Meet the UWC Team
Faculty Writing Consultants
UWC Associate Director of Writing
Jared Featherstone, M.F.A.
Jared Featherstone directs the University Writing Center and teaches courses in the School of Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication. He has an M.F.A. in Creative Writing and a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park. His interests include mindfulness, contemplative writing, creative nonfiction, service learning, and songwriting. He is a facilitator for the Madison Meditates program.
Assistant Professor of Writing and Peer Education Coordinator
Laura Schubert, Ph.D.
Laura Schubert consults with students and faculty on all kinds of writing, and she teaches for the School of Writing, Rhetoric & Technical Communication. She has a Ph.D. in Composition and TESOL and experience teaching English Language Learners. Her most recent project is a first-year writing textbook, co-authored with Dr. Kurt Schick, titled So What? The Writer's Argument. She conducts research on writing center assessment, writing fellows programs, and the intersections between teaching and tutoring.
Assistant Professor of Writing and Liaison to CHBS
Lucy Bryan Malenke, M.F.A.
Lucy Bryan Malenke is the Writing Center liaison to the College of Health and Behavioral Studies. She also serves as outreach coordinator for the UWC and a writing consultant for students and faculty. She holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Penn State University and a B.A. in Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her personal essays, short stories, reviews, and journalism have appeared in Nashville Review, Sojourners magazine, The Georgia Review, and other literary journals and magazines. In addition to all kinds of writing, her interests include wilderness preservation and philosophy, sustainable agriculture, and service learning.
Faculty Associate
Hillary Ostermiller, M.L.I.S. and M.A.
Hillary Ostermiller is the Writing Center’s librarian in residence for 2018. As a librarian, she works as a liaison to Communication Studies (SCOM); Media Arts & Design (SMAD); and Writing, Rhetoric & Technical Communication (WRTC). She has a B.A. in English, an M.A. in Writing & Publishing, and an M.L.I.S. in Library & Information Science. She has experience tutoring and teaching first-year writing, and also worked as a book editor for several years.
Faculty Associate
Kevin Jefferson, M.A.
Kevin Jefferson is a Faculty Associate from WRTC. He has a background in 19th- and 20th-century British and American literature and a history of long road trips. His teaching and research interests include first-year composition; editing; rhetorics of place, the environment, and the West; and publishing student writing. He works with the student editors and faculty reviewers of the James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal (JMURJ) to promote, publish, and share undergraduate scholarship from all JMU disciplines.
Graduate Writing Consultants
Graduate Assistant
Blake Lubinski
Blake Lubinski is a 1st-year WRTC graduate student. Her experience includes fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, though she is primarily interested in rhetoric and syntax. Specifically, she enjoys advocating for social change and examining punctuation in sentences. During her free time, Blake likes to stay active by running or walking outside.
Undergraduate Writing Consultants
Peer Consultant
Gabriela Baker
Gabriela is a junior SMAD major with a minor in Spanish. She is a member of the JMU Ad Club and Cru and is a staff writer for Bluestone. Her passions include traveling, immersing herself in different cultures, and learning new languages. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, being with family and friends, and gaining a reputation as a sentimental individual. After graduating, she hopes to work for Disney's Multicultural Marketing and Promotions Team.
Peer Consultant
Amanda Bortell
Amanda Bortell is a junior Nursing major with a minor in Chronic Illness. She enjoys outside activities such as spending time with friends, laughing until her abs hurt (just kidding, she doesn't have abs), and eating an overwhelming amount of food. After graduation, Amanda hopes to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner.
Peer Consultant
Alexandra Bowen
Alexandra is a senior Psychology and WRTC double major with a minor in Anthropology. She is a member of JMU Intervarsity, and her passions include reading, traveling, and playing with dogs of all shapes and sizes. She is hoping to attend grad school in Psychology at some point after she graduates from JMU.
Peer Consultant
Keiva Brannigan
Keiva is a sophomore Psychology major with a minor in Criminal Justice on the Pre-Forensics track. She is also a member of the Honors College. She plays for the JMU Women's Rugby team and enjoys traveling, hiking, and music. After JMU, she hopes continue on to graduate school in a Forensic Psychology program.
