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.

Diane Benelli:

Diane Benelli, a 12th-generation Manhattan native, is a published author in the New York Genealogical and Biographical Record. She has edited numerous theological publications and also the United Nations Disarmament Yearbook.  

Doug Verb:

Doug Verb has 40 years experience in all facets of the sports industry.  He is a successful executive for new sports and league startups, including three pro leagues, with expertise in strategic organization, media promotion, event creation and management, mediation, and staff building. Doug served as a consultant to many sports organizations, agencies and venues and was president of Pro Soccer Chicago Sting and spent 10 years as a TV executive and sports writer.

Dr. Stacey Boyle:

Dr. Stacey Boyle holds a PhD in Applied Behavioral Studies from Oklahoma State University. She has 25+ years of workforce development, human capital analytics, and organizational learning leadership. She has also Co-founded Bitcoin Transformation Community, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to financial literacy and Bitcoin education. Dr. Boyle also founded and leads weekly group meetings for the Vegas Bitcoiners. Founder and independent consultant of Smarter People Planning to help clients strategically connect people investments to measurable business outcomes. She is the creator of landmark benchmarking programs, a published author and a judge for Human Capital Media and the Stevie Awards.

Ellen Royer:

This is Ellen Royer's fourth year teaching courses in theater history and dramatic literature for OLLI. Ellen loves talking about theater to anyone who will listen, and is thrilled to have a captive audience of learners who are interested in the material she presents! Ellen received her doctorate in theater from the University of Oregon in 1988 and has taught at universities in Oregon, Nebraska, New Jersey and Texas.

Fran Smith:

Fran Smith holds a BA in Political Science and an MA in International Relations. While not a professional in art history, Fran has taught numerous art history classes at OLLI.

Frank Davio:

Frank Davio worked as a truck driver for Rheingold Brewery in Brooklyn and as a ramp agent for Southwest Airlines in Las Vegas. He grew up immersed in social club culture and has enjoyed playing cards recreationally all of his life. Frank also has a keen interest in dreams and the supernatural. He now brings his passions to life in both his OLLI classes.

Gail Knapp:

Gail Knapp has been a member of OLLI and taught every term since 2011. She retired after a 40-year teaching career in psychology at a community college in Flint, Michigan. At OLLI, she teaches classes in psychology, English and critical thinking. She now teaches only virtually. Gail emphasizes class interaction and activities, including a new monthly quiz quest for fun, enjoyment and increased learning.

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.

Jo Wilkins:

Jo Wilkins is Chief Executive Officer and Acquisition Editor at Mystic Publishers Inc. She runs Ink and Quill Publishers for general genres, NewLink Publishing for sci-fi and fantasy and Vision Novels for authors who want to self-publish without vanity press. Jo is co-author of the Tyranny sci-fi series and also a murder mystery. She has published over 20 anthologies and essays and has been featured on KNPR, "Making NV Home". Jo previously taught beginning and intermediate writing for the City of Henderson and now brings 2 classes and a writing SIG to OLLI.

Johnny Law:

Johnny Law has taught beginner artists at OLLI for over a decade. He is a 50-year Las Vegas resident and a Penn State graduate from Pittsburgh. Johnny's career spans the gaming industry and real estate along with owning several businesses. Johnny is actively involved in volunteering with many prominent organizations in Las Vegas.

Judy Nelson:

Judy Nelson began playing the ukulele at age nine, returned to it in 2010. She is retired from the Department of Defense and is now an organizer for both the Ukulele Club of Las Vegas and the Ninth Isle Ukulele Club.

Julia Pizzi:

Julia Pizzi is a dedicated spiritual director and curator for the Interfaith Contemplative Center, as well as a board member of the Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada. She is committed to fostering spiritual awakening for all.

Ken Moser:

Ken Moser is a James Beard Award-winning Chef and a Certified Master Chef with over 55 years of culinary experience. He has taught with OLLI for five semesters and has a deep passion for cooking.

Les Wimmer:

Les Wimmer holds a BS degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland Eruopean Division with 2 Associate degrees in Technology. He is a retired air force civilian employee and a retiree from the Air Force Reserve. Les is also an amateur astonomer.

Lina Lopez:

Lina Lopez is a Philanthropist and Founding Member of P.A.L.A. (Philanthropic Actions Launching Awareness). Lina mentors ages 10-24 as an International Youth Empowerment Mentor. She has Nonprofit Management and Grant writing experience and has also been a Travel Advisor.

Linda Edgeworth:

Linda Edgeworth had a 32 year career in election law and administration. After serving as Deputy Director of Elections in state services, she became a senior consultant, collaborating with election bodies worldwide. She led international observation missions and provided technical assistance and system analysis. One of her most challenging roles was rebuilding voter polls and overseeing elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina following the Dayton Peace Accords. Linda has taught numerous courses for OLLI and served as Secretary of the Steering Council. 

Lynnea Bylund:

Lynnea Bylund is the founder of the Ahimsa Peace Institute and a key leader of the Gandhi Worldwide Education Institute. She advances education rooted in nonviolence and based on Gandhi;s principles. For years she has collaborated with Arun Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi's grandson, helping carry forward the living legacy of Gandhian nonviolence. She is co creator of the Seeds of Light workbook and journal series, transforming Gandhi's teachings into practical tools for students and communities. As an educatior, author, and global program leader, she guides transormative learning based on Gandhian philosophy, peacebuilding, and nonviolent living.

