Meet the On-site Writing Studio Staff
Matthias Bruggeman
A good day and happy times to you! I am Zachary Matthias Bruggeman, but you can call me Matthias. When I’m not reveling in the joys of composition, you can find me at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, slinging shots of espresso like it’s the wild wild west. My particular writing style is rich in metaphor and complex sentences (I love a good parenthetical phrase). Grammar is no tyrant, but a tool and a toy. Happy writing!
Maddy Chatwin
Hi, my name is Maddy Chatwin! I am a double major in English and Liberal Arts with a Creative Writing emphasis, and a minor in Theatre Design and Technical Production. I love watching stories come to life on the stage, screen, and page. When I’m not updating one of my (many) works-in-progress, you can find me in the Writing Studio, ready to help you with whatever stage of the writing process you are in!
Mark Knight
Hello there! My name is Mark Knight, and I’m a junior majoring in finance with a minor in marketing. My favorite things to do are hiking SoCal’s hills, browsing books, and venturing a vibrato on my violin. I obviously love alliteration, but my passion is for storytelling and the writing process. I’d be happy to help you make the best possible paper you can!
Nicole Kramer
Hi everyone! I’m Nicole Kramer, and I’m a huge fan of words. Double majoring in Theatre and English makes me a story nerd both as a writer and performer, and there’s very little I like better than a good book. Other passions of mine include going for walks, working out, crocheting, and singing, but creative storytelling will always be at the heart of what I do. I look forward to working with you all and hopefully inspiring you to find joy in words as much as I do!
Makena Messing
Hi friends! My name is Makena Messing, and I am a third-year kinesiology major. When I am not working on Parkinson’s Disease research or serving as the president of Phi Epsilon Kappa (the kinesiology fraternity on campus), I enjoy going for walks, doing gymnastics, and getting coffee with friends. I believe the writing process is just as important (and rewarding!) as the final product, and I can’t wait to cheer you on in your own writing journey.
Liana Nguyen
Hello everyone! My name is Liana Nguyen, and I’m a senior majoring in business data analytics and graphic design. I love drawing, painting, digital painting, and all things art-related! I have a lot of experience with academic writing and am all too familiar with the unfortunate writer’s block that often comes before your paper’s due date. Fortunately, Concordia University Irvine has a writing studio, and I’m happy to help you out with anything you need. I look forward to working with you!
Sophie Thomas
Hi everyone! My name is Sophie Thomas, and I’m a sophomore majoring in Communication and minoring in Psychology. I’m originally from Washington State and miss it every day, but I love having two beautiful places to call home. While I enjoy academic writing, the stress that comes with a big paper deadline has sent me into a spiral on more than one occasion. I’m happy to be another set of eyes and a source of support for you at any stage of the writing process!
Zoë Litzenberg
Hey, there! I’m Professor Zoë Litzenberg, and I am the Director of the Writing Studio & Tutoring Services. I started working with writing way back in 2015 as an undergrad when I worked at the Writing Studio while earning my degree in Liberal Arts at Concordia, and writing work has remained close to my heart ever since. My research interests include high-impact writing pedagogy, contemporary theory, horror in film & literature, and generative AI. I have a lot of interests — the common factor between them being a passion for excellence and community. I love working between disciplines and helping people become stronger communicators and researchers through the writing process. In my free time, I like finding reasons to laugh with my husband, Jonah, and hanging out with my two tuxedo cats, Giacomo and Erasmus. It’s my pleasure to serve you!
Meet the Online Writing Lab (OWL) Staff
Kristina Deusch
Hello all! My name is Kristina Deusch, and I graduated from Concordia University Irvine in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Marketing. As an undergrad, I worked with other students as a Core Peer Tutor and a Writing Studio Consultant during much of my time at Concordia. After college, I went into academic publishing: I’ve worked as an Editorial Assistant at Cambridge University Press in New York City, a Journals Production Editor at Oxford University Press in North Carolina, and a Senior Production Editor working on books for the Fortress Press imprint of 1517 Media in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I also have a master’s degree in theology and the arts from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. I now live in Colorado Springs, where I work as an editor for a Christian ministry. My hobbies include humming along to classical music and collecting many boxes of books. I have been reading OWL papers for many years now, and I look forward to working together with you!
Sasha Flowers
Hi, everybody! My name is Sasha Flowers, and I am a Clinical Psychology doctoral student at George Mason University. As an OWL Consultant, I deeply value helping writers find their voice by building up strengths and providing encouraging guidance. When I’m not writing, you can find me in the ballet studio or hiking with friends. I look forward to working with you!
