Fairleigh Institute for Lifelong Learning at Metro

MONDAY 01. IN PERSON. "Life Illusions, I Recall: The Weight of a Forensic Witness." Roger Forsthoff. September 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9 (8 sessions). 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Email: rogerf@fdu.edu. 

Description: We often spend our lives on the idealized side of existence, shielded by the necessary illusions of safety and order—illusions that are increasingly fragile in an era of collective trauma and systemic anxiety. In this course, we step behind the yellow tape to explore the harsh realities of the human condition through the lens of my two decades in homicide crime scene investigation and seven years in volunteer emergency services. Drawing on my 27 years of university teaching, we will bridge academic theory and lived experience by applying the principles of Forensic Science, Investigative Psychology, and Bowen Family Systems Theory to real cases. We will also confront the true weight of being a witness to trauma, speaking candidly about the sensory impacts of the crime scene, the reality of professional burnout, and the emotional toll of high-stakes environments. Ultimately, drawing on the Parent Hope Project and Bowen's concept of differentiation, we will explore how managing our emotional reactivity acts as the foundation for mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual resilience—becoming the primary tool for both technical rigor and personal survival. For the lifelong learner, this course is an invitation to transform the things we cannot unsee into true integration, offering a rare chance to understand the world from both sides now.
 
Content Awareness and Warning
Please Note: Due to the real-life nature of forensic investigation and trauma work, this course contains detailed discussions of intense, sensitive topics, including physical violence, homicide, and the graphic sensory details of crime scenes. While these elements are a pedagogical necessity for understanding the true weight of the witness, the material can be emotionally challenging. This course is designed to maintain academic rigor and a supportive learning environment, and participants are encouraged to practice self-regulation throughout our discussions.

MONDAY 02. IN PERSON. "Better Home, Better Life." Tracey Kirstein. October 19 (1 session). 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Email: aginginplacewithtracey@gmail.com. 

Description: Is your home working for you? 

Most of us rarely stop to think about how well our homes support the way we live—until something changes. Whether it's preparing for retirement, recovering from an injury or surgery, welcoming family members, or simply wanting to make life easier and more comfortable, small changes can make a meaningful difference.

In this engaging and interactive course, Physical Therapist, Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) and founder of Better Home Better Life, Tracey Kirstein will help you uncover the hidden opportunities in your home. Through real-life examples, photographs, and room-by-room strategies, participants will learn how thoughtful planning, universal design principles, and practical modifications can improve safety, comfort, accessibility, and everyday function.

You'll discover common challenges that may be hiding in plain sight, explore solutions ranging from simple adjustments to larger home improvements, and learn how technology and community resources can support your goals. Participants will leave with a better understanding of what changes may benefit their own home, what questions to ask, and how to connect with qualified professionals—including home assessment resources—when they are ready to take the next step.

Create a home that supports the life you want to live—starting now. 

TUESDAY 01. IN PERSON. "Freak Show." Dr. Marie Roberts. November 10 (1 session). 1:30 pm - 3 pm. Email: bitterwo@fdu.edu. 

Description: Join Dr. Marie Roberts as she regales an audience about her life growing up alongside the freak show performers of Coney Island. Topics covered include her upbringing in a show business family on the famed boardwalk as well as a glimpse into the unbelievably interesting lives of the performers she personally knew. 

TUESDAY 02. IN PERSON. "Personality Disorders." Dr. Benjamin Johnson. September 15, 22, 29 (3 sessions): 1 pm - 2 pm. Email: b.johnson2@fdu.edu 

Description: Join Dr. Ben Johnson as he gives an engaging presentation on a variety of personality disorders, their study over the course of history, and how to treat them.

TUESDAY 03. IN PERSON. "The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the Capture of His Conspirators." Dr. Kyle Kattelman. October 6, 13, 20, 27 (4 sessions). 12 pm - 2 pm. Email: ktk94@fdu.edu. 

Description: This course will cover the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in a vivid storytelling mode. The historical context of the events will be provided to help illuminate the planning, execution, and the ensuing twelve-day hunt for the fugitives. The final session will cover the military tribunal and executions of the conspirators. Coverage will also include personal anecdotes from Dr. Kattelman, who has traveled to many of the scenes of the events firsthand.

TUESDAY 04. IN PERSON. "Dual Lectures: Understanding Autism and Trauma-Informed Care." Dr. Linda Raffele Mendez. November 3, 10 (2 sessions). 12 pm - 2 pm. Email: raffaelemend@fdu.edu. 

Lecture 1: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder without Intellectual Disability
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes persistent challenges in social communication, restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. This presentation will focus specifically on autistic individuals without intellectual disability. Many of these individuals are late diagnosed (including in adulthood). The presenter will describe commonalities in the experiences of these individuals and the types of accommodations and supports that have been shown to be helpful.

Lecture 2: Understanding Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma includes events that a person perceives as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening that have lasting effects on an individual's functioning and well-being. Trauma-informed care is an approach to services and systems that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and actively works to avoid re-traumatization while promoting healing. This presentation will describe various types of trauma, how trauma affects the brain, and how trauma-informed care is practiced in community settings. 

WEDNESDAY 01. IN PERSON. "Abnormal Psychology: Understanding Psychological Diagnosis." Dr. Lauren Lipner. September 23, 30, October 7, 21, 28 (5 sessions). 11 am - 1 pm. Email: l.lipner@fdu.edu. 

Description: This course will expose participants to the major categories of psychological diagnosis including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, substance use and schizophrenia. Participants will become familiar with the current version of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, which is used to provide diagnoses by all mental health professionals. Course discussions will focus on the history of mental health diagnoses and exploring the differences between mental health diagnostic categories.

THURSDAY 01. IN PERSON. "Introduction to Islam" Matiulla Joyia. September 3, 10, 17, 24, October 1 (5 sessions). 10 am - 11:30 am. Email: matiullah.joyia@ahmadiyya.us. 

Description: If you've ever had questions about Islam, this course is for you. You will begin with the basic tenets of Islam, the life of Muhammad, the meaning of jihad, and the relationship between Israel and Palestine. In the end, you will emerge with a deeper understanding of Islam's history, teachings, and practice. 

THURSDAY 02. IN PERSON. "From Daily Stress to Psychopathology: Emotion Regulation as a Common Thread." Dr. Gregory Bartoszek. October 15, 29 (2 sessions): 12 pm - 1 pm. Email: g.bartoszek@fdu.edu

Description: Join Dr. Bartoszek as he explains the extensive role that emotion regulation plays in our mental health at all levels.

FRIDAY 01. IN PERSON. "Bat Biology 101: Evolution, Ecology, and Extraordinary Adaptions." Dr. Melissa de Waal. September 18, October 23, November 20 (3 sessions). 11 am - 1:00 pm. Email: m.dewaal@fdu.edu

Description: This course will delve into the overlooked and unloved creatures we rarely think about outside of Halloween...bats! In this three-part series, we will cover how bats evolved, the ecological roles they play across the globe, and their extraordinary adaptations that make them unique among mammals. Grounded in cutting-edge science but accessible for the casual learner, this course requires no background or expertise in mammalogy or biological sciences.