Writing Center Staff

Dr. Amanda Fields

aka, The Sentence Slayer
Director & Associate Professor of English
she/they

Hi, everyone! I'm the Writing Center director and an Associate Professor of English. My areas of specialization are rhetoric, composition, and creative writing. I've worked at writing centers in Minnesota, Egypt, Arizona, and California, and I directed a writing center in Kansas prior to coming to Central in 2018. Those of us who work at writing centers know that, while writing may seem daunting, it can also be worthwhile and satisfying, and it can be especially helpful to converse with others during your writing process. At the Writing Center, you'll have a good conversation with a tutor and take a few steps toward your writing goals.

I'm also known as the Sentence Slayer. While I'd never be so cruel as to slay my students' sentences, I do take a sharp stake to my own! When I work with individual writers, I love to help them with coherence and concision. If you haven't guessed yet, I'm also quite fond of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Denaya Christopherson, M.A.

aka, Brainstorm
Coordinator
she/her/hers

I’m Denaya! I previously worked in the Writing Center as a Graduate Assistant, and I’m so excited to return as a Coordinator. The Writing Center is such a welcoming space and an incredible resource for students. Writers at any stage and any level can benefit from coming to see us!

I am passionate about Indigenous literatures and wrote my master’s thesis on contemporary Indigenous novels. In my free time, I enjoy reading, beading, and taking care of my cat and umbrella cockatoo.

If I were a Writing Center superhero, I’d be Brainstorm. Brainstorming is my favourite part of the writing process, and I know many techniques for generating ideas!

Sydney Lauer, M.A.

aka, Synonym Soothsayer
Coordinator
she/her/hers

I am thrilled to be rejoining the Writing Center team as a Coordinator! I recently received my MA in English at CCSU, where I worked in the Writing Center as a Graduate Assistant. The Writing Center is such a transformative, welcoming space that offers wonderful assistance at any stage of the writing process and in a wide variety of disciplines. I wrote my MA thesis on Gothic literature, specifically how genre-typical conventions impact the coming-of-age narratives of the texts’ female protagonists and in their YA Adaptation counterparts. While I am a Gothic lit nerd, I always love to expand my library. When you stop by the Writing Center, please ask me what I’m reading!

If I were a Writing Center superhero, I would be the Synonym Soothsayer! I always have a thesaurus open to experiment with different, more compelling words to convey my message in my writing. Being able to vary word choice is a powerful skill to have as a writer.

Georgine Revilloza

aka, The Curious Conqueror
Graduate Assistant Tutor, Literature
she/her/hers

Hello! I'm Georgine, a graduate student on the Literary Studies track and one of the Graduate Assistants (GAs) at the Writing Center (WC)! Working at the WC is a wonderful opportunity that lets me connect with others across different disciplines. I am thrilled to help other people with their writing, and, in turn, hone my own skills to go above and beyond.

Besides being a GA, I am also a leader in the ESGA, curating fun events for my fellow English graduate students. During my free time, you can catch me reading webcomics and manga, brainstorming new outfits to show off, drinking tea, conquering gyms in Pokémon GO, and trying out (and getting perpetually confused by) tabletop games such as Villainous and Ascension.

Please take a breath as I reveal my writing-themed superhero identity: The Curious Conqueror. Quite a shock, I know. I am absolutely fascinated by the world of writing, like investigating what works and why, and will stop at nothing to learn more! (My academic rival is an elusive figure named The Synonym Scout. Feel free to stop by the WC to learn about our tragic, heroic backstory.)

Michele Messino

Graduate Assistant Tutor 
she/her/hers

My career in teaching English has encompassed various age groups and focus. Preparing middle schoolers for meeting and surpassing expectations of public and private high schools, high schoolers for college and business, and assisting adults with the Educational School Diploma Program have been my achievement and joy for 37 years. The writing process is oftentimes skipped over. If, however, each part is worked through with care, the actual writing of the assignment can be easier.

Isa Cardenas

Aka, Midnight Sentinel 
Tutor 
She/Her/Hers

Hello! My name is Isabelle, but you can call me Isa (ee-sah). I’m currently studying to be a Secondary English teacher. I have always loved creative writing: the journeys, the characters, the animals. Everything my mind could make up, I loved to write about it. A couple of my hobbies include watching movies and TV shows, crocheting, reading, and a little bit of journaling. I love my dog. Absolutely love him. Where did my superhero name come from? My friend, who had some amazing ideas while I struggled to think of a superhero name. So, thank you to my friend! I am excited to be working alongside so many wonderful tutors and working with many writers.

Michaela De Los Cientos

aka, The Analysis Aide Tutor she/her/hers

Hello, everyone! I’m Michaela, and I’m majoring in Secondary English Education. As someone who wants to pursue a career as an English teacher, being a tutor at the Writing Center is the perfect job! I’m also the President of Central’s Aspiring Educators Chapter and am a member of Central’s dance team. In my free time, I like to spend time with loved ones, listen to music, watch movies/TV, and read!

