Introducing Ellen Williams: CHC's New Writing Coach
By Samuel Cavalheiro
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If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank document, unsure how to start—or finish—that ever-important paper, you’re in luck. Commonwealth Honors College is excited to welcome Ellen Williams (she/her or they/them) as our new writing coach! With ample experience, a passion for writing and language, and a student-centered approach, Ellen is here to support you at any stage of your writing journey.
Ellen is an educator, librarian, and fifth-year Ph.D. student in Language, Literacy, and Culture at UMass Amherst. She is also a proud UMass alum, holding a B.A. in Art History. Ellen brings over a decade of experience in public libraries—specializing in youth services—as well as experience teaching undergraduate courses in multicultural education and literature.
She researches critical literacy and discourse analysis, which means she’s not only helping students write stronger papers but also teaching the value of language itself. Ellen also specializes in academic writing in the humanities and social sciences, and she is well-versed in qualitative and mixed-methods research.
As college students, we are always writing and creating, while sometimes struggling through the process. Ellen is here to listen, offer guidance, and help build your confidence as a writer.
"Writing doesn’t always flow easily, and support is for everyone—not just students in crisis or those who already feel confident in their writing. During our time together, we’ll explore your ideas, clarify your arguments, and build your confidence," she emphasizes.
Given her past experiences, Ellen brings a breadth of knowledge and informed practices to her coaching.
"I bring trauma-informed, student-centered approaches to all my work, and I’ve had the privilege of supporting a wide range of students—including first-generation students, student parents, and students of color. I approach this work with ongoing self-reflection and a strong commitment to equity," she said.
Students coming in for a session can expect a welcoming, low-pressure environment with a focus on their goals. Ellen can help brainstorm, clarify writing, organize ideas, and provide clear next steps. For students who are starting or finishing the ubiquitous Honors Thesis, Ellen is your go-to guide for every step of the process.
When she’s not excelling as our writing coach, Ellen loves bragging about her cats, chatting about all things witchy, and hearing about what you’ve been reading lately!
Whether you're polishing the final touches or just getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out! Ellen is here to support you every step of the way, making writing feel a little less overwhelming—you might even find it fun. Be on the lookout for drop-in writing sessions in Conference Room 235 in the CHC Hub—a perfect chance to get support without an appointment.