Get to Know the Newest Members of the W&L Community – 7/18/23 The following individuals recently joined the Washington and Lee employee workforce.
Heather Dobbins, Visiting Assistant Professor of Music and Visiting Director of Instrumental Activities – The College
Heather Dobbins, visiting assistant professor of music and visiting director of instrumental activitiesQ. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am originally from Texas. I hold a bachelor’s of music from Texas State University and a masters of music from the University of Utah. I have a daughter, who is nine years old and I have seven additional furry kids.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I am a big hiker and backpacker. I love to explore area trails and try to visit National Parks as often as possible. I am so excited to visit Glacier National Park this summer!
Q. Anything else you would like to share?
I have been an adjunct faculty member for W&L the past eight years and I am a former director of bands at Southern Virginia University. Last year, I had the opportunity to teach elementary music!
Catherine Rossi, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach/Athletic Operations and Facilities Coordinator – Athletics
Catherine Rossi, assistant strength and conditioning coach/athletic operations and facilities coordinatorQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and nutrition with a minor in psychology from Sacred Heart University in May 2022. I also earned a master’s degree in exercise and sport science with a concentration in strength and conditioning from Merrimack College in May 2023. During those nine months, I was also a strength and conditioning graduate fellow at Merrimack College, where I was responsible for the design and implementation of training programs for the women’s soccer team and the men’s and women’s cross country teams. In addition, I was the primary assistant coach for the softball team and was responsible for the design and implementation of the summer training packet. I am from Torrington, Connecticut and the daughter of Bernadette and Don Rossi.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I was a competitive USAG gymnast for over 10 years! My favorite event was the uneven bars. In 2017, I was the Connecticut State Vault Champion. In my free time, I enjoy searching the internet to find new recipes (mainly dinner dishes). I am also very passionate about baking; cookies, breads, bars – you name it. My specialty is Christmas cookies; this past Christmas I made a record nine different types of cookies that I shared with family and friends! I also enjoy going for hikes and painting in my free time as well.
Q. Best advice anyone has ever given you?
“We grow the most when we challenge ourselves.”
Dallas Tatman, Assistant Director of Fellowships and Visiting Instructor of Anthropology
Dallas Tatman, assistant director of fellowships and visiting instructor of anthropologyQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I have been teaching for 20 years and did most of my graduate fieldwork in Senegal, West Africa. I explore the intersections of religion and sport, particularly in Senegalese traditional wrestling.
Q. Best advice anyone has ever given you?
The best teaching advice is “For God’s sake, keep it accessible.“ Offered early in my teaching career, this adage reminds me that not all students start a course in the same cultural/educational place. I have to provide multiple entry points so that students from diverse backgrounds can access, process and synthesize new information.
The best non-teaching advice is “Try to be nice. The other person’s day might be worse than yours.”
Q. Anything you are looking forward to for your time at W&L?
On the administrative side: Helping students find out about amazing funding opportunities that will help them reach their goals.
On the teaching side: Encouraging students to think critically and stimulating their intellectual curiosity. I love those “a-ha” moments when students connect with material in new and meaningful ways.
Bonnie Tombarge, Administrative Assistant II – Museums
Bonnie Tombarge, administrative assistant for museumsQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I grew up in Lexington and I received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mary Washington. Recently, I moved to Roanoke where I live with my partner and dog, and we are loving how many hiking trails are close by.
Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
I love the Chessie Nature Trail and Pronto, and hope to be able to start attending events at the Lime Kiln Theater!
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I play video games, go hiking with the dog, read, cook/bake and do lots of fiber crafts.
Catherine Xia, Admissions Counselor – Admissions
Catherine Xia, admissions counselorQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I’m originally from Gilbert, Arizona. I just graduated from W&L in 2023. I have one older sister who is three years older than me, so I’m the youngest in my family.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I love relaxing by watching some Korean dramas and bullet journaling. I’ve also been playing the piano ever since I was five, and still try to practice when I can!
Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
When I was a student at W&L, I loved hanging out on the Colonnade when the weather was nice! I’m also a big fan of the drive-in theatre here and I think everyone should go there at least once!
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