2024/2025 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. 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
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. 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. Ford,
Ford Chittom is currently a local graduate student. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Belmont University in 2023 with a B.A. in Biblical Studies. He spent his high school and college years leading and participating in community groups such as the Winshape College Program, UKIRK, Towering Traditions, Academy of Preachers, and Project Thrive. When not participating in groups, he spent his free time playing and writing music with friends and collaborators. His main academic interests include the application and use of poetry and creative writing for self-expression and the intersection of literature, religion, and music. In the future, he hopes to work towards an interdisciplinary doctorate in religion and the arts. He is passionate about sharing new ideas and grounded in the importance of trust and hard work.
Ford Chittom is currently a local graduate student. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Belmont University in 2023 with a B.A. in Biblical Studies. He spent his high school and college years leading and participating in community groups such as the Winshape College Program, UKIRK, Towering Traditions, Academy of Preachers, and Project Thrive. When not participating in groups, he spent his free time playing and writing music with friends and collaborators. His main academic interests include the application and use of poetry and creative writing for self-expression and the intersection of literature, religion, and music. In the future, he hopes to work towards an interdisciplinary doctorate in religion and the arts. He is passionate about sharing new ideas and grounded in the importance of trust and hard work.
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. Halbo
Rachel Halbo is a graduate student at Princeton Theological Seminary. She graduated in 2023 from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington with a Bachelor’s of Education. She is a certified teacher in Washington State in both Special Education and Secondary Social Studies and is a certified substitute in several counties. She has experience in a wide variety of classrooms with students from a wide diversity of abilities, grade levels, and backgrounds. She spent the last year and a half teaching Outdoor Education in the Santa Cruz mountains at Mission Springs Outdoor Education. She spent 8 years competing as a nationally ranked policy debater and 3 as a high school policy debate coach and judge on the national circuit. She is passionate about helping grow students' passion for learning and encouraging them to invest in their educational journeys. Outside of the classroom Ms. Halbo loves lavender lattes, pickle ball, swimming, and good food!
Ms. Ellen
Ms. Ellen Hackman is a corporate communications writer and strategist for global companies. She also coaches students on organizing and writing their college and graduate application essays by helping them distill and tell their vibrant stories in their own voice. Ellen believes learning the mechanics of writing through reading and writing practice are lifelong tools for building confidence, creativity and community. She is an avid reader of non-fiction and history. Some of her favorite activities are swimming, tap dancing and growing organic vegetables.
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.
Prior Instructors include
Ms. Lai
Karis Lai is an undergraduate at Rice University, majoring in History with a minor in Creative Writing. She serves as the vice president of the Houston Institute, a philosophy nonprofit organization, is a Moody Research Fellow, and interns with the Houston Asian American Archive, where she engages in archival work, podcasting, and documentary projects. Karis' work has been featured in the R2: Rice Review and she was a semifinalist in the Ayn Rand Essay Competition. Karis is dedicated to excellence and originality, whether researching the classical education of Henry VIII and Thomas Jefferson or crafting creative non-fiction on the Asian-American experience. Outside of her academic pursuits, she runs her own photography business, Karis Jane Photography, and enjoys singing in her acapella group.
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.
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.
Mr. Sackett
Jonathan Sackett is a rising sophomore at the University of Richmond, who aims to major in anthropology and journalism. He is an avid and intentional writer, earning him the Outstanding Essay in Humane Letters Award in high school and a nomination for the First-Year Seminar Awards from the Chair of the English Department at UR. Throughout his freshman year of college, Jonathan spent many evenings helping classmates and friends on their essays and intends to join the writing center this coming school year. Apart from editing and his own creative writing, Jonathan can be found hiking, cooking, or playing bass.
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.
- 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.
Congratulations on your new adventure in life! We will miss you!