Rebekah graduated from Madonna University in 2014 with a double major in Writing and English. She attended the University of Toledo for her master’s degree, which she received in 2016, and she is currently completing her dissertation on women’s fin de siècle poetry at the University of Delaware. A former writing center tutor at Madonna, she is thrilled to return as Senior Coordinator!
Scream, a blow-up figure inspired by Edvard Munch’s renowned painting of the same name, is the Writing Center’s official mascot. Scream represents the way many students feel when they initially receive writing assignments. Fortunately, the gifted Writing Center tutors understand this and can help students with writing-related anxiety by helping them improve their writing skills and confidence.
Sara Dassanayake graduated with a B.A. from Wayne State University, where she studied English, psychology, and Russian. She is currently completing TEFL certification to better support English language learners in writing courses. When she’s not tutoring, Sara enjoys baking, trivia, and taking walks with her cat, Eddie.
Janelle Affiong Effiwatt is a teacher, tutor, and creative storyteller. The author
of two books, Like a Thin Hustle (Letter Machine 2019) and Food & Flowers (Phantom Letters 2022), holds an
MFA from The Iowa Writers’ Workshop.
Russell graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Master’s Degree in Art History. He is adjunct faculty in art history at EMU, HFC and CCS, teaching Modern, African, and Asian Art. When not teaching or tutoring, he enjoys playing musical instruments and with his kitty, Zoya.
Corrina recently graduated from Grand Valley State University with a B.A. in Writing and a minor in Psychology. She is a creative writer and storyteller, with a passion for helping others improve their writing skills while simultaneously refining her own. When she isn’t working with students at the Writing Center, you can find her reading, writing, listening to music, or drinking iced coffee.
Sister Joan, a Bernardine Franciscan Sister, earned her B.A. in English and Secondary Education, at Alvernia University and M.A. in Religious Studies at Aquinas College. With years of experience as an English teacher and later as a professional writing tutor at Madonna University, Sister has supported university students in their process of improving their writing skills across the curriculum. Her outside interests include reading, camping, playing cards, walking, and enjoying nature.
Jennifer received her B.A. in English Literature and Communication Arts from Madonna University and her M.A. in creative writing and folklore from Wayne State University. Jennifer has worked as an adjunct professor at various universities including Wayne State University and Madonna University, but really enjoys the opportunity to work one-on-one with students that the Writing Center allows. When Jennifer isn’t at the Writing Center, she can be found reading, kayaking, quilting, and leading Girl Scouts.
My name is Maddy Brigance and I am from Grand Blanc, Michigan. I am majoring in exercise science with aspirations to become a physical therapist. I am also on the women’s golf team at Madonna University. I have been golfing for 10 years and have played at many courses across the state. When I’m not golfing I like to attend University of Michigan football, basketball, and hockey games with my dad. Additionally, I like to shop, travel, and try new restaurants with my friends and family. I’m really excited to have joined the WC team this year and I look forward to sharing my writing knowledge with my peers.
Hi, I’m Cassidy and I’m from Ontario, Canada. I am currently a freshman majoring in Journalism and Public Relations and minoring in Sport Management. I am also on the women’s soccer team. My goal is to work within the sports industry professionally as a journalist. I love all sports and am a big hockey and soccer fan. When I’m not watching or playing sports I’m either writing, doing my podcast or blog, watching movies, or doing some photography.
Christine is from Traverse City, MI, and is a sophomore in the Sign Language Studies program. She is a member of multiple on-campus clubs, such as MU Sustainability, Mosaic, SLS Club, and Madonna Pen. When not in school, she enjoys reading and writing long, overcomplicated fantasy novels in addition to knitting, learning to sew, and cuddling her two chonky cats, Buddy and Messenger.
Hi! My name is Kate. I am a junior at Madonna University studying Exercise and Sport Science. Originally from Colorado, I spent a year and a half in Kansas where I got my associate degree in communications before heading up to Michigan. I play for the women's soccer team here and hope to one day go to graduate school for Occupational Therapy. In my free time you can find me hanging out with friends, watching soccer, or playing pool in the UC.
Mo is majoring in Secondary Education for Mathematics with a minor in History. He plays on the reserve Men’s Basketball Team and also works in academic tutoring for math, history, and study skills. Mo wants to go on to be a Graduate Assistant for D1 men’s basketball team when done at Madonna. Though he spends the majority of his time with classes, tutoring, and basketball, Mo spends what little spare time he has playing video games with friends, making art, watching movies and sports, geeking over Marvel and Star Wars, and advocating against pineapple on pizza and black licorice.
Hi! I am pursuing forensic science, with a minor in chemistry and biology, here at Madonna! I am from Caledonia, MI, on the West side of the state, and I graduated from the West Michigan Aviation Academy. When not doing schoolwork, I enjoy spending time with family & friends, painting, reading, photography, going to concerts, and all types of adventures outside.
My name is Emily Kruse and I am studying Broadcast and Cinema Arts here at Madonna! I am a part of Lyric Theater and Chorale and have been performing since I was 11. In my spare time I like to play with my dogs and listen to Harry Styles and Taylor Swift.
Kamille is majoring in Language Arts and minoring in Elementary Curriculum and Sign Language Studies. She has self-published three children's books and one poetry book under the pseudonym K.O. Scop. When not at school, she enjoys writing, photography, playing the piano, painting, drawing, and spending time with her rabbit, Callie.
Heidee received her Associates in Liberal Arts at Alpena Community College in 2021. At Madonna University, she is a first-year student studying Sign Language. She loves writing involving fantasy and sci-fi. When she is not working at the Writing Center or grueling over her own papers, she enjoys drawing and playing music.
