You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself.—Galileo Galilei

All instructors in the School of Practical Philosophy are also students who have been studying practical philosophy for many years.  They have discovered in their own experience that Philosophy Works -- that the uses of philosophical wisdom are limitless and real.  In conducting classes, their aim is simple -- to foster each student's journey of self-discovery.

Instructors at the School are not paid; they offer their services to benefit the School and the community.  Their personal and professional backgrounds vary as widely as the students they serve.

Instructors for Philosophy Works include:

 

David Beardsley (New Jersey)

David Beardsley has been producing video programs for over 30 years in corporate and educational environments.  David is currently the Branch Leader for the New Jersey School of Practical Philosophy.  He is the writer and director of the first video biography of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Emerson: The Ideal in America, and is developing a series of programs titled The Ideal in the West.  He also maintains the website http://momentsofrest.com

 

 

 Dennis Blejer (Boston)

Dennis Blejer has been a member of the School for almost 40 years and is currently the Branch Leader for the Boston School of Practical Philosophy.  He tutors courses in Practical Philosophy, Sanskrit, Plato, Sacred Geometry and the Philosophy of Science.  He is professionally employed as an engineering physicist and enjoys mountaineering, sea kayaking, and cycling.  He lives in Sudbury, MA.
 

 

Robert Blejer (New York City)

Robert has been a student of the School of Practical Philosophy since 1971.  He has tutored in all levels of the School, was formerly Principal of the School, and has been a Trustee since 1995.

 

 

 
 

Mary Bosworth (New York City)

Mary has been a student of the School of Practical Philosophy for the past twenty years.  She says that her decision to study philosophy is among the very best decisions she ever made - bringing greater wisdom, strength and love into her life.  She appreciates the philosophic conversations and good company found at the School and truly enjoys sharing the journey with others.  During the day, Mary teaches philosophy and history at a private school in Manhattan.

 

 

 William Fox (New York City)

Bill has been a member of the School for more than 30 years. During this time he has been a philosophy instructor, member of the Latin Translation Group, and Head of the Special Studies Program in New York City. Bill is Headmaster of the Philosophy Day School. He has been married to his lovely wife Ann for the last 20 years and they have three beautiful teenage daughters.
  

 

Clifford A. Henderson, III (New York City)

Clifford has been a member of the School for 30 years. He is a single father of a beautiful 10-year old daughter, and owns a design/build firm. He has studied architecture, literature and philosophy. He is a published poet and has lectured on Philosophy & Aesthetics and Philosophy & Love. He attended the Berklee College of Music and is an accomplished guitarist, regularly performing in the Metropolitan area. He has studied the world's great scriptures, philosophies and classical art forms, both Eastern and Western, as a labor of love and to be reminded that "all sides of a mountain ultimately converge at its summit."
 

Seamus Kennedy (New York City)

Seamus began studying Practical Philosophy in 1994 seeking to answer a simple question, "Is there more to life than just the day-to-day routine?"  In attending the School he has discovered the answer is a resounding "Yes!"  He very much enjoys teaching Philosophy Works and finds that his own energy and insight are strengthened from the enquiries and questions of the students.  He and his brother own a custom orthopedic manufacturing business in Long Island City.  Born in Ireland, Seamus is married with two children and he lives on the Upper Westside of Manhattan.
 

  

Randolph Kraus (New York City)

Randolph has been a student since 1979 and has taught at various levels of the School since the late 1980's.  He works in information systems and looks after the School's Distance Learning program.  His interests include Plato and Socrates, hiking, dancing, cooking, Dylan, Hot Tuna, language, the mathematics and mystery of music, travel and the meaning of meaning.

 

 

 Barbara Mandal (Scottsdale, Arizona)

Barbara had been an instructor in the New Jersey School since its inception. She is an integral part of the School teaching all levels as well as performing administrative functions. Barbara was elected to the New York City School Board of Trustees in 2007. She formerly worked for 30+ years as a technical manager of systems engineering and software development.

 

 

 

Niall Mandal (Scottsdale, Arizona)

Niall began his study of Practical Philosophy in Dublin in 1972. After coming to the United States and attending classes in the New York City school, Niall opened an affiliated branch in New Jersey. Niall’s interests include race walking, flying, martial arts and the study of Sanskrit to mention a few. He is president of  a Microsoft gold certified software development company. The Mandals have recently moved to Arizona and are establishing a branch in Scottsdale.
 

 

Earl Miller (New York City)

Earl is a long time student of the School of Practical Philosophy and has been a Philosophy Works instructor for many years. Earl leads a group in the new Distance Learning program and is a member of the Board of Trustees.  Earl is an insurance professional and lives in Rockland County with his wife, Diane.

 

 

Joseph Nussenbaum (New York City)

Joseph Nussenbaum has been a student at the School of Practical Philosophy since 1985. He has been an instructor for the past 19 years and also tutors in the new Distance Learning program. An engineer by profession, Mr. Nussenbaum has a special interest in the relationship between philosophy and science.

