Staff List

Professor Holly Blakely

As the Writing Center director, I would like to welcome you to the Writing Center. We are staffed by trained peer tutors who would love to sit down and chat with you about your writing! You will find our tutors to be easy to talk to and very welcoming.

Just a bit about myself: I have been married to my husband, David, for 23 years. David is my best friend, and we have two lovely teenage daughters who are my next best friends. Some of my favorite things are watching the LOR movies (repeatedly), seeing Carla Fracci’s performance as Giselle (also, repeatedly), reading (as much as possible), and hanging out with my family and friends (again, as much as possible). One of my pet peeves is being asked to write a bio, but I would genuinely enjoy helping you write yours!

Evan Ellis

Hello! I used to work at the Writing Center as a tutor and I have now graduated to Administrative Assistant! Some of my favorite things include long walks listening to loud music, the mountains of really any state, long conversations about theology, storytelling, the best kind of tea (rooibos), and strong opinions about niche media. When it comes to writing, I am no longer tutoring but am always around and would love to help you set up a meeting or offer what little sage advice I have. I hope I can help you with whatever you need!

Madeline Ardrey

Hi there! My name is Madeline, but you can call me Maddie! I am a senior Molecular Biology major from Richwood, Ohio. I'm pre-PA and have a passion for all things science and medicine, but I also love ballet, classic literature, the MCU, going on walks, and coffee. I enjoy working with clients in all stages of the writing process, so whether you need a second pair of eyes for a final draft or help getting started with brainstorming, I would love to work with you!

Emma Bapst

Hey guys! My name is Emma and I’m a sophomore English Education major from southeastern Ohio. My home is in a little town that boasts many original, family-owned businesses–such as the local donut shop I worked at during high school. I love reading nineteenth century British novels (especially by Jane Austen), playing with dogs, and drinking chocolate milkshakes from Orion. When I’m not reading or writing, you can usually find me rocking out on the drums, shredding slopes on a snowboard, or playing soccer. Talking about writing and geeking out about grammar are my specialties, and I would love for you to join me to work on any projects or assignments you have!

Alease Brier

Hello friends! My name is Alease, and I am a junior Professional Writing and Information Design major. I’m from a little town near Richmond, Indiana that is more “in the cornfields” than Cedarville is! But I like it there because I have plenty of space to go for long walks, ride my bike, and garden. I also enjoy reading (classic literature is my favorite), knitting, playing the guitar, painting, and of course writing! I would love to help with your writing project no matter what stage of the process you are at. So, come meet me at the Writing Center, and we can work through the writing process together!

Brianna De Man

 Hi, I'm Brianna! I'm a junior Professional Writing and Information Design major from west Michigan. I love all things creative. In fact, some of my first memories involve making books out of construction paper and insisting my mailman check them out of my "library" (thoroughly terrifying him). Now, I spend my days doing professional writing, editing, and graphic design while buried under blankets (much less terrifying). I am also an advanced Spanish speaker. I would love to work with you on whatever assignment you have! 

Jake DeVol

Hello, there! My name is Jake and I am currently a junior studying Environmental Science here at Cedarville. I love all things "nerd," including the writings of Tolkien and Lewis, or reading a good comic book or watching Star Wars. I love making music with my band on campus as well as by myself, and worshiping God through it. I find myself in the wilderness quite often, and I'd rather be exploring a National Park than doing homework. Don't tell anyone, though. I look forward to working with you on any type of writing assignment you may bring!

Will Galkin

Hello! My name is Will Galkin. I am a sophomore History major hoping to go into law. I love all things related to God, philosophy, music, literature, art, travel, and, well, history. My friends will tell you that my favorite poet is T.S. Elliot (because of his Four Quartets) and my favorite movie is Lord of the Rings (because it is Lord of the Rings). Storytelling has been a big part of my life since I was young, and I love helping people tell their own stories, whether it be through a research paper or a small creative-writing project. Please stop by! I would love to hear your story.

Jenna Gulick

Hi there! I am a senior Professional Writing and Information Design major from Illinois. I love reading historical fiction, drinking tea (earl grey is my favorite), playing the piano, and analyzing books and movies with my friends. I’m a sucker for really bad dad jokes, I’m obsessed with toast, and I can nerd out about grammar all day long! Stop by the center and I would love to support you in your writing however I can. Whether you need a second opinion about your thesis, another eye to gauge organization and flow, or just someone to listen to you talk through ideas, I’m here for you!

