Our Staff

We are here to help you be the best writer you can be. Our tutors are trained so that you get the most out of each appointment. Our goal is for our clients to leave the Writers' Center feeling more confident about their ability to write.

Marjie, Writers’ Center Coordinator

I am simultaneously a writer and a teacher. Some days the writer plays the predominant role; on other days, the teacher role is most important. Because I write regularly, teaching writing has become my passion. I have taught writing at the college level for nine years, and am in the throes of writing my dissertation for a Ph.D. in composition from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

When hired at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, I was also collaborating on a musical, “Only Me,” scheduled for a Pittsburgh premiere in April 2009.  I have had more than 20 plays produced and have worked as an actor, director, and stand-up comic.

I come to composition from a creative writing background. I hold an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Pittsburgh, and my scholarly research focuses on the connections and barriers between academic composition and creative writing. I believe in encouraging the creative and imaginative side of students in all their writing. I am thrilled to be working in the creative environment of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

I’m also a runner with eight marathons to my credit and training for my ninth: Pittsburgh in May 2009. Running gives me the psychological stamina to pursue the Ph.D. degree and provides a pretty obvious metaphor for that pursuit.

Dani, Writing Consultant

Advertising, '09

I was born and raised in a small farm town in Ohio where all you could see for miles around was corn and everyone said, “ya’ll” not “yinz.” Moving to Pittsburgh was a massive culture shock, but I’ve learned to love living here over the course of one year. High school was good to me; I performed in every play, musical, band, and choir and graduated with honors. Singing is my life and that’s what I do. It’s rare that you haven’t already heard me sing. I’m a self-proclaimed hippie who believes money is overrated, love is all you need, and to be a Democrat is the only way of life. I’m an Advertising student with a specialty in video hoping to work that side of the trade when I graduate; that is, only until I strike it rich as a singer. I was one of the first tutors hired at the Writers’ Center and I really enjoy helping my peers with their writing. Come and see me. I’d be glad to help!

Picture Sources:
www.nps.northampton.ma.us
www.looplabs.com

David, Writing Consultant

Game Art & Design

Following my initial half-hearted attempts at formal essaying during my primary schooling, writing has since grown to be among my chief interests, along with video games, books and drawing, among other pursuits. I began my time here at the Art Institute one balmy Pittsburgh summer in 2008 enrolled in the Game Art program, and subsequently found myself in the initial stages of consultant training at the Writers’ Center that following quarter.
I have developed, over the years, a certain fondness for the styles of more archaic authors and playwrights such as the venerable Shakespeare and Nathaniel Hawthorne and of course, the one and only J. R. R. Tolkien, though I still enjoy a good Tom Clancy title or something more modern and up-to-date. Possessed of a modest background in theatre, I have written, directed and performed in a number of short plays throughout my younger years.
As of yet I find that I am the only Game Design student in the Writers’ Center, though I have learned, that like in many industries, the ability to communicate one’s ideas through writing can greatly affect one’s career in the profession. Remember, this is the Art Institute, and fine writing is certainly as much an Art as any drawing, painting or multimedia work out there.
So, with that said, Come one, come all and come on down to the Writers’ Center!

 

Emilie, Writing Consultant

Game Art & Design, '10

I was born in Pittsburgh, but lived most of my childhood in South Carolina and Hawaii. Eventually, I returned to the city to attend The Art Institute of Pittsburgh after graduating from Allegheny College. Someday I hopt to work as a gem designer and concept artist, but I also want to open a vegetarian cafe in a quiet little northern town. I appreciate a calm simple lifestyle, which is not necessarily compatible with the city, but I am enjoying the experiences I have here regardless. I have been a consultant at the Writers' Center for only a short time, but I find myself really enjoying it. One of the best ways to learn about writing is to share it with other people and read as much as possible. Working here helps me find the time to do that. My own writing experience is broad, from fiction and poetry to biology research papers and game design documents, so no topic is too dull or too geeky. I can even help people with their fanfiction!

Eric, Writing Consultant

Media Arts & Animation, '10

Hello, everybody, my name is Eric Meaney and I am a "non-traditional student" at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. I am a highly motivated student in the Multi-Media Arts & Animation program. My goal after graduation is to be successful int he field of animation.

Before attending The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, I lived in a small Ohio community on the shores of Lake Erie. I worked in a very depressed area at a middle management position for close to six years. During this time I was able to travel to many countries in Europe. These experiences allowed me to encounter a variety of rich and diverse cultures, helping to shape who I am today. It was only after I was laid off due to hard economic times that I decided to obtain a formal education here in Pittsburgh.

Kacey, Writing Consultant

Advertising, '09

I’m originally from a small town in Ohio, but fell in love with Pittsburgh when I came here a year ago.

 

 

 

 

I love writing, especially opinion and editorial writing. I was an editor on my high school magazine and gained many experiences with writing and working in that atmosphere. My main love is advertising and the whole world of it. I hope to work as a Copywriter someday, coming up with brilliant slogans, concepts, and commercial scripts. In my small fraction of spare time, I enjoy running and swimming, working my other job at a pet store, reading “gossip” novels, and hanging out with my house of best friends.

Michael, Writing Consultant

Digital Media Production, '10

After an attempt as a Biology major, I turned to The Art Institute of Pittsburgh to pursue my childhood

 

 

 

 

dream of becoming a filmmaker. Within this vision, I learned the characteristics of quality film. Writing, especially, is most important amongst filmmakers, and I have taken a firm grasp upon this endeavor. With the possibilities being endless, writing for the screen has enlightened me in such a way that inspiration stimulates itself. My objective as of late has been to capture this process and implement it into my art form.

Following a few scriptwriting classes, I began to study documentary film and how it affects people. This art form encourages me to not only expose the truth within writing, but to also explain a particular subject in a way that moves an audience. Given a raw feel, the documentary process motivates the viewer to relate to the specific subject and gives me the chance to expose my talent through my characters and research.

With such beauty in the world it takes a keen eye to grasp this concept and implement it not only into writing, but also film. I believe I can be of service to the student body in their endeavors regardless of their previous writing experience. With this in mind, stop down to the Writers' Center ad I'll be more than glad to assist.

Sarah M, Writing Consultant

Fashion and Retail Management

Hey everyone! I’m from an extremely small town near Scranton, Pennsylvania (and yes, that is the Scranton where the show The Office is based). I don’t really fit in with any labels.

I like to think I’m like a great mixtape. I have 3 older brothers who taught me everything I know about life. I’m definitely a very laid-back person. I’m currently in my 6th quarter at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, majoring in Fashion. I love every aspect of fashion and I love writing. My main goal is to become an editor for a major fashion magazine. After I graduate I’m thinking of going to NCU for my masters in journalism. I joined the Writer’s Center because I love the idea of helping other people become better writers. Writing is one of my passions as is reading. I also work for M.A.C. Cosmetics, so if you ever need make up tips I’d be glad to help. When I’m not working or in class I’m usually catching up on some sleep or just chilling out with my friends. When I’m bored my favorite thing to do is to find somewhere with a beautiful view and sit with my back to it.