For over 15 years Dr. Chatelain worked in higher education classrooms teaching in the humanities and social sciences. Before leaving academia full-time, she taught at the University of New Orleans in the Department of Sociology, where she was recognized for her contributions to the success of non-traditional and first-generation college students. Throughout her university career, what she enjoyed the most was serving as a formal and informal mentor to students navigating academic and professional life.

She now works as a freelancer in communications and publishing. This includes her work at Dismantle Magazine, which she co-founded with friend and colleague Dr. Sara T. Bernstein. A large part of the magazine’s mission is to provide a system outside of the traditional academic and publishing world to foster emerging critical voices. The goal is to create a low-stakes, non-competitive framework so that writers can gain real-world knowledge and experience and hone their craft in a comfortable, supportive environment.

In addition to being a writing coach and serving as an editor at Dismantle Magazine, she is a writer and editor. She also spends part of the year in Mexico with her partner, where she has taught ESOL classes to area students ranging from 6 years old to adult.

A Louisiana native, Dr. Chatelain enjoys hanging out with her family and friends, taking long walks in beautiful cities, swimming, and yoga. It also goes without saying that she loves gumbo and going to Mardi Gras parades.

Degrees:

Ph.D., University of California, Davis, Cultural Studies, 2012

M.A., University of New Orleans, Sociology, 2005

B.A. Whittier College, Sociology and Philosophy, 2001