listed in the Beyond Basic section above. 

Agility Foundations 2

Not offered this time

Beginner Agility

Introduction to contact equipment, jump training, practicing lead-outs, and basic handling. Building drive while maintaining focus and control.  Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE:   Students who have not previously competed in agility must have taken SOTC Agility Foundations or an equivalent class elsewhere before enrolling in this class. Dogs should be at least 8 months old. 

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 75 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102

• FULL, WAITLIST FORMING  AGL1-M815   |   Monday 8:15pm starting 3/31 (will not meet on 4/7, 5/12)   |  Co-instructors Amy Shaw & Jennifer Precourt

Beginning Agility Cohort Class (Part 1 of 3)

A three-session class working with the same group of students from the beginner through the intermediate-level agility curriculum. Teams completing this series will be ready for the Novice agility class. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE:   Students who have not previously competed in agility must have taken SOTC Agility Foundations or an equivalent class elsewhere before enrolling in this class. Dogs should be at least 8 months old. 

MEETINGS:   8 meetings, 90 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $96 or 12 points, non-members $136

• AGC1-W4  |  Wednesday 4pm starting 4/2  |  Co-instructors Dottie Hamblin & Diane Eggleston

Advanced Beginner Agility

Building confidence on contact equipment, introduction of weave poles, developing dog and handler skills, beginning simple sequencing, and doing grid work. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE:   Successfully passing SOTC Beginner Agility or permission / run-through

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 90 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102

• AGL2-M630   |   Monday 6:30pm starting 3/31  (will not meet on 4/7, 5/12)   |   Co- instructors Jennifer Precourt, Scott Reichinger & Amy Shaw

Intermediate Agility

Getting ready for the Novice ring! Developing confidence on obstacles and weaves. Starting to put things together: sequencing, handling techniques, what to do and where to do it, working through distractions. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE: Successfully passing SOTC Advanced Beginner Agility or run-through. Off-lead control is required. Dogs should be confident jumping at full height, going through all "hoop" obstacles, negotiating full-height contacts with mild support, doing 6 weaves with mild support, doing a sequence of 5-8 obstacles.

MEETINGS: 6 meetings, 90 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102

• FULL, WAITLIST FORMING  AGL3-TH2   |   Thursday 2pm starting 4/3) |   Co-instructors Jeri Fishack & Kris Hart

Virtual Agility Sequences: Focus on Fundamentals

A 6-week on-line class.

Each week’s lesson will consist of a few drills (using 3 or 4 jumps and a tunnel) and one longer sequence (10-12 obstacles). Class will include an in-person Orientation consisting of two parts: one focusing on safe and efficient course building, the other (optional) focusing on the tech side: how to video, upload, post, use YouTube/Facebook, etc.).

HOW IT WILL WORK

Registered students will get an invite to join a Facebook group set up for this class. Each week we will post course maps and videos of the drills and sequence. Students are then expected to schedule an Open Training session, set up the course, and video themselves running it. Students will then submit their videos to the Facebook group and will receive instructor feedback (verbal and visual, using video editing software) a few days later. Students are encouraged to communicate through the Facebook group and to work together when feasible. Limited in-person instruction may also be available.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• a video recording device (any tablet or smart phone will work)
• a way to upload videos
• a (free) YouTube account
• a (free) Facebook account

PREREQUISITE: The drills and sequences are appropriate for students who have successfully completed SOTC's Advanced Beginner class (or beyond). Students should be able to perform most obstacles with some independence.

MEETINGS:   In-person Orientation on a date to be announced

PRICE:  SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52 (price includes 2 hours of Open Training; price for additional OT sessions is $5 for members, $10 for non-members)

• VAS (2025SPR)   |   Co-instructors Emily Hamilton Reynolds, Michele Maier & Scott Reichinger

Weave Pole Proofing & Starting 2x2 Poles 

This class is for teams just starting their weave career with 2x2 poles or more experienced teams looking to proof hard entrances and added distractions. Limit 4.

PREREQUISITE:   Dogs must be at least 12 months of age

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

• FULL WAITLIST FORMING  AGW-TU445   |   Tuesday 4:45pm starting  4/1 (will not meet on 4/8, 5/13)   |   Co-instructors Karen Vanderburgh & Sue DeRienzo

Jump Grid Class 3 (with Young Dog Handling) (continuation class part 3 of 3)

A continuation class for those who took the Jump Grid Part 2 class in the Winter (S. Coe, S. Etherington, D. Waters)

This Jump Grid class is for dogs 18 months old and up who have been actively jumping. The jump heights are generally kept low but will be adjusted based on the height and age of the dog. The grids can be useful to train jumping skills for agility, obedience / rally and flyball. The jump grids teach a dog to adjust their stride to cover ground more efficiently, jump cleanly and find the perfect take-off spot. The grids also teach the dog to focus forwards and take a long line of jumps. Several types of jump grids will be covered and will be progressed throughout the class.

