Writing Resources & Tutors

Resources Created or Provided by Pacifica

Resources From Other Organizations

Free Writing Tutor Services

Pacifica provides access to three writing tutors listed below, free of charge to currently enrolled students who need help with course papers (not dissertations or theses). This includes English as Second Language (ESL) writing assistance. Tutors may help with grammar, structure, MLA and APA formatting, and more. Please contact tutors for appointments well in advance of due dates so that you can work with them in enough time to receive feedback, and at different points in the writing process. This will give you enough time to revise your papers as necessary. When submitting papers to the tutors, please also provide your actual course paper assignments. Tutors can then see what the requirements for the papers are. Please also tell tutors what you need or want from them when submitting your papers (e.g. APA formatting help, development of ideas, progression of ideas, grammar, or help with articulating your arguments). Support is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Leontine Jefferies, Ph.D. (she/her)  
Writing Resource Specialist & ADA Student Contact  
ljefferies@pacifica.edu 
Leontine Jefferies, Ph.D., serves as the Writing Resource Specialist at Pacifica Graduate Institute. She is dedicated to collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to support student writing. Dr. Leontine graduated from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Mythological Studies with an emphasis in Depth Psychology in 2013 (M.A.) and 2017 (Ph.D.). She graduated with her Bachelor’s in English Literature and Master’s in English Composition with a concentration in Literature from California State University of San Bernardino, in 2007 (B.A.) and 2010 (M.A.). Dr. Leontine liaisons with the Disability Services Office and encourages students with accommodations to contact her directly for writing support.

Leontine has been a writing instructor at the college level for over thirteen years. She enjoys helping students find their voice in their writing and communicate their stories effectively. She also previously worked as ski patrol for several years where she honed her skills in being present, responsive, and compassionate.

Leontine’s favorite books of all-time: The Odyssey by Homer and Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.

Vicki Stevenson (she/her) 
Writing Tutor Consultant 
Vickieditor@gmail.com 

Vicki Stevenson has served as a Writing Tutor for Pacifica Graduate Institute since 2011. Prior to that, she has worked as a free-lance APA editor for theses, dissertations, and books for graduate schools of education, including Pacifica Graduate Institute, University of California Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, Fielding Graduate University, University of Southern California, and other universities. At the same time, she was working full-time (and always editing) at the GSE University of California Santa Barbara, Fielding Graduate University, Arthritis Foundation, and Nuclear Age Foundation. In the past, she also served on the nonprofit Board of Directors of the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network and the Hinchee Homes. Her love of Russian literature emerged from course in Russian and French Literature at San Diego State University, while obtaining a BA degree in Social Welfare.

Vicki’s favorite books of all time: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, and Electric Kool Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe.

Laura Simko, M.A., M.F.A (she/her) 
Writing Tutor Consultant and ESL Specialist 
lpsimko.eng@gmail.com  
Laura Simko has worked in writing centers in both universities and community colleges for ten years. Since early 2021, it has been her privilege to assist Pacifica students with essays ranging from mythology to depth psychology to clinical psychology topics. Two years ago, she received an M.A. in English with emphasis in Rhet/Comp and medieval literature. Previously, she obtained an M.F.A. in creative writing from Pacific University and is a published writer. Currently, in addition to her work at Pacifica, she teaches composition classes and tutors ESL, so she is living her career dream! Philosophically, Laura believes in “leveling the playing field” for students, so that everyone has equal opportunity to master the same knowledge base. She believes that no student should be discriminated against, regardless of race, gender, class, disability, or ethnicity, at any time. She cares deeply about assisting students to learn and master literacy skills and strategies, whether oral, written, or multimedia. Also, as an instructor, she believes in participatory culture, modelling, and engaging interest.

Laura’s favorite books of all time: Exodus by James Michener, Topic of Orange by Karen Tei Yamashita, and almost anything by James Joyce.

Manuscript Editors & Dissertation/Thesis Resources

Below are links to pages listing independent editors for help with doctoral dissertations and master’s theses. These individuals are not employed by Pacifica, but offer their services for a fee. Pacifica Graduate Institute, therefore, cannot mediate any disagreements between these independent parties and students.

• • • • • Counseling Psychology Thesis Editors
        • Counseling Psychology Thesis Resources
        • Dissertation Editor Courtesy List