From Who Made the World? And other questions Community poetry workshop at Inner Circle Art Gallery, San Diego, CA

“Who knew poetry could bump you out of a rut and into a whole new world! The workshop helped me turn the mundane into the unexpected: a poem about my day! It was fun and I’d like to try it again.” – Krista D.

“The last time I wrote any poetry, it was an exercise in middle school. When I saw the opportunity to participate in a poetry workshop I was a little apprehensive because I didn’t know what to expect as I am not a poet. I really liked how the workshop leader walked us through the process of getting our emotions down on paper. Before no time, I had written a poem. I would definitely take another workshop from Annie.” – Jes H.

 “I am busy balancing work, family and life. I enjoyed this workshop because in it I had to slow down and think about the meaning of words and details in life. I left feeling refreshed. I highly recommend this workshop to others.” Lauren B.





From Writing Recovery; Poetry for Healing Weekly poetry group at Sharp Hospital, San Diego, CA

“I never thought I could write poetry but in this class I did. Annie made me feel proud of what I wrote and the feelings I shared.”     --Karen S.

“She listened and asked questions that got everyone talking. The poem she used was perfect for what all of us are going through. I was surprised to write a poem that expressed feelings I have that I didn’t realize were inside me. I think everyone should come to this group.”--Dan F.

“I really didn’t think I could do this. But I did. And it felt really good. Annie made me feel like I mattered and that my poem mattered.”

--Sarah H.

From Origins: Singing where you come from at the Mental Health Center in St. Vincent and the Grenedines

“One of the most memorable highlights of the St. Vincent experience for everyone was Annie’s translation of her interest in mental health and poetry into the successful implementation of a poetry workshop for staff and patients at the Mental Health Center when we were on site. The workshop remains in my mind as one of the most vibrant, inspiring, and professionally executed experiences that I have had with students in my many years of teaching nursing as well as a strong indicator of Annie’s skills and innate talent as a poet.”

-          Helen T., MS, RN, CPNP

“Annie's workshop was a wonderful way to connect with people from different backgrounds to join together and see our similarities through poetry.  The workshop guided us through the process of writing as a means of expressing ourselves and looking at our daily lives in a new light.  I do not consider myself a poet or a writer, but found this session fun and engaging.”

– Helen Baker