Different agility handling options will be presented for each class.

Limit  4 dog & handler teams

PREREQUISITE:  For those who took Part 2 in the Winter. Others by permission of Instructor. If an opening occurs, dogs must be 18 months old and up, and actively jumping either in other classes or self-trained.

MEETINGS:  6 meetings, 90 minutes

PRICE: SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102

• AGJ3-M1030  |  Monday 10:30am starting 3/31  (will not meet on 4/7, 5/5) |  Instructor Linda Kaufman, assistant Rumpelstiltskin Morgan

Agility Drop-ins, Novice to Masters

Nested courses will be built, course maps will be provided. Run the courses or train as you wish. Please be prompt for setup. Limit 10 teams per meeting.

MEETINGS: Number of meetings to be announced, 90 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $9 or 2 tickets, non-members $13 (per drop-in, pay as you go; checks, exact change, or click HERE to pay on-line with a credit card)

TO REGISTER:   To reserve a spot for a particular meeting and to confirm that class will be held, email the instructor via the link below

• ADI-TH730   |   Thursday 7:30pm, dates to be announced  |  Instructor Andrea Lee, assistant Tom Weickert

Novice Agility

For students preparing for Novice. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE:   Successfully passing SOTC Intermediate Agility or permission. Dogs must be able to perform full-height contacts, do 6 weave poles, and negotiate sequences of 8-10 obstacles.

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

• AGL4-TU645   |   Tuesday 6:45pm starting 4/1 (will not meet on 4/8, 5/13)  |   Instructor Becky Konst, assistant Tom Canino

Open Agility

For students preparing for Open. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE:   Novice agility titles or permission

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

• AGL5-TU8   |   Tuesday 8pm starting  4/1 (will not meet on 4/8, 5/13)   |   Instructor Becky Konst, assistant Tom Canino

Excellent / Masters Agility

For students preparing for Excellent/Masters. Students are expected to help set up the course. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE:   Open agility titles or permission

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 75 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 9 points, non-members $102

• AGL6-TH615   |   Thursday 6:15pm starting 4/3  |   Co-instructors Sandy Madaio & Diane Eggleston

*New!* Introduction to ISC Agility

This class will focus on identifying differences between AKC titling agility classes and AKC ISC (international sweepstakes class) Level 1 + 2 courses, understanding what skills are needed for the challenges presented, and further breaking those skills down to begin a training plan. This class is appropriate for all levels from pre-novice to competition level teams, as every challenge begins with foundation skills. Each week, we will discuss a different set of challenges found in an ISC level 1 or 2 course, try it out, evaluate where each team is, and lay out the progression for learning that skill or set of skills! All teams will go home with a training plan.

The ISC program offered through AKC agility provides teams the opportunity to train for and run courses that are aligned with designs/challenges presented by international organizations, such as FCI. This has historically been used by teams that have goals to compete internationally, but is open to everyone! 2024 featured the first AKC ISC National Championships in October, and there are more trials including those classes every year!

Skills include but are not limited to: the concept of distance/layering, discriminations, verbal independence, understanding commitment, and backside options.

Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE:  At least Advanced Beginner Agility, or with instructor permission

MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

• AGISC-W130  |   Wednesday 1:30pm starting 4/2  |  Instructor Rumpelstiltskin Morgan

• AGISC-W630  |   Wednesday 6:30pm starting 4/2  |  Instructor Rumpelstiltskin Morgan

ISC Agility Run-throughs

An international-style agility course designed by an FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) judge will be set up on the turf arena (130 foot x 80 foot). This will be an excellent opportunity for those interested in learning about AKC’s International Sweepstakes Class (ISC), a non-regular class providing a dog and handler an opportunity to demonstrate their advanced training and handling skills on various international-style standard and jumpers with weaves courses. Limit 10 dogs. Two-minute sessions on the floor (maximum of 3 runs total).

MEETINGS: Friday 4/18 (additional dates TBD), 180 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $15 or 4 tickets, non-members $20 (per dog, pay as you go; checks, exact change, or click HERE to pay on-line with a credit card)

TO REGISTER:   To reserve a spot for a particular meeting and to confirm that class will be held, email the instructor via the link below

• ISC (2025SPR)   |   Instructor Lindsey Anne Marie