Meet the Team
Get to know the staff behind The Howl
Victor Johnston (He/Him): Victor is an up-and-coming writer and dedicated student at WCSU. He is a fledgling staff member at the Howl but has experience with literary magazines as secretary of Student Publications at WCSU. He also specializes in fiction whether it be analyzing fiction on his YouTube channel or writing his own short stories.
Alexa Powell (She/Her): Alexa is an aspiring Poet. She’s majoring in professional writing and looking to soon publish her poetry. She enjoys making people feel intense emotion through her writing. Going on long walks, shopping, writing, painting, she also likes embroidery. She also takes interest in fashion, modeling is also on her list of aspirations. She’s also a romantic, so if she catches your poem being romantical in any way…she will love your writing!
Ava Roberts (She/Her): Ava is a Professional Writing major with a concentration in Creative Writing. She has a deep passion for the arts and aspires to be an author one day. She can usually be found nose-deep in a book, browsing Sephora for the latest makeup and skincare products, or roaming around her alarmingly intricate and detailed farm in Stardew Valley.
Dan Sousa Silva (He/Him): Dan is an artist—he writes, makes music, takes photos with a digital camera, and paints. He is also a Creative Writing major at WCSU and as of now, has written many short stories and even more poetry with publications in Black and White, Black and Orange, and Unmagnolia. He started by playing bass and writing songs in his early teens, and has over the years learned more instruments as well as gotten into other mediums of art.
Bill Thurston (He/Him): Bill was an advertising photographer before becoming a second-year transfer student from the University of Buffalo. He has recently changed his major to Writing. The HOWL magazine is especially interesting to Bill in that it offers high school students an opportunity to have their creative material reviewed at a college level. A favorite quote is from Robert Cormier, “The beautiful part of writing is that you don’t have to get it right the first time, unlike, say, a brain surgeon. You can always do it better, find the exact word, the apt phrase…”
Adrienne Wallace (She/Her): Adrienne is currently studying Professional Writing at WCSU and is interested in pursuing a career in Technical Writing. She is heavily involved in WCSU’s Student Publications club as an executive member and WCSU’s student-run newspaper, The Echo. While she concentrates on Technical Writing in college, she nurtures her passion for creative writing in her free time. When not focused on school or writing, she can be found reading, listening to music, or eating gummy bears.
Andrew Warren (He/Him): Andrew is a professional writing student at WCSU with a focus on journalism and public relations. He is fascinated with journalistic writing and editing and is pursuing a career in those fields. Outside of writing, he enjoys reading, watching pro-wrestling and listening to music. He is very excited to gain more exposure within The Howl.
Wilt (They/Them): Wilt is a Professional Writing major at WCSU with a focus in Creative Writing. Their passion for the arts has led them down many rabbit holes lined with music, podcasts, and way-too-long video essays that have helped cultivate their craft. When not working on one of their multitudes of projects, they can usually be found curled up with a good book, a cup of coffee, and the perfect playlist blasting in the background.
Andrew Assaf (He/Him): Andrew Assaf is currently in his third year at Westconn, pursuing a degree in professional writing with a concentration in Journalism and Public Relations. Andrew is an aspiring sports journalist who wants to travel the world and report on different sporting events. Also, Andrew aspires to seek a job at ESPN and become a sports journalist and interview many famous athletes within the sports industry. When Andrew is not writing reports or articles for his classes, he is listening to music or watching sports on ESPN.
Becca Hensley (She/They): Becca is a Film and Broadcast major at WCSU. She enjoys script writing, photography, film, and has a passion for theatre and performing arts. She has participated in WCSU’s Black and Orange publication since her freshman year, and hopes to enter more of her writing and film projects into more competitions in the future.
Brandon LaRose (He/They): Brandon is a Film and Broadcast major at WCSU, specializing in video editing and creative directing. With a sharp eye for detail, Brandon uses their technical skills to stylize and bring a creative expression to every project they work on. Music has also played an integral part of Brandon’s life, being especially inspired by Hip Hop culture when it comes to his work.
