Timur Maskayev is an instructor in the humanities division at Lackawanna College where he teaches courses in history and communications. He has varied interests including travel, nature, technology, art, philosophy, media, music, books, video games, photography, and family.

Assistant Professor, Humanities. Lackawanna College.

Master of Arts, Media Studies. Temple University.
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and Mass Communication. King’s College.

Personal Website

Kevin McDonough teaches courses across various levels including Structure of Linguistics, The Novella, and Activist Rhetoric. He also holds an adjunct faculty position at Wilkes University and spent a decade teaching at Marywood University. Kevin is the founder and former Director of Lackawanna College’s Center for Teaching and Learning. In addition to his academic work, he serves as Editor-in-Chief of Artium. He’s a social-constructivist in the classroom—and fond of J.D. Salinger, Thomas Pynchon, and filmmaker Michael Haneke. Kevin resides in Scranton with his wife, Melanie.

Chair, Humanities; Associate Professor, English. Lackawanna College.
Adjunct Instructor, Humanities. Wilkes University.

Master of Arts, Creative Writing; concentrations in Fiction and Playwriting. Wilkes University.
Bachelor of Arts, Secondary Education, English; minor in Professional Writing. Kutztown University

Born in New Jersey and returning to Pennsylvania shortly after, Toni-Lyn Sorger has always been fascinated by stories, especially of the more fantastic variety. She published her first short story in Warren, Bloomsburg University’s literary journal, while studying there. As she worked on furthering her education at Wilkes University, she volunteered for the school’s literary journal, River and South. She currently lives in Covington Township, completing her first novel.

Transcript Coordinator. Lackawanna College.
Trail Guide. Mountain Creek Riding Stable.

Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing Fiction. Wilkes University.
Master of Arts, Creative Writing Fiction. Wilkes University.
Bachelor of Arts, Secondary Education English and Creative Writing. Bloomsburg University.

Kelly grew up in northeastern Pennsylvania and graduated from Wyalusing Valley High School in 1995. After attending the University of Pittsburgh, she moved to Sun Valley, Idaho where she lived for until moving back to her hometown in 2011 with her husband Nathan and daughters Katherine and Sophie.

Kelly is very involved in her community and participates with many organizations and boards that include: being the school board president for the Wyalusing Area School District, president of the Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency board, board member for the Bradford County United Way, board member for the Endless Mountain Heritage Region, chair for the Northern Tier Workforce Development Board Youth Committee, and member of the Northern Tier Workforce Development board. She is also quite busy keeping up with her daughters’ various activities.

Director. Lackawanna College Towanda Center.

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John Baldino is a college professor, Secular Franciscan, and professional writer with a strong background in the arts. He is a contributing writer for Catholic Insight Magazine and Charity in Truth. His work has also been published with Catholic 365 and The Up! Magazine. John also owns and operates Our Cabaret Productions, a professional theater production company. In his free time, John enjoys reading, writing, traveling, terrorizing his nieces and nephews, retrofitting antique technology, and binge-watching Star Trek reruns.

Assistant Professor, Philosophy and Religious Studies. Lackawanna College.
Adjunct Instructor, Liberal Arts and Sciences. Excelsior University.

Master of Arts, Theology. St. Joseph’s College.
Master of Arts, Liberal Studies; concentration in Philosophy. Excelsior University.
Bachelor of Arts, Communication Arts; concentration in Digital Media and Broadcast Production. Marywood University.

Personal Website
LinkedIn

Erin Gill is an experienced field archaeologist and surveyor who has spent more than 13 years exploring the rich cultural histories of Central America and the Mediterranean. Passionate about education, she enjoys teaching and mentoring students, hoping to cultivate a lasting appreciation for anthropology, sociology, and archaeology in the next generation.

Academic Advisor and Adjunct Instructor. Lackawanna College Lake Region Center.

Master of Arts, Anthropology; concentration in Archaeology. University of Cincinnati.
Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology; concentrations in Archaeology and Religious Studies. Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Jenette Kiesendahl is an Associate Professor and Writing Center Director dedicated to teaching the craft of writing. A published author of personal essays and academic articles, she possesses a deep passion for creative nonfiction. In addition to her academic work, Jenette is a certified technical writer who serves as a copywriter for Something Savage Animation Studio and an editor for Woodloch, Inc.

As head of the nonfiction genre on Artium’s editorial board, Jenette is committed to fostering diverse voices that explore the complexities of the human experience. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family– supporting her children at sporting events, traveling, and discovering new experiences together. Jenette is excited to contribute to the growth and vision of Artium.