Hannah Jones

Hello! My name is Hannah Jones and this is my second year working in the WC! Just a little bit about myself: I am an Early Education Major with an Art Minor. Some of my hobbies include, Writing, Reading, Art, sewing, Hiking, and Camping. Some of my favorite things are Lord of the Rings, Dungeons and Dragons, The Renaissance Faire, and History.

Evan Kakuk

My name is Evan Kakuk. I’m a senior Professional Writing and Information Design major. I find the most joy in life when I’m doing physical activities. I love trying new sports, despite my severe lack of athleticism. I spend about 12 hours a week at Callan, so if you go there, I’ll probably be there as well. If you join me, expect plenty of enthusiasm from me, but please do not expect much excellence from me! During my homeschool years, I hated writing. I thought it was difficult and boring. However, when I went to public school, I was so far ahead of the curve, writing came so easily to me that I began to love it. Now, I’ve been striving to find ways to further improve my own writing. That’s the main reason why I chose to be a writing tutor. I want to be able to act as a mentor to those who are trying to improve their writing as well. Hopefully, in the process, we can improve together!

Grace Kohler

Hi guys! I'm a senior English major from northern Ohio— only a quick trip from Lake Erie. My career goals are entirely based on the character of a witty reference librarian from one of my favorite films, Desk Set. To prepare for the role, I spend my time accumulating 50-cent cardigans, teacups, and old books. When I get to write something other than an academic paper, I love writing poetry— often under a tree or with a homemade chocolate chip cookie in the other hand. I have a deep-rooted fondness for em-dashes, which might be why I love the poetry of Emily Dickinson so much! Whether you have an academic or creative writing project, I'm so excited to help you through the writing process!

Amelia Martin

Hi! I’m Amelia and I am a senior linguistics major from Reading, PA. After I graduate, I plan to go to grad school and study speech therapy. Some things I love are hiking, drinking coffee, strawberry cheesecake, getting to know people, and pretty much anything outdoors. I also enjoy reading fiction and sometimes writing. I would love to meet with you for a Writing Center appointment and work with you wherever you are in the writing process!

Blake Moran

Hey! My name is Blake and I am a senior nursing major! I hail from the great city of Carmel Indiana which is known for it’s 138 roundabouts and quaint coffee shops. While I am interested in all things medicine, I also love reading scientific literature and researching random topics. I have always loved the process of crafting an argumentative essay on a controversial topic. I love playing bass guitar and have been involved in a lot of the bands/ministries at Cedarville ranging from HeartSong to Elliv. I am a huge metalhead and I love going to concerts and seeing any live music possible. Please bring any writing you have to me! Whether its a basic outline or a huge research paper, I would love to work with you!

Maren Moses

Hey there! My name is Maren (I always tell people it rhymes with Karen) and I’m thrilled to be on the Writing Center staff this year! I grew up in Columbus, Ohio, which is pretty much the same as Cedarville minus a few cornfields. When I’m not studying for my nursing classes, you’ll find me relaxing with friends, practicing calligraphy, or preparing for a tournament with the Cedarville Speech Team. Of course, I also love expressing myself through writing! As Mark Twain once said, “The difference between the right word and the almost-right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug,” and I’m passionate about helping you find just the right words. I can’t wait to hear what you have to say!

Grace Mowery

Hi! My name is Grace Mowery, and I’m a senior English major from Cleveland, TN. After I graduate, I want to work in a publishing house and help authors polish their manuscripts into the best version they can be. I enjoy reading various genres from dystopian to historical fiction to crime mysteries, and I’ll talk your ear off if you ask me which movie adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is better. My dream is to perform a musical on Broadway, although I’d be better off writing the script than joining the cast. I would love to help you at any point of your writing process, so come visit and let’s see what we can do!

Bethany Norris

Hi! My name is Bethany, and I’m a senior Christian Education major from Maryland. I’m so excited to serve on staff at the Writing Center this year! I love to sing, watercolor, cook, and laugh. It wasn’t until my freshman year at Cedarville that I discovered my enjoyment of writing. I’m so looking forward to spending some time together and hope to be of great encouragement to you wherever you are in your writing process!

