Dr. Karen Johnson- Associate Director of the Writing Center

Dr. Johnson has enjoyed a wide range of teaching experiences that include teaching elementary students in a traditional classroom, working as a tutor at Huntington Learning Center, providing educational therapy, and managing her own tutoring business. Most recently, she has taught developmental reading and English courses at Harrisburg Area Community College and York College. 

In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, decorating, and participating in service-oriented activities. She lives in Dover, Pennsylvania, with her husband, daughter, two dogs, two cats, and a horse. 

Mr. Zack Grobosky- Tutorial Coordinator/Learning Specialist

Mr. Grabosky received his A.A. degree in Liberal Arts from SUNY Morrisville and went on to receive a B.A. in English and M.A. in English/Creative Writing at Binghamton University. Mr. Grabosky is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in Administration and Leadership Studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. 

Prior to becoming the Assistant Director of the Learning Center at Shippensburg University, Mr. Grabosky worked as an Academic Tutor/Coordinator of the Test Administration Service at SUNY Cortland. He also taught English at Jamestown Community College, including courses in Composition, Literature, Creative Writing and Business Writing.

Mr. Grabosky and his wife, Tomoko, live in Carlisle, PA. He spends his free time writing poetry, fishing, and landscaping. 

Mr. Jaime R. Juarez- Learning Specialist/ASP Academic Coach

Mr. Juarez was born and raised in central California. He earned a B.A. in English and History from California State University, Fresno and completed his M.A. in English at Shippensburg University.

Prior to joining the Learning Center, Mr. Juarez worked at numerous colleges and universities, including Fresno State, University of Washington, Harrisburg Area Community College, and Penn State Harrisburg. He has taught remedial writing and has worked in several Learning Centers, including as the Learning Center Coordinator at HACC. Mr. Juarez has also tutored with various programs at Fresno State and the University of Washington. 

Mr. Juarez and his wife, Sharon Stockton, live in Carlisle, PA, and have three children, Eugene, Cristina, and Katherine. He enjoys reading, writing, gardening, and is an avid film buff.

Ms. Sherry Hillyard - Learning Specialist

A native of Pennsylvania, Sherry holds a B.A. from Penn State University, PA Teacher Certification from Lycoming College, and a Masters of Education from Lock Haven University of PA. With significant work experience as a Vocational Evaluator, Adult Educator, and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Sherry has focused the past several years on educating, tutoring, and advocating for students with learning differences. She is certified in Wilson Language System and Orton-Gillingham methods of reading skills acquisition and has taught phonetic awareness and decoding skills to early readers in both home-based and center-based environments. More recently, Sherry has served as Assistant Director of Disability Services at the University of North Carolina Greensboro and as an Education Specialist at the Harrisburg Area Community College. She has two adult children and enjoys theatre, movies, art, and second-hand shops.