If I were a Writing Center superhero, I’d be called the Analysis Aide. Literary analysis is one of the skills that I have improved drastically during my studies at Central, and in turn, has become one of my favorite things about academic writing. I hope to aid(e) fellow writers in developing their analyses, so that academic writing becomes a little more fun for them as well!

Maryam El Khalfi

aka, Alliterating Ally
Tutor
she/her/hers

Welcome! My name is Maryam; I hope to soon learn yours. As someone pursuing both an English major and an Art minor, I view writing and painting as interchangeable processes, equally requiring an open mindset. Though it is now my major, English as a subject used to overwhelm me wholeheartedly, and outside support is what has helped me to face this and achieve that aforementioned state of mind. That has been my journey, and as a tutor, I would love to be part of yours.

Ryan Kuhns

he/him/his
Office Assistant

Hello, everyone! I am currently majoring in Strategic Communications with a focus in Public Relations. I am very friendly, so don’t hesitate to ask questions for your writing center visits. I look forward to helping you and others with your appointments and making sure your experience at the Writing Center ends on a positive note!

Ava LeBlanc 

aka, the “Read Baron” 
Tutor
She/Her/Hers

My name is Ava LeBlanc, and I’m studying Secondary English education. I’ve always been passionate about storytelling and writing, but I am even more enthusiastic about teaching and helping people! I have many hobbies, including going to flea markets, making jewelry, and sewing. I am looking forward to helping all majors with any writing project, whether it’s the beginnings of a brainstorm or working on a final draft! (P.S. My nickname is “Read Baron” in honor of my favorite comic character from Peanuts: Snoopy’s enemy, the Red Baron.) 

Giovanni Mason-Brookes

aka, The Narrative Navigator
Tutor
He/Him/His

Hello everyone! My name is Giovanni, but everyone just calls me "Gio" for short! Currently I study Art Education with a minor in Art History. You might ask why me, an art education major, is a writing tutor, and that ultimately comes down to my passion for writing. For several years, I have held the rather strong belief in the power behind words, whether they be written or spoken. Words have the power to move people, shape the world in which we live, and ultimately are a driving force in our everyday lives. When I am not studying or working, one could find me doing some type of art, reading, or just enjoying the free time I have! I look forward to working with all of you this year! 

Kaya Moni-Rutkowski

aka, The Sympathizer
Tutor
she/her/hers

Hello! I’m Kaya, and I’m majoring in English. I wasn’t always interesting in this subject- I didn’t read a full book until I was in high school! But one day a novel by Stephen King caught my eye, and from then on I was obsessed with literature! Now I love books of all kinds, from retro horror to Russian melodrama, and anything in between. Outside of reading, I love watching movies, listening to music, and editing videos!

If I were a writing-themed superhero, I would be The Sympathizer. Because I have gone on this journey from hating to loving English, I feel that I will be able to sympathize with students on either side of the spectrum. My hope is that I can make writing less daunting, and even a somewhat enjoyable task for the writers I work with!

Rishika Parmar

aka, The Optimist
Tutor
she/her/hers

Hey everyone! I’m Rishika, a senior English major. Writing has always been a favorite hobby of mine, dating all the way back to elementary school, and as a tutor, I get to explore and flourish my skills, which is pretty cool! Some of my other hobbies include singing, playing the piano, reading, binging Netflix, and consuming large amounts of frappuccinos. If I were a superhero, I’d be called “The Optimist,” because I believe in having a positive attitude while working through challenging content. Writing can be difficult at times, but it’s important to know that you’ve got this! Everything will work out in the end if you display perseverance and the dedication to learn!

Lindsey Rek

aka, Madame Write
Tutor
she/her/hers

Hello, everyone! I'm Lindsey, and I'm a post bachelor's student here for my English Secondary Education certification. I am passionate about brainstorming and getting ideas out on paper. In my free time, I love reading, riding my side-by-side with friends, and watching Star Wars. I am looking forward to helping people with their writing and making sure everyone has a positive experience at the Writing Center!

Jasmine Ross

Office Assistant
she/her/hers

I am a junior majoring in Psychology. Outside of school, I love to hang out with my friends and family. I also enjoy going to the movies and drawing.

Carlos Tirado

Tutor
he/him/his

Hey, I’m Carlos. I am a Senior Nursing student. When I am not studying for classes, I enjoy going to the gym and spending time with friends on and off campus. Writing used to be a struggle point for me growing up, so I want to use the opportunity to help those who may also be struggling. I hope that the Writing Center can help you all, and I look forward to seeing how my fellow tutors or myself can assist you!