Meet the Spanish Writing Mentors
Karissa Zarate
Hello! My name is Karissa Zarate (she/her), and I am in my fourth year at Michigan State University, majoring in Spanish and minoring in Chicano/Latino Studies. As a native Spanish speaker, I am passionate about facilitating the learning of Spanish communication. The Spanish language holds special significance for me, as it was my first language and is the primary means of communication for many individuals. In addition to my role at the Spanish Writing Center, I served as the Chairperson for the 29th Annual Día de la Mujer Conference and currently hold the position of Promotion & Partnerships Chair for La Casa Living & Learning Community. Aside from Spanish, I love fishing, Mexican telenovelas, and baking. I look forward to meeting you!
Korey Deans
My name is Korey Deans (he/him) and I’m majoring in Spanish and Human Resources. I’ve been fascinated by multilingualism for as long as I can remember, and my passion for languages has only deepened over the years. A fun fact about me is that I’m always down to experience something new. As someone who frequently travels, my friends often joke that they never know where I’ll be next. Writing has always been my creative outlet, and now, as a mentor, nothing brings me more joy than witnessing growth in others. I write in multiple languages and am eager to help students find their voice and communicate effectively in Spanish.
Holly Ebner
Megan Jamias
Hi all! My name is Megan Jamias (she/her), and I am a Spanish Education major. I began studying Spanish in my freshman year of high school, and I’ve loved learning it ever since. In fall semester of 2024, I studied abroad at Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador, and I was also able to visit Colombia during that time. Besides Spanish, I am completing the Music minor as a flutist and all-around music lover! It’s a pleasure to be working with the SWC; as an aspiring teacher, I hope I can give the same fun experience I had with second-language learning to my future students and you all as my peers!
Ainsley McNamara
Hello! My name is Ainsley McNamara, and I am currently in my second year at Michigan State! My majors are Psychology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Spanish. The language is incredibly important to me, as I grew up participating in a Spanish immersion program; all of my education from kindergarten to middle school was taught in Spanish. I made many of my closest friends in this program and we all grew up closely, learning and practicing the language together. The summer of 2023, I spent a month traveling throughout Spain with family and friends. This trip and experience deepened my passion for the language and motivated me to continue my studies moving forward with my academic career at Michigan State. I am very excited to be a part of the SWC and help students strengthen their skills and knowledge!
Isabel Stoller
My name is Isabel Stoller (she/her), and I am a physiology major with minors in business and Spanish! I took Spanish as a minor because I hope to one day work as a doctor with the Spanish speaking community and bridge the gap between language barriers and exceptional healthcare. Additionally, I wanted to learn to speak with my grandmother in her native language to feel closer to my heritage while attending a PWC. Outside of Spanish, I am also in a pre-health fraternity, an IM soccer referee, an IM volleyball team captain, and most importantly an avid movie enjoyer. A fun fact about me is I have my motorcycle license and I’m so excited to be your SWC mentor!