Writing and research
“I believe strongly in practice. I believe that practice is how we learn to adapt, to grow our capacity to reach new purposes. What I’ve collected here are a few of the ways I think we are all learning to pivot, drawn toward new possibilities the way a fresh seedling is drawn toward the sun.”
Excerpt from Evergreen Wisdom in a Moment of Constant Change.
Creative Writing
Daybreak: a new play with songs
Research (Arts + Learning)
The Role and Efficacy of Arts-Based Interventions in Older Adult Populations: Literature Review and Environmental Scan. 2024.
The Sex Ed Playbook: Participatory Theatre for Health Education. 2022.
Youth Media Still Matters Elevating the Voices and Identities of Young People in Disruptive Times. 2022.
“Shame will not make people wear masks, but creative thinking will.” Chicago Tribune, Op-Ed. 2020.
“The Work Speaks for Itself: Understanding the Impact of Youth Media. Spy Hop 2018-2019 Evaluation Report” (co-authored). 2020.
“Finding the ‘Learning Edge:’ Personalization and Creative Engagement in Visual Art Education.” ACS Centre for Inspiring Minds. February 2019.
“When Learners Get ‘Stuck,’ Try Thinking Like An Artist.” Education Week: Learning Deeply (June 17, 2018)
“Teaching Artistry in the Age of Convergence: Distributed Expertise and the Case for Outside Content Experts (OCEs)” Convergence Design Lab: Publications (Oct. 29, 2015) www.convergencedesignlab.org
“The Forgotten Subjects: Teaching Science and Social Studies Through Drama” incite/insight (Nov. 2011)
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!
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. Learn more HERE.
