Virtual & In-Person Classes @eta University
eta University Course Instructors
Eric Ballenger graduated from VanderCook College of Music, with his Bachelor of Music Education. He is a licensed teacher at McKinley Jr. High and a Sound Engineer for Life Changing Ministries Pentacostal Church.
Ola Klimczak is a multimedia artist and Part 107 licensed drone pilot. Ola's teaching passion started in HS tutoring literature to ESL students and teaching photography/print layout editing. In their early 20's Ola worked as a writer for the DePaulia, an event photojournalist, and wedding photographer. Ola is continuing their education at DePaul with a MA of Sustainable Urban Design and GIS certificate (BA in Journalism DePaul 2009).
Mickie Valentine is a vision coach, a mentor, a counselor, and a speaker. She’s also an entrepreneur, a leader, and a consultant. She continues to uncover and develop new ways to advance her destiny: helping clients from all walks of life get on the path to success. After the successfully completing a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, she pushed forth to earn a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. Currently she is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Lavoy McConnell /DJ I.N.C is a Professional Dejay, Music Producer, Independent Businessman and Artist. DJ I.N.C runs his own company, Dusty DJ Inc. Dusty DJ Inc provides the daily business operation of booking dejay gigs, producing & manufacturing independent music, as well as consulting and teaching dejay workshops to local youth. DJ I.N.C is currently an adjunct teacher at Columbia College Chicago and the Music Director for Renaissance Bronzeville.
Teianna Cooper As an author, community advocate and facilitator, TeiannaRe-AL Cooper is a recognized speaker of healing, truth, and wisdom. She has had the honor of being keynote speaker at several teen summits, women conferences, and community forums in the Kansas City metropolitan area and major cities alike. TeiannaRe-AL Cooper is a poetry slam mentor and writers workshop facilitator; however, she is notably known for blending a smooth sound and sultry voice to deliver a hardcore and real message. Teianna holds a master’s in Psychology and Public Administration and has dedicated 23 years of service in Social Services addressing disparities such as HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence, and Mental Health.
Philip Fairweather is an Air Force Veteran and former MBA professor of entrepreneurship with over 20 years’ experience as an entrepreneur, entrepreneurial training instructor, consultant, and federal economic development specialist. He is a patented inventor and has worked on projects throughout the United States, China, and India. In addition, he has developed and implemented Teen Reach programs for the State of Illinois, entrepreneurial programs for the Chicago Urban League, was the Director of the Chicago Housing Choice Voucher Program (section 8), and a two-time National Award Winner for best practices in Welfare to Work initiatives.
Felicia Oliver studied design at Columbia College. She has over 25 years of experience working in the fashion industry as an accomplished designer, runway model and teacher. She hopes to inspire and encourage others by teaching them to turn their wonders into reality through the use of design techniques.
Jairo Lozano holds an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fresno State and has developed a passion for working with underserved and marginalized populations and is currently working with youth in alternative education settings. Jairo has incorporated his experience and insight as a Hip-Hop artist to develop culturally relevant and identifiable interventions that have been successful in providing mental health access to underserved adolescents.
Tyler Thompson & Pauline Mosley (773 Dance Project) was founded in 2018 with the mission of increasing access to dance in underserved communities. Our organization works to provide free and accessible performances, classes, and other dance related events to communities who need them. Tyler and Pauline respectively received their BFA at Rutgers University and Dominican University. Their training in ballet, modern, jazz, improv, and other techniques prepared them for the classes they'll share with eta.
Davina Ware is certified by the International Coaching Federation. In addition, she holds an MBA in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University and a Bachelor’s in Marketing Communications from Columbia College Chicago. She is a Career Transition Coach, marketing professional, and founder of Upwardly Paved Path career coaching. She helps professionals get out of their own way to transition into careers of authority that utilize their gifts and talents. Through the latest career transition principles, personal branding, and personal development she leads her clients to find fulfillment in their next career move.