 

 

Lou Panico (Boston)

Lou began his study with the School in Boston during 1982 when a subway sign "Learn More About Who You Are and How You Fit In The Universe" attracted his attention.  He has tutored for many of those years.  He is a strong believer in the principle that practice makes perfect.  He holds a BSEE degree from Northeastern University and is CEO of a corporation developing sanitization of food products and hospital environments.  He enjoys life with his wife Marcia, daughter Laurie and two dogs (Buddy and Cookie). 
 

Beverly Patestides (South Florida)

Beverly Patestides has been a student of the School of Practical Philosophy since 1972. During this time she has taught philosophy courses, served as secretary to the school leader and been a member of the Board of Trustees.  Beverly moved to South Florida in 1994 and since then has overseen the South Florida School. She has taught the introductory course at Broward Community College, TY Park in Hollywood and Art Serve, Fort Lauderdale. 

 
Michael Posnick (New York City)

Michael has been teaching the Introductory Course since 1979. He finds great satisfaction in the sincerity, openness and good humor of students - and in their genuine appreciation for the practical benefits of this study. At the School he has lectured on Forgiveness, Philosophy & Judaism, and Philosophy & Death.  During the day he serves as Director of the Department of Dance & Theatre at a nearby college, writes occasional songs, and shares a bountiful life with his wife Eileen.

 

 

Frank Ponzio ( New York City)

Frank vividly remembers his earliest experiences as a student of the School of Practical Philosophy.  Something special was taking place in that classroom.  In a relaxed and joyful atmosphere, people from all walks of life were engaging in lively and honest discussions.  It became clear that discovering the truth was of the utmost importance and a lot of fun.  Tutoring Philosophy Works, he shares in the happiness and freedom that students experience.  As a jazz pianist, composer and teacher, Frank has found that the perfomance of music and the practice of philosophical principles naturally inform each other and enrich his life.
 

 

Roland Rothenbucher (New York City)

Roland has taught Philosophy Works for many years. An educator with 25+ years of high school teaching and administrative experience, he currently oversees the upper division of a private school on Long Island. Roland’s interests include Plato, the renaissance philosopher Marsilio Ficino and classical history.
 

  

 

 Mariam Safinia (San Francisco Bay Area)

Mariam, who originally hails from Iran, has been a student of Practical Philosophy since 1989.  In 2004, when she and her husband moved to the US, she started a branch of the School in Northern California.  Originally trained as an architect, she also ran a residential real estate business in central London for almost 25 years.  The Philosophy School and its thriving student body are her greatest passion, second only to family and grandchildren.

 

 

Fari Safinia (San Francisco Bay Area)

Fari Safinia caught the Practical Philosophy bug in 2005 at the California School; after the first class, he became such an enthusiast that he accompanied his wife Mariam to every group, attending as many as six classes a week.  He is a retired oral surgeon, an avid skier and tennis player and believes that Practical Philosophy and, in particular, the practice of meditation have truly transformed his life.  He and Mariam manage all aspects of the California School with the help of their senior students.

 

 Barbara Solowey (New York City)

Barbara is a long time student of the School of Practical Philosophy. She has been teaching the Introductory Course for the past twenty years. As a teacher of literature and philosophy, her specialties are the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American Transcendentalists and William Shakespeare. Barbara currently offers a course on The American Transcendentalists at the School, and presents public lectures at the School and elsewhere.

 

 

David Steingard (New York City)

David has been teaching the Introductory Course since 2000. Each term he is inspired by watching the students discover for themselves the great benefits of Practical Philosophy. He enjoys meeting new students, discovering what each one is looking for and helping them in that pursuit in any way he can. He loves attending his own Philosophy Class which continues to be a source of awareness, understanding and peace of mind. David lives in NYC with his wife Cecelia and daughter Paloma. He wishes all students success in their Philosophical endeavors.

 

Christopher Travis (New York City)

Christopher is an attorney who practices civil litigation in New York City.  He graduated magna cum laude from Binghamton University, where he was named Phi Beta Kappa, and earned his Juris Doctor degree from St. John's University School of Law.  He lives in Manhattan with his wife and 3 sons and is active in many civic, political, and philosophical organizations.

 

Monica Vecchio(New York City)

Monica has been a student in the School for more than 30 years, serving in a variety of functions. Currently, her services are directed toward the marketing team, managing the lecture and studies programs, and directing a regular Friday night discussion group on Shakespeare. Monica is an educator and counselor who has served in secondary schools, adult programs and universities throughout the New York area. She lectures regularly on music, art, literature, religion and philosophy.

 

Donald Wiegmann (Hudson Valley, NY)

Donald has been a member of the School for close to 30 years.  During this time he has overseen the Hudson Valley, New York School, managed the School's Wallkill property and served as a Trustee on the Board of Directors.  Donald has been an instructor of all levels within the School including the Distance Learning program.