Skip to content
Messiah University
Messiah University

Staff

The Writing Center's tutors standing outside of Murray Library.

Fall 2025 Writing Center Staff

Looking for your tutor? Navigate down this page to get to know them before your appointment.

Ryan Rickrode

Ryan Rickrode

Director

Ryan has been teaching writing classes for over ten years, and he's been writing for even longer. His work has appeared in many journals, including The Cresset, Dappled Things, The South Carolina Review, and The Common. He believes in writing as a process of discovery, that writing is a way of thinking things through and arriving at understanding. He's also passionate about helping students develop as leaders, an interest that goes back to the days when he worked as a campus minister equipping students to lead worship services and Bible studies for their peers. You can read his work at ryan-rickrode.com.

Headshot of head tutor Evelyn.

Evelyn Kelly

Head Tutor

 

Evelyn is a senior English major with a creative writing concentration and a minor in studio art. She loves thrifting, coffee dates with friends, taking long walks, and watching Studio Ghibli movies. She aspires to wake up one day and find herself writing whimsical novels and designing custom fonts to put sourdough bread on the table. Evelyn’s favorite aspect of working at the writing center is constantly learning new things from her clients and their papers!

Headshot of tutor Kenzie.

Kenzie Wise

Assistant Head Tutor

 

Kenzie is an English major with a secondary education certification. She enjoys spending her time sipping coffee with friends and trying out new baking recipes. If she’s not at the Union drinking a caramel macchiato or going to class in Boyer, you may see her in an on-campus spin class moving slightly off beat. She loves discovering new music and films, so don’t hesitate to give her suggestions or ask about some favs of her own! Kenzie’s favorite part of working at the Writing Center is making new connections, and she hopes you will come visit her.

Headshot of tutor Ethan.

Ethan Reisler

Tutor; Communications & Data Manager

 

Ethan is an English major with a creative writing concentration and double minors in communications and broadcasting & journalism. Enjoying all avenues of storytelling, he spends his free time reading anything and everything, writing fiction, and playing video games with his friends; but he'll always make the time to talk with others over some coffee.

Headshot of tutor Reagan.

Reagan Steele

Tutor

 

Reagan is a junior Nutrition and Dietetics major. She is happiest when she is in the kitchen, reading a good book, listening to old jazz vinyls, or spending time with family and friends. When she needs to decompress, she finds that writing is the perfect outlet for her emotions and her creativity.

Headshot of tutor Becca.

Becca Smith

Tutor

 

Becca is a sophomore history major with a minor in studio art. When she's not reading or painting, she enjoys meeting new people and getting connected on campus! Some of her favorite ways are participating in the Spikeball club, sharing a meal with old and new friends, and getting overly competitive about trivia. Becca also loves classical education, playing volleyball, and Sovereign Grace Music. She hopes you will come visit her at the Writing Center!

Headshot of tutor Olivia

Olivia Reardon

Tutor

 

Olivia is a senior English major with a double minor in Education and Dance. While Olivia loves learning, quality time, and ice cream, she is particularly passionate about serving Christ in all that she does and says. Olivia sees much beauty in the written word, and she cares deeply about helping others see it too. She believes that everyone can write if only they are given the right tools.

Headshot of tutor Adahlee.

Adahlee Schroeder

Tutor

 

Adahlee is an English and Theatre double major. When she is not running around from show to show, she is reading or writing in Climenhaga. Finding peace from the chaos in nature, her favorite place to walk is the trail by the Yellow Breeches. She loves being around people and reading high fantasy, so don't hesitate to ask her about her favorite author, Brandon Sanderson.

Headshot of tutor Isa.

Isa Pagana

Tutor

 

Isa is a sophomore double major in Music with a concentration in commercial music, and English with a concentration in creative writing. Most of her time is spent drinking coffee in the library, where she enjoys reading and writing imaginative fantasy stories. Well-rounded in the visual and performing arts, Isa also enjoys drawing, painting, and practicing various genres of dance. Above all, Isa's favorite activity is praising the Lord as a musician in Messiah's Worship Community band. You may recognize her singing and playing guitar and keys on stage at chapel. You can even find Isa's original music on all streaming platforms.

Headshot of tutor Esther.

Esther Hess

Tutor

 

Esther is an Environmental Science major with a minor in Spanish. She loves learning and has a passion for God’s creation. When she is not in class or looking at plants, you might find her reading a book with a cup of tea or baking a loaf of bread.

Headshot of tutor Natalia.

Natalia Carlone

Tutor

 

Natalia is a senior Psychology major with a clinical concentration. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, spending time with friends, and reading science fiction. Natalia is also passionate about listening to music and writing poetry.

Headshot of tutor YiLi.

YiLi Smedley

Tutor

 

YiLi is a junior double majoring in Chinese Studies and Biomedical Biology. Having played Trombone since elementary school, she did not hesitate to be involved in various ensembles here at Messiah. YiLi enjoys drinking loose-leaf tea and reading books that address complex topics relating to medicine, theology, and sociology. She is amazed by the power of language and finds great fulfillment in helping others to unlock and cultivate it.

Headshot of tutor Matthew.

Matthew Harris

Tutor

 

Matthew is a sophomore double major in Physics and Philosophy with a minor in Music. After college, he plans on getting an M.Div. and becoming a pastor. He loves learning in general, but he has a special interest in theology, physics, philosophy, music, math, and history. In his studies, he has developed a love for the art of writing and seeks to mature his own skills as well as the skills of others. You may find him working in Lottie, having deep discussions, singing in the choir, or playing volleyball with his friends. Feel free to stop by—he would love to read your writing, help refine what you have to say, and guide your growth as a writer!

Headshot of tutor Elana.

Elana Pineda

Tutor

 

Elana is a sophomore English major with a creative writing concentration and a Spanish Minor. When she is not writing and reading for classes, you can find her running around campus with her teammates or racing on the track. She enjoys singing, talking with friends, and finding joy in the little things. She is committed to helping others improve their writing skills and helping them find contentment in their written work.

Headshot of tutor Faith.

Faith Sinnamon

Tutor

 

Faith is a sophomore Nutrition major who loves learning about the human body and its various functions. In her spare time she enjoys going for walks in nature, watching Gilmore Girls, writing poetry and baking delicious treats. She hopes to move back to Connecticut after graduation and pursue a career in the health field. Faith is passionate about helping others see their inherent worth in Christ, and loves having deep and meaningful conversations about life.

Interested in joining our team? Click here to learn more about working at the Writing Center!

Headshots and photography courtesy of Kailey Jones