Our Tutors

Amy Adams

MA English Literature, Texas State University

Amy has been teaching Rhetoric and Composition at St. Edward's University since 2005. She has also taught a Freshman Seminar class, Film as Text, in the Popular Culture Learning Community since 2018, as well as working as a tutor in the St. Ed's Writing Center.

"My teaching philosophy is that learning is fun, and that writing is all about understanding your purpose and audience."

She loves to work with students at any stage in the writing process: "I can show you that you are already a master of your own writing."

Gina Cross

MLA Liberal Arts

Gina has taught Writing and Rhetoric at St. Edward’s since 2006. she also teaches a Freshman Seminar with a focus on college student mental health.

Working one-on-one with students in the Writing Center is one of her favorite activities: "I strive to help students feel comfortable, so don't worry if you are nervous about visiting the Writing Center for the first time."

She has an affinity for MLA and research papers related to literature or psychology. "I focus on helping students write papers that are rhetorically effective for their genre, purpose, and audience."

Jeffery Downs , Writing Center Director

MA Rhetoric and Composition, Texas State University

Jeffery came to the Hill as an adjunct instructor, teaching WRIT 1301 and 2302. He still teaches 2302 and looks forward to every new class.

Several years ago, he became the Writing Center Director. Jeffery enjoys the connections the Writing Center allows him to make across campus, from students to faculty, and even alumni.

"There is no such thing as 'good writing.' There is effective writing, and that means collaboration. We help make better writers, not just better writing, through collaboration, not instruction."

He also has a background in Theatre (Costume Design and Construction), is an avid quilter of 30+ years, and was a freelance writer for several A&E publications in Houston before finding his way up The Hilltop.

Renée Pinchero

MA, Education (Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Development), University of Toronto (OISE), Canada

Certified Literacy Specialist & EFL/ESL Instructor

Since arriving at St. Edward’s in 2006, Renée has taught international and domestic students a variety of writing courses including Writing and Rhetoric I and II. She also teaches classes in the Women and Gender Studies minor program and in Freshman Seminar.

“I really enjoy working one on one with students in the Writing Center, and what I find especially rewarding is helping student writers who feel stuck or who just need a way into their writing project! We’ve all been there, and sometimes it just takes some extra support to get us started or to see us through to the finish line!”

Outside of St. Ed’s, Renée works with neurodivergent students as a writing/literacy therapist. Renée is happy that she can bring this experience to the Writing Center to support those in our community who are autistic or have dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and/or language processing challenges.

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