Lia Larsen (She/They): Lia is a Professional Writing student with a focus in Creative Writing. As this is her first semester working with The Howl, she’s excited to learn about running a publication and improve her skills. When she isn’t taking naps or playing video games, she loves sitting in front of an empty document and hoping the idea will put itself into words so she doesn’t have to.
Tessa Melillo (She/Her): Tessa is a WCSU transfer student and is a Creative Writing major. She enjoys writing and hopes to become an author in the future. In her free time, she likes to write while listening to music to keep her relaxed and focused. She also has a close bond with her sister and enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
Marisa Diaz (She/They): Marisa is a CT State transfer student and a Professional Writing major focused on Creative Writing. This is her second semester at WCSU, and her first semester working with The Howl. She’s hoping to turn her lifelong enjoyment of writing into something more serious. When she isn’t busy, she enjoys listening to music and indulging in her favorite video games.
William Obrevko (He/Him): William is a writer and Filmmaker. He specializes in historical fiction and fantasy as well as nautical history and engineering. He runs the indie film studio Curlicue Pictures and works making live action miniature animated films alongside releasing novels. He is in his third year at WCSU persuing a writing major so he can get paid for writing his little stories.
Check out our staff playlist!
Former Staff
Alivia is a Professional Writing—concentration in Creative Writing—and Media Production Major. From Naugatuck CT, she hopes to pursue music journalism and screenwriting along with publishing fictional works, prose, & poetry. She serves as President of Student Publications, Music Director of WXCI 91.7 and is known as DJ Inkdrop on the air. When she isn’t helping the Submissions Team she can be found at a concert or watching movies.
Alexis is a Junior Professional Writing Major at WCSU with a concentration in Business & Technical Writing. She hopes to one day possibly be an editor while simultaneously working in the automotive industry. She loves to write both poetry and fiction, draw, and take her dogs on walks. When she is not in school, she can be found at local car meets, working, sleeping, and spending time with her friends and family.
Hayden is a writer studying Business & Technical Professional Writing and Philosophy at Western Connecticut State University. He makes and appreciates art and music. When they aren’t creating content, they can be found gaming, gardening, or getting lost in the woods.
Meaghan is an avid enjoyer of all things creative such as music, art, and writing. She is a big fan of cozy games and indie content. Meaghan has worked on multiple campus publications and hopes to pursue publishing in the future, so they look forward to helping young creatives take some of their first steps towards sharing their work!
Jourdan has enrolled as a WCSU Creative Writing major to learn the skills he needs to write and produce books for the enjoyment of others. In his free time, he likes to learn new things and go to further lengths to research various topics he finds fascinating. These topics are history, technology, writing tips, and music. He will do whatever he needs to ace this semester!
Pleasant is a Professional Writing major with a concentration in Journalism and Public Relations. She enjoys music of all genres, fashion, and writing poetry and novels. Pleasant would like to pursue a career working for a fashion or music magazine after she graduates in the spring of 2024. She will also continue her education to receive her MFA to become a writing professor.
Zachary is a Professional Writing major with a minor in Art at WCSU. He enjoys long walks on the beach and piña coladas. He’s a rootin’-tootin’ cowboy in the metaphorical sense. And when he’s not lassoing letters (writing) he’s hanging out with friends or listening to some alt-rock tunes. With the seemingly great legacy of The Howl, he hopes he can prop up the platform the best he can.
Amanda is an English major at Western Connecticut State University. In her free time, she enjoys reading romance and mystery novels, watching and criticizing movies, and spending time with family/friends. Amanda would love to pursue a career in teaching at a high school or college level.
Allison is a Professional Writing major with a minor in Psychology at Western Connecticut State University. She is in her junior year as a re-entry student. Allison attended Western Connecticut State University in 2000-2002 as a Psychology major. She is interested in writing fiction novels while reading and writing poetry.
