Founder/Director - Writers Matter

Bob Vogel, Ed.D., holds a doctorate in Educational Psychology and Organizational Development from Temple University. Bob taught for the School District of Philadelphia for three years before joining the Faculty at La Salle University. After 43 years at La Salle University, Bob retired and now serves as Professor Emeritus of Education. In 2005, he became the Founding Director of Writers Matter, a nonprofit organization that helps young students develop writing skills through personal journaling. Bob lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Marlyn. He has two sons and three granddaughters. He enjoys writing, biking, conversations with his granddaughters, traveling with his wife, and helping young people find their voices through writing. For more information on his publications, especially his children’s books, check out www.bobvogel.org

vogel@lasalle.edu

Professor Emeritus, La Salle University

Director - Writers Matter

Kimberly E. Lewinski, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Education at La Salle University, where she serves as Director of the Graduate Education Department and Director of Writers Matter. Prior to joining La Salle, Kim earned her master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Virginia, where she was a member of a Writing Across the Curriculum research team. Before entering higher education, Kim taught elementary school for seven years and earned certifications in Elementary Education and Reading Specialist. Her research and teaching interests include literacy education, writing across the curriculum, and trauma-informed literacy instruction.

Kim lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Brett, and their three daughters. She enjoys skiing, reading, spending time with family and friends, and helping students and teachers discover the power of reading and writing.

lewinski@lasalle.edu

Associate Professor, La Salle University

Consultant - Writers Matter

Trent McLaurin, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Education at La Salle University. Prior to joining La Salle, Trent earned his master's degree from George Washington University and a doctoral degree from George Mason University. He holds a doctorate in Special Education with a secondary emphasis in Counseling. Before entering higher education, Trent taught in preschool, elementary and high school settings in both private and public schools. Additionally, he has experience as an administrator in k-12 as a behavioral specialist at a comprehensive site for students with emotional and behavioral disorders and director of specialized services for a large charter network in Philadelphia. 

Trent lives in Delaware with his wife and their two sons. He enjoys music, sports, brunch, making espresso drinks at home, and engaging with the community. 

Ultimately, his professional goals center around breaking down barriers to success for teachers and students. 

mclaurin@lasalle.edu

Associate Professor, La Salle University

Consultant - Writers Matter

Leslie Pugach, retired after 49 years as an educator, administrator, and student teacher supervisor in both secondary public and private schools and colleges, including William Penn and Lower Merion school districts, Temple University, and Swarthmore College, Leslie Pugach is a graduate of the University of Rochester (BA History) and Villanova University (MA, Social Sciences), with ABD (all but dissertation) for an EdD from Temple University (curriculum development).  Leslie joined the administrative team of Writers Matter in 2017, first as the leader of their interfaith initiative.  In addition to mentoring teachers who use the Writers Matter approach in their classrooms, Leslie has edited several publications including four of the books in the Wondering series as well as publications for her local Haverford Township Historical Society.   An avid bass guitarist and gardener, she and her late husband, Rick, have been Eagles season ticket holders since 1971!   Their two children and three grandsons are still huge Philadelphia sports fans despite now living in the Boston area.

She believes that Writers Matter’s emphasis on classroom environments that encourage students’ self-expression is essential for nurturing students of all ages with personal writing and activities.  Writers Matter has demonstrated that students’ self-discovery helps them become critical thinkers and active listeners, as well as resilient, caring, and courageous adults and citizens.

lekpugach@gmail.com

Retired teacher & School Administrator