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Meet Our Writing Assistants

Prof. Aristy-Reyes
Faculty Writing Assistant

Hello! My name is Val. I received my M.A. and B.A. from Monmouth, where I am currently an adjunct professor of English. In my free time, you can find me hiking, journaling, bouldering, or watching movies. I really enjoyed my time as a graduate writing assistant, so I’m excited to continue working in Writing Services and helping students strengthen their writing skills!

Lauren D.
Peer Writing Assistant

Hello! My name is Lauren and I am studying English with a concentration in Creative Writing at Monmouth University. I recently transferred from Pratt Institute’s 2D Animation program, and I’m currently working to publish the first novel in my debut Fantasy series. I’ve been employed as a teacher’s assistant and editorial assistant for three years at Project Write Now, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and I would love to bring my skillset to support you and your writing process. Aside from being a novelist and illustrator, I love going on adventures, reviewing books and movies, following astrological transits, and picking up new hobbies each year. Looking forward to working with you!

Lauren headshot

Zafira D.
Graduate Writing Assistant

Hello! My name is Zafira, and I am currently a graduate student in English. I really enjoy reading or listening to short stories and novels in my free time, writing poetry, playing my guitar and bass, and drawing with charcoal. I am particularly interested in studying political rhetoric and contemporary literature, especially from writers in the post-WWII period. I believe that strengthening one’s skills as a writer benefits any career path that they may choose in the future, and I am excited to work with anyone who may need help in the writing center, regardless of the topic!

Zafira D. Headshot

Olivia F.
Peer Writing Assistant

Hi! My name is Olivia and I’m a sophomore Spanish Education major at Monmouth University. I love reading and writing, and I use my Spanish classes as a way of fulfilling my passion for language. My other interests include singing, songwriting, and journaling. I also compete as a member of Monmouth’s wrestling team! As a writing assistant, I hope to help students feel sure of themselves as writers.

headshot of Olivia F.

Alexandra H.
Peer Writing Assistant

Hello! My name is Alexandra. I’m a sophomore in the honors school and an English major with a concentration in creative writing. In my spare time, you can find me reading mystery novels, working on my own writing, or spending time with my friends. I also love the beach, music, and being with my dogs. I’m passionate about creative and academic writing and enjoy exploring all forms of storytelling! As a writing assistant, I aim to help students strengthen their writing skills, clarify their ideas, and build confidence in their academic and creative work.

Photo of Alexandra H., Peer Writing Assistant

Anna H.
Graduate Writing Assistant

Hi! My name is Anna and I am a graduate student in the Literature program. I have been at Monmouth since 2020 and received my B.A. in English in the spring of 2023. I enjoy a wide range of genres when it comes to reading, but my current graduate thesis is mainly concerned with the ecogothic. I have more hobbies than I can count to occupy my time when I am not in class, but my top favorites are reading, writing, and cooking. I am happy to help you on your academic path and look forward to meeting you in Writing Services! 

Photo of Anna H., Writing Assistant

Allie M.
Peer Writing Assistant

Hi! My name is Allie, and I am currently a sophomore at Monmouth majoring in Journalism and Public Relations. I am also aiming for my minor in Psychology as I love writing for crime media! I am so excited to be working with you all and hope to see you at Writing Services!

Allie M. Headshot

Prof. Puglisi
Faculty Writing Assistant

Hi! My name is Jenna. I received my M.A. and B.A. in English from Monmouth, as well as my M.F.A. in Creative Writing. I’ve taught both EN-101 and 102, and I’ve worked in Writing Services since 2019. When I’m not reading or working on my manuscript, I can be found at the beach or a concert. I’m looking forward to helping students strengthen their unique voices and writing styles!

Jenna Puglisi, Graduate Writing Assistant

Katherine S.
Peer Writing Assistant

My name is Katherine (Katie). I am a second-year undergraduate student, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Health Studies with a concentration in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I have been accepted to Monmouth University’s 3+2 Master’s in Speech Language Pathology program. I have experience tutoring within a range of different age groups and populations, and I look forward to working with Monmouth University’s Writing Center team!

Katherine S Headshot

Prof. Sampson
Faculty Writing Assistant

I am proud to say that I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Monmouth University, and have been an adjunct professor at Monmouth since 2002, and at Kean University since 2009. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a writing assistant with Monmouth’s EOF Program. In 2007 I began tutoring in the Writing Services department at Monmouth, and the experience has been truly rewarding. Writing on an academic level can be extremely challenging for students, so our goal in writing services is to help students become better writers and, in turn, increase their overall academic success. I try to bring my love for writing to the students I work with, and encourage good writing in all aspects of life.

Photo of Professor Lauren Sampson

Prof. Swanson
Faculty Writing Assistant

Hi! My name is Beth Swanson, and I’m a proud alumna of Monmouth University, having earned my B.A., M.A., and M.A.T. degrees here. I’m currently a lecturer in the Department of English where I teach first-year composition and literature courses. When I’m not in the classroom, you can usually find me walking on the boardwalk, at the movies (horror films are my favorite!), or curled up at home with a cup of tea, a mystery novel, and my cat, Story. I love helping students become more confident and capable writers and watching them discover their unique writers’ voices. I’m looking forward to working with you! 

headshot of Prof Swanson

Hana V.
Peer Writing Assistant

Hi, my name is Hana. I am currently a graduate student in Monmouth’s English Literature program. In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and watching movies. My goal as a Writing Assistant is to help students develop as writers and hopefully share some of my passion for writing along the way!

Photo of Hana V., Peer Writing Assistant

Prof. Van Clef
Faculty Writing Assistant

Hello! My name is Sarah, and I am currently enrolled in the English/Creative Writing M.A/MFA program here at Monmouth. I received my B.A in Creative Writing and Communications Studies from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and I am looking forward to helping students find their voice through words.

Sarah

Prof. Varga
Faculty Writing Assistant

Hi, I’m Emma! I recently graduated from Monmouth University, where I received both my B.A. and M.A. degrees in English Rhetoric and Writing. Alongside my work with Writing Services, I currently teach first-year composition at Monmouth. When I’m not on campus, you can often find me at my local public library, or at home watching my favorite movies. I’m excited to continue fostering a strong and inclusive writing community here on campus through our Writing Services!

headshot of Prof. Varga

Prof. Venezio
Faculty Writing Assistant

I am currently an adjunct professor of literature at Monmouth University and writing studies at Montclair State University.  I thoroughly enjoy writing, playing guitar (badly), traveling to new places, and of course, spoiling my two cats, Rue and Jasper. Working in Writing Services was one of my highlights as a graduate student, and I am thrilled to continue assisting the MU writing community.

headshot of Prof. Venezio

Prof. Zadotti
Faculty Writing Assistant

Hey there! My name is Robert Zadotti. I received both my B.A. and M.A. degrees in English/Creative Writing from Monmouth. I’m currently an adjunct professor of English and a current MFA student in Monmouth’s Creative Writing Program. When I’m not writing or teaching, you can find me reading fantasy or sci-fi, playing bass guitar, and playing tabletop or video games. I’m excited to work with you and help make your writing the best it can be!

Robert Zadotti