Writing and Communication Center (WCC)

Mohsine Bensaid, Interim Director

Bensaid

Mohsine Bensaid holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Linguistics and Literature from Ibn Tofail University, Morocco, another Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Denison University, Granville, Ohio, and a Master of Arts degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) from Kent State University. Currently, he is a doctoral candidate pursuing a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on TESL. His academic interests include 3S Pedagogy, holistic education, multiculturalism, teacher leadership, and online learning. Before joining the Ashland University Writing and Communication Center, Mr. Bensaid worked as an ESL Professional Instructor at AU’s ACCESS Program for over 10 years, and as a Communicational English Instructor/Director of Studies at MasterBEC Business English Centre in Kenitra, Morocco for two years.

Clayton Chiarelott, Academic Embedded Coach Coorindator

Chiarelott

Clay Chiarelott is the new Academic Embedded Coach Coordinator at Ashland University. Clay is also currently a doctoral student in Rhetoric and Writing Studies at Bowling Green State University. His prior education has included an MA in Literary and Textual Studies, an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Teaching, and a BA in English Literature. He has worked in several different writing center contexts and, through those experiences, has gained extensive experience working with student writers, tutors, and coaches. His research interests include Community Literacy, Teaching English as a Second Language, Media Rhetoric, Politics of Language, and Contemporary American Literature.

Elizabeth Buttil, Assistant Director

Elizabeth Buttil

Elizabeth Buttil is the Administrative Assistant to the WCC. Beth also serves as the Assistant Director of the Ashland Center for Nonviolence. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Human Development and Psychological Services from Northwestern University. She was born and raised in Ashland and now resides in Ontario with her husband and 3 children. She is a voracious reader and enjoys sharing her love of books with others.

WCC Coaches

The WCC is staffed by undergraduate students from across the university working as coaches. These coaches are trained to provide one-on-one support for students who visit the the WCC with assignments or projects from any class. Meet our coaches here:

Akosua Dankwa

I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and I'm originally from Ghana. I am a senior, majoring in nursing which means that I have a background in science courses like anatomy and chemistry. I aspire to be a nurse practitioner or a nurse anesthetist in the future. I would say, I am pretty chill and I just go with the flow. I enjoy helping others achieve their goals which is the reason why I decided to work here.

Angela Manasieva

My name is Angela Manasieva and I am from Lorain, Ohio. I'm currently a sophomore at AU and am majoring in Integrated Language Arts Education and plan on adding an English major. I just enjoy being around my friends and I'm also bilingual and enjoy learning about other cultures. I'm very easy going and empathetic and understand it is stressful creating a paper/project so just know there's no judgement here and my goal is for everyone to be as comfortable as possible in the writing process :).

Anne Casey

Hi, I'm Anne! I am from Seville, Ohio, and I am a sophomore at AU. I'm majoring in History and Philosophy, with a minor in Political Science. On campus, I'm involved in the Ashbrook Program, the Honors Program, the AU Dance Company, and the Astronomy Club. In my spare time, I love to read, write, paint, hike, and visit museums. I've always enjoyed writing, and look forward to helping students find enjoyment in it too! :)

Ashli Lucio

Ashli is a senior majoring in history and political science and minoring in theatre. Originally from a suburb of Dallas, TX, she came to Ashland to be a part of the Ashbrook Scholars program. In addition to the Ashbrook program, Ashli is involved with theatre productions, UNIDAD, Phi Alpha Theta, and Alpha Psi Omega. In her free time, Ashli enjoys reading and any kind of outdoor activity.

Gabe Del Valle

My name is Gabe Del Valle and I am from Lorain, Ohio. I am sophomore majoring in political science. I enjoy being outdoors and taking naps. I have a lot of fun playing ultimate frisbee.

Hannah Coon

Hi, I'm Hannah! I'm from Berlin Heights, Ohio. I'm currently a sophomore and I'm double majoring in English and Integrated Language Arts. On campus I'm involved in Greek life, and I'm a member of the Eagle Elite Dance Team and AU Dance Company. Outside of extra curriculars one of my favorite hobbies is writing. I've written a fiction novel that I hope to publish someday soon! :) I also enjoy listening to 70s-80s music and collecting comic books!

Ismaeil Ajwa

Hello! I was born and raised in Ashland. I'm a Senior and my major is Biochemistry and also I am minoring in Biology. I love watching sports and spending time with my family.