Peer Consultant
Matthew Cappo
Matt is a junior WRTC and English major with an Anthropology minor. When he isn't studying, he enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, video games, and documentaries. He also has a tuxedo cat named Mr. Kitty who monopolizes much of his spare time. Upon leaving JMU, he hopes to work as a technical writer or editor in the NOVA area.
Peer Consultant
Maria Castro
Maria is a senior WRTC major and Anthropology minor. Besides working at the Writing Center, Maria enjoys volunteering at Cat’s Cradle, reading, trying not to burn the house down when she attempts to cook, and playing GameCube with anyone who dares challenge her. Although she’s still not sure where she is headed post-graduation with her writing career, Maria hopes to use the skills she has learned to continue helping others in some way.
Peer Consultant
KC Collazo
KC is a ESOL Specialist tutor who caters to students working on their writing and communicating in English. She is a senior Hospitality Management, International Affairs, and Spanish triple major with minors in Business, Asian Studies, Chinese International Business and Latin American and Caribbean Studies. She is also a member of Pi Sigma Epsilon and a Global Duke! KC is fascinated by language and culture after her summers studying and working in China and Spain; she hopes to be the change this world needs.
Peer Consultant
Dylan Crigger
Dylan Crigger is a Junior WRTC major with a Creative Writing minor, so that means he enjoys reading a rhetorical analysis as much as he does reading a piece of fiction. Aside from being a writing consultant, he also works part time at Mr. Chips. In his free time, which can sometimes seem rare, Dylan enjoys driving, hiking, or watching suggested videos on YouTube. He expects to pursue writing as a career, and while that’s not specific, he also likes to keep his options open.
Peer Consultant
Olivia DePasquale
Olivia DePasquale is a senior WRTC major with a concentration in Writing and Rhetoric and a double minor in Criminal Justice and Philosophy. Her hobbies include reading, writing, editing, hiking, binge-watching Netflix, going on adventures, and spending time with her friends and her Delta Gamma sorority sisters. After graduation she plans to attend law school and eventually become a professional editor.
Peer Consultant
Madeline Dunn
Maddie Dunn is a senior Communication Studies major with minors in WRTC and Political Communications. She plans on pursuing a career in law. For now, she is a part of the Alpha Phi fraternity, the University Program Board, and PRSSA. She absolutely loves music, playing guitar, spending time with family and friends, shopping, and COFFEE. Oh, and she also enjoys writing, of course!
Peer Consultant
Lydia Erickson
Lydia Erickson is a junior studying Communications. Outside of the Writing Center, Lydia is involved in Student Ambassadors, Student Government, and InterVarsity. In her free time, Lydia loves playing tennis, singing, playing the piano, and eating any type of dessert. In the future, Lydia hopes to pursue a career in public relations, patient advocacy, or writing.
Peer Consultant
Catherine Evans
Catherine Evans is a senior WRTC major with minors in Humanitarian Affairs and Honors Disciplinary Studies. She is excited to be in her second year as a part of the UWC team. Outside of the Writing Center, Catherine is an editor for the James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal, a member of the Society for Technical Communication, and a voter registration volunteer. Catherine’s passion is professional editing, and she hopes to pursue this in her future career.
Peer Consultant
Annie Farrell
Annie Farrell is a senior WRTC major with a minor in Creative Writing. She is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and a news writer for The Breeze. In her free time, she enjoys running, drinking coffee, listening to music, and spending time with friends. While she isn’t sure what she wants to do after graduation, she wants to continue writing and editing in the future.
Peer Consultant
Jorden Gunessever
Jorden Gunessever is a senior Communication Studies major with minors in WRTC and British Communications. She is a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Away from her academic life, Jorden enjoys surrounding herself with her friends, cooking, dancing, exploring Harrisonburg, playing games, and of course cheering on JMU every chance she gets. Go Dukes!
Peer Consultant
Alex Hoen
Alex Hoen is a senior WRTC major with a minor in Creative Writing. She is a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and an editor for the James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal. She loves to sing, dance, binge-watch Netflix, read dystopian novels, and use up all the baking supplies in any kitchen. Alex plans to pursue a career in professional editing.
