 |
|
| ABOUT THE TUTOR |
|
| Mark W. Vance received a B.S. in Environmental Science with a minor in Biology from Huxley College of Environmental Studies at Western Washington University, graduating with honors (Magna Cum Laude) in 1983. In 1989, he went on to receive his M. Ed. from Western Washington University. Mark studied with Dr. Francis Schaeffer at L'Abri, in Switzerland, in 1978. He worked for Western Washington University in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service (Olympic National Forest) teaching an environmental education program for the Youth Conservation Corps. He also taught for the Environmental Learning Center at Deception Pass State Park in conjunction with Huxley College and the Granite Falls School District. He was the founder/director of Elyon Wilderness Encounters of Nootka Mission Association on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, during the early '80's. In 1985 he took the positon of Program Director for Reachout Expeditions, a branch of Youth Dynamics. He also taught temporarily at the University of Washington Experimental College. In 1993 he left Reachout Expeditions as Co-Director, due to medical reasons. He has homeschooled his own children since 1990 and at the turn of the millennium he launched Talisker Tutorial Services. |
|
 |
| Family |
|
|
Mark and his wife, Cindi, were married in 1976 and have five children: Erin, Brandon, Caitlin, Meaghan, and Morghan. They live on Fidalgo Island in Northwestern Washington and are members of the Anacortes Christian Church. The late '80's and '90's brought on trying times for the Vance family as three of their daughters were diagnosed with Batten Disease. Erin and Caitlin have been released from their earthly journey, and Meaghan has just recently joined them. |
|
|
| Detailed Background Check (Approved by the FBI for Rogue Tutors) |
|
| In his distant past Mark was an "M.K." with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Mexico and Peru, returning to the USA in 1969 to finish high school in Northeastern Pennsylvania. He earned the highest rank in Scouting - The Eagle Award - and in 1973 was presented the Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Protection Services by President Richard Nixon. He briefly attended Gordon College as a Biology major prior to enlisting in the Army where he served with the 2nd Ranger Battalion - 75th Infantry and as the 9th Division's Mountain Warfare Training Center NCOIC (Non-Commissioned-Officer-In-Charge). He later served as a Drill Instructor with the Army Reserves and in 1991 was called to Active Duty for the Persian Gulf War. Mark is a decorated combat veteran, a life-member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In the recent past, Mark worked as a ski instructor at Crystal Mountain and Mt. Baker Ski Areas. He was a Technical Climber/EMT with the North Cascade Mountain Rescue Council for 10 years. He was a member of the American Mountain Guide Association and the American Alpine Club. He has been involved with the Anacortes Community Theatre, played lead parts and character roles in productions such as Shakespeare's MacBeth and The Merry Wives of Windsor. He is an award-winning, published poet and has played guitar in several local Celtic bands. The Vances have a strong Celtic heritage, mostly Scottish, and strive to preserve their ancient roots through involvement in "Things Scottish". Brandon has helped to maintain that tradition by learning the bagpipes and becoming the youngest person, at age 14, to win the US National Scottish Fiddle Championship. |
|
|
|
| Statement of Faith |
|
| Talisker Tutorial Service is in agreement with the ACCS Confession of Faith |
|
| Talisker Tutorial Service |
|
|
|
|
            |
|
 "Mend your speech a little, Lest you may mar your fortunes." William Shakespeare, 1564-1616, King Lear, Act I, Scene I, Line 79 |
|
Original Design by Mark W. Vance Copyright 1997 - 2007 All Rights Reserved Sherry Scott© ™ |
|