standing by my story

Here are just a few of the authors, mentors, and writing organizations that engage my mind and move my spirit:

Suzi Banks Baum is a writer, mixed media and book artist, and educator based in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. She is the editor of An Anthology of Babes: 36 Women Give Motherhood a Voice and teaches creative practices globally, including in Armenia. Suzi’s work explores the intersection of literary and visual arts, emphasizing daily creative practice.

Yael Flusberg, author of The Last of My Village, explores themes of family, culture, and healing through her powerful poetry. Winner of Poetica Magazine’s 2010 chapbook contest, her work delves into personal and collective trauma, offering paths to redemption and reclamation.

John Fox is a Certified Poetry Therapist and the author of Poetic Medicine: The Healing Art of Poem-Making. His work explores the profound relationship between creativity and healing, guiding readers to tap into their poetic potential for personal renewal and emotional well-being.

Hudson Valley Writers Guild (HVWG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting writers of all genres in the Hudson Valley region. They sponsor readings, workshops, and contests, and provide valuable resources for the literary community. HVWG also hosts events like open mics, poetry slams, and the annual Albany Word Festival.

International Women's Writing Guild (IWWG) was founded in 1976 by Hannelore Hahn. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit writing organization whose mission is to "empower women writers personally and professionally through writing."

New York State Writers Institute (NYSWI), founded by William Kennedy in 1983, is a literary arts center at the University at Albany. It hosts author readings, workshops, and film screenings, promoting literature and writing through diverse events featuring renowned writers and artists.

Gunilla Norris is a renowned author and psychotherapist, known for her books on everyday spirituality, including Joy is the Thinnest Layer, Sheltered in the Heart, Being Home, and A Mystic Garden: Working with Soil. She also leads meditation and contemplative workshops and inspires through her writing and teaching.

Georgia A. Popoff is a renowned poet, educator, and arts-in-education specialist based in Syracuse, NY. She has authored several poetry collections, including Living with Haints (2024), Psychometry, and Psalter: The Agnostic’s Book of Common Curiosities. Her work often explores themes of spirituality, curiosity, and the human experience.

Natalie Reid author of The Spiritual Alchemist: Working with the Voice of Your Soul, is a practicing spiritual alchemist who conducts transformational workshops across the U.S. and Europe. Her work integrates creativity, self-awareness, and spirituality, drawing from over 20 years of experience in the Jewish mystical tradition.

Linda Leedy Schneider is a poetry mentor and psychotherapist, has taught at Aquinas College and Kendall College of Art and Design. She has received the Contemporary American Poetry Prize and a Readers’ Choice Award, and her work was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Linda leads national workshops and has published several poetry collections, including Some Days: Poetry of a Psychotherapist.

Myra Shapiro is a celebrated poet whose work explores themes of family, memory, and Jewish heritage. She has authored several poetry collections, including 12 Floors Above the Earth and I’ll See You Thursday. Myra’s poetry has been widely published in literary journals, and she is an active member of the International Women’s Writing Guild.