Meet Our Staff 2024-2025

Bill Oliver, Ph.D.

University of Virginia

Catherine Epstein 

B.A. English, Vassar College

I'm excited to be starting my second year as a Professional Consultant in the Writing Center. I was a classroom teacher in Boston for 9 years before moving to Virginia, and I currently work as an Educator at Boxerwood Nature Center here in Lexington. I enjoy working on all kinds of written projects, especially brainstorming preliminary ideas.

Nina Salmon, Ph.D.

Virginia Tech

I've worked as a professional consultant at W&L for a long time, and I love being part of the Washington and Lee community! I live in Lynchburg, but driving over the mountain in all kinds of weather is something I actually enjoy about my job here-second only to working with groups and individuals on writing projects and presentations. Come see me!

William Shaw

B.A. English Language and Literature, Oxford University

I am a Professional Consultant at the Washington & Lee Writing Center. I have a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Oxford. I especially like to help students structure and refine their essays. In my free time I like to write, walk, and play way too many video games.

Judy Strang, M.A.

William and Mary

I've been a writing consultant at W&L since 2003. I especially love helping people develop their creative process, clarify ideas, and communicate more effectively. As a consultant for the Harte Center, I tutor students in the Writing Center, and I work with faculty across disciplines to help them use writing as a teaching and learning tool.

Drew Thompson '25, Head Peer Consultant

Majors: Economics, History

Minor: Math

Hello! I am a senior from Richmond, Virginia studying economics, history, and math. I have experience writing news journalism and business research reports, in addition to academic work. I enjoy assisting with all stages of the writing process, especially refining rough drafts.

Audrey D'Autorio '26

Majors: Neuroscience, Classics

Hey! My name is Audrey D'Autorio and I'm a Neuroscience and Classics double major. I love helping students organize and outline their assignments, but I can help at any stage of the writing process!

Claire DiChiaro '26

Majors: English, Strategic Communication

Minor: Digital Culture and Information

My name is Claire and I'm a junior majoring in English and Strategic Communications. I love working with others to revise their papers and I have experience with writing professionally. I'm also involved with the Outing Club, PRSSA, and InGeneral.

Bella Ferraté '26

Major: Business Administration

Minor: Japanese

Hi there! My name is Bella Ferraté, and I'm a Business Administration major with a minor in Japanese. I love helping students brainstorm and organize their writing, especially for assignments related to global studies. I'm excited to work with you at any stage of your writing process!

Ava Grace Flory '26

Major: Environmental Studies 

Minor: Ecology

Hi there! My name is Ava Grace Flory and I am a junior majoring in environmental studies with a minor in ecology on the pre-med track. I'm happy to help out in all stages of the writing process and look forward to working with you!

Harper Fosgate '25

Majors: Strategic Communication, Sociology

My name is Harper Fosgate, and I am double-majoring in Strategic Communication and Sociology. I enjoy helping students map out and structure their essays. I also love helping students find areas to improve the flow of their work or add personal voice. Make an appointment with me if you want to work through general essays, journalistic work, research papers, or anything of the like!

Roger Hart '24

Majors: Strategic Communication, Politics 

Hi! I'm a junior and a first-time peer consultant who is super eager to assist with anything from peer editing to brainstorming.

Nora Jacobson '26

Major: English

Minors: Environmental Studies, Creative Writing

Hi everyone! My name is Nora Jacobson, I'm a junior, and this is my first year working in the Writing Center. I'm an English major with a double minor in Environmental Studies and Creative Writing. I especially love working with students on the structuring of essays and developing their personal writing style.

Avani Kashyap '25

Major: Neuroscience

Minor: Poverty and Human Capability Studies

Hi! I'm a Neuroscience Major with a minor in Poverty Studies. I love collaborating with students to bring their ideas to life through writing. On campus, I'm involved in the Shepherd Program, serve as a Hearing Advisor, and enjoy spending time outdoors!

Grace Lorenz '26

Majors: English, Art History

Minor: Creative Writing 

Hi I am Grace Lorenz! I am double majoring in English and Art History and minoring in creative writing. I love working with students as they refine and organize their essays.

Adelaide Loving '25

Majors: English, Business Administration

Minor: Music

My name is Adelaide Loving and I'm a double major in English and Business Administration. As a consultant at the Writing Center, I love helping students at every step of the writing process, from brainstorming to final edits. I especially enjoy working with WRIT 100 students and am also experienced with creative and journalistic writing.

Wren Opela '25

Major: Cognitive and Behavioral Science

Minor: Creative Writing

Hi there! My name is Wren Opela, and I am one of the peer tutors in the Writing Center this year. I am a Cognitive and Behavioral Science major and a Creative Writing minor. I have experience with writing across lots of different subjects, and I really enjoy working with students to brainstorm and develop ideas.

Alaina Pastore '25

Majors: English, Theater

Minor: Film Studies

Hi! My name is Alaina Pastore, and I am a Senior writing peer tutor. I specialize in English close reading and creative writing, but I can also help with projects outside of those areas. I can especially help out with playwriting formatting, and screenplay writing formats if needed! I am happy to help no matter what part of the writing process you are in.
Fun fact: Part of my research for my honor's thesis includes studying Shakespearean pyrotechnics.

Max Patterson '26

Majors: Accounting, English

Max is pursuing a double major in Accounting and English. In addition to being a Writing Tutor, he is a Peer Counselor, Hearing Advisor, member of Washington and Lee Student Consulting, and is involved in Greek Life.

Rachel Romano '25

Majors: CBSC, Politics

Minor: Poverty and Human Capability Studies

Hi everyone! I am a peer consultant in the class of 2025 and I am from Medford, NJ. Some of my favorite things to work on with students in the writing center are Econ and Poverty Studies papers. Happy to help with anything you may have!

Kriya Shah '26

Major: Mathematics

Hello everyone! My name is Kriya Shah and I'm a writing center peer tutor for the 2024-2025 academic year. I am majoring in mathematics and minoring in computer science. I am so excited to be working with students as they create their unique writing assignments!

Kaitlin Silva '26

Majors: English, History

Minor: Creative Writing

Hi everyone! My name is Kaitlin Silva, and I'm a junior here at Washington and Lee. I am majoring in English and European History, with a minor in Creative Writing. I'm excited to get to work with you all!

Jessie Zhang '26

Majors: Religion, Sociology

Hello! My name is Jessie Zhang, and I am one of the peer consultants for the Writing Center. I am double majoring in Religion and Sociology. My favorite part of the writing process is brainstorming!