Get to know the 2024 Destination Western faculty!

Maren Bradley Anderson, MA & MATW
She/Her/Hers | Writing Instructor | Cohorts 1 & 2

My current favorite class to teach is a FYS class called “Physics and Math in Sci-fi and Fantasy.” As implied, we talk about transporters and warp drives and space stations and magic and rockets while reading great stories. My advice to new incoming students is to go to office hours and say hi to all your professors. They will remember you. A fun fact about me is that I have an alpaca ranch and I write novels and plays.

Chris Mock
He/Him/His | Mathematics Instructor | Cohorts 1 & 2

I really like to teach math 112 – particularly, trigonometric proofs! Almost puzzle-like in nature, proofs give students an opportunity to take a deep-dive in critical thinking in the figuring out of connecting the two sides of an equation. This class, for me at least, really emphasizes how mathematics is more than just formulas and solving equations – it’s about learning how to think logically and understanding problems at a deeper level. Those kinds of things are essential in all facets of life! My advice to new incoming students is to get the most out of your college experience, because it’s not cheap! Visit your professors to get your questions answered, get involved in extracurricular stuff, join a club – make the most out of the experience you’re paying for! A fun fact about me is that my earliest memory is playing the original Legend of Zelda for the NES at my daycare when I was 3.

Tandy Tillinghast, MFA​, MS
She/Her/Hers | Writing Instructor | Cohort 3 & 4

My favorite course to teach at WOU is the First-Year Seminar 107 Wondrous Weird: The Strange in Art & Writing about surrealism, magical realism, and other elements of the bizarre. I am fascinated by how the surreal causes us to re-see crucial concepts or concerns. Fun fact: my son and I both graduated in June; I received a Master of Science in Justice Studies. Is that fun? Committing to important work is fun for me ; ) Notably, I just dropped my son off at Cornell University, which is a LONG way away : ( My advice for new students is to schedule time on your calendar to work on your courses daily to devote enough time to studying and projects—it can be tough to manage time otherwise. Plan regular use of Student Success & Advising, the Writing Center, the Student Health & Counseling Center, and other campus resources. After all, you are paying for this support!

Dr. Cheryl Beaver
She/Her/Hers | Mathematics Instructor | Cohorts 3 & 4

My favorite course to teach is Math 346: Number Theory because it reveals surprising and elegant properties about numbers! My advice to new incoming students is to seek out and take classes that look interesting to you. Join clubs and try new things. There is no other time in your life where you can explore different topics like you can in college. Find your passion! A fun fact about me is that I am an avid reader. During the summer I read 3-4 books every week.

Keats J.A. Chaves, MFA
They/Them/Theirs/Keats | Writing Instructor | Cohorts 5 & 6

I don’t have a specific class I like to teach (this is my first time teaching at WOU!), but I love teaching fiction writing workshops–especially to new or younger writers. It’s always really fun to experience the ways everyone puts their ideas on the page and to see the connections students are making in their writing–to me, a successful workshop is one where my students teach me just as much (if not more) than I teach them! My advice for new incoming students is, talk to your professors often–even if it’s just to say hi! It can be really intimidating, especially at the beginning, but it really is worth it–some of the best advice you’re ever going to get will be outside of the classroom. A fun fact about me is that, although I’m named after a famous poet, I can’t actually write poetry.

Kendall Rosales
She/Her/Hers/Ella | Mathematics Instructor | Cohorts 5 & 6

My favorite class to teach is STAT 243Z: Elementary Statistics I. This class is so different than most math classes students have taken, and I enjoy showing students how versatile and useful math can be. My advice for new students is to reach out to your professors/instructors early on (even if you don’t need any help). You would be surprised at the clarity stopping by just one office hour can provide. A fun fact about me is that I DJ for the WOU radio station.

Dr. Melanie Landon-Hays
She/Her/Hers | Writing Instructor | Cohorts 7 & 8

I love to teach ED 418, Introduction to Assessment because I love working with new teachers to think through why they assess what they do as teachers and how they can make their assessments more effective so they can learn about how their students are learning in their classes rather than just put a grade in a gradebook. My best advice for new/incoming students is that it’s okay to not know the answers and to ask questions and advocate for yourself. Everyone has been scared, worried, and new at things at one point in their lives—your professors too—and we want you to succeed, and to help you but we may not know what questions to ask you, so please reach out and let us help you. :). A fun fact students are surprised to learn about me is that I used to be a snowboarding instructor. I am most excited to teach writing for Destination Western—I used to teach English in high school and I miss teaching writing!

Andrew Nerz
He/Him/His | Mathematics Faculty | Cohorts 7 & 8

My favorite class to teach is MTH 211, which is a class that future elementary teachers take. It’s a very different class than most other ones, since the emphasis is learning how to explain mathematics to children. Students get to view things they’ve already learned from their younger days in a different light, typically involving manipulatives, and can build up skills and techniques for when they have a classroom of their own. My advice to new incoming students is to keep in contact with your teacher; if you need help, don’t hesitate to visit during office hours or have a chat after class. We genuinely want to see you all succeed! A fun fact about me is that I’ve played the piano since I was young, and over the years have written a number of songs.