Mark Love:

Mark Love is a retired elementary school teacher who taught in California and spent six years teaching on U.S. Air Force facilities in Azores and 28 years in England. Mark has taught for OLLI including Board Games and Scrabble and co-facilitated Soapbox as well. He has a BA in Political Science and an MA in Education.

Mary Ellen Taylor:

Originally from Fredonia, NY, has been a Nevada resident for 64 years. A Bishop Gorman graduate, she holds a BA and MS in elementary education from UNLV. Mary Ellen is a retired Las Vegas middle school language arts teacher who has also written and edited for Teacher Created Materials in Huntington Beach, California.

Mercedes Foster:

Mercedes Foster, 80 years young, retired Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and a native of Brooklyn, NY will teach you the beautiful art of Egyptian belly dance. Mercedes has been belly dancing for 36 years and believes in the connection between mind, body and spirit.

Michael T Davitt:

Michael T Davitt is a retired licensed clinical social worker who leads mindfulness support groups in partnership with the libraries. With a 40-year career across New York, North Carolina, and Nevada, he focused on children, families, and military personnel and their families in public schools. He is a catalyst for personal transofrmation and community building. After the October 1 mass shooting, he moved to Las Vegas to support Nellis Air Force Base personnel. He also hosts a monthly open mic at the Listening Room.

Niels Clyde:

Niels Clyde crafted his first ukulele from a cigar box and has been and OLLI member since 2011. He began teaching ukulele in 2013 and he also plays guitar and is currently learning piano. 

Noell Everhart:

Noell Everhart loves musicals, especially the Phantom of the Opera, but many favorites. Noell grew up in a funeral home and headstone company and has also traveled extensively. A total Anglophile, Noell loves all things "English".

Pat Landaker:

Pat Landaker is the owner of the Pat Landaker Agency (patlandakeragency.com), and other lifestyle brands offering programs, resources, and support services designed to help older adults live with greater purpose, confidence, and independence. She specializes in empowered aging and holds multiple professional credentials, including Certified Senior Advisor®, Certified Dementia Practitioner, essentialALZ® Community Educator, and Master Certified Coach and Trainer. Pat serves on the Social Impact and Innovation Council for the American Society on Aging (ASA®) and on the Certification Council and Journal Board for the Certified Senior Advisors (CSA®) organization. She is a 2025 National Mature Media Awards winner and the author of books and articles on aging, longevity, and senior lifestyle.

Pat Thorn:

Pat Thorn is a retired registered nurse and nurse administrator who has focused on the care needs of aging adults and US veterans since her retirement. She is an avid reader. Thorn has presented classes on Aging and the Human Body, Mark Twain, CSI Fact or Fiction, and Lunchtime Brown Bag topics.

Paul Addis:

Paul Addis is a retired engineer with 38 years of experience at the Boeing Company. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M and has a passion for computer programming as a hobby. Paul has been an OLLI member since 2019.

Richard Berman:

Richard Berman has instructed over 150 University courses, and over 24 OLLI classes. Dr. Berman has treated over 1000 clients in pyschiatric settings and served over 24 years as CEO of a community mental health center. He has served on numerous mental health boards and was president of both the Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Centers and POCA (Psyciatric Outpatient Centers of the Americas).

Richard Davis:

Richard Davis along with being a certified senior health self-management trainer and a certified community health care worker, is an experied OLLI instructor. Richard is a health educator with Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican Hospitals, a member of CommonSpirit.

 Rita Ballejos:

 Rita Ballejos retired from the Army after 23 years of service. She worked as a master cook in various hotels and casinos and has a strong passion for arts and crafts.  

Sondra Cosgrove:

Sondra Cosgrove is a History Professor at CSN and a nonpartisan public civics educator. She has been a Nevada resident for 40 years and serves as a City of Las Vegas Historical Preservation Commissioner.

Susan Merritt:

Susan Merritt earned degrees in computer science and math from Cornell and UC San Diego. She spent her career as a data scientist assisting biotech companies in managing laboratory data. Since 2017, she has indulged her passion for creating and teaching a variety of classes at OLLI. Her interests include making mosaics, amateur astronomy, and traveling to remote locations around the world.

Susan Waldman:

Susan Waldman moved from New York City to Las Vegas in 2006 to be closer to family. She discovered a love for both American and Asian Mahjong over 16 years ago. The game has become a passion. Susan has met new friends and enjoys sharing knowledge about the game with others.

Taylor Johnson:

Taylor Johnson revels in the joy of storytelling and connecting with everyone's creative inner spark. He encourages others to find their own voice and loves to experiment, laugh, and build confidence in unique and creative ways.

Teri Malburg:

Teri Malburg has been an OLLI member since 2019. The first class she took was American Sign Language and the first class she presented was "Why this Psalm?". Teri is passionate about sharing art with other members and enjoys organizing exhibits to showcase the OLLI art community. Teri welcomes anyone to her Workshop style classes.

Terry Maurer:

Terry Maurer is a certified senior health self management trainer and cerified senior peer counselor. She is an experienced OLLI instructor. Terry is also a nature photographer.

Vince Farese:

Vince Farese is a UNLV alumnus with 18 years of experience providing instruction to K-12 and adult students as a Nevada licensed educator. He has worked as an assistant coach for basketball and golf. In addition to his teaching career, Vince held senior marketing management positions in the corporate sector and owned a business for 20 years.