About Us

Made up of volunteers from Christopher Newport University and the Hampton Roads community, the Tidewater Community Writing Center is available for community workshops and tutorials for the public, as well as in-person one-to-one and group writing consultations. Our trained staff will help you at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming and drafting to revising and editing, through engaging conversation. We’re happy to help with any kind of writing, including but not limited to: college application essays, school-related writing assignments, workplace writing, and creative writing. The TCWC is here to support you and your development as a writer! 

Meet the Staff

Dr. Nicole Emmelhainz: Nicole is the co-founder and co-director of the Tidewater Community Writing Center. She is an associate professor of English at Christopher Newport University, where she also directs the Alice F. Randall Writing Center and the Writing Program. A writer since a young age, Nicole enjoys poetry and fantasy and science fiction writing. She loves the Newport News / Hampton area and is excited to meet and work with other local writers. 




​Dr. Brooke Covington: Brooke is the co-founder and co-director of the Tidewater Community Writing Center. She is an assistant professor of English and the Academic Director of the Center for Community Engagement at Christopher Newport University. Brooke views writing as a vehicle for social change and wants to foster meaningful connections between writers and their local communities. She enjoys long walks, podcasts, and her dog Ryleigh.





Leslie Bond: Leslie is a senior at Christopher Newport University majoring in English with minors in Civic Engagement & Social Justice and Writing. She enjoys writing because it allows for many forms of expression. Leslie also loves reading a good book or going for jogs, and she is looking forward to working with writers in the community! 




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Abby Asuncion: Abby is a senior English major with minors in Psychology and Leadership Studies at Christopher Newport University. On campus, she is a writing consultant for the Alice F. Randall Writing Center and enjoys teaching her peers new writing techniques and skills. Upon graduation, she will begin coursework for her Master's in Teaching program, aspiring to start her career as a middle school English teacher!