Elianna Guy
Hi! I’m Elianna Guy, and I graduated from Concordia University Irvine in 2021 with a BA in English and a minor in philosophy. I’ve loved reading and writing since I learned how, and I hope to someday publish a novel. When I’m not reading or writing, I’m probably crocheting, playing games like Stardew Valley or Baldur’s Gate 3, or hanging out with my many fantastic nieces and nephews. I’m glad to be here to help strengthen your writing voice!
Emily Marleaux
Hello there, I’m Emily Marleaux (pronounced Mar-low, like Bordeaux)! I graduated from The Master’s University in 2020 with a BA in Communications, with an emphasis in Creative Writing and Publishing. Currently, I am pursuing my MFA in Creative Writing from Houston Christian University. I love writing short stories and lean towards realistic fiction. On an ordinary day, I’ll be reading a Steinbeck novel and drinking a cup of coffee, or out surfing in Southern California with my husband. I am passionate about teaching writing and love guiding others to be confident writers. I can’t wait to partner with you on this journey!
Livia Meinz
Hi, I’m Livia Meinz! I graduated from Concordia University Irvine in December 2022 with a degree in Liberal Arts: Spanish and a minor in Lutheran Teaching. I worked in the Writing Studio for two years, and I love that I get to continue working with Concordia students through the OWL. I live in Pennsylvania with my husband and our new baby, and when I’m not OWL-ing or spending time with my family, I am knitting, cooking, or reading. I enjoy knitting, cooking, and languages because they are all ways to combine logical patterns with creativity. I hope to help you apply good patterns and creativity in your writing to communicate your ideas clearly and convincingly. I can’t wait to read your work!
Kellie Moore
Hi! I’m Kellie Moore. I graduated from Concordia University Irvine in 2010 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Creative Writing. I worked in the Writing Studio for two years as an undergrad, and I’m delighted to be part of the Online Writing Lab team. At Concordia University Irvine, I fell in love with journalism through my work as an editor of The Concordia Courier. I went on to earn a master’s degree from the Missouri School of Journalism. Since then, I’ve managed a religion news website, taught high school English, and worked as a copy editor. I also had the joy of being an editor at Verily magazine, where I was a contributing writer. Now, I’m a stay-at-home mom and freelance writer and editor. I live in Utah with my husband, our two kids, and two cats. I’m excited to help you not only hone your writing skills, but also grow in confidence as a writer!
Harrison Parker
Hi, fellow Eagles! I’m Harrison Parker, Concordia University Irvine class of 2010, where I double-majored in Biblical Languages and Theological Studies. After going to Concordia St. Louis, I served as pastor of two congregations before going back to school at the University of Michigan, where I graduated with a Master of Social Work and a Master of Public Policy. I love spending time with my wife, Stacey, and our wonderful pug, Duke. I am a nerd who loves burritos, punk and ska, and hanging out on the beach. I have had the pleasure of working as a Writing Studio Consultant from 2007 to 2010 and as an Online Writing Lab Consultant since 2020, and I love working with students like you. I can’t wait to learn from what you’ve written and work with you to grow more confident in expressing your thoughts and wisdom with the world!
Kirsten Swanson
Hi! I’m Kirsten Swanson, and I have a B.A. in History and English from Gordon College in Massachusetts. I then went on to earn my M.A. in Medieval Studies at the University of York. I’ve taught English and writing classes to students from middle school to undergraduates, and I love helping new writers find their voice and grow their confidence in writing. In my spare time, you can find me traveling, hanging out with family, and experimenting with new recipes. I’m looking forward to working with you at the OWL!
Julie Stiegemeyer
Hi! My name is Julie Stiegemeyer, and I am the Director of the OWL and an assistant professor in the School of Education. In the past, my work has included writing children’s books and teaching composition, literature, and English as a Second Language. Now, it is my honor to help provide writing support for graduate students at Concordia and to see students gain confidence as they apply strategies to their writing and witness their own growth. In my free time, I love writing poetry, traveling, gardening, painting, and spending time with my dog, Banjo, and two cats, Bear and Peanut. I hope to meet with you soon!
Interested in joining our team of writing consultants?
Full-time undergraduate students with strong writing and communication skills are encouraged to apply. Applications open on Handshake early every Spring semester.
The OWL opens applications through Concordia’s professional employment management system. View current job postings from CUI here.
Get in Touch
Questions? We are happy to help.
University Writing Support
Writing Studio is located on the top floor of the Schroeder Library and Learning Center (CUI campus).
Zoe Litzenberg | Director, Writing Studio and Tutoring Services
[email protected]
Julie Stiegemeyer | Director, Online Writing Lab (OWL)
[email protected]