Our Mission Our mission is to conduct the best possible workshops and the best possible training of life writing coaches every single time. We are convinced that those who thoroughly complete the life writing process will live the results in their lives, and that well-trained life writing coaches will be equipped to establish life writing programs in the widest array of community institutions.
Our primary focus is the free training of those who would conduct life writing with indigent populations such as those in urban or rural community centers, churches, prisons, high schools, junior colleges, colleges and universities, senior centers, and the like. Tax deductible donations to this work can be made at the Donations page.
Myra
Founding Director
David DeVries
The Life Writing Project is the answer to my own question of life meaning and purpose. In 1996 I completed a master's thesis project at Emory University titled, Uncrippling the I AM. The project was a series of 14 workshops with 12 African American adults then living in
Following the completion of the master’s thesis project, I continued the workshops professionally on a full-time basis for two years in
Most recently, we have initiated this non-profit organization through which to continue this work - our first client, The Office of Minority Educational Affairs at Cornell University. The development and establishment of a thriving organization that conducts trains life-writing coaches is a goal of existential importance to me.
Christa Downey
President
I am a student affairs educator with a passion for supporting people in order that they may actualize their academic, career, and personal goals. I've been working in Career Services at Cornell University for over 5 years. A Pittsburgh native, I earned my B.S. in Industrial Management at Carnegie Mellon University. Knowing that I wanted to work in higher education, I went on for an M.S. in College Student Personnel at Miami University. In addition to career services, I've held positions in residence life, academic advising, teaching, and outdoor education.
When not at work, I'm typically reading, baking, swimming, or doing something involving food or the outdoors. Meditation and writing are becoming an integral part of my life and I'm honored to be a member of the Life Writing community.
Irene Li
Secretary
Born in Boston, Massachusetts to a Chinese American family, I attended Milton Academy and the Mountain School of Milton Academy before arriving at Cornell University. I was recently accepted to the College of Arts and Science's College Scholar Program, which will allow me to pursue my interest in sociology, social psychology, prison and incarceration studies, and writing without worrying about requirements. In addition to the Life Writing Project, I am privileged to work with other offices and programs at Cornell, including the Ashoka Campus Changemakers Initiative, Entrepreneurship @ Cornell, the Learning Strategies Center, and the Cornell Prison Education Program. I can spend hours on crosswords, big cooking projects, singing and playing guitar, blogs about social issues and psycholgy, and my new bike. I believe wholeheartedly in intentional community building and living, the healing power of writing, and the pursuits of bettering the world and following dreams.
Willie Smalls
Evaluation
I have studied and produced various forms of art, but writing has always been the most cathartic for me. The Life Writing Project is special to me because its effects are not confined to a specific set of categorical identities (i.e. black men who lived in single parent homes, youth with limited educational opportunities, etc.). While obtaining my B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations and Master's in Applied Statistics at Cornell University, I was the methodologist on applied psychology papers. I currently work as a risk analyst, marrying finance and actuarial science to build solutions for catastrophe markets.
New York Prison Population Liaison
I was born on the cusp of the second Eisenhower administration in what used to be called the fourth largest city in the
Terry Plater
Grantwriting
Several work experiences outside academia taught me lessons and gave insights that continually inform my work: at the Ford Foundation (where I worked primarily on Israel programs) I learned through observation the art of discernment in the difficult process of grant making/decision making; and I observed how the whole can be exponentially greater than the sum of its parts if the power of individual actors can be organized and supported; as chairwoman of the Public Art Commission and a board member of Ithaca City of Asylum (for persecuted writers) I continually see evidence of the value of the arts in engaging and sustaining both individuals and community and I continually learn and develop techniques to facilitate that. As the board member responsible for development at the Community School of Music and Arts, I was active in the art and craft of audience development and fund raising for the non-profit sector.
Risa Breckman
Coach Certification
I decided to become a psychotherapist because I care deeply about people and have an enormous capacity for empathy. I obtained my MSW in 1982 and have been assisting people in NYC ever since in many different settings—hospitals, the criminal justice system, community agencies to name a few. I find deep fulfillment in working with people of all ages with their practical and emotional problems—helping them identify, own and build on their strengths to create fulfilling lives. I am also quite concerned about social justice. This passion has brought me to work with and advocate for victims of rape, domestic violence and elder abuse. I am enthusiastic about the Life Writing Project because it is a powerful and effective way for people to find meaning and purpose while simultaneously building community. Finally, in my spare time I enjoy being with my family and friends, reading, writing, sipping coffee in the morning and eating chocolate.