Bobbi Nesheim: Drop In With Debbie Mar ’22 Edition
Dear Reader,
Like many small towns throughout Pennsylvania, Millvale’s chief byproduct was coal. You could hop on the streetcar, and for ten cents, you would reach Pittsburgh in thirty minutes. Today, I’m going to tell you about a woman who remembers those days. It was common for her, at a very young age, to jump on the streetcar and go to Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Library. “I would bring home a bushel of books to read,” she said. Are you a lover of books, Reader? Who introduced you to reading?
Photo Description: older woman with short white hair and blue eyes; wearing wire-framed glasses and a white blouse; has a beautiful smile
Her name is Bobbi Nesheim, now 88, and she has always been someone who loves to learn. Bobbi also has the unique skill of using her knowledge to educate others. From a young age she has been in teaching roles. This talent allowed her to explore different avenues of guiding students: dance, music, physical education, counseling and many more topics. Always, her curated programs allowed her to help others gain insight into themselves and their choices. I hope you enjoy her story.
When Bobbi was a child, her father was a steamfitter. Her mother worked the switchboard for a telephone answering service and did secretarial work. Bobbi was the oldest of three children.
It became clear to me, as I heard Bobbi’s story, that she had natural talent in teaching and music. In fact, even in her young junior high years, Bobbi was teaching square-dance lessons to students. Reader, what is one of your natural talents?
Photo Description: Black and white photo of Bobbi sitting outside, wearing a striped dress and pearls; long wavy dark hair; smiling
Bobbi attended Millvale High School. She played in the band, sang in the choirs and acted on stage for the school plays. During the summers, she attended camp, and eventually became a camp counselor for a number of years. “I knew every camp song ever sung,” she said. Out of her graduating class, she was one of only twelve other students who were going to attend college.
Photo Description: Black and white photo; Bobbi wearing a dark blouse and white pearls; short dark wavy hair; smiling
Bobbi stayed focused on her goal. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was a kid,” she said. She attended Mansfield State College to study music. Although she played many instruments, Bobbi knew she wasn’t a performer. “I was a teacher,” she said. She graduated in 1956 with her teaching degree. Reader, are you good at evaluating yourself?
Photo Description: Bobbi as a young woman standing outside holding a book; shoulder length dark hair and dark glasses; wearing pants rolled at the ankles, white bobby socks, dark shoes, and a Mansfield sweatshirt
Then, Bobbi told her parents that she wanted to move to California. In Pennsylvania the starting salary for a new teacher was in the $2000 range. In California, her starting income would start at $3000. Bobbi’s parents responded, “We just sold our house. We’re going with you.” So, the family moved and settled in a San Diego suburb called Lemon Grove. Reader, did you ever make a huge move in your career choices?
Photo Description: Bobby sitting at a desk with legs propped up on chair; short dark wavy hair and smiling;
Bobbi started her master’s degree at San Diego’s University of California. To help cover costs, Bobbi taught dance lessons: Mambo, Tango, Rumba, waltz, jitterbug – many different dance styles. This was in the 50s. They lived close to North Island, the site of a naval base; so there were lots of sailors who loved to dance.
Image Description: A stage performance – to the left is a gentleman playing a dark grand piano; to the right is Bobbi standing in front of the piano, holding a book; Bobbi has dark hair and wearing a glamorous below-the-knee length shimmery dress; her body is poised tall and elegant
Bobbi enjoyed her master’s academic year. The director of the school told her that there wasn’t a class she hadn’t taken in her previous studies. So, he asked her to be his assistant. This position allowed her to put on plays, shows and opened wonderful doors for her to experience. She also worked with Roger Wagner and Robert Shaw – “two very prominent choral conductors with whom I was privileged to sing,” she said. Reader, what is a wonderful door that opened to you?
Image Description: Bobbi in a professional black and white photo with dark hair and dangling earrings; smiling
After graduating with her Master’s in Music in 1957, for many years, Bobbi taught at various age levels: junior high, senior high, junior colleges and universities. She started with music and girls’ physical education. However, a conversation changed Bobbi’s path. One of her supervisors asked her, “did you ever think about being a school counselor?” Reader, what is a question presented to you that took you in a new direction?
After doing her research, combined with the undergraduate work she had already accomplished, adding counselor to her career goals seemed like a wise next-step. Bobbi completed all the classes required. She started her school counseling career with senior high students.
Image Description: Professional black and white photo; Bobbi with shoulder-length dark hair, dress with white collar and little bow; smiling
So, at that point, Bobbi was now state credentialed in music, elementary education, secondary education and school counseling. She also became quite involved in the School Counselors Association of California; one year she held the role of president. Reader, what is a new skill you learned later in life?
Bobbi was a counselor and therapist for the next 17 years. She loved this new door that had opened in her life. She said, “The minute I started taking classes in counseling, music went by the wayside.”
