Summer 2023 Instructors
Ms.Green
Alysia Green is a poet, author, and grad student at Princeton Theological Seminary. She recently graduated from Eastern University’s Templeton Honors College, majoring in Biblical Studies with additional theology, psychology, and philosophy courses. She is familiar with teaching young writers as she worked as a substitute teacher in Baltimore County and led a five-week summer camp teaching elementary age children about crafting stories, drama, and poetry. She hopes to encourage young writers to learn the necessary skills to creatively present their passions. In addition to writing, Ms. Green enjoys decorating, playing card games, and singing karaoke.
Alysia Green is a poet, author, and grad student at Princeton Theological Seminary. She recently graduated from Eastern University’s Templeton Honors College, majoring in Biblical Studies with additional theology, psychology, and philosophy courses. She is familiar with teaching young writers as she worked as a substitute teacher in Baltimore County and led a five-week summer camp teaching elementary age children about crafting stories, drama, and poetry. She hopes to encourage young writers to learn the necessary skills to creatively present their passions. In addition to writing, Ms. Green enjoys decorating, playing card games, and singing karaoke.
Ms. Watson
Hanna Watson is a poet, spoken word artist, and Master of Divinity candidate at Princeton Theological Seminary. In 2020 she graduated from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Summa Cum Laude, majoring in African-American Studies and minoring in Creative Writing. There, she received the Robert B. House Memorial Prize in Poetry and the Chester P. Middlesworth Award for Undergraduate Archival Research. Hanna has extensive experience designing curriculum to help students from elementary school to college flourish as writers. She began her journey with classroom instruction as an elementary teacher in the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools, which work to prevent underserved youth from falling behind in reading comprehension skills. Her teaching journey continues today as she helps young adults find their unique voices through creative writing seminars and small-group Bible studies. Outside of writing, Hanna loves singing, hiking, and enjoying a nice cup of coffee with loved ones!
Hanna Watson is a poet, spoken word artist, and Master of Divinity candidate at Princeton Theological Seminary. In 2020 she graduated from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Summa Cum Laude, majoring in African-American Studies and minoring in Creative Writing. There, she received the Robert B. House Memorial Prize in Poetry and the Chester P. Middlesworth Award for Undergraduate Archival Research. Hanna has extensive experience designing curriculum to help students from elementary school to college flourish as writers. She began her journey with classroom instruction as an elementary teacher in the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools, which work to prevent underserved youth from falling behind in reading comprehension skills. Her teaching journey continues today as she helps young adults find their unique voices through creative writing seminars and small-group Bible studies. Outside of writing, Hanna loves singing, hiking, and enjoying a nice cup of coffee with loved ones!
Ms. Mary Shelley
Mary Shelley Reid is a graduate student at Princeton Theological Seminary. She is originally from upstate South Carolina, where she attended Furman University and studied Creative Writing and Religion. During her time in college, she worked at Furman’s Writing Center and assisted students in brainstorming, editing, and revising academic writing. She also has experience in tutoring 1st through 12th grade students in phonics, reading, and writing and helping high school students prepare for ACT & SAT reading and writing. Mary Shelley is an avid reader and writer with particular interests in poetry and fiction. She believes that storytelling is a vital aspect of formation, meaning making, and the human existence is passionate about helping students discover and hone their creative ability.
Mr. Alex Hibbs
Alex Hibbs is a student studying religion at Furman University in Greenville, SC. Alex is the founder of Christo et Doctrinae, a student journal, where he gained experience in guiding and mentoring younger writers. He also has experience in tutoring and peer editing. Alex believes that excellence in writing is vital for clear thinking and communication in every sphere of life and he is committed to helping students improve their abilities.
Mr. Alex Hibbs
Alex Hibbs is a student studying religion at Furman University in Greenville, SC. Alex is the founder of Christo et Doctrinae, a student journal, where he gained experience in guiding and mentoring younger writers. He also has experience in tutoring and peer editing. Alex believes that excellence in writing is vital for clear thinking and communication in every sphere of life and he is committed to helping students improve their abilities.
