As part of the “Bridging Creativity & Care” Series, this webinar highlights the powerful role of creative writing in supporting health and well-being in various settings and populations. Through presentations and experiential activities, we’ll explore shared values, key distinctions, and opportunities for collaboration across sectors. Whether you're a writer, healthcare provider, educator, or simply curious about poetry’s role in health, this session will offer valuable perspectives on how writing supports mental, emotional, and social well-being at all levels of care.

Speakers

Jennie is a poet, expressive writing teacher, and founder of LifeSPEAKS Poetry Therapy. Since 2001, Jennie has facilitated ongoing adult and kids writing groups and inspired private clients to explore their life stories through reading and writing poetry. Jennie is on the faculty of Arts & Healing Initiative offering trainings to the expressive arts communities. She created the Poetry Toolbox for Classrooms, a social-emotional-learning-based writing curriculum used nationally in 3rd-12th grade classrooms. Jennie spent six years as a writing instructor in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District and has taught workshops at the Los Angeles Expressive Arts Summit, the California Center for Creative Renewal, UC Irvine Extension, The University of Santa Monica, the National Association for Poetry Therapy and other organizations. Jennie has certification as an Applied Poetry Facilitator from the National Federation of Biblio/Poetry Therapy and a master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica. Jennie’s poetry has appeared in Bluestem Magazine, Forge, Kaleidoscope, Literary Mama, Mothers Always Write and more. She is the author of two books of poetry, Silver Girl and Autism Disrupted: A Mother’s Journey of Hope. Visit her website at www.lifespeakspoetrytherapy.com.

LinkedIn + LifeSPEAKS Poetry Therapy + The Poetry Toolbox

Brandon Allen currently resides in California’s San Bernardino County and was born in Memphis, TN, where he grew up surrounded by the effects of addiction and the struggles that came with it. These challenges played a significant role in a series of poor decisions, pride, and repeated failures that eventually led to homelessness. Feeling muted and hopeless, he searched for an answer to the hovering question: “why don’t I just give up?” Finding hope and joy in 2009, the trajectory of his life drastically shifted and a path to healing was laid out.

Brandon Allen (He/Him) is a speaker, renowned poet, and youth advocate empowering the next generation through storytelling, leadership, and creative expression. As the Founder of Youth Writer’s Camp Inc. and Program Director at Rescue a Generation, he brings over 15 years of experience creating healing spaces. His work blends spoken word, mentorship, and curriculum to foster resilience, identity, and hope. 

He is also a father, TEDx speaker, and author When you journey with Brandon you’ll learn exactly what happens “WHEN THUNDER SPEAKS” within his life’s mission of being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. 

LinkedIn + Brandon's Instagram + Youth Writer's Camp's Instagram + Website

Watch the Youtube Recording