Peer Consultant
Austin Jones
Austin is a second year Quantitative Economics major from Blacksburg, Virginia. He is the Lead Organizer of TEDxJMU, Senior Portfolio Analyst of the Phi Chi Theta Investment Fund, Treasurer of the Madison Venture Group, and a member of the the JMU Economics Club and College Federal Reserve Challenge team. Austin spends his free time snowboarding, hiking, and volunteering. After his time at JMU, he hopes to pursue a career in economic development and empowerment, or a graduate program in economics.
Peer Consultant
Annie Kelley
Annie is a senior WRTC and Philosophy double major. When she isn't tutoring, you can find her spending long hours in Carrier and actively participating in the co-ed Honors Fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi. For fun, she likes running, listening to podcasts, and talking to people who like Stranger Things just as much as she does. She is unsure of what the future holds for her, but she's almost certain it will involve lots of writing and lots of thinking.
Peer Consultant
Shanna Kelly
Shanna Kelly is a sophomore SMAD (journalism) and Spanish double major with a double minor in Spanish-English translation and interpretation and honors interdisciplinary studies. Shanna is the opinion editor for JMU's newspaper The Breeze. When Shanna isn't writing or editing articles, she can be found spending time with her Kappa Alpha Theta sisters or reading books in Spanish. After graduation, Shanna hopes to either be a traveling journalist or a bilingual reporter.
Peer Consultant
Jessie Kreson
Jessie is a senior Business Management major. When she's not having the time of her life in Carrier, she likes to hike, do yoga, online shop, and watch nature documentaries. She also enjoys volunteering at the local animal shelter. Jessie hopes to pursue a career as a Human Resources Manager in the future.
Peer Consultant
Emmie Lacy
Emmie Lacy is a senior SMAD major with a concentration in Integrated Advertising and Corporate Communication and minors in WRTC and Nonprofit Studies. She is a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority, SafeRides, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. She also serves on the executive board for JMU's Relay for Life as the Graphic Design Chair. In her free time, she loves to read, listen to music, and daydream of traveling.
Peer Consultant
Brooke Long
Brooke is a junior double major in Communications Studies and Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication with a minor in Spanish. She is a Wyldlife Leader and a staff writer for Bluestone. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, knitting, painting, and swimming.
Peer Consultant
Kaylin Mathes
Kaylin is a sophomore Communication Studies major with a minor in WRTC. She is also a YoungLife leader for high school students. Outside of academics, Kaylin loves exploring Harrisonburg, cooking, spending time with friends, binging Netflix shows, and playing lacrosse. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in public relations, advocacy, or writing!
Peer Consultant
Caroline Mohan
Caroline is a junior WRTC major with a minor in Political Science. She is a member of Student Government, Phi Sigma Pi Honor Fraternity, and Club Rowing. In her free time, she likes hiking and kayaking with her friends, watching classic films, and drinking coffee.
Peer Consultant
Sabrina Moreno
Sabrina Moreno is a junior SMAD major with a concentration in journalism and minors in WRTC and creative writing. She is a member of Delta Delta Delta, Student Ambassadors, and a copy editor for The Breeze. When she's not taking slow motion snap stories of her food or buying large jars of Nutella, she enjoys running into labradors on sunrise hikes and basking in the use of em dashes on the front page of The New York Times. She hopes to be an editor-in-chief in New York one day.
Peer Consultant
Mikey Nihen
Mikey is a senior WRTC major with a minor in Spanish. He plans to utilize his WRTC education for web design after finishing his time at JMU. Outside of the writing center, Mikey is an active member of the Club Ultimate Frisbee Team and loves listening to live music. His other interests include visual arts, video games and petting cute, furry animals
Peer Consultant
Katie O'Brien
Katie is a junior Media Arts and Design major concentrating in Creative Advertising with minors in WRTC and Studio Art. She is a member of Student Ambassadors and Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, and she loves getting involved on campus and meeting new people. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, working out, traveling, volunteering, drawing, and spending time with friends. She plans to pursue a career in media and eventually wants to become a professional editor.
Peer Consultant
Nico Penaranda
Nico Penaranda is a sophomore English Major with a Secondary Education minor. He hopes to one day become an English teacher and to inspire students as he was inspired by his English teachers. Outside of academics, he enjoys playing guitar, listening to Rise Against, practicing calisthenics or bodyweight training, and wearing his signature leather jacket.
