Activist, business owner Sevilla found dead

Rochester Business Journal Staff//December 2, 2009//

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The body of a woman found in Mendon Ponds Park has been unofficially identified as Christine Sevilla of Perinton, a well-known photographer, author and environmental activist.

Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies say Ms. Sevilla’s husband, Timothy Wells, 57, has been charged with second-degree murder.

With Wells, Ms. Sevilla, 58, founded and owned Lumin Guild. The firm, launched in 1987, designs instructional and career planning systems. Web-based conferences, focus groups and e-learning are among its services. Clients have ranged from non-profits to Fortune 50 companies.

Ms. Sevilla also designed staff development and education programs at the University of Rochester Medical Center and was a health consultant for Ernst & Whinney Inc., predecessor to Ernst & Young Global Ltd. She also was an adjunct instructor in Rochester Institute of Technology’s graduate program in human resource development.

She had a bachelor’s of arts degree from the University of California in physical anthropology, a master of public administration from the State University of New York and a master of science in instructional technology from RIT.

She also wrote several books, including “Information Design Desk Reference," "The Enterprise Information Asset," “Creating a Wetland Guidebook: A Tutorial” and “Memorias: An American in Spain, A Spaniard in America.”

"I enjoy teaching. I enjoy writing. When I think about what to give up to find more time for my photographs—well, I am doing what I like," Sevilla told the Rochester Business Journal in 2003.

To see her artwork and readings, visit www.luminguild.com.