Claire Nyberg

Hi there! My name is Claire Nyberg, and I’m a senior Professional Writing and Information Design major from St. Louis, Missouri. Some of my favorite things are musicals, historical-fiction books, cookie dough, and coffee (especially Rinnova’s frozen carmellos!). I also love to collect coffee mugs, play piano, and serve at my church as a middle school youth leader. I believe that writing is a beautiful way to express ideas, desires, and stories. I would love to be a part of your writing process and work with you on whatever projects you have! But just warning you, I love to have fun and spend time with others, so be prepared to have a great time at the Writing Center!

Micaiah O'Malley

Hey friends! I’m Micaiah and I am a sophomore Linguistics and Spanish double major from southern Indiana. I enjoy competitive speech and debate, piano, reading, overthinking (well, I don’t really enjoy that but it happens anyway), 70-degree weather, and my dog, the last of which I have many pictures of if you want to see how cute he is. :) My favorite book is Heidi by Johanna Spyri; I love how well it evokes a charming and peaceful feeling. I’d love to work with you on whatever assignment you have!

Heidie Raine

Hello friends! I’m Heidie, and I’m a senior English major from northwest Illinois. I love a lot of things: sushi, Goodwill, the oxford comma, Doc Martens, C.S. Lewis, raspberries, Burt’s Bees chapstick, plants, theology, and cheese. I hate: onions, geese, heresy, low-rise jeans, apple cinnamon tea, and morning showers. I want: to help you with your papers! Schedule appointments with me!

Rachel Rathbun

Hey! My name is Rachel Rathbun, and I’m a senior English major from Hubbardston, Massachusetts. I love all things storytelling, including unusual mediums like video games and D&D. Some of my favorite things are coffee, chocolate, and board games. As with most other things, I believe that writing is better together as a part of community, and I’d love to be a part of that community for you! I’d love to work with you on any kind of writing project you have, academic, creative, or personal, so feel free to schedule an appointment! Can’t wait to meet you!

Megan Read

Hey, it’s Megan Read! I’m a senior English Education major with an endorsement in TESL. I’m from Minnesota but I grew up overseas, so I have a passion for travel, foreign food, and world missions! My favorite things at Cedarville are unnecessary trips to the Rip, the lower-level tall tables in the library, hearing people’s stories, and the weekends! Let’s talk about writing, brainstorming, or your next great class essay – I can’t wait to come alongside you in your writing process!

Maddie Schaffer

Hello! My name is Maddie Schaffer and I am a senior English Education major. When I graduate I hope to teach inner-city high school English, preferably in Chicago or Philadelphia. While I enjoy writing and analyzing literature, I am actually not that big of a reader, I usually prefer to be out and about and spending time with people. That being said, some of my favorite novels are Light in August, One Hundred Years of Solitude, Beloved, and pretty much anything Jane Austen. I also enjoy reading through papers and student writing since it allows me to see a different perspective and hear about other’s experiences. I would love to work with you through any stage of the writing process! I look forward to meeting you!

Gabby Utrie

Hi, I'm Gabby! I'm a junior English major with creative writing and publishing and editing minors. As my collection of programs probably indicates, I love to write and talk about writing. But outside of my love for writing, I'm an enjoyer of tea, cheese (I'm from Wisconsin so I have a lot of opinions about the stuff), fantasy stories, otters, and anything yellow. When I'm not in the Writing Center, you can probably find me hanging out in Williams, attempting to climb a tree, or watching the geese. I'm looking forward to talking to you about any writing questions or concerns you may have!

Emily Vest

Greetings and salutations! I'm Emily, a junior English major with minors in creative writing and editing & publishing. I'm from a military family so I've moved around a lot the past twenty years, and even lived in Germany for 4 years! Clearly, I love writing, but my hobbies also include reading, singing, and overanalyzing any form of storytelling (books, movies, musicals, video games, webcomics, etc.). I'm a self-proclaimed tea connoisseur and em-dash enthusiast, and I aim to work with a publishing house as an editor after graduation. I'd love to help you with any of your current writing projects—whether academic or creative—so pop in for a visit and we'll tackle it head-on together!

Lydia Williams

Hey! My name's Lydia, and I’m a junior communication major from Lima, OH. I wasn’t sure what I would learn when I decided to major in communication, but I knew I loved writing and speaking and it’s been a perfect fit! I started writing when I was thirteen and fell in love with telling stories about people who live with courage and hope in a fallen world. Besides writing, I enjoy reading, knitting, crocheting, and playing the piano, flute, and cajon. I’m excited to write with you and get to know you!