Satil is a poet, artist and loves connecting with new people no matter how draining it is for her. She will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology this December, with only a minor in professional writing to the chagrin of many here. She has been on the editorial staff of the Kathwari Honors Perspective Literary Magazine at WCSU, and looks forward to working as a member of the editorial staff for the Howl!
Clare Pasley is a Professional Writing major with a focus on Creative Writing at Western Connecticut State University. When she isn’t re-reading all her favorite books, she is planning solo road trips or baking copious amounts of bread while listening to Joni Mitchell.
Haleigh Johnson studied Professional Writing at Western Connecticut State University with a focus in Creative Writing and a minor in technical theatre. She is an avid reader and a fan of all things creative and thought-provoking, and she enjoys a well-natured debate and a hearty tuna sandwich in her free time.
Mariana is an English major at Western Connecticut State University. She also has two minors, one in Photography and one in Art. Mariana enjoys reading, listening to music, the great outdoors, and anything Disney!
Kait Waterman is a writer at Hudson Valley Magazine and enjoys writing everything from poetry to comedy in their free time. They studied professional writing at Western Connecticut State University with their focus in creative writing and scriptwriting. Kait started learning graphic design when they were young and loves to expand on ideas & layouts.
Shannon is an English major and history minor who moonlights as a social media manager. You can frequently catch her on Twitter talking about her love for Taylor Swift and the MCU. She’s looking forward to helping create a positive and accepting Howl community for everyone!
Kathleen is a Professional Writing major (Journalism & Public Relations concentration) who is also pursuing a Broadcast Journalism minor. She’s passionate about cheese, music, history, and Taylor Swift. She can often be found looking up the history of the food that she’s eating.
Jack is a Professional Writing major with a focus on Creative Writing at Western Connecticut State University. He loves writing and artwork that explores the psychedelic side of life and brings about a change of perspective. Jack loves blasting Childish Gambino, the New York Mets, and exploring the great outdoors.
Kaspar is a professional writing major with a concentration in journalism. He hopes to cover automotive news as well as motorsport coverage. In his free time, he can be found writing creative fiction or driving.
Ana is a senior professional writing major with a concentration in creative writing. They are from a very small town in Connecticut and enjoy long walks in the woods and plenty of time to themself. When they aren’t being cliche, they also enjoy a good thunderstorm and plenty of time to read the weirdest science-fiction and fantasy books they can get their hands on.
Alison is a Professional Writing major with a minor in Political Science. She always loves being creative whether it is writing, drawing, or photography. Over the summer, she worked at the most magical place on earth a.k.a Walt Disney World. While at Magic Kingdom, she was a custodian. It may not seem that interesting but once you ask her, she’ll change your mind.
Brenda is a Professional Writing major with a minor in journalism. She likes to write journalism and poetry. One of her short stories Ratatouille was published in the 2022 Black and Orange publication. She has further planned on submitting her poems so that they may get published one day.
Danielle is a Sophomore Professional Writing Major at WCSU with a concentration in Creative Writing. From the Bronx, NY, she hopes to pursue a career in multimedia and in the music industry. She loves to write poetry and short stories, along with immersing herself in all things pop culture. When she is not in school, she can be found fangirling over Beyoncé, eating ice cream, and spending time with her loved ones.
Shardai is a senior majoring in Professional Writing at Western Connecticut State University. She enjoys learning about all types of writing, but she mainly focuses on poetry and short stories. When she is not writing she’s spending time with her family and friends, watching TV series, or learning how to cook (send a chef to help her, please).
Matthew is an English Literature Major as well as the Editor for WCSU’s Student Newspaper, The Echo. Regardless of his choice of major, Matthew is a staunch creative writer and does not appreciate when creativity is limited by small word counts. Matthew looks forward to looking over what is submitted and exploring the creativity presented to him
Ciara is a junior at WCSU, majoring in Journalism. Most know her for her love of Harry Styles or always taking a nap when not in class or at work. She looks forward to the future of The Howl and being able to publish the work of many!
