Writing Center

John Abernethy

Pronouns: He/Him/His

John Abernethy is a continuing education student at WCUPA. He has a Masters degree in English (Creative Writing) but will be studying philosophy this fall. He has been working in the Writing Center (on and off) since 2019. John enjoys reading, writing, and making people laugh. He likes to chase his dog Rose around the backyard and travel to eat foreign foods.

Sophie Barnes

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Sophie is a Masters of English student on the Writing, Teaching, and Criticism track. She has been at the Writing Center since Fall 2022 and is a Peer Tutor Coordinator. Outside of the Writing Center, she enjoys running and watching movies. Fun fact: Sophie is a certified yoga instructor.

Erik Billings

Pronouns: He/Him

Erik is a first-year graduate student in English at West Chester University. When he's not on campus, Erik dedicates his time to fiction writing or attempting to read from his ever-expanding library. He enjoys learning languages and prides himself on being the best cat dad ever!

Madalyn Bumsted

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Madalyn Bumsted is a second year Graduate student at West Chester University. Her major is English and she is also getting her Publishing Certificate as well. She has been at the Writing Center since Fall 2023. FUN FACT: Madalyn loves to travel and wants to visit all the countries in Europe one day!

Jarett Dello Buono

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Jarett Dello Buono is a Graduate Student at West Chester University starting his second year in the Masters of Arts in English program, as well as his first year as the Peer Tutor Coordinator for the Writing Center. In his free time, Jarett enjoys reading, running, and playing guitar. 

Jada Dickerson

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Jada Dickerson is a second-year graduate student in the TESOL MA program at West Chester University. This is her second year in the Writing Center. In her free time, she enjoys watching dramas, playing video games, and writing fiction. Fun fact: she spent three years living in Japan teaching English!

Diana Dopheide

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Diana Dopheide is a graduate student at West Chester University, studying English and Creative Writing. She has been at the WCU Writing Center since Fall 2022. Diana previously worked as a writing center tutor at her alma mater, Penn State, and most recently at the Tutoring Club based in Wilmington, Delaware. Outside of the Writing Center, Diana enjoys taking horseback riding lessons in Chester Springs, PA, and reading horror, thriller, and true crime books in her free time.

Kristen Emig

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Kristen is a graduate student at West Chester University. She is working on her Master’s in English. Prior to working at the Writing Center, Kristen was a high school English teacher for three years. Outside of the Writing Center, she enjoys playing soccer, reading books, and stitching.

Teeyanna Harris

Pronouns: She/Her

Teeyanna is a Second Year Grade Student at West Chester University. She is in the MBA program and has been at the Writing Center since Spring 2019. Outside of the Writing Center, she enjoys going to the movies and reading.

Spencer Larson

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Spencer is a graduate student in his senior year at West Chester University in the Masters in Arts in History program. This is Spencer's fourth semester working in the Writing Center. Outside of the writing center, Spencer enjoys painting and gardening

Sarah Mengel

Pronouns: (She/Her/Hers)

Sarah is an English graduate student at West Chester University. This is her first year at the Writing Center. Outside of the Writing Center, she enjoys writing poetry and reading. Fun Fact: Sarah has a tattoo for "Howl" by Allen Ginsberg!

Mark Nyman

Pronouns: (He/Him/His)

Mark is a Graduate student pursuing his master's degree in English Literature. He was a tutor at the Writing Center during his undergraduate career and is excited to be back.

Luke Petersen

Pronouns: (He/Him/His)

Luke Petersen is a graduate student at West Chester University studying English. This is his first year at the Writing Center. Outside of school, he enjoys reading, running, and playing tennis.

Gwynne Sigel

Alyssa Stielper

Pronouns: (She/Her/Hers)

Alyssa Stielper is a first-year graduate student in the English MA program on the Writing, Teaching, and Criticism track. This is her first year at the writing center at West Chester University, and outside of the writing center she enjoys reading and yoga. Fun fact: Alyssa is currently writing her own fiction book to be published.

Dr. Margaret Ervin

Professor of English and Writing Center Director
Mervin@wcupa.edu
610-436-3548

Dr. Ervin received her BA in History at Harvard University and her PhD in Writing, Teaching, and Criticism from the State University of New York at Albany. She serves half time in the English Department, teaching a course in tutoring as well as first-year writing and courses in the English major. She also serves half time as Director of the University Writing Center. Her research focuses on writing center tutoring and rhetorical genre. She is also active in the faculty union, currently serving as President of the West Chester University chapter of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF).

Dr. Kaitlyn Machcinski

Associate Director of the Learning Assistance and Resource Center and Writing Center
kmachcinski@wcupa.edu
610-436-2402

Dr. Kaitlyn Machcinski received her BA in History with Teacher Certification from West Chester University, her MA in Education from Villanova University, and two graduate certificates (Higher Educational Policy and Student Affairs & Educational Technology) from West Chester University. She holds an EdD in Policy, Planning, and Administration from West Chester University. Before moving to higher education, Kaitlyn worked as a secondary social studies teacher. Currently, Kaitlyn works as the Associate Director of the Learning Assistance and Resource Center and Writing Center at West Chester University. This role supports student success through the hiring, supervising, scheduling, and training of peer tutors in both centers. Kaitlyn serves as the Professional Development Officer on the executive board for the National College Learning Center Association (NCLCA). She holds a Level II Leadership Certification with the NCLCA. Her research interests include student engagement, game-based learning, and educational technology.

Jamee Tobias

Clerk Typist II, Learning Assistance and Resource Center
Jtobias@wcupa.edu
(610) 436-2535