Associate Professor and Writing Center Director. Lackawanna College.

Master of Fine Arts, Creative Nonfiction. Hofstra University.
Bachelors of Arts, Secondary Education and English; concentration in Creative Writing. Hofstra University.

Emy Kurilla’s areas of expertise include writing and communication focused on media, speaking, interpersonal communication, and conflict communication. She is passionate about teaching others how to become better communicators in all areas of their lives. Emy worked with individuals and organizations as a media consultant and has owned a media company since 2005.

Outside of teaching, she spends her time working with animals. Emy volunteers with dog rescues and works with horses as an equine specialist helping to treat veterans and first responders who have PTSD. She loves exercise and teaches Yoga. she enjoys spending time with her family, riding horses, and is a lifelong learner.

“Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning is the beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins”—Jim Rohn.

Professor, Humanities. Lackawanna College.

Master of Arts, Communications. Marywood University.
Bachelor of Arts, English. East Stroudsburg University.

Brian Fanelli is the author of three poetry books, the most recent being Waiting for the Dead to Speak (NYQ Books), winner of the Devil’s Kitchen Poetry Prize. He also co-edited Currents in the Electric City: A Scranton Anthology (Belt Publishing) and Down the Dog Hole: 11 Poets on Northeast Pennsylvania (Nigthshade Press). Brian’s writing has been published widely, including in the LA Times, World Literature Today, Louisiana Literature, Pedestal Magazine, Paterson Literary Review, and elsewhere. In addition, Brian loves horror movies and is a contributor to 1428 Elm, Horror Buzz, and Signal Horizon Magazine.

Associate Professor, English. Lackawanna College.

Doctor of Philosophy, English. SUNY Binghamton University.
Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing. Wilkes University.
Bachelor of Arts, Comparative Literature; minor in Journalism and Creative Writing. West Chester University.

Personal Website

Ellen Genovese has been an adjunct instructor in the humanities division at Lackawanna College since 2021, primarily within the eLearning department. She serves on the eLearning Advisory Board, working alongside colleagues to collaborate on ways to enhance the online learning experience. Ellen has recently received training in and completed an online course build for LC’s online Women’s Literature class. She is also a full-time teacher at Commonwealth Charter Academy, teaching a ninth-grade survey of literature and writing. Transitioning into education after five years of working with at-risk adolescents, Ellen discovered her passion for teaching while serving as a classroom therapist. Her weekends consist of finding the nearest Bluegrass festival; playing pickleball; participating in church activities; and curling up with her favorite book, The Hobbit, while her family passionately watches football.

High School Teacher. Commonwealth Charter Academy.
Adjunct Instructor, Humanities. Lackawanna College.

Master of Arts, Teaching; certification in Secondary Education English Instruction. Marywood University.
Bachelor of Science, Counseling; minor in Theology. Clarks Summit University.

A professional theatre artist and poet, Alicia Grega has published two books of poetry and worked on dozens of stage productions. She previously worked as an arts journalist/editor on staff at the Scranton Times-Tribune for 15 years (2002-2016).

Adjunct Instructor, Humanities. Lackawanna College.
Adjunct Instructor, Writing, Digital Media, Literature, and Communications. University of Cincinnati, Wilkes University, Marywood University, and Keystone College.

Master of Fine Arts, Writing for Screen and Stage. Point Park University.
Bachelor of Arts, Theatre Arts with concentration in Playwriting; minor in Women’s Studies.

Personal Website

Nicole Huegel is an experienced Residence Hall Director at Lackawanna College, where they excel in project management and student engagement. With a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Studies and a minor in International Studies from Elizabethtown College, Nicole has a strong background in education and cultural exchange. Prior to their current role, Nicole served as an Assistant English Teacher overseas, teaching English in Japanese public schools, which earned them the Motivational Teacher Award in 2022.

A dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Nicole actively participates in several committees, including the DEI+ Task force, Cultural Heritage Planning Committee, and the Mental Health and Safety Committee. Passionate about fostering community connections, they successfully launched initiatives like the Lackawanna College Common Kitchen project, further demonstrating their commitment to student well-being and academic success. Their favorite genres of writing are poetry, fantasy, and sci-fi.

Residence Hall Director and DEI+ Task Force Co-Chair. Lackawanna College.

Bachelor of Arts, Japanese Studies; minor in International Studies. Elizabethtown College.