Virtual Class Instructors and Facilitators

David Dring

Technology Instructor and manager of BRC's program schedule

David is Director of Innovative Programs for Older Adults at Bay Ridge Center

Yifan Xue

Meditation, Empowering Cards, Movies, Individual Counseling

Yifan is the new Director of Bay Ridge CONNECTS. She has a masters degree in social work from Columbia University and is enthusiastic about clinical work. Yifan has an Aussie puppy Buddy. She comes from Shanghai, China, and has lived in the U.S. for 6 years. She loves playing guitar and piano, boxing, rock-climbing and all poker games.

Nissha Marksman

Zoomba Intro & Zoomba Gold

A native Brooklyn resident, Nissha is energetic and enthusiastic about having fun while working out. She is a licensed Strong Nation & Zumba Gold instructor who enjoys dancing.

Pat Wictor

Music Games

Pat Wictor is a touring singer-songwriter, music educator, improvisor, and long-time Bay Ridge resident. He performs concerts all over North America and teaches  musical workshops.

​Jennifer Gibson

Chair Yoga and Yoga Meditation

Jennifer has been a Yoga Instructor since 2005, specializing in Chair Yoga for seniors since 2011. She is passionate about making the practice of yoga accessible to everyone.

Rosemary Shabouk

Connecting with Crafts

Rosemary joined Knitting Corner at Bay Ridge Connects in 2019. She has been doing needlepoint for about 40 years and assorted crafts over the years.  "Having met the talented ladies in the Knitting Corner, I am now learning new ones and making great friends."

Matthew Lyon

Smartphone for Beginners, For and Age Friendly Bay Ridge

Matthew is an intern from theSilberman School of Social Work at Hunter College
He is passionate about coffee, biking, and the climate crisis.

Amar Sharif

Mindfulness Mondays, Music to My Ears

Amar is an intern from the Silberman School of Social Work and is passionate about art and advocacy.

Kiara Cortes

Collage and Scrapbooking

Kiara is an intern in the MSW program at New York University. She is passionate about Art and the importance of expressing our emotions.

Maryah Thompson

Music and Coloring

Maryah is an intern and an MSW student at Columbia University. She is passionate about music and helping people live their best life.

Mary Ann Coughlin

Stretch, Tone, Cardio, Tai Chi,  health talks, Outdoor walks

Mary Ann is a Physical Therapist and Bay Ridge Center's Health Management Specialist. She has been a consultant and exercise instructor at BRC for more than 15 years and lives in Bay Ridge.

Julie Ross

Talk With Julie

Discussion group focuses on reminiscence about the past while also considering the challenges and joys of modern life. Julie Ross is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and adjunct faculty member at the Silberman School of Social Work.

Rachael Marotta

Kwarantine Kitchen, Trips & Travel, Yahtzee & more!

Rachael's love of worldwide travel and intergenerational friendships has led her to develop these classes. She loves the interactive nature of the classes: not teaching but interacting with members. Rachael loves when she can develop a class based on member suggestions, so please reach out with your best ideas! (Pictured, young Rachael with her beloved Grandma Joan.)

Whitney Hamilton

Drawing & Watercolor

Whitney is a working artist in Bay Ridge and  has a BFA from Birmingham Southern College and an MFA Pratt Institute. She is also a writer, director and actor with three of her own feature films out on various streaming platforms.

Gail Karpf

Books on the Ridge Book Club

Gail is a long-time resident of Bay Ridge. She taught for 40 years (her favorite grade to teach was 7th) and is a avid reader.

Sophia Tamzarian

Dancercize, Meditation

Sophia Tamzarian is a Certified LaBlast Instructor for Dance-Fitness and Certified Yoga Instructor, Vinyasa, Chair Yoga, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Breathwork, Meditation and Sculpt Yoga, her own blend of Personal Training & Yoga

Charley Eichler

Trivia, Mondays at 4 pm

Charley is a Bay Ridge Center member, member of the Senior Advisory Council, and a long-time Brooklyn resident.

Tanisha Singh

Short Stories

Tanisha is an intern from Columbia University where she is an MSW student. She is passionate about health and wellness and loves working out.

Camille Smith

Karoke, Friday Outdoor Walks

Cami is an intern and an MSW student at Columbia University and is passionate about being outside, eating new foods, and playing sports. She has two dogs and am originally from California.

Ruth Benn

Nature Talks

Ruth is Outreach Associate for Bay Ridge Center. She updates the website calendar and sends the program emails.