By dedicating their time, talent, and expertise to the Senior University program, these instructors provide Northwest Indiana seniors with opportunities to learn new skills and to see their communities from interesting new perspectives.
Senior University Instructors
Nicholas ("Nico") first joined Â̲èÖ±²¥ in 2017 as a visiting librarian for Coordinator of Library Instruction. Now he is Assistant Librarian for Teaching & Learning where he works with a team of other librarians to deliver instruction sessions for classes throughout campus with an emphasis on information literacy. His research interests include fake news and misinformation.
Previously, Nico was a reference librarian at Morton College in Cicero, Illinois, teaching instruction sessions and a project coordinator at Center for Research Libraries (CRL) in Chicago. He earned his Master of Library & Information Science from Dominican University and his Bachelor of Music Education from Saint Xavier University.
Billy is a respected pianist, composer, educator, and producer. He has performed as a professional musician for the past 35 years, and in addition to performing with others, has led his own groups for much of that time. Billy has also written and produced music for several television commercials. He is also the former host of the radio show the "Billy Foster Jazz Zone" which aired on WGVE 88.7 FM in Gary.
Billy received a Bachelor of Science from Defiance College and a Master of Music from Roosevelt University, with additional study at New York University and private study with famed jazz pianist, Jaki Byard. As an educator, Billy is retired from 35 years as a Gary public school music teacher. He also served as jazz piano instructor at Valparaiso University from 1980 to 2014.
In addition to his private studio and Senior University workshops, Billy currently teaches piano at IU Northwest.
Leslie is a proud graduate of Indiana University with a master’s degree in liberal studies. While enrolled at IUN, she accepted a position with the Center for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE) as a garden coordinator to raise awareness about the campus community garden and organize seasonal programming. She later expanded her role for CURE by leading sessions for Senior University, focusing on teaching computer and internet skills. To recharge, she enjoys wandering the local library to find her next exciting armchair adventure and walking her Great Dane, Sally.
Tavetta is a public speaker, instructor, and published author on a mission to empower people to win in life! She is the President of Abundant Life Publications, a publishing and consulting company. She has published ten magazines and produced thirteen television programs. Tavetta is the published author of five books and contributing author of two books. Tavetta has 20 years of experience as an instructor and 30 years of public speaking and writing experience. She developed the “Write Through Grief” program to help others embrace their new normal. In addition to grief recovery, Tavetta provides instruction on business leadership. Her personal interests are writing and traveling.
Tatyana first began leading computer and technology sessions as CURE’s social work intern during the 2022-2023 academic year. After graduating from Â̲èÖ±²¥ in May of 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, Tatyana became a Program Assistant for CURE. In addition to this role, she continues to teach Senior University sessions, focusing on cybersecurity. In her free time, she enjoys reading, vacationing, and spending time with family and friends.
Brittany Taylor founded Taylor Tech Solutions LLC, formerly known as I Tech Teach You LLC, in the fall of 2017. She saw a need that was not being filled in the region. Grandparents and parents alike deserve to know how to take selfies and post on social media!
Brittany has been knowledgeable in the technology industry since 2001. She went to a very competitive high school and college and learned the fundamentals of computers and technology. Her skill set includes Java Script, Java, some coding, and she is fluent in video uploading. In addition to instructing for Senior University, Brittany also provides instruction at Oak Street Health and several other organizations in the region.
Deb is visual and art history educator with over 30 years of teaching experience. She has a master’s degree in interdisciplinary arts from Columbia College in Chicago and undergraduate degrees in art history, painting, and photography from Eastern Michigan University.
Chelsea (Stalling) Whittington is a native of Gary, IN and proud graduate of West Side High School (salutatorian), Howard University (B.A. Broadcast Journalism, Magna Cum Laude) and Purdue University (M.A. Organizational Communications, Summa Cum Laude). Chelsea’s career in communications spans more than 25 years having worked in non-profit, governmental, publishing, educational and telecommunications spaces. Most recently, Whittington served as the Director of External Affairs and Special Events for the Chicago Urban League. She continues to serve as an adjunct professor at Â̲èÖ±²¥ and Indiana Wesleyan University teaching courses in Business Communications, Social Networking and Special Event Planning. In Spring 2019, Whittington began operating her PR Consulting firm, C WHITT, on a full-time basis. There she develops public relations and social media strategies for clients as well as presents workshops and trainings on social media and public speaking. She is married to her husband Terrell, and they reside in Gary, Indiana.