Writing Consultant
Major: Forensic Chemistry
Minor: Theatre

Hello! I’m Cole, I use any pronouns, and I’m a sophomore here at WOU. I’m a Forensic Chemistry major, with a minor in Theater. I took all of my writing credits in high school, so all of my writing now is just as a hobby. I have a passion for writing, and while I usually write novels, sometimes I find myself creating essays or slideshows over topics I’m passionate about for fun. One of the things that helps me the most when writing is getting advice and proof-readings from peers. I’d love to be the person to give that to others, to help them excel in their writing ability and start to appreciate how enjoyable writing can really be.

Writing Consultant
Major: Education (middle/high social studies)

Hello! My name is Hannah, and I am a third-year education major with a focus in middle/high social studies. I am also a student in the Honors Program, a member of WOU’s Model United Nations, and our Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society. I have long had a passion for history, language, and culture, which are the subjects that landed me in education. A lesser-known trait of mine is that I also have a passion for writing, and I take great pride in my work. I love helping others with their work, and I also like giving people confidence in their work!

Writing Consultant
Major: Criminal Justice

Aloha! My name is Kayla Kepa, but most people just call me Kepa. I’m a senior at Western Oregon University studying Criminal Justice. I’m part of the Tri-Alpha Honor Society, TRIO, and other amazing communities here on campus that keep me learning and growing every day. I love meeting new people and experiencing new things, whether it’s learning about different cultures, listening to music, watching anime, or dancing to K-pop. Creativity is something I value a lot, especially when it comes to writing or organizing projects. Even when writer’s block hits, and it definitely does sometimes!, I try to find inspiration in the things I’m passionate about. At the end of the day, I just love connecting with others and creating work that feels real and meaningful. So if you ever need someone to brainstorm ideas with or just want to add some energy and interaction to your writing, I’m here for it.

Writing Consultant
Major: Education

Hello! I’m Samuel. I’m a sophomore here at WOU majoring in Education. I enjoy playing sports, mostly to stay active, and I am also serving in the National Guard as a mortar man.

Writing Consultant
Major: Psychology
Minors: ASL, Early Childhood

Hello! My name is Sarah and I am a sophomore majoring in Psychology and minoring in American Sign Language and Early Childhood. I am still exploring future career options, looking to help young children from a psychological perspective; whether that be counseling, social work, etc. I am excited to see where this path leads! I enjoy many creative activities, such as photography, dance, crochet and cross stitch. Writing has always been a fond hobby of mine and helping people improve their own writing is something that I’m passionate about. I’m excited to meet you!

Writing Consultant
Major: Communications
Minor: Psychology
Citation Specialty: APA

Hi! My name is Tessa (she/her), and I am a Junior at WOU majoring in Communications with a minor in Psychology. I hope to pursue a career as a Public Relations Specialist, but my dream is to one day open a record store (I’m a huge vinyl nerd!). In my free time, I love going to concerts, whether it’s a big show or a small house performance. Overall, I’m a big geek at heart; whether it’s books, music, or movies, there’s always something I’m excited to geek out about. One of my favorite parts of working at the Writing Center is the variety of assignments students bring in. Not only do I get to support them through their learning process, but I also end up learning something new every shift!

Bilingual Writing Specialist
B.A. Latin American Studies

¡Hola! I’m an experienced Spanish instructor originally from Chile and raised in
Venezuela. Having also lived and worked in Europe and the U.S., I bring a bicultural
and cross-cultural perspective that has shaped my worldview and strengthened my
commitment to inclusion, both in the classroom and in life.
Before moving to the U.S., I taught Spanish at all levels at the University of
Southampton in England for over a decade. Once in the U.S., I continued my academic
journey at Chemeketa Community College, where I also worked as a Spanish tutor. I
later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies with departmental honors from
Willamette University and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.
At WOU, I work closely with the Latine community and Spanish-speaking students. I
also co-lead tutor training workshops that focus on best practices for supporting
linguistically diverse learners.

Writing Center Director
PhD, Linguistics

Hi, I’ve recently joined WOU as the Writing Center Director. Previously, I have held writing center administrative positions at the University of Connecticut, Oregon State University, and Bryn Mawr College where I also served as the Director of Multilingual Writing and Lecturer. I also have over five years of experience tutoring writing in several writing centers across the country. Personally, I come from a Romanian village in Serbia where I spent my childhood and where I completed my BA in English Language and Linguistics. I moved to the US to attend graduate school at the University of Connecticut. The combination of these professional and lived experiences, my passion for student support, and my trilingual background and expertise in bilingualism have all brought me here as the new Writing Center Director at WOU. Although my role entails more behind-the-scene support, my greatest joy of working in academia comes from building community with students, staff, and faculty through daily interactions (spontaneously and regularly).When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, exploring the world around me (locally and internationally), and staying active.