Ms. Priya
Priya Sridhar is a certified teacher who recently moved to Princeton. She spent the past two years teaching 7th grade English/Language Arts and working on curriculum management and design during the summer. She believes reading comprehension and writing are not only skills accessible to all, but also necessary for identity, voice, and narrative formation. Priya completed her BA in Public Policy at UNC Chapel Hill, while earning a minor in Global Health and certificate in Prison Studies at Duke University. During those years, she found academic and narrative writing to be powerful tools for advocacy, introspection, and change. Wherever your student is academically and emotionally, she hopes to encourage them of the power and diversity they can express through their words.
Ms. Edwards
Janine Edwards is a certified teacher with a Masters in Education from Seattle's Antioch University, a school she chose because of its emphasis on intentional linkages between the classroom and the world through experiential education. She chose teaching as a career because of its global possibilities and its creative potential. She strives to bring her proclivity for adventure and her appreciation for the power of words into her Language Arts instruction. Despite the uniformity of the fluorescent library lights under which students often meet with her, she hopes students will leave seeing things in a new way.
Janine Edwards is a certified teacher with a Masters in Education from Seattle's Antioch University, a school she chose because of its emphasis on intentional linkages between the classroom and the world through experiential education. She chose teaching as a career because of its global possibilities and its creative potential. She strives to bring her proclivity for adventure and her appreciation for the power of words into her Language Arts instruction. Despite the uniformity of the fluorescent library lights under which students often meet with her, she hopes students will leave seeing things in a new way.
Ms. Angel
Angel Nalubega is an experienced educator and aspiring writer with a background in social studies education. She is currently pursuing her seminary studies at Princeton Theological Seminary and holds a Bachelor's degree in history from Antioch College. Angel's passion lies in creative writing, particularly in the young adult fiction genre. She believes in empowering her students to become confident and inquisitive writers. In her free time, Angel enjoys reading romance novels, cooking, and playing rugby.
Ms. Isabel
Isabel Gonzalez is a graduate student at Princeton Theological Seminary. She graduated summa cum laude from Messiah University with a B.A. in Biblical Religious Studies and English. During her graduation, Isabel was honored with the Donald and Anna Zook Alumni Merit Award in recognition of her academic performance and leadership on campus. As a humanities fellow, Isabel helped coordinate and facilitate poetry workshops for middle and high school students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She is passionate about supporting the learning and development of students seeking to better their skills in writing, storytelling, and poetry. Aside from this, Isabel enjoys listening to K-pop, dancing to salsa music, and sharing a nice meal with her close friends.
Ms. Johanna
Johanna Romano Matos is a graduate student at Princeton Theological Seminary. In 2020 she graduated from Kean University with her bachelor's in Psychology and has a background in teaching K-12 as a substitute teacher for over five years. She has become well versed in teaching young writers as she assisted in a six-week Summer Literacy Program in 2023. She currently works part-time at the Hispanic Theological Initiative, where she assists and provides support to Latinx PhD candidates across the country. Johanna has a strong passion working with the youth and assisting them in their academic endeavors. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Romano Matos enjoys working out, taking afternoon strolls, and spending quality time with her loved ones
Jo
Mr. Jordan
Jordan Burton is a graduate student at Princeton Theological Seminary. He graduated from Wheaton College with a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies. During his time at Wheaton, he held multiple teaching assistant positions and worked with the writing center to help students edit papers and other assignments. Inspired by writers such as James Baldwin and Toni Morrison, Jordan has a passion for cultivating creativity in his life and the lives of others. When he’s not occupied with the demands of being a student, Jordan enjoys lifting weights, watching anime, and playing video games.
