Meet Our Team

Dr. Laurie MacDiarmid, Director

teaches literature and creative writing courses. This is her 26th year at SNC and her 4th year directing The Writing Center. She specializes in poetry, literary analysis, and invention strategies. In her free time, she likes to knit, practice yoga, and read novels.

Brianna Partyka, Lead Consultant

is a senior majoring in Chemistry with double minors in Biology and Mathematics. This is her second year at the Writing Center, where she specializes in scientific writing, analytical papers, mathematical proofs, and personal statements. Outside of the Writing Center, she works at the Tech Bar, serves as President of Strings & Things, and holds an officer position in the Chemistry Club.

Sarah Von der Ruhr, Lead Consultant

is a senior business administration major and a returning consultant at the Writing Center. She specializes in historical papers and literary analysis, but she has experience with a variety of writing styles across departments. Outside of the Writing Center, she serves as the president of the LGBTQ+ Spectrum Alliance and the vice president of the Strings & Things club. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, sewing, and reading about cryptids and folklore.

Caroline Van Sistine

is a senior majoring in English and Sociology. This is her 3rd year working in the writing center. She specializes in literary analysis and research papers, but enjoys helping with any type of paper, at any stage of the writing process. Outside of the Writing Center, Caroline serves as Vice President of Kappa Beta Gamma and enjoys reading and coloring in her free time.

Lindsay Fortier

is a senior majoring in Spanish and Secondary Education with the minors Peace & Justice and Women & Gender Studies. This is her third year working at the writing center!She is able to read any Spanish paper, so if you come across a Spanish assignment and need support, come make an appointment with her! (She can also help with any papers written in English, of course!) She is from a suburb of Chicago and her hobbies include: travelling, reading, and cooking!

Natalie Hess

is a junior majoring in Secondary Education and English. This is her first year working at the writing center, though she has been a frequent client. She is experienced in literary analysis and synthesis papers, and she does creative writing in her own time. Outside of school, she watercolors, drinks too much coffee, and plays mediocre guitar.

Natalie is studying abroad in Ireland for Spring 2026.

Owen Fagan

is a senior majoring in English with a minor in History. He is looking forward to his first year working in the Writing Center and the opportunity to work with all different levels of writers, and to provide them with guidance and new strategies to enhance their writing skills. Outside of the writing center, he enjoys watching and participating in sports, travelling, creatively writing, spending time with family, friends, and his two dogs.

Shelby Erickson

is a second-year majoring in English with a minor in Leadership Studies. This is her first year working in the Writing Center and she is experienced with literary analysis and enjoys creative writing. Outside of school and the Writing Center, she spends time reading, drinking coffee, and hanging out with family and friends.

Lily Paskus

is a senior majoring in English with a certificate in French. This is her first year at the Writing Center. At which, she specializes in analytical papers and creative writing. Though, she’s happy to work with any stage in the writing process. In her spare moments, she is Secretary in the Creative Writing Club and French Club. Also, she enjoys reading, knitting, and music.

Christopher Gureski

is a senior majoring in English with a minor in Theatre Studies and a Spanish Certificate. This is his first year working at The Writing Center, specializing in poetry and literary analysis. Outside of The Writing Center, Chris is the co-founder and president of SNC JAMZ. Outside of school, he spends his time writing poetry, playing, recording, and producing music.

Jo Mahlum

is a senior majoring in English with minors in Peace and Justice and Psychology. This is her second year working for the writing center! She specializes in English and creative writing, proofreading and editing, argument structure, and clarity. She will help you come up with essay ideas, a clear argument, a draft, or a polished revision. Additionally, when Jo is not at the writing center, she competes on the Women’s Hockey team, loves to hang out with her friends, and loves to hike, camp, and do anything outside. Come and see her for any support you may need in your writing journey!

Abigayle Pieper

is a sophomore majoring in Mathematics. This is her first year at the writing center. She specializes in creative writing and personal reflective pieces. Outside of school she is on the hockey team and loves anything to do with the outdoors.

Kiley Williams-Chvosta

is a junior English major and a Music and French minor. She is a returning consultant to the Writing Center, and has experience assisting in anything from master's applications, essays, and creative writing, to a workbook for one of her professors. In her spare time she enjoys writing poetry, singing, reading, watching movies, and playing music with her friends.

Sarah Moore

is a second year English major with a French minor. She specializes in creative and analytical writing. In her spare time, she enjoys writing fiction, performing in choir and band, and sitting on newspaper clippings.