Branden Bearup

          Jacob Castle

          Amber Combs earned her B.A. degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Emory & Henry College in December of 2011. After graduating, she worked as a reference and children's library assistant in Southwestern Virginia for one year. A fan of all types of literature, her main interests include the novels of Victorian England, postmodern and contemporary literature, and gender and women's studies. Amber will serve as a T.A. this year with the English Department.

          Amanda Dean earned her B.A. degree in 2011 at Christendom College with a major in English and Philosophy.  After her undergraduate studies, she worked in California and taught Junior High-School English in Northern Virginia.  Her literary interests include poetry and Southern American Literature. She will be serving as a T.A. in the English Department.

          Julian Dean originates from New Jersey and has taught in the Shenandoah Valley for several years. Prior to arriving at JMU, he earned degrees in Criminology, English, and Education from West Virginia University and Rowan University. He is particularly interested in Norse and Celtic mythology. He attends JMU part time and teaches high school in Harrisonburg. 

          Krista Speicher graduated from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia where she studied English and Art History. Originally from Pittsburgh, she has elected to pursue the M.A. after living and working in the D.C. area for three years. She is interested in the literature and art of the 19th and 20th centuries and in creative writing.

          Alan Stauffer

          Janie Thames teaches high school English locally and attends part-time. Most recently she was involved in a study trip to India.

          Jana Zevnik earned the B.A. degree in English and the B.S. degree in Environmental and Natural Resources Economics from West Virginia University in 2003.  After her undergraduate studies, she worked as a substitute teacher in the public school system of West Virginia and then as an ESL instructor in Poland.  Before returning to graduate school, she worked for six years in the non-profit sector at the Richmond S.P.C.A. as the Supervisor of Clinic Communications.  She currently lives in Staunton.  Her interests include British and Irish literature, gender studies and a developing interest in writings on genocide.  Jana will serve this year as a T.A. with the English Department. 

          Daniel Zimmerman

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