Mr. Jordan
Jordan Burton is a graduate student at Princeton Theological Seminary. He graduated from Wheaton College with a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies. During his time at Wheaton, he held multiple teaching assistant positions and worked with the writing center to help students edit papers and other assignments. Inspired by writers such as James Baldwin and Toni Morrison, Jordan has a passion for cultivating creativity in his life and the lives of others. When he’s not occupied with the demands of being a student, Jordan enjoys lifting weights, watching anime, and playing video games.
Ms. Williams
Sydney Williams is a graduate student at Princeton Theological Seminary. She received her undergraduate degree from Bethel University where she majored in English and Writing. She has experience as both a teacher and tutor. Her time as a tutor in the writing center equipped her with the ability to guide writers at every stage, from brainstorming ideas to refining polished prose and enriched her understanding of different languages and how they function. As an English major during my undergraduate studies, literature has been her constant companion. Her passion extends across various genres, from the rhythmic beauty of poetry to the immersive world of memoir and nonfiction. She is particularly intrigued by the intersection of storytelling and visual art, exploring the unique narrative dynamics found in graphic novels.
Mr. Andrew Ojeda
Andrew is a lifelong learner pursuing a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. Growing up in Los Angeles, Andrew spent his university years close to home, receiving a BA in Biblical Studies and Theology from Azusa Pacific University. While at Azusa, Andrew worked as a Research Assistant. He collected research, wrote proposals and summaries, and edited work on Disability in the 1st-century Greco-Roman culture. A few academic achievements that Andrew is very proud of include the “Outstanding Senior Award” at Azusa Pacific University, Princeton Theological Seminary’s Fellowship Scholarship, and the Earl F. Palmer Award for Excellence in Expository Preaching and Teaching of the Bible. Andrew’s interests include poetry, philosophy, theology, and classic novels. Andrew believes that reading and writing is a fun and necessary endeavor and is excited to help others develop their creative writing style and voice.
Andrew is a lifelong learner pursuing a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. Growing up in Los Angeles, Andrew spent his university years close to home, receiving a BA in Biblical Studies and Theology from Azusa Pacific University. While at Azusa, Andrew worked as a Research Assistant. He collected research, wrote proposals and summaries, and edited work on Disability in the 1st-century Greco-Roman culture. A few academic achievements that Andrew is very proud of include the “Outstanding Senior Award” at Azusa Pacific University, Princeton Theological Seminary’s Fellowship Scholarship, and the Earl F. Palmer Award for Excellence in Expository Preaching and Teaching of the Bible. Andrew’s interests include poetry, philosophy, theology, and classic novels. Andrew believes that reading and writing is a fun and necessary endeavor and is excited to help others develop their creative writing style and voice.
Goodbye and Congratulations to our Instructors who are moving on!
Ms. Alli
Allison Kreider is a current graduate student at Princeton Theological Seminary. Before seminary Alli spent four years teaching fifth grade in Trenton, NJ and third grade in central Kansas at a school focused on project-based learning through gardening and caring for livestock (chickens, goats, and pigs!). Alli received her Bachelor's in Elementary Education at Bethel College (KS) where she also worked for two years at a play-based preschool. The following year she developed curriculum and mentored teachers at an English primary school in Karansi, Tanzania. Alli is passionate about helping students thrive as they explore new worlds through reading and expressing themselves powerfully through writing. Alli brings a commitment to diversity and creative methods in education. When she is not teaching or studying she loves reading, yoga, gardening and testing out new baking recipes
Allison Kreider is a current graduate student at Princeton Theological Seminary. Before seminary Alli spent four years teaching fifth grade in Trenton, NJ and third grade in central Kansas at a school focused on project-based learning through gardening and caring for livestock (chickens, goats, and pigs!). Alli received her Bachelor's in Elementary Education at Bethel College (KS) where she also worked for two years at a play-based preschool. The following year she developed curriculum and mentored teachers at an English primary school in Karansi, Tanzania. Alli is passionate about helping students thrive as they explore new worlds through reading and expressing themselves powerfully through writing. Alli brings a commitment to diversity and creative methods in education. When she is not teaching or studying she loves reading, yoga, gardening and testing out new baking recipes
- Ms. Olivia
Olivia Flint has a vivid passion for youth ministry and social justice, and you can always find her at the intersection of the two. Poetry and creative writing have been a wonderful outlet for her throughout the years, and they also hold much of the responsibility for getting her into Princeton! She has experince teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) to refugee students in New York, has a knack for connecting with students of all ages, and believes strongly in the power of education. Olivia can attest to the incredible way that writing becomes a powerful tool to help us find ourselves and share our voices with the world.
