Business, Information Technology and Social Sciences through Encore
Join our diverse range of classes designed to equip you with essential skills and empower you in different aspects of life.
Whether you want to learn the basics of Microsoft Office or creatively approach challenges, our expert instructors are here to guide you. Gain confidence in Aging Boldly, take the Stone Soup Approach to Creatively Conquering Challenges, and learn the Science and Spirit of Healing.
Business, Information Technology and Social Sciences Classes
Once you know the Windows environment, you can master programs on your computer. In Excel, discover how to create a net worth statement, household inventory, basic budget plans or other spreadsheets using templates. Explore creative presentations in PowerPoint. Windows knowledge is required, and laptops are welcome.
LOUISE MILLER retired from San Juan College many years ago and she has helped hundreds of Encore students gain confidence and skills in using their computers.
2 credit hours
Cost: $13 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$125 residents under 65, $393 non-residents
2025FA COSC 104 E25
8/20-12/10, WED, 1-3 pm, SJC West, Kirtland, Room 120 (no class 11/26)
Discover how imagination, play, and perspective can help unlock new solutions to life’s challenges. Inspired by the timeless folk tale Stone Soup and grounded in research on brain science and expressive arts therapy, this course blends creative practices with thought-provoking discussion. Through activities like collage-making, film study, playful exercises, and collaborative exploration, students will learn to shift rigid thinking, reframe problems, and embrace new possibilities. Ideal for anyone seeking fresh, practical strategies to get “unstuck” and move forward with more flexibility and curiosity.
LINDE MERRY holds a master’s degree with an emphasis in archetypal art therapy from the University of New Mexico. She loves to convince grownups that play is not just for kids—it’s a vital human activity. She draws on the power of humor and her skills as a play therapist to create safety, encourage communication and foster self-confidence.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025FA SOCI 104 E01
9/8-10/27, MON, 5:30-7:30 pm, 30th Street Education Center Room 208
Already comfortable snapping photos and saving them to your computer? This next-level course helps you build on those skills by focusing on file organization, digital photo management, and creative project design. Learn how to sort, tag, and manage your images more efficiently, then use Microsoft Word to design photo journals, travel albums, and keepsake documents. Ideal for those who want to bring more life to their digital memories. Please have photos downloaded on laptop or USB before class starts. Contact the Encore office, 505-566-3214, if you have problems or questions. (Basic Windows and computer skills are required; laptops are welcome).
Instructor: LOUISE MILLER
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025FA COSC 104 E12
9/26-11/14, FRI, 10-12 pm, SJC Room 1922
This course explores how scientific insights and spiritual traditions come together in the process of healing across multiple dimensions of human life. Students will examine how mental, emotional, physical, interpersonal, communal, and spiritual well-being are interconnected, drawing from research-based knowledge and practical experience. Key topics include trauma recovery, mind-body integration, meditation and mindfulness, the science behind physiological healing, and the role of faith and meaning in coping with illness.
MEGAN CULLIP holds a Master of Divinity from Princeton and a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. She has worked in clinical settings such as hospitals, rehab centers, and hospices.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025FA PSYC 104 E02
10/2-11/20, THU, 5:30-7:30 pm, 30th Street Education Center Room 208
Find adventure and connection at SJC High Endeavor’s Challenge Course. Experience personal and group challenges, hilarious situations, fun and fear holding hands, and build connections with our ecosystem and each other. This class balances outdoor, physical and problem-solving activities with classroom discussion, stories, and lecture to grow our confidence of what can be accomplished. When you push out of your comfort zone - at any age - you will be amazed at the view.
MARK EVERSON is an adjunct instructor with San Juan College and has been teaching college courses for more than 15 years. He has master’s degrees from Utah State University and University of New Mexico and is the Senior Facilitator at the High Endeavors Challenge Course at the Health and Human Performance Center. When he is not outside exploring the world, he can be found on roof-tops hunting micrometeorites and watching his kids from the front porch turn into amazing adults.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025FA SOCI 104 E04
10/7-11/25,10-12 pm, TUE, WCCL 1905, HHCP High Endeavors Challenge Course
