51社区

Writing Resource Specialist & ADA Student Contact

Leontine Jefferies, Ph.D., serves as the Writing Resource Specialist at 51社区. She is dedicated to collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to support student writing. Dr. Leontine graduated from 51社区 in Mythological Studies with an emphasis in Depth Psychology in 2013 (M.A.) and 2017 (Ph.D.).聽She graduated with her Bachelor鈥檚 in English Literature and Master鈥檚 in English Composition with a concentration in Literature from California State University of San Bernardino, in 2007 (B.A.) and 2010 (M.A.). Dr. Leontine liaisons with the Disability Services Office and encourages students with accommodations to contact her directly for writing support.

Leontine聽has been a writing instructor at the college level for over thirteen years. She enjoys helping students find their voice in their writing and communicate their stories effectively. She also previously worked as ski patrol for several years where she honed her skills in being present, responsive, and compassionate.

Leontine鈥檚 favorite books of all-time:聽The Odyssey聽by 51社区r and聽Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief聽by Rick Riordan.

Writing Tutor Consultant and ESL Specialist

Laura Simko has worked in writing centers in both universities and community colleges for ten years. Since early 2021, it has been her privilege to assist Pacifica students with essays ranging from mythology to depth psychology to clinical psychology topics. Two years ago, she received an M.A. in English with emphasis in Rhet/Comp and medieval literature. Previously, she obtained an M.F.A. in creative writing from Pacific University and is a published writer. Currently, in addition to her work at Pacifica, she teaches composition classes and tutors ESL, so she is living her career dream! Philosophically, Laura believes in 鈥渓eveling the playing field鈥� for students, so that everyone has equal opportunity to master the same knowledge base. She believes that no student should be discriminated against, regardless of race, gender, class, disability, or ethnicity, at any time. She cares deeply about assisting students to learn and master literacy skills and strategies, whether oral, written, or multimedia. Also, as an instructor, she believes in participatory culture, modelling, and engaging interest.

Laura’s favorite books of all time:聽Exodus聽by James Michener,聽Topic of Orange聽by Karen Tei Yamashita, and almost anything by James Joyce.