In 1978, she opened her own practice. When she first made this decision, some naysayers said to her, “Why? You don’t even have clients!” Yet Bobbi knew that this was the right thing for her to do. She said, about any concerns about the time needed to build up her clientele, “I know how to scrub floors.” However, she did not need to be concerned. Word spread, and for the next 35 years Bobbi was a family therapist and owner of the Center for Creative Growth in Fullerton, California. Eventually, her business grew to include another office in San Clemente. “I could work at my own hours, and I loved it,” Bobbi said. Reader, when did you know that the naysayers in your life needed to be ignored?
Image Description: newspaper clipping about Bobbi; tells about an upcoming speaking event discussing marriage
She described these years as some of her most exciting years. She said it was a good time to be in California. As a state, it was on the cutting edge of education, physics and psychology. As well, topics like feminism and other relevant issues were explored. “It was a magical time,” Bobbi said.
Image Description: photo of a page that recognizes Bobbi for her accomplishment as a recipient of the Who’s Who of American Women
She immersed herself in learning – classes, meeting people and “being very involved in the community”, she said. She appeared on various television and radio shows. She was a contributing writer to a number of publications, including monthly articles in Vitality magazine. She held workshops on many different topics including weight and self-esteem. She was on several boards related to mental health and counseling, and throughout her career held executive positions on those various boards. She was also recognized in the 18th edition of Who’s Who of American Women. Reader, if you were ever recognized for your work, please tell us how?
Eight years ago, for family reasons, Bobbi decided to move to Colorado. True to her nature, there is a cadence to Bobbi’s teaching and impact in the communities wherever she lives. Colorado was no exception. She visited the Longmont Senior Center, and then became one of its popular teachers. Her rosters are full of participants who enjoy discussions about many different topics.
Each month, Bobbi covers a different subject matter. She prepares with hours of research. She listens to her students and often her topic points are inspired by the attendees’ interests. Here are some of the issues considered in her classes: philosophy, metaphysics, psychology, laughter, the soul, ancient wisdom, and chakras. After years of navigating these interesting topics, Bobbi continues to research, prepare and looks forward to the next class. There are typically 18 to 20 people in attendance.
Readers will often contact me with suggestions of people for me to interview for the Drop In With Debbie blog. In Bobbi’s case, I received the highest number of fans suggesting her as an interesting or inspiring person to cover in the blog. As I got to know her, I was pleased and acknowledge that readers had it right.
Bobbi has a tender heart, but she is not a pushover. She is a strong intelligent woman. As you talk with her, you understand why she values these two quotes: “We are all one” and “Hold everyone harmless.” Her demeaner is one of understanding. She uses great listening skills and she is interested in people.
She also has a lot of respect for her Colorado audiences. “I love working with seniors,” she said. She said of her current classes, “This is my first time exclusively with seniors. They know my language. We laugh at the same jokes. They are fun and smart. I just like being with seniors.”
Throughout these years of the pandemic, Bobbi has been holding her classes on Zoom. The online platform did not diminish her participants eagerness to continue meeting with her. She likes her classes to be fun and educational.
This grandmother has a full life between her family and her classes. “My life has been wonderful,” Bobbi said. “I have three great children. I also think of my nieces and nephews as my children.” Between all of them, she has eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Years from now, I am sure we will hear of students praising Bobbi Nesheim. It has been my honor to get to know her. Thank you, Readers, for your great suggestion. I hope you enjoyed Bobbi’s story as much as I did. Let me know your thoughts. I always enjoy hearing from you – droppinginwithdebbie@gmail.com
Image Description: Photo of Jyoti, Emily and Cherry; all part of The Reentry Initiative team; Emily Kleemam, is the Executive Director of the nonprofit; in a meeting room; left to right – sitting on a sofa woman with dark hair pulled back, wearing jeans, gray t-shirt and black sweatshirt; sitting on the back of the couch is a woman with long blond hair, wearing a reddish/orange sweater and jeans; sitting on the couch is a woman with long dark blond hair clipped in a high bun, wearing dark pants and a light gray sweater; all are smiling; insert is a headshot photo of Michael wearing a red shirt
Last month, you were introduced to Michael O’Shaughnessy and the Reentry Initiative’s work in his life. Theresa said, “I loved it. Carry on with the delightful and insightful talks you have!” Barb said,” I love that you highlighted TRI this month! Great article.” Miriam gave a “thumbs up” and told me, “Good story. I read all your blogs.” Many others commented how much they enjoyed the blog and Daniel liked hearing it in audio.
Until next month, may peace be at your side,
Debbie Noel
We have several ways to interact with Debbie!
- Instagram: Find me with the handle @dropinwithdebbie or visit https://www.instagram.com/dropinwithdebbie/
- Facebook: Tag me with @DropinwithDebbie or visit https://www.facebook.com/DropInWithDebbie/ to like and follow!
- Email her at DroppingInWithDebbie@gmail.com
- Register with the site (very bottom of the page) to have your comments viewed online
- Send your letters to:
Debbie Noel
C/o Longmont Senior Center
910 Longs Peak Avenue
Longmont, Colorado 80501
To find out more about the classes Bobbi teaches, visit the Longmont Senior Center and pick up a GO magazine. It is a listing of all activities offered. You can also go online and view the catalogue. Here is the link for the most current edition.