Betsy Antedomenico (She/Her): Betsy is a senior at WCSU, majoring in Professional Writing with a concentration in Creative Writing. She is the President of the Student Publication Board, overseeing the student newspaper, The Echo, and the student literary magazine, Black & White. When not in class, Betsy is reading, writing, or playing video games. She’s excited to help young writers publish their works.
Jason Christos (They/Them): Jason is a lover of all things sci-fi and fantasy. They have two short stories published in the Black and Orange literary magazine. With even more projects on the way, they believe that you shouldn’t be afraid to take inspiration for your favorite stories, as long as you’re not plagiarizing.
Timothy Froessel (He/Him): Timothy is a Professional Writing major concentrating on Creative Writing at WCSU. When not talking to himself about the New York Islanders, he can be found listening to Beach House or looking at cute pictures of bears on the internet.
Liv Iacono (She/Her): Liv is a Creative Writing major at WCSU with a passion for poetry, fiction, and all things moody. She hopes to one day be an author and professor, sharing her love for the craft of writing with generations to come. In her free time, she likes to journal, practice tarot, and do crossword puzzles.
Ricardo Machado (He/Him): Ricardo is currently studying Professional Writing with a focus in Business and Technical Writing at WCSU. He is also pursuing a minor in Sports Media. On his own time, he shares an active interest in soccer, movies, computers, and gaming. An unhealthy obsession of his is attempting to watch every movie that Willem Dafoe has taken part in.
Sara Nauer (She/Her): Sara is majoring in Professional Writing with a focus on creative writing. With a huge imagination and a cat that demands all of her time, she hopes to share all the stories she creates one day with others. For she wants to be an author. In her downtime when she’s not busy with school or watching over dogs that she sits for she loves to listen to music, play video games with her friends, and go down the rabbit hole when getting sucked into a good book.
Sheena Orten (She/Her): Sheena is a senior shooting for a bachelor’s degree for Creative Writing. She lives for her family, friends and good fanfiction. When she’s not helping with The Howl, she’s running around working at one of her part-time jobs, taking care of her family or reading at her local library. She loves talking with people about stories, hoping others are able express themselves freely, like she does.
Anna Taylor (She/Her): Anna is a Professional Writing major with a concentration in Creative Writing at WCSU. She has an A.A. in English Studies and a love for fantasy and science fiction. Anna enjoys reading, listening to music, writing, and spending time with her friends in her free time. She hopes to pursue a career in publishing.
Ella Tibbals (She/Her): Ella is an aspiring author in her second year at WCSU. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing with a concentration in Creative Writing. When she’s not working or writing she can be seen watching Saiki K for the tenth time and rereading Omniscient Reader for the fourth time.
Audrey Mercer (She/Her): Audrey is a Professional Writing major focusing on Journalism and Public Relations, with a minor in Justice and Law Administration. She would like to pursue a career as a music journalist and travel to interview various artists. When she’s not helping out the team, she’s most likely busy as executive vice president of Alpha Delta Pi on campus and heavily involved in Greek life. She enjoys a quiet weekend of reading and spending time with her dogs whenever she gets the chance. She hopes to amplify and inspire young writers!
Charles Dyer (He/Him): Charles Dyer is a Professional Writing Major and soon to be Westconn Graduate. This is his first semester working with The Howl. He primarily writes nonfiction, but ventures into fiction when duty calls. When he is not writing and rambling, Charles enjoys listening to heavy metal, watching baseball, and spending time with his three dogs.
Daniel Ortiz (He/Him): Daniel Ortiz is an aspiring author with short stories published in two college literature journals: Western Connecticut State University’s Black and White and Naugatuck Valley’s Fresh Ink, in which it earned second place for the student submissions. His work has also won first prize in a writing contest entitled The Fool. He is an editor and publicist for the student-led magazine The Howl and is currently studying Professional Writing at WestConn in pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree.
Faculty Advisor
Professor Thomas Nackid
To learn more about our writing department, click here!
