The Learning Collaborative (TLC) brings together people who now have the time and the freedom to take classes for fun and who enjoy the real pleasure of continuing to learn. The curriculum is patterned after successful national programs designed to meet the educational interests of the retired community.
TLC provides you with a wonderful opportunity to join with others like yourself – people whose life experiences enrich class exchanges. The program’s expert lecturers lead fascinating discussions on topics that range from science to current affairs, from the arts to interpersonal relationships.
View PDF and Print the Spring 2026 Course Catalog here.
View the Spring 2026 Schedule at a Glance here.
The Learning Collaborative is the unique result of a passion felt many years ago by a small group of retired Rockland County residents. They wanted to go back to school again, to join with others in a rich learning environment.
The Learning Collaborative is governed by a Board of Directors that meets frequently to evaluate its programs and to make them even more attractive to the general public. These unpaid directors include original founders of the Collaborative, current and past instructors, and students.
For more information, please contact mdibarto@stac.edu.
Sam Mazen, Chair
A student-participant of The Learning Collaborative (TLC) since 2009, and Board Chair since 2018. In his professional life he was a Staff Attorney at the New York State Insurance Fund.
Dana Asher
Dana has a BA in English and an MS in Communication Disorders. She is a retired speech-language pathologist and was an instructor of communication at SUNY Orange. Her passions include life-long learning, cooking, jazz and wellness.
Sally Borgman, M.Ed., LMSW
Worked for the Rockland County government for almost 20 years, as a community resources program specialist and Training Coordinator. Collaborated with various county agencies and not-for-profits to provide linkages and partnerships for programs to benefit the community, including being a founding member of the grassroots organization that started the Rockland County Drug Court.
Phil Carmichael
A graduate of New York University School of Engineering, he is a retired electrical engineer with extensive experience in communications technology. The holder of several patents, he helped develop the precision timing for the GPS navigation satellite and portions of the GOES weather satellite.
Vincent Cina
Vincent is a computer scientist with over five decades of experience. He started as a computer operator and progressed to senior system programmer at a prominent New York utility. He then transitioned to IBM’s Research Division where he spent 15 years as a senior computer science research manager and then 12 years as IT manager for IBM’s worldwide Research Division. Vincent holds four computer science U.S. patents.
Phyllis Citrin
Had 45 years of experience as an Advanced Placement Biology teacher and Science Research mentor. Currently serves as VP on her Homeowners Association Board, has taught many courses for TLC, such as Introductory Biology, Genetics, Evolution, Immunology/focusing on Covid-19, Introverts, Middlesex, and The Merchant of Venice.
Marty Cohen, Ph.D.
Actively involved in promoting adult education since the 1970s. At TLC, he recruits instructors, is the editor of the catalog, and has taught dozens of courses on many different topics.
Judith Gorman
Retired Managing Director of Standards at the IEEE, with an educational/professional background in music theory, teaching, publishing, and ultimately the electro-technologies. Currently Music Director of The Main Street Singers at the Rockland Conservatory of Music.
Berton Greenberg, Ph.D.
An active participant who is willing to help TLC with its mission of education and social interactions. Has taught in college and holds a PhD in Materials Science.
Phyllis Levin
Educator, Home Economist. She taught Home Economics and Math at all levels in Brooklyn and Nanuet., and was a Home Economist at Procter and Gamble, New York. “Education is my shining star. Proud member of TLC.”
Alan J Pierce, Ed.D.
Alan’s 40-year career as an educator included teaching in NYC, CCNY and ECSU in NC. He also served as the New York State Ambassador for Occupational Education for NYS Ed Dept. He is the author of 6 textbooks and served as an author, editor and/or consultant on over 250 other published works. He has received many awards including a National Research Award and a University Professor of the Year award from the University of North Carolina system.
Miriam Tatzel PhD
Miriam has been a happy student – and sometime instructor – at TLC ever since she retired from SUNY Empire State University in 2015. She had a long career there as Professor and Mentor in Psychology to adult learners. She held prior positions at Hunter College (Psychology) and the Social Science Research Council (early education). As a social psychologist, she focused on consumer psychology.
FAQs
TLC PRICING – Spring 2026
$70 per person
For two people at the same computer, please register both individuals!
There are three optional special courses this term that are available to students who register for the Spring Semester. Each optional special course is an additional $25.
Regular Program: all classes are on Tuesday mornings. The optional special courses are held on Thursdays.
Students will be informed by email in advance of all classes.
See page 9 of the Catalog for detailed information.
You will receive the Zoom links in a reminder email that is sent to students before each class begins.
We welcome new instructors with something interesting to share. Email The Learning Collaborative team at mdibarto@stac.edu to start the conversation!
Email The Learning Collaborative team at mdibarto@stac.edu to start the conversation!