Summer 2026 Instructors and Bios

Alfred Drake:

Al Drake is a native of Orange County, California, and he earned his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in English at UC Irvine. Al has taught British, American, classical and world literature at UC Irvine, Chapman University, and CSU Fullerton. Additionally Al had edited works on the Frankfurt School and the American New Critics.

Andrew Hall:

Andrew Hall is a middle aged redhead, with a dry sense of humor. He realizes he is no Sonny or Cher, but does think he is funny in his own unique way and will share this with his class.

Barbara Weems:

Barbara Weems, PhD, is a retired professor of communication with a doctorate in Communication Studies and decades of experience teaching at the college level. As a published author and course developer, she specializes in behavioral communication, personal agency, and applied growth principles. As a mentor and coach, Barbara guides adults in translating insight into practical action. She designs structured frameworks that turn abstract concepts into measurable, actionable behaviors, empowering lifelong growth and communication success.

Bruce Ewing:

Bruce Ewing from Suffern, NY, graduated from the Hyatt School of Music. He co-created and toured with the Phat Pack, which won Best of Vegas for all-around performers. He also performed in Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular at the Venetian. Bruce recently retired as the music director of Community Lutheran Church of Las Vegas.

Carolyn Yucha:

Carolyn Yucha is a registered nurse (RN) with a Ph.D. in Physiology. She has a deep appreciation for the human body and has been editing the professional journal, Biological Research for Nursing, for the past 24 years. Before retiring, Carolyn worked as Dean of the UNLV School of Nursing for 13 years.

CJ Kelley:

CJ Kelley is a Food Systems Educator. She holds an M.S. in Environmental Policy and is an M.A.T.S.E. candidate. CJ is a Las Vegas native and a Systems Thinker.

Dan Mysilborksi:

Dan Mysliborski has been retired for 15 years and an OLLI member since 2012. Dan is a big fan of vintage television and has been an instructor at OLLI since 2017

Daniella Munene:

Daniella Munene ia a passionate health education who believes health is more than just medicine-it is about empowering people with knowledge, structure, and confidence to live more intentional lives. Through coaching she has helped individuals take practical ownership of their health by staying ahead of stress. Daniella has a Bachelor of Parmacy from the University of Nairobi and a Master's in International Public Health from Liverpool John Moores University. Formal education idd sahpe her focus, but deep insights into stress and well-being came from 20 years in the health sector, where she saw firsthand how crucial, often neglected, self empowerment is. She loves sharing her knowledge.

Danielle Hartnett:

Danielle Hartnett holds a degree in film from the USC School of Cinema and is a published film reviewer. She has taught various film history courses at OLLI, covering topics from Italian Neorealism to Cold War cinema, and has a particular interest in the Hollywood Blacklist.

Helena Katzhyan:

Helenna Katzhyan is a Food Systems Educator and holds a BS in Public Health. She is set to complete her Masters of Public Health 12/2027.