Our Director - Dr. Nikki O. Tyson
Dr. Nikki O. Tyson is a seasoned credentialed gerontologist, educator, and advocate dedicated to transforming how society understands and values aging. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Master’s degree in Gerontology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Dr. Tyson completed a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Curriculum Studies at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Tyson also holds a National Association for Professional Gerontologists (NAPG) certification as a Credentialed Professional Gerontologist (CPG). Dr. Tyson also holds a Professional Service Coordinator (PSC) certification through Ohio State University. She is also certified in Fair Housing Compliance (FHC) by the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA).
Dr. Tyson has managed many programs serving older adults, including transportation services, affordable housing, congregate and home-delivered meals, and corporate education initiatives. She has delivered professional trainings across the southeastern United States as well as presentations at several national conferences. Driven by a passion for advocacy and education, Dr. Tyson founded Advocating Anti-Ageism and Educating Against Ageism, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, to combat age-based bias. Her programs use research-informed aging sensitivity training to educate professionals, challenge stereotypes, and foster respect for older adults. Ongoing research continually informs and enhances the training, ensuring it remains effective and impactful.
Why This Work Matters
Building empathy. Reducing ageism. Transforming service.
The Foundation
Through her professional experience, Dr. Tyson saw a consistent challenge:
Even well intentioned staff were operating within systems shaped by age bias.
That realization led to her doctoral research:
“Mitigating Ageism in Affordable Housing: A Convergent Mixed Methods Study of a Multi-Approach Intervention.”
From Research to
Real World Impact
From Research to Real-World Impact
Her research demonstrated measurable reductions in ageism through a combined approach of:
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Experiential learning
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Structured training
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Reinforcement strategies
Today, that research powers every training delivered through Advocating Anti-Ageism and Educating Against Ageism.
What Makes This Different
This is not theory.
This is not passive training.
This is a proven, experience based approach designed to change how people think, feel, and act.
Making the world a little less ageist should be on all of our radars. After all, we are all, in fact, aging.
Meet Our Board of Directors
William D. Tyson, BSW
US Navy - Retired
Melisa C. Bond, BS Business Admin.
US District Courts
Vicki S. Sandefur
Housing Professional - Retired