Meet our team

Erik Echols

Director, Learning Commons

• Email: eechols@uw.edu
• Phone: (425)-352-5254
• WaCC general inquiries: uwbwacc@uw.edu

Laura Hollingsworth

Assistant Director, Learning Commons

• Email: lholling@uw.edu
• Phone: (425) 352-5417
• QSC general inquiries: uwbqsc@uw.edu

Mina Haines

Academic Success Coach

• Email: minkh17@uw.edu
• ASC general inquiries: successcoaches@uw.edu

Emma Pates

Senior Lead, Learning Commons

• Email: larcane@uw.edu
• Learning Commons general inquiries: uwbalc@uw.edu

Melissa Gofredo

Major: Electrical Engineering

Elfie Nelson

WaCC Lead

Degrees: MA in English, MFA in Creative Writing & Poetics

I love tutoring because of those “aha” moments, like when a writer suddenly sees the structure of their work and knows how to move forward. Outside of that, I enjoy baking, video games, TTRPGs, bad movies, and even making friends with crows. I’ve struggled with getting started on reading and writing, but I’ve found small rituals, like focus music and lighting a special candle, help me build momentum and get into the right headspace.

Cecilia Negash

WaCC Lead

Major: Educational Studies

I’m excited to meet new people through the WaCC and work collaboratively while continuing to grow both academically and personally. I enjoy taking photos on my digital camera and capturing meaningful moments, then printing my favorites for a photo wall in my room. One challenge I’ve faced is asking for help. I avoided going to the WaCC during my freshman year even when it would have benefited me. I’m working on this and hope my time here will help me improve.

Morgan Fu-Mueller

WaCC Lead

Major: Community Psychology

I enjoy exploring the many ways people write and the topics they’re passionate about. I also love guiding others through the process of balancing prompts, personal voice, and meaningful ideas. My main hobby is picking up new interests. Right now I’m into DC Comics, K-pop, 9-1-1, and writing fanfiction. I’ve struggled with time management and motivation, especially when I don’t connect with an assignment’s purpose, but seeking support has made a big difference.

Newton Austria-Ball

WaCC Lead

Major: Biology

I love working one-on-one with students to help them strengthen their writing skills. In my free time, I enjoy practicing the many instruments I play. Music has been a big part of my life since my seven years in band. I’ve struggled with test-taking, often due to anxiety, which can make it seem like I don’t understand the material even when I do.

Charlotte O’Donoghue

Major: Law, Economics & Public Policy and Environmental Studies

Writing has always felt natural to me, and I find it incredibly fulfilling to help others navigate the challenges of the writing process, especially when they have a breakthrough. I’m an avid gamer, guitar player, stuffed animal lover, and DnD fan, usually spending time on my laptop playing games. I also struggle with time management because I misjudge how long assignments will take and either finish them at the last minute or far too early out of stress.

Liam Hunter

Degrees: BA in Law, Economics, & Public Policy

I enjoy seeing students’ unique writing styles and engaging in research discussions through their individual perspectives. I like strategic, competitive video games, played tennis for six years, and have an interest in poetry. I also can’t imagine winter without relaxing with a cat in a warm kotatsu. I struggle with Scantron tests, as the format and constant back-and-forth tend to negatively impact my performance, even on writing-related questions.

Nandini Mistry

Major: Computer Science & Software Engineering

I enjoy working through writing problems with students because it challenges me to think in new ways and explore different approaches, helping me grow as a writer while also building students’ confidence. In my free time, I like visiting cafes, reading, watching movies, and spending time with friends. A challenge I face is procrastination.

Nya Maddox

Major: Media & Communication Studies

I enjoy working through writing problems with students because it challenges me to think in new ways and helps build their confidence while improving my own skills. I spend my free time collaging, listening to music and audiobooks, playing games with friends, visiting cafes, reading, and watching movies. My main academic struggles are procrastination and finding motivation, as getting started is often the hardest part for me.

Marika Radlauer

Major: MFA in Creative Writing & Poetics

I’m excited to help my peers strengthen their unique voices and build confidence in their writing. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, collaging, altering and dyeing clothes, and making toys for my cat. I’ve always struggled with deciding on a topic for my essays.

Peyton French

Major: MFA in Creative Writing & Poetics

I love being part of a peer’s growth, as tutoring always feels like a mutual learning experience. I enjoy needle art, bookbinding, reading, writing, French beading, TTRPGs, video games, and podcasting. As someone diagnosed with dyslexia, earning a degree in language can be challenging, but it also gives me a unique perspective on learning and writing.

Saachi Ashar

Major: Applied Computing & Data Visualization

I love tutoring because it’s rewarding to see students leave feeling more confident and proud of their work. I enjoy many sports, including cricket, badminton, taekwondo, swimming, and tennis, and I also like going to the gym. Academically, I struggle with finding the right pace, often finishing assignments either too early or at the very last minute.

Leanne Machado

Major: MFA in Creating Writing & Poetics

I love helping people feel more confident in their work and enjoy connecting with different students while supporting them as writers. I’m passionate about horror fiction, especially cosmic and speculative horror. I also love reading, watching spooky shows like The Twilight Zone, and playing story-driven RPGs, open-world, indie, puzzle, and mystery games. I’ve struggled with asking for help and accepting that I don’t have to be the best student, but I’ve learned to be gentler with myself and prioritize my mental health.