Our writing counselors are experienced and trained to work with all AU students, including those with learning disabilities or ADHD, as well as students for whom English is not a native language.

Marianne Baldwin graduated from American University with a Master's in Teaching and a Master's in International Peace and Conflict Resolution. Since graduating, Marianne has taught in DC public schools and written curriculum for a national non-profit organization. Marianne has also taught English as a Second Language on a Fulbright Teacher Exchange in Barranquilla, Colombia. She loves to travel and has visited Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.    

Nishant Dixit graduated with a BA in International Studies from Monmouth College, Illinois. As an undergraduate, he tutored writing at the Monmouth College Writing Center. He is pursuing an MA in International Politics with concentration in International Security at American University.

Connie Gelb is a native New Yorker and a graduate student in AU's TESOL program, with a special interest in second language writing. A "career switcher," with 20 years experience in journalism and publishing, Connie received her MS in Journalism from Columbia University and has worked professionally as a reporter, photographer, and multimedia editor.

Curtis Gwilliam grew up in Central New York, was graduated from Cornell University with an A.B. in Government, and served in the Marine Corps as a pilot and military attaché.  Over the years, Curtis has tutored English composition, American history, and international politics.  He is currently a post-baccalaureate student in American's premedical program.

Nicole Hutton graduated from American University with a MA in International Affairs through a dual degree program with the University for Peace in Costa Rica. She worked at the Rollins College Writing Center for two years before joining the AU Writing Lab staff as a non-native speaker consultant. She speaks Spanish, studies French, Portuguese, and Arabic, and has attended school programs in Europe, Chile, China, Australia, and Costa Rica. In addition to working in academic support, Nicole has developed organizational effectiveness strategies and educational workshops through internships with PAI, the Florida Aquarium, and Planet Partnership.

Writing Lab and Writing Studio Coordinator

Shari Pattillo is the counselor for international students at the Academic Support Center and coordinator of the Writing Lab and Writing Studio. She graduated in 1993 from University of Maryland, College Park, with a BA in Anthropology, and completed her MA in TESOL at American University in 2002. She is an adjunct instructor in both TESL and LIT departments. Her professional interests include immigrant education, refugee resettlement, and linguistics.