Writing is often viewed as a painful struggle, but I believe it is a process of discovery that can be mastered with the right tools. With over twenty-one years of experience teaching at institutions ranging from Syracuse University to community colleges, I bridge the gap between creative inspiration and academic rigor. Holding an MFA in Creative Writing from Syracuse University and a BA in English from the University of Illinois, I specialize in helping students—from high school seniors...
Writing is often viewed as a painful struggle, but I believe it is a process of discovery that can be mastered with the right tools. With over twenty-one years of experience teaching at institutions ranging from Syracuse University to community colleges, I bridge the gap between creative inspiration and academic rigor. Holding an MFA in Creative Writing from Syracuse University and a BA in English from the University of Illinois, I specialize in helping students—from high school seniors working on admissions essays to undergraduates tackling complex literary analysis—transform vague ideas into powerful, polished prose.
My teaching methodology is unique because it addresses the psychology of writing first. I guide students through generative free-writing techniques to overcome "blank page syndrome" and silence the inner critic. We generate a wealth of raw material to find the student's authentic voice. Once the ideas are on the page, I switch roles from creative coach to rhetorical analyst. I teach students how to "mine" their raw drafts for insights, employing specific analytical heuristics to build strong arguments and logical structure. We focus heavily on revision, moving from the "messy first draft" to a sharp, persuasive final product.
While I have spent two decades in the university classroom, my most effective work happens in one-on-one settings. I have extensive experience with individual conferencing and Zoom tutoring, creating a focused, low-pressure environment where students feel safe taking risks. Whether you are crafting a standout Common App personal statement, struggling with Freshman Composition, or refining a creative portfolio, I offer the experienced, steady hand of a professor with the insight of a working writer.
