The key to Active Learning Associates is people.  The persons below have written all or part of each resource that ALA offers.  They direct the company, ship the books, produce this Web site, and keep the company records.  They have different backgrounds, but one goal - to enrich the life of your church, family, and community.

The short biographies below tell more about the ALA partners, Phyllis Vos Wezeman,  Kenneth R. Wezeman, Ronald Liechty, Anna L. Liechty, and  Judith Harris Chase.

JUDITH HARRIS CHASE
Judith Harris Chase is a Consultant at the Parish Resource Center in Mishawaka, Indiana.  Judy has served in several Christian Education positions.  She teaches art in the Penn-Harris school district, Mishawaka, IN.  Judy graduated from Ball State University, Muncie, IN.  She studied at The School of the Art Institute, Chicago, and at Indiana University, South Bend.  Besides contributing to the craft activities for various resources, Judy often illustrates the projects.

ANNA L. LIECHTY
Anna L. Liechty chairs the English Department at Plymouth (IN) High School, and formerly coordinated Christian Education and Youth Ministries at Plymouth's First United Church of Christ.  Ann holds an M.S. in Education from Indiana University, South Bend, and has taught from middle school to undergraduate level.  Her background and experience in writing and drama have lead to many opportunities for dramatizations of Biblical characters and stories within religious education and worship settings.  She enjoys spending time with her four children and six grandchildren.

RONALD LIECHTY
Ron Liechty recently retired as pastor of First United Church of Christ, Plymouth, Indiana, where he served since 1983.  He is a graduate of DePauw University, Garret Evangelical Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Christian Theological Seminary (D.Min.).  Ron's ministry spans 35 years, with a focus on local church renewal and ecumenism.  Active in community organizations, Ron is a member of numerous civic boards and committees.

KENNETH R. WEZEMAN
Ken, a former pastor and hospital chaplain, holds a B.A. from Calvin College and an M.Div. from Calvin Theological Seminary.  He is currently Assistant Executive Director for Programming at the Parish Resource Center of Michiana, an organization helping churches of many denominations to equip and encourage professional and lay leaders for ministry.  Ken's interests in computers and ham radio make him the logical choice to be the Active Learning Associates "technology consultant."  Ken and Phyllis are the parents of three children, and grandparents of Quin, Ayle, and Lief!

PHYLLIS VOS WEZEMAN
Phyllis Wezeman is Director of Christian Nurture at First Presbyterian Church, South Bend, Indiana, as well as President of Active Learning Associates, Inc..  Phyllis holds an M.S. from Indiana University, where she has served as Adjunct Faculty in the Education Department.  She is the 1997 recipient of the Indiana University School of Continuing Studies Distinguished Alumni Award.  She is an "Honorary Professor" of the St. Petersburg (Russia) State University of Pedagogical Art.  Phyllis is an active consultant, board member, or workshop leader for numerous groups.  She is the author of over 400 books and articles on creative approaches to education and positive activities for peacemaking.