Ms. Senyard
Allie Senyard is a currently a graduate student . Before beginning her current program of study, she taught Creative Songwriting, General Music, Guitar, and Choir at a middle school in Brentwood, TN for four years and was a substitute teacher in the same county for English, Math, and the Arts for one year. Allie received her Bachelor's in Music Education from Belmont University in 2015 and acquired her teaching license the same year. Living in Nashville, TN, she was a songwriter, musician, and church music director. Allie is passionate about working alongside students of all ages to develop their creative voices and is excited to continue this pursuit with Princeton Writing Academy.
Allie Senyard is a currently a graduate student . Before beginning her current program of study, she taught Creative Songwriting, General Music, Guitar, and Choir at a middle school in Brentwood, TN for four years and was a substitute teacher in the same county for English, Math, and the Arts for one year. Allie received her Bachelor's in Music Education from Belmont University in 2015 and acquired her teaching license the same year. Living in Nashville, TN, she was a songwriter, musician, and church music director. Allie is passionate about working alongside students of all ages to develop their creative voices and is excited to continue this pursuit with Princeton Writing Academy.
Ms. Tori
Tori Giger is a second-year student at Princeton Theological Seminary where she received the Seminary Fellowship. She graduated from Bridgewater College summa cum laude with Flory Honors. Her majors were Sociology and Communication, Technology, and Culture with minors in Theatre and Identity Studies. After finishing her Master’s Degree, she plans to pursue a PhD focused in Practical Theology. For five summers, Tori was a camp counselor and has extensive experience working with youth with learning disabilities. She has served as a Student Success Mentor and Academic Coach, both programs mentored college students with learning disabilities or challenges. Tori is passionate about nurturing creativity and self-expression in young writers. She enjoys writing poetry and has experience in competitive writing. Tori spends her free time traveling, playing soccer, painting, and trying new things like hot air ballooning
Tori Giger is a second-year student at Princeton Theological Seminary where she received the Seminary Fellowship. She graduated from Bridgewater College summa cum laude with Flory Honors. Her majors were Sociology and Communication, Technology, and Culture with minors in Theatre and Identity Studies. After finishing her Master’s Degree, she plans to pursue a PhD focused in Practical Theology. For five summers, Tori was a camp counselor and has extensive experience working with youth with learning disabilities. She has served as a Student Success Mentor and Academic Coach, both programs mentored college students with learning disabilities or challenges. Tori is passionate about nurturing creativity and self-expression in young writers. She enjoys writing poetry and has experience in competitive writing. Tori spends her free time traveling, playing soccer, painting, and trying new things like hot air ballooning
Mr. Patrick
Patrick Alfieri is a certified English teacher. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with degrees in English Writing and Economics (BS '19) and Secondary English Education (MAT '20). His great passion is helping young people to realize their creative and academic potentials, permitting them to read bravely, to write beautifully, and to imagine boundlessly. He spends his free-time listening to audiobooks, editing his partner’s romance novel manuscripts, and playing the piano. He’s currently a graduate student at Princeton Theological Seminary.