Peer Consultant
Adam Robb
Adam is a junior WRTC major with a minor in Religion. After graduation, he hopes to find a career in writing for a non-profit or an institution dedicated to helping others. In his spare time, he enjoys writing music, video games, meditating, reading, journaling, hiking, and stargazing.
Peer Consultant
Caroline Ryan
Caroline is a sophomore Dance and Communication Studies double major with an Honors Interdisciplinary Studies minor. When she’s not running between Harrison Hall and the Forbes Center, she enjoys listening to podcasts and having deep discussions about Gilmore Girls. Caroline hopes to put her Advocacy Studies concentration to use and pursue a career as a lobbyist for education or social justice organizations.
Peer Consultant
Jenna Scull
Jenna Scull is a junior majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in WRTC. Outside of the Writing Center, she is involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters and PRSSA. In her free time, Jenna enjoys playing and teaching tennis, traveling, going to concerts with friends, and watching terribly great reality TV. Looking towards the future, she would love to pursue at least one of her interests in public relations, advertising, community service, or writing.
Peer Consultant
Aubrey Sharman
Aubrey is a senior English and International Affairs double major with a Spanish minor. She is the Community Service and Outreach Coordinator for Delta Phi Epsilon Foreign Service Fraternity. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, listening and dancing to music, and planning trips she hopes to take one day. Aubrey hopes to combine her loves of travel, culture, and service in her future career.
Peer Consultant
Caroline Shawver
Caroline Shawver is a sophomore Psychology Major and WRTC minor. When not tutoring or working as an office assistant in the Learning Centers, Caroline can be seen upstairs in the SSC grabbing food, enjoying her time with friends, or on the phone with a family member. Caroline plans to continue her education after JMU in pursuit of a fulfilling and impactful career.
Peer Consultant
Kristina Shuey
Kristina Shuey is a junior SCOM and English major with a minor in Chinese. She enjoys reading books about obscure subjects, eating delicious food (home-cooked preferably), playing video games, and daydreaming about the future.
Peer Consultant
Jemma Stratton
Jemma Stratton is a junior Social Work major with a double minor in Spanish and Family Studies. Her interests include dance, traveling, cats, and bad reality television. She is actively involved in the community service sorority Gamma Sigma Sigma and also participates on the board of JMU Belly Dance. After her time at JMU, Jemma hopes to become a certified Child Life Specialist and work as a patient advocate.
Peer Consultant
Faith Whittemore
Faith is a senior double majoring in English and SMAD, with concentrations in creative writing and digital video and cinema respectively. Outside of the UWC, she enjoys reading, writing, singing, and trying to engage her friends in debates about literary topics she cares about more than they do. She hopes to pursue a master's degree in creative writing.
Administration
Interim Director, JMU Learning Centers
Laura Schubert, Ph.D.
Laura Schubert is an Assistant Professor of Writing and the University Writing Center's Peer Education Coordinator. She consults with students and faculty on all kinds of writing, and she teaches for the School of Writing, Rhetoric & Technical Communication. She has a Ph.D. in Composition and TESOL and experience teaching English Language Learners. Her most recent project is a first-year writing textbook, co-authored with Dr. Kurt Schick, titled So What? The Writer's Argument. She conducts research on writing center assessment, writing fellows programs, and the intersections between teaching and tutoring.
Assistant to the Director, JMU Learning Centers
Joan Fahrney
Joan Fahrney's primary duties include administrative support to the Director, departmental human resource support for hiring, payroll, wage, and audit, data analysis and reporting, and coordination of the administrative support staff.
She is currently working toward her BA in Integrated Business Informatics and Human Resource Development. In her spare time, Joan enjoys time with her family, genealogy, and antiquing.
Fiscal Technician and Fixed Assets Coordinator, JMU Learning Centers
Michael Dioszeghy
Michael Dioszeghy assists with the management and maintenance of the Learning Centers’ budget and equipment. He has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Life Coaching.
He enjoys learning about new technology, computer science, paintball and Ultimate Frisbee.
