Writing Lab - Meet the Tutors

Professor Kathy Swanson
Department Chair and Professor of English

Professor Swanson created the Writing Lab at Augsburg College. She is in charge of all lab operations and tutor training.

Kayla Skarbakka is a senior English major with emphases in both literature and creative writing, and is half-heartedly learning the blues harmonica on the off-chance that she fails to find a career with her degree.  She also tutors with Augsburg Reads and sings with the Augsburg Choir, and enjoys camping, sailing, knitting, good food, and good conversation.

Katie Miller is a senior majoring in psychology. In addition to working in the writing lab, she also works at the circulation desk in the library. She enjoys drinking water, traveling, eating cookies, wearing scarves, and laughing.

Alissa is in her third year at Augsburg and it is her second year as a tutor. She is a creative writing major with minors in German and religion. Besides working at the lab, Alissa is the student supervisor at the Augsburg Bookstore. In her free time, she enjoys running, riding her bike, and spending time with family and friends.

Bethany Thompson is in her third year at Augsburg College. She is pursuing a major in Communication/Arts/Literature/and a Teaching Licensure in secondary education. She started tutoring this fall in the writing lab. She is from Aitkin, MN. And enjoys going home to spend time with her family. Her favorite things to do include watching scary movies, reading dramatic books, and going for walks with her dog Murdoc.

Davis is a senior English major at Augsburg. He is a fun, sexy, and energetic tutor who is just waiting for a hot new student to tutor. He’s from Atlanta, GA and brings his warmth and Southern charm into the writing lab on a daily basis. He loves helping students and meeting new people. So come on in with a paper, pull up a seat, and get to know your favorite new writing lab tutor; Davis! (Note: Davis wrote this!)

Andrea Sanow is a junior English major with an emphases in creative writing. She is currently the student supervisor of the writing lab and co-editor of the Augsburg Echo. This is her second year as a tutor and when she isn't reading your paper or writing her own she is probably sleeping or practicing tambourine.

Beth Ringer is a music major from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Her main instrument is piano. She likes to listen to music, go to concerts, and read. Beth especially enjoys playing piano in Augsburg Jazz Band and singing in Augsburg Choir

Mason Mitchel  “I’m a second year student at Augsburg and I am majoring in English and Education. My other on campus positions include working for the echo and working as an assistant to the Reference Librarians in Lindell Library. I enjoy reading and writing and look forward to being of service in the writing lab this semester.”

Dave Madsen is a Sophomoric English major with a minor in Religion. This is his second year in the Lab and he looks forward to discussing the various papers that may come his way. Dave enjoys the smell of a summer rain, the taste of stale marshmallows, the sounds of Frank Zappa's guitar, the sight of Rocky IV's ending, and the touch of hole-y afghans.

Bethany Hellerich is a senior communications major from Lincoln, Nebraska.  In addition to working in the Writing Lab, she is a member of Augsburg's National Model United Nations team and the associate/layout editor of Murphy Square.  She enjoys singing in the Augsburg Choir, reading, cooking, and traveling.  After graduation, she hopes to attend law school and pursue a graduate degree in public health.

Ted Conover is a sophomore at Augsburg college. He is an english major and is also involved with choir. He is from St. Peter MN (just think Gustavus). Ask him a question about writing and hopefully, one will get an adequate answer. After all, that's what he's here for.

Molly Ehling is a junior and an English: Media Writing major. This is her first year working in the writing lab, but for the past two years she has been a student worker in the Women's Resource Center, where she runs the Tuesday night Stitch 'n Bitch gathering. Molly really likes taking notes, and is the secretary for both KAUG and Student Senate. She also sings in the Augsburg Choir, and will be studying abroad this spring in Kolkata, India.

Peter Miller is a junior at Augsburg. He is in the Education
Department, with a concentration in Communication Arts and Literature. He finds time between classes to work in the Events Office, coach basketball, and plan Campus Ministry events. When he gets the chance, he accompanies his father on trips into the forests of the Mississippi River Valley to cut firewood. Nothing compares to a good book and a warm fire.

Eli Grobel is a first year at Augsburg and is undecided in major. He plans on using his Spanish language background in his career...whatever that may be. He likes to play the guitar, eat good food and loves summer. His mission in life is to spread the love.

Michelle Wallin is a second year student at Augsburg majoring in
English and French. When she isn¹t reading papers at the writing lab or enjoying a good book in her spare moments, she takes pleasure in sipping coffee, watching French films, and exploring the city .

Colin Stanhill is a Sophomore at Augsburg whose double-major in English and Film will stand him in good stead for a successful career as a barrista. He also happens to be a wicked-trill dude who loves exploring almost any field of study, knows the difference between 'lie' and 'lay' and enjoys brief, gratifying walks on the beach.