WRITING

ESSAYS and research

My writing explores participation, learning, and the role of creative practice in shaping individuals, communities, and institutions.

“I believe strongly in practice. I believe that practice is how we learn to adapt, to grow our capacity to reach new purposes.”

- Excerpt from my essay "Evergreen Wisdom in a Moment of Constant Change."

CREATIVITY AS AGENCY

I’m interested in how creative participation reshapes identity, relationships, and public narratives.

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Much of my research explores how artmaking and creative practices function as embodied modes of learning, questioning, and making meaning.

LEARNING THROUGH ART

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LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

I also write about how to build more effective and equitable organizations and civic entities.

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featured resource

The Sex Ed Playbook by Nik Zaleski, Jacob Watson, Shannon Oliver-O’Neil, Alison Lehner, Abby Zan, and Alyssa Vera Ramos

Now available in paperback and Kindle! Learn more HERE.

Your essential guide to shame-free sexuality education and arts-based dialogue, this book is a powerful resource for teachers, therapists, community health workers, organizers, teaching artists, theatre directors, and more. Learn how to facilitate engaging experiences in your classroom. Support youth and adolescent skill-building in sexual health and positive relationships. Develop your ability to lead theatre activities in interactive, accessible ways.

In this book, you’ll find over 40 different creative practices to build community and deepen understanding, complete with step-by-step instructions and tips. Our unique participatory theatre model enlivens learning through role-play scenarios, games, storytelling, and more.

The book also includes a short history of participatory education and best practices for leading groups through difficult conversations. This book is for anyone seeking to improve student engagement and ownership, create braver and more empowering spaces, and support positive health outcomes. The Sex Ed Playbook is aligned with the National Sexuality Education Standards.

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