Student Resources

Overview

Our writing workshop is dedicated to empowering individuals with the essential skills of effective communication, providing a comprehensive learning experience in speech, grammar, writing (including technical and critical thinking), and APA format. Through a supportive and collaborative environment, we equip participants with the tools and knowledge to express ideas clearly, structure compelling arguments, and adhere to academic standards. Our goal is to inspire confidence in both written and oral communication, fostering a deeper understanding of language and its impact on academic, professional, and personal settings. 

How it Works  

1. Pick a workshop topic 

2. Attend live on Wednesdays at 3 pm or 6 pm PST   

3. Earn 10 extra credit points toward your course per Writing Workshop attended  

Schedule 

Week	Date	Time	Lesson	Instructor
Week 1	Wednesday,	3:00 pm	Grammar & Mechanics in APA Format	Carolyn Toth
		6:00 pm	5 C’s of Technical Writing	Brianna Deadman
Week 2	Wednesday	3:00 pm	Test-Taking: Dissecting the Question	Brad Smith
		6:00 pm	Research Writing Workshop	Natasha Ganes
Week 3	Wednesday	3:00 pm	Budgeting Workshop	Carolyn Toth
		6:00 pm	Foundations of College Writing	Natasha Ganes
Week 4	Wednesday	3:00 pm	Critical Reading & Thinking	Erik Homenick
		6:00 pm	AI Writing Workshop	Daniel Mohn

Choose your time and join us live via Microsoft Teams: 

3:00 pm Sessions	6:00 pm Sessions
JOIN NOW	JOIN NOW

Workshop Catalog 

• Grammar and Mechanics in APA Format — Master proper grammar, punctuation, and APA citation standards used in academic writing. 

• 5 Cs of Technical Writing — Learn to write clearly, concisely, correctly, completely, and consistently in professional contexts. 

• Research Writing Skills — Build skills in sourcing, evaluating, and integrating research into academic papers. 

• Foundations of College Writing — Establish core academic writing skills including structure, argument, and voice. 

• Critical Thinking and Reading — Develop analytical reading strategies and strengthen your ability to evaluate arguments. 

• Generative AI Writing Workshop — Use AI tools responsibly and effectively to support your writing process. 

• Budgeting Workshop — Practical financial writing and budgeting skills for professional and academic settings. 

• Dissecting the Question: Test Taking Workshop — Strategies and writing skills to help you succeed on IT certification exams. 

Writing Workshop Team  

Alfonso Sanchez – Associate Dean of Education – GE  

Alfonso Sanchez brings over a decade of experience in higher education as both a leader and instructor of English and literature. He holds an M.A. in English (Rhetoric) and is a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership. His work focuses on strengthening students’ writing, critical thinking, and communication skills for academic and professional success. 

Laona Dobrin – Curriculum Coordinator  

Laona Dobrin has extensive experience in curriculum development, faculty leadership, and student support. She has led writing workshop initiatives and designed instructional content across disciplines, with a focus on clarity, structure, and academic skill development. Her work centers on helping students build strong, transferable writing foundations. 

Carolyn Toth, Ph.D. – Senior Instructor, Subject Matter Expert, Content Creator 

Dr. Carolyn Toth brings a multidisciplinary background and years of teaching experience across ethics, social sciences, and professional studies. She emphasizes clear communication, structured thinking, and adaptable writing strategies that support diverse learners in academic and real-world contexts. include sci-fi/fantasy, historical fiction, science/technology reading. Embracing change and lifelong learning are keys to continued growth. Progress is history in the making. 

Brad Smith – IT Certification Program Manager 

Brad Smith is an experienced IT professional and instructor who prepares students for certification exams. His workshop focuses on test-taking strategies, question analysis, and practical techniques that help students approach exams with confidence and precision. 

Bianca Chapman – Adjunct Faculty – English 

Bianca Chapman is an experienced educator with over 15 years in higher education, teaching writing, communication, and professional development courses. She works with diverse student populations and focuses on helping students build confidence, clarity, and effectiveness in their writing. Her approach emphasizes student-centered learning, critical reflection, and connecting writing skills to real-world and professional contexts. 

Carlee Frankin – Adjunct Faculty – English 

Carlee Franklin holds dual master’s degrees in English Composition and Literature. She uses a structured, process-driven approach to help students develop clear, purposeful writing, with an emphasis on critical thinking and real-world application. 

Daniel Mohn – Adjunct Faculty – Ethics, Content Creator  

Daniel Mohn integrates critical thinking and real-world application into his instruction, helping students analyze ideas and communicate effectively. His teaching supports the development of logical reasoning and structured argumentation—key components of strong writing. 

Natasha Ganes – Adjunct Faculty – English 

Natasha Ganes holds graduate degrees in Creative Writing and English Literature and brings professional experience in communications and marketing. She helps students develop clear, engaging writing while connecting academic skills to real-world communication. 

Brianna Deadman – Adjunct Faculty – English   

Brianna Deadman is a doctoral student in Educational Leadership with a background in English literature and composition. She focuses on helping students become thoughtful, effective communicators through structured writing and critical analysis. 

Erik Homenick – Adjunct Faculty – English   

Dr. Erik Homenick holds a Ph.D. in Literature and has over a decade of experience teaching writing and humanities courses. His instruction emphasizes analytical thinking, clarity, and strong written communication across academic and professional contexts.