Trini
Hello! I’m Trini (she/her), an MFA graduate from Emily Carr. I’m from Buenos Aires, Argentina where I studied Visual Arts with a focus in painting. I’m bilingual, Spanish being my first language, so please feel free to chat with me in Spanish if you’d like!
I am mostly a painter, but recently I’ve been working with video-installation as well. I spend a lot of time recording, screenshotting, collecting and archiving live security camera footage from strangers, and I get to write about that!
Outside of the studio, I get into hobbies very easily. I’ve somehow managed to become an amateur expert at sewing, knitting, weightlifting, cats and remote long-distance hiking (something I thoroughly enjoyed doing in Patagonia).
I know how challenging it can be to adjust to pursuing studies in a second language, and in a new cultural environment. I’m looking forward to being a peer tutor at the Writing Centre and getting to know your unique voice!
Claire
Hello! I’m Claire (she/they), and I’m currently in my second year majoring in Communication Design.
I love all forms of storytelling, and tend to fall in love with a new novel, movie, album, or artwork every week. When I’m not at school, you’ll usually find me curled up with a good book, hiking through trails in the lower mainland, or cry-singing along to whatever song I’m currently obsessed with.
I love how everyone approaches writing, research, and storytelling in a different way. We all have so much to learn from each other. I’m so excited to learn with you, and to help you along in your writing journey, whatever stage of it you may be at.
Neva
Hi, everyone! My name is Neva (she/her), and I’m a Communication Design student going into my 2nd year at ECU. If you can’t find me working, I’ll either be dancing, in the wellness kitchen, or lost in one of my playlists. I can’t wait to contribute to the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the Writing Centre — it’s an honour to work with such amazing people.
Though I am reserved, I’m always looking forward to meeting new people! ECU is home to some of the most wonderful and unique people I’ve ever met, and it’s always an honour to learn a little bit more about them. I can’t wait to meet you, and to be a part of your journey to writing greatness!
Naysa
Hello there!! My name is Naysa (she/her), and I’m an international student from Dubai, majoring in industrial design.
My three main passions are bingeing and rewatching TV shows, specifically sitcoms like Parks and Rec and Community; hyper-fixating on a new sport or art-related hobby every few months (currently running and crocheting); and listening to music while cuddling my dogs. I also play the drums!
I speak both English and Malayalam and usually spend my summer holidays improving my writing and reading skills in Malayalam.
As an international student myself, I know how intimidating it can be to get used to the writing practices and expectations in a new environment, especially in a university setting. But what I love about writing at university is that you have (almost) all the freedom when making writing choices. If you ever need support or a friend to talk to or ask questions about your writing, feel free to drop by; I’m a great listener, and I would be thrilled to be a part of your writing journey!!
Ayanna
Hi friends!! My name is Ayanna (she/her), and I am a third-year illustration major. Aside from my usual student responsibilities, I enjoy spending my time playing guitar, baking, and exploring new places.Abi
Hiya, I’m Abi (they/she, they/them preferred)! I’m in my 4th year at ECU majoring in Communication Design and minoring in Art + Text. 
Outside of campus, I enjoy getting a good cup of tea in the newest cute cafe around with soft house jazz playing in the background. Or, exploring tiny indie shops filled with designer books, records, posters, and anything else that I wish I’d make one day. Or, curling up in my room and binging shows. Either way, there is (almost!) never a day where I’m not up to a shenanigan!
I’ve loved reading and writing ever since I was very young — from graphic novels to sociopolitical nonfictions to semi-autobiographies and memoirs to poetry, I am OBSESSED with them all. My current practice as a designer + illustrator and writer has also pushed me even further into exploring and creating so many forms of textual material, be it in printed publications or otherwise. TLDR: I can get a bit nerdy about writing, design, and everything around it; I’d love to share with you the joys there are to all of it!
I am also mostly bilingual, fluent in English and Bahasa Indonesia, alongside bits and pieces of various Indonesian ethnic dialects. This has both been a big part of my practice alongside my ongoing journey through my obsession with language. However, as much as incorporating these pieces in the work can be cool and fun, I understand too well the struggles there are in using languages that you have a varying level of fluency in. I am here to accompany and help you through any of those struggles, alongside any other challenges you might face in any part of your writing (and studio!) work. Looking forward to learning from and with ya! >:D
Emily
Hello everyone!!! My name is Emily (she/her), and I’m currently in my 4th year majoring in 2D animation.
Outside of university, I enjoy listening to the same songs on repeat while playing games that push me further to the brink of insanity. Another interest of mine is media; Any movie, TV show or anime I can hyper-fixate on is a gold mine.
As an international student from a non-English-speaking country, I’m all too familiar with the struggle of adjusting your writing to another language. However, know that no matter what level your language and writing skills are currently at, there’s nothing to be ashamed of; you’re here to learn, and I’d be delighted to help you! Be it brainstorming, reviewing your work or just talking your ideas through – I’m here for you!!
What I love about writing is how unique and chaotic our approaches can be, while all end up with a final product. I’d be happy to hear about your process, and accompany you on your writing journey, so we can tackle any hurdles together! I look forward to learning from and about you 🙂
Ryah
Hi! I’m Ryah and I’m currently the Learning Commons Program Assistant.
I work in media, storytelling and community engagement, and I focus on creating vibrant atmospheres that often reflect my lived experiences growing up in the Caribbean. I am actively contributing to discussions surrounding Caribbean identity, representation, and cultural influence within Canadian communities.
I’m here to support the tutors, students and faculty. I also love being a resource in any way I can , even if it’s just brainstorming ideas or needing an ear for feedback . I’ve always enjoyed creating in all forms , from writing short stories to world building from a young age.
We all have different methods of communicating and learning , so I know writing methods look different for everyone ! Trying to understand each other’s cultural context is really important in building relationships so I hope I can help you feel at ease and enjoy the learning commons space.
I have so many things I enjoy! Though, one of my main hobbies is fashion, so if you ever need help with picking an outfit come ask me!
Sara
Hi! My name is Sara and I’m an Associate Professor, Learning Specialist.
After attending Emily Carr as an undergraduate (where you were most likely to find me in the ceramics studio), I studied East Asian art history at the University of Toronto. There, as a graduate student, I researched and wrote on the Second Sino-Japanese war’s effects on contemporary art, mostly centred around the imaginary Cyborg. I read and speak Japanese, and have spent several years studying Mandarin but mostly for reading.
You might see me in classes giving workshops on writing, reading, brain storming, or project planning (especially HUMN100/101); sometimes teaching in Grad Studies or Art History; or working one-on-one with students. I’m looking forward to meeting you, and hearing your story at Emily Carr, as a student, writer, thinker, and maker.
Heather
Heather Fitzgerald is the Coordinator of the Writing Centre and Interim Director of Teaching and Learning. She has been teaching academic writing for the past fifteen years, at both Emily Carr and the University of Toronto, and has a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages through Woodsworth College (UToronto). Previously, she worked for six years as a lexicographer on the Canadian Oxford Dictionary project with Oxford University Press. And even before that she worked for many years as a copywriter for marketing and advertising companies in Calgary, Toronto and New York, writing many many words that very few people read!