|
While I've taught workshops
for the Poetry-in-the-Schools programs in New York, New Hampshire,
and South Carolina, as well as some after-school and weekend workshops
for teenagers, my greatest strength as a teacher is working with
adults, most of whom are new to writing. I've conducted most of
my workshops in underserved communities -- senior centers, The Burke
Rehabilitation Hospital, and out-patient workshops for the New York
City chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Socitey. Since spring
2003, I've been conducting an online workshop through the auspices
of the MS Society, aimed at including people who have difficulty
attending in-person workshops.
Recently retired, widowed, limited
by the physical body's abilities, these workshops often draw people
who aren't interested in Bingo but don't know what else to do with
their time. Over thirty years of teaching, I've developed exercises
that help students get in touch with forgotten moments of their
past and present, channeling creative energy while carefully focusing
it so the memories don't overwhelm.
The energy and excitement students
bring to our sessions reminds me of why I started writing in the
first place. These highly supportive groups offer a clear alternative
to the more competitive writing workshops usually offered by colleges
and adult education centers.
- Fellow, Brookdale Center on
Aging, Hunter College
- Presenter, "Creative Writing:
An Effective and Dynamic Means of Self-Expression," New York State
Recreation And Park Society 54th Annual Conference, 1994
- Lecturer, "Workshops In Alternative
Environments", The New York Foundation Center, 1982
- Lecturer, "Life Stories" symposium,
Hunter-Brookdale Center on Aging, 1980
- Lecturer, "Therapy & Art"
symposium, Helen Hayes Hospital, 1979
Teacher, Creative Writing Chatroom,
sponsored by the National MS Society, New York City Chapter (2003-present)
Other Workshops (partial list):
Poets House (workshop on The Poet as Reviewer), Burke Rehabilitation
Center, Self Help Austin Street Senior Center, Lenox Hill Neighborhood
House, Northeast Bronx Senior Center, Riverdale Senior Center, Hebrew
Old Age Home, Williamsburg Senior Center, Iona College Senior Program,
Bronx YMHA Senior Center.
Read Rochelle Ratner's article,
Heal,
Body, Heal, based on her early days
working at Burke Rehabilitation Center
Available for workshops or private
tutoring. Within New York State, partial funding might be available
from the Readings/Workshops program sponsored by Poets
& Writers, Inc.
See Upcoming
Events for a list of current workshops
Private workshsops available in person or through E-mail.
Please
contact me for more information
|
