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Messiah University
Messiah University

Staff

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

Fall 2026 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 tutor Kenzie.

Kenzie Wise

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 Becca.

Becca Smith

Assistant Head Tutor

 

Becca is a junior 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!

Matthew Harris

Tutor, Data & Communications Manager

 

Matthew is a junior double major in Philosophy and Physics 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, philosophy, music, 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 Katie.

Katie Kopp

Tutor

 

Katie Kopp is an English major with a Criminal Justice minor who loves reading, dancing, and spending time with friends. If you don’t see her in the library or in Boyer studying or reading, you’ll probably catch her stopping to chat with friends or grabbing a hot cocoa from The Falcon. She’s always open to new book recommendations and enjoys trying new activities—so she’d love to hear your ideas for fun ways to beat boredom! At the Writing Center, Katie hopes to help students see that writing is a process, and that with patience and confidence, everyone can produce great work. She looks forward to seeing you there!
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 YiLi.

YiLi Smedley

Tutor

 

YiLi is a senior 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.

Rachel's headshot

Rachel Sechrist

Tutor

Rachel is an English major with a concentration in literature and a minor in Public Relations. She is an RA in Witmer as well as part of the Messiah Ambassador team. She enjoys drinking coffee, watching Gilmore Girls, reading books, and crocheting. She is passionate about the power of language and wants to help people to be more satisfied in their written work!

Olivia's headshot

Olivia Kirchner

Tutor

Olivia is a Sophomore English major with a creative writing concentration and minors in Psychology and Marketing. In her free time she's probably making funny memories with friends and family, whether that's back home or on campus. Olivia also loves trying new foods, being outside, running, or watching movies with friends. As a creative writer, she hopes to bring her skills to the Writing Center so she can connect with others about all of the possibilities writing can have.
Naomi's headshot

Naomi Parson

Tutor

Naomi is a senior Nursing major with a minor in English. She has a deep love for reading, both novels and recipes. If she offers you a baked good or a portion of her dinner, it is simply because she is incapable of cooking for one. Most of her day is spent with a warm cup of coffee, studying the fascinating anatomy and physiology of God's creation. Come visit her in the Writing Center! She is eager to help transform those elusive thoughts into the written word.

Kaylie Horst

Tutor

Kaylie is a junior history major with a secondary social studies teaching certification. She enjoys reading, playing games with friends, and playing worship songs with her guitar. On campus, she also is a history club officer and plays in flute choir.

Katelyn's headshot

Katelyn Dietz

Tutor

Katelyn is a junior middle-level education major with a concentration in English lit. She enjoys spending her time reading and discussing, with great passion, her favorite show, Dancing with the Stars. If she's not in the field hanging out with her middle schoolers or going to class in Boyer, you can find her at Mt. Airy Orchards, typically helping lost people make it out of the corn maze. This is Katelyn's first year working at the Writing Center, and she can't wait to meet you all!

Alyssa's headshot.

Alyssa DiMarco

Tutor

Alyssa is a sophomore English major with an Education Certificate. She enjoys spending her free time reading, spending time in nature, and crocheting whenever she can! She also enjoys playing Catan, trivia, and word games. She loves expressing herself through her writing and enjoys helping others too!

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

Headshots and photography courtesy of Kailey Jones