Ms. Esther
Esther Chiang was born and raised in Massachusetts, but has lived in Pennsylvania for the last ten years getting her BA from Bryn Mawr College and working at Jefferson University as a campus minister. Since relocating to New Jersey, she has started graduate school at Princeton Theological Seminary. Being a child of Taiwanese immigrants, she is well versed in how to translate high parental expectations to fellow children of immigrants, and she is able to translate the academic experiences of High School and College in a culturally sensitive and cross-cultural manner. She is someone her friends rely on to edit their personal statements, cover letters, resumes, and writing projects because of her ability to balance voice, style, and grammar. For fun, Esther likes to walk along the canal, cook new dishes, and attempt DIY crafts.
Esther Chiang was born and raised in Massachusetts, but has lived in Pennsylvania for the last ten years getting her BA from Bryn Mawr College and working at Jefferson University as a campus minister. Since relocating to New Jersey, she has started graduate school at Princeton Theological Seminary. Being a child of Taiwanese immigrants, she is well versed in how to translate high parental expectations to fellow children of immigrants, and she is able to translate the academic experiences of High School and College in a culturally sensitive and cross-cultural manner. She is someone her friends rely on to edit their personal statements, cover letters, resumes, and writing projects because of her ability to balance voice, style, and grammar. For fun, Esther likes to walk along the canal, cook new dishes, and attempt DIY crafts.
Ms. Libby
Libby Luigs is a licensed educator with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with an endorsement in Speech Communication, and a Masters of Education in Secondary Education (University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA). Libby has taught middle school English for four years—three of those years were in Denver Public Schools working with English Language Learner and Special Education students. Over the last several years, Libby has developed many effective reading and writing strategies and literacy curriculum to help students grow in their reader and writer identities, strengthen their grade-level skills, and increase their comprehension, communication, and overall literacy skills. Libby is passionate about helping students discover the gift of reading, their writing voice, and nurturing students to their fullest potential.
Libby Luigs is a licensed educator with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with an endorsement in Speech Communication, and a Masters of Education in Secondary Education (University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA). Libby has taught middle school English for four years—three of those years were in Denver Public Schools working with English Language Learner and Special Education students. Over the last several years, Libby has developed many effective reading and writing strategies and literacy curriculum to help students grow in their reader and writer identities, strengthen their grade-level skills, and increase their comprehension, communication, and overall literacy skills. Libby is passionate about helping students discover the gift of reading, their writing voice, and nurturing students to their fullest potential.
Ms. Peterman
Serving as online instructor this year.
Emily Peterman is the Education Programs Coordinator at the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund in Trenton, as well as a certified TOEFL scorer. She is also a graduate student pursuing a Master of Social Work from Aurora University. Emily moved to Princeton from Chicago where she received her BA in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Spending time living in Eastern Europe, Emily developed a passion to teach English to students of all ages and cultures. While in Chicago, Emily worked as an English Instructor at World Relief. She strives to support each student in achieving their learning goals with creative and individualized instruction.
Ms. Kristin
Kristin Ekstrom is a Middle School Counselor in South Jersey, and has experience working with students grades 6-12. Kristin graduated with a B.S. in Psychology, and an M.Ed. in School Counseling, both from Montana State University. She has an education in creative and technical writing, and has frequently assisted with college essays, applications, and guidance. Kristin’s approach and philosophy of teaching is holistic, focusing on students’ strengths, while seeking to enhance students’ areas for development. Kristin is an avid reader, especially enjoying fiction, mystery, and historical fiction/non-fiction. In her free time, Kristin enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and spending time with friends and family.
Congratulations on your new adventure in life! We will miss you!
Ms. Emma
Has taken a full time job as a librarian in Philadelphia. Congratulations.
Emma Bezilla is a graduate of Bowdoin College, where she majored in English with a Concentration in Creative Writing. There she completed a thesis of short fiction, which received departmental honors. Emma has worked in publishing and media, and she is excited about graphic design, storytelling, and the relationship between language and technology. She also loves working with children and has experience in tutoring and music education. Emma can often be found at the library—she hopes to work there someday!—and when she’s not teaching or reading, she loves cooking, playing badminton, and watching old movies.