Josie Brown

Hey! My name is Josie, and this is my second year at Ashland. I am from Canton, Ohio. My major is Social Work with minors of Ethics and Addiction Studies. I am also a part of the Honors Program! As for a fun fact, I play percussion in the bands here at Ashland. Lastly, I am a peace scholar through the Ashland Center for Nonviolence.

Kaitlynn Winters

My name is Kaitlynn! I am from Shelby Ohio, so Ashland is just a trip down the road for me. I'm pursing a Bachelors degree in Marketing with a minor in Public Relations. I thrive off of friendly day to day interactions and leading others! In my free time you can find me running, doing photography, painting, and designing fun projects! Some of my favorite things in life are getting to know others, building connections, and spreading positivity!

Melissa Crisan

Hello everyone! My name is Melissa Crisan and I am excited to be working as a Communication Coach this year! I am currently a sophomore with junior standing majoring in both English and Creative Writing. Originally, I was born and raised in Cleveland, but currently live in Kingsville, a rural township up north in Ashtabula county. I have a passion for stories, writing, and all things nerdy, including video games, anime/manga, D&D, Magic, and so much more. When I'm not geeking out, I spend most of my time jamming out to rock music or exploring new places with friends!

Micaela Coon

Hello, my name's Micaela. I'm from the small town of Berlin Heights, OH. I'm a history and political science major with a minor in political economy. I'm an Ashbrook Scholar and intern and am a part of the Honors Program. Additionally, I'm involved in the Center for Civic Life, College Dems, Alexander Hamilton Society, I serve as the president of the Ashland Dance Company, and I help run the Ashbrook social media pages and summer academies. Outside of school I love traveling, biking, reading, spending time with my family, attempting to catch up on the Marvel/DC franchises and the news, and learning historical tidbits.

Omar Ajwa

My name is Omar Ajwa and my major is biochemistry. I'm a big fan of chemistry in general! I like to spend time in the gym and I also enjoy spending time with my family.

Rhyan Opel

I am from Lorain, OH and I am a junior majoring in Political Science, History, and Integrated Social Studies. I am Vice President of the Honors Program and Phi Alpha Theta History Honorary.>

Ruolin Yang

I am originally from China but lived in South Korea for 6 years and got my BA in Psychology in there, and worked for a professor specializing in Asian sense of beauty and facial cosmetic surgery, then I went to Israel as a volunteer in 2017. I did not intentionally learn English. I just naturally acquired it when I was in Israel. Since then, I have been a language teacher teaching Chinese, English, Korean, Japanese for 5 years. I graduated with a master degree in Adult Education in August, 2021, now I am studying in Education in Leadership Studies for a doctorate degree. Besides my multicultural teaching and learning experiences, I have spent a great amount of time with schizophrenic patients as a volunteer.

Sarah Yeaste

I'm an English and Creative Writing Major sophomore from Ashland, Ohio. I am a Disney enthusiast, animal lover, and activist. I am told I am basically a Disney princess.

Tia Shanklin

Hello! I'm Tia Shanklin and I'm originally from Canton, Ohio. I'm currently a junior and am double majoring in Creative Writing and English while minoring in Psychology. On campus I am usually involved with theater productions. When I'm not working or at the theater I'm usually reading or writing. I'm currently trying to finish writing a couple book ideas that I've had for a while. I also enjoy archery and bowling, so during the summer that's what I spend my time on.

Zoe Bogarty

Hi, my name is Zoe! I am a Journalism major and Online Teaching minor from Cleveland, Ohio. I love watching Marvel movies, writing, reading, and especially sleeping. On campus I am the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion chair of Theta Phi Alpha, Secretary Black Student Alliance, President of Women of Excellence, member of Eagles for Pride, Resident Assistant and a News Editor for The Collegian. I like to stay involved so ask me about any of the organizations I'm in!

Contact Information

Interim Director: Mohsine Bensaid

Center for the Humanities Bixler (CFHB) 111
Office Telephone: 419.289.5156
Email: mbensaid@ashland.edu

Academic Embedded Coach Coordinator: Clayton Chiarelott

Center for the Humanities Bixler (CFHB) 101
Office Telephone: 419.289.5957
Email: cchiarel@ashland.edu

Writing and Communication Center Location

Center for the Humanities, Bixler
Room 104

Phone: 419.289.5145

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To Make an Appointment

For appointments, click on https://ashland.mywconline.com and sign up for an available time. 

Having trouble? Visit CFHB 104 or email writingcenter@ashland.edu.

Graduate and Seminary Students click here.