Meet Our Department Staff

Regina Duthely, Co-Director for Writing and Speaking

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Email: rduthely@pugetsound.edu 
Phone: 253.879.3282

My training is in composition and rhetoric studies, and I specialize in Black feminist digital rhetorics, African American rhetorics, and multimodal composition and rhetoric. To put it simply, I look at the ways that people write and communicate online, with a specific focus on the ways that race, gender, sexuality, and other identities inform that writing. While in graduate school I worked at my university’s writing center, and I really enjoyed helping students get their brilliant ideas out on paper. Everyone has something important to say; we just have to help people communicate those ideas effectively for the audiences they want to reach. That is why I chose to study writing and become a writing professor. I am excited to be back in a center and working with writers and tutors from across campus!

Lea Fortmann, Co-Director for Learning Support and Operations

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Email: lfortmann@pugetsound.edu
Phone: 253.879.3282

My training is in environmental economics and public policy. My research is focused on community forest management in the Maya Biosphere Reserve in Guatemala, and more recently, on the relationship between public parks and educational outcomes in Washington state. I teach courses on the Economics of Climate Change, Introduction to Econometrics, and Environmental and Natural Resource Economics. I also teach writing focused classes for the first year seminar CCS course and Econ Senior Thesis. I enjoy working with students to brainstorm research ideas, develop drafts and improve the clarity and organization of their writing.

Anya Melencio-Aguilar, Assistant Director

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Email: amelencio@pugetsound.edu 
Phone: 253.879.3395

Hi all! I joined the CWL in July 2026 after spending five years in academic advising. I earned my B.S. in Business Administration: Leadership & Management and M.Ed. in Higher Education from Central Washington University. My graduate research focused on how community and sense of belonging influence ethnic minority student retention outcomes, and it continues to shape the way I approach my work. One of my favorite parts of working in higher education is getting to know students, cheering them on, and helping them find the people, resources, and confidence they need to reach their goals. I can't wait to work with you!

Bennett

Hi! I'm Bennett! I’m from Boulder, Colorado, and while I’m not exactly sure what I’d like to major in, I’m always excited to learn something new. Please feel free to chat and tell me about what you’re learning, whether it’s about a difficult academic topic or just your interests!

Simone

Hey! My name is Simone (she/her), and I’m a senior studying Chemistry with minors in Math and Education. On campus, I’m involved with RDG, KUPS, and work as a lab CA. Outside of school, I love crafting, exploring coffee shops, and listening to new music (I’m always looking for recommendations). I love Chemistry and Math and look forward to working and studying with you. I can’t wait to see you in the CWL! 

Parker

Pronouns: he/him

Hi, my name is Parker! I'm a freshman studying psychology and education here at Puget Sound. I'm from Portland, OR, and I love music, writing, teaching, and making art. Can't wait to meet you!

Tim

My name is Tim and I'm from Tacoma, Washington. I am interested in linguistics and absolutely adore cats. I'll see you around the CWL!

Cassie

Hi there! My name is Cassie (she/her), I am from Denver, Colorado and a Freshman majoring in Psychology with a minor in Educational Studies. In my free time I love spending time with my friends exploring new places in and around Tacoma. I am an avid reader and always listening to music, I also spend a lot of time trying out new hobbies such as crocheting, diamond art, and coloring, and baking! I'm always excited to meet and talk to new people, I can't wait to work with everyone!