About Us

Made up of volunteers from Christopher Newport University and the Hampton Roads community, the Tidewater Community Writing Center is available for 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.  

Meet the Staff

Dr. Nicole Emmelhainz: Nicole 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 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.

Amanda Ballou: Amanda is a junior at Christopher Newport University studying English with a writing concentration and minor in Psychology. She works as a writing consultant at the Alice F. Randall Writing Center and a writing associate for a beginning writers course. Amanda enjoys creative nonfiction writing because it allows people to tell their own stories in a unique and powerful way. She loves going to the beach (even during the winter) and swimming in the ocean.  

Zenith Nguon: Zenith is a senior at Christopher Newport University majoring in English and Business Marketing. She works as a writing consultant at the Alice F. Randall Writing Center. Zenith enjoys experimenting with different writing styles and learning about different techniques on how to express oneself through writing. She also likes crocheting, tea, and reading.