Speaker

Russ Wills is a professor of Biblical Studies at Pillar College, and a successful artist working primarily in fused glass and photography. He has been teaching courses in Bible and theology, plus classes in innovative thinking, photography, and other arts at Pillar College since 2005.
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Professor Wills has been working in fine art for more than fifteen years, and his pieces have been exhibited in galleries and events across the United States. His work is heavily influenced by Abstract Expressionism and uses the formal elements of his abstraction to suggest hope, restoration, renewal, and mental and spiritual stimulation. He is on the board of trustees for Faith Center for the Arts and co-founded Gravity Art Initiatives, a nonprofit focused on city redevelopment through the arts. Russ has written two self-published books: “Photography Basics” (2014) and “The Art of Shalom” (2012), and has begun work on a third; all explore the relationship between the arts and spirituality.
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Professor Wills completed his Master of Fine Arts degree at Academy of Art University in 2015, and earned a Master of Divinity from Drew Theological School in 2005. The M.Div. also informs the spiritual concepts underlying Wills’ fine art. Russ also spent two decades as a songwriter and musician before transitioning to fine art, and his work earned top honors in a Billboard Songwriting contest.
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Speaker

Dr. Taunya Marie Tinsley owns Transitions CounselingService LLC and Life Skills Program, where she provides a wide range ofcounseling services, coaching, consultation, and leadership developmenttraining. She also serves as the Clinical Director of the Mount Ararat BaptistChurch Counseling Center in Pittsburgh, PA. With certifications as a NationalCertified Counselor (NCC), Licensed Professional Counselor (PA & NJ), andLicensed Professional Clinical Counselor (OH), Dr. Tinsley brings a wealth ofexperience and expertise to her practice.

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Tinsley has cultivated a diverse professional background in clinical counseling, higher education, athletic administration, and culturally relevant ministries. She has mentored and coached professionals in the sports and corporate industries, drawing from her experiences as a former student-athlete, sports coach, and athletic administrator. Her ability to excel in high-pressure environments is evident from her work with high school and professional athletes, coaches, athletic administrators, business executives, and leaders. Dr. Tinsley's various experiences throughout her career have led her to her current role as the Director of Certification and Credentialing Services at the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Inc. and Affiliates.

Dr. Tinsley has held esteemed positions at renowned institutions, including serving as an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for the Sports Counseling Certificate Program at California University of Pennsylvania. She has also held leadership roles at Waynesburg University, MissioSeminary, Villanova University, and Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. In addition to her professional commitments, Dr. Tinsley actively advocates for organizations and professionals in the counseling field. She has held positions such as the North Atlantic Regional Representative and President of the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD), President of the Pennsylvania College Counseling Association, and President of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association. Her collaboration with the American Counseling Association in developing the Sports Counseling Interest Network and the Anti-racism Commission and her leadership roles in other counseling associations highlight her dedication to making a positive impact.

Dr. Tinsley has an impressive educational background, earning a BA in Business Administration from Augsburg College, where she was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. She also obtained an MA in Higher Education Administration and College Student Development from the University of Iowa and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Duquesne University. Her outstanding academic and leadership achievements have led to her induction as a post-doctoral member into the Yale Graduate School Chapter of the National Bouchet Graduate Honor Society. Dr. Tinsley also holds a Certificate in Missional Theology from Biblical Theological Seminary (now Missio Seminary) and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. Dr. Tinsley accepted the call to ministry on December 4, 2011, and was ordained on December 12, 2022.

Dr. Tinsley's extensive expertise, dedication to her clients, and commitment to professional growth and community advocacy have established her as a highly respected and influential figure in counseling and beyond.

Her favorite scripture is Micah 6:8 (NIV), He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
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