Canadian Champion · Poet Laureate · 15 Years Teaching
Bring the poem into the room you’re standing in.
Five ways to work with me: school workshops, workshops for organizations, keynotes, consulting and performances.
Workshop at Dickinsfield School
For schools
Poetry workshops for K–12 students, tied to curriculum.
In my school workshops, poetry is a way to build critical thinking, identity, emotional intelligence and communication. I’ve worked with 3,000+ students over 15 years, in workshops and residencies in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Sudan.
| Workshop | Grades | Core focus |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Builder | 4–12 | Self-definition through “I Am, I Am Not” |
| School Senses Builder | 3–9 | Sensory imagery & place-based writing |
| Blueprint of Me | 4–12 | Extended metaphors for identity |
| Becoming | 5–12 | Future self & aspirational goals |
| School Community Builder | K–6 | Collective poetry via personification |
See full workshop descriptions →
Aligned to Alberta Language Arts K–12 outcomes, with links to Social Studies, Health & Wellness, Visual Arts, and Career & Life Management. Teachers, principals, district arts coordinators, parent councils and literacy coordinators book me.
For organizations
Poetry workshops for non-profits, community groups, and corporations.
For adults, I adapt my classroom methods to team-building, equity and inclusion, communication, leadership and community dialogue.
Formats range from a single 60–120 minute session to a 3–6 week series. Contact for a quote based on duration, audience size, and travel.
Keynote speaking
Keynotes on education, equity and resilience.
My keynotes mix personal story, what I’ve learned in classrooms, and live poetry. I make people laugh first, then say the serious thing.
| Topic | Audience | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| The Pedagogy of Failure | Educators, youth workers, corporate leaders | 45–60 min |
| Poetry as a Way of Thinking | Educators, curriculum developers | 45–75 min |
| From Refugee to Poet Laureate | General audiences, galas | 45–60 min |
| Equity in Action: Embedding in the Machinery of the State | Policy-makers, governance professionals | 60–75 min |
| The Power of Student Voice | Educators, administrators | 45–60 min |
Past keynotes include: British Columbia Teachers’ Federation Annual General Meeting, Vancouver (March 2023); Chilliwack Teachers’ Association TLC Conference (April 2024); ISPA Congress, Montreal (2017); MacEwan University Black History Month.
Every keynote comes with a planning call, content built around your theme, a live spoken word piece, Q&A, and follow-up resources.
Consulting
Consulting for arts, education and equity work.
I’ve served on the Alberta Law Enforcement Review Board, chaired the Edmonton Arts Council’s Equity Committee, and I advise the National Council of Canadian Muslims. I use that experience to help organizations design equity-centred programs, build arts-integrated curriculum and work through governance problems.
Work can be hourly, by project or on retainer, and it always starts with a free first conversation. I offer pro bono and reduced rates for community organizations, so ask.
Performances
Spoken word for stages, festivals and events.
I’ve headlined festivals and performed everywhere from small rooms to big civic stages, mixing personal story, social commentary, humour and cultural critique. For video and past performance footage, see Media.
Technical needs: a wireless handheld microphone, a minimum 8×8 ft clear performance space, and 10–15 minutes for soundcheck. Wheelchair-accessible stage entrance required. Travel and accommodations for events outside Edmonton are billed separately.
Fair pricing, built around your scope.
I price each engagement by its actual shape: the format, how long it runs, the audience size and any travel. There’s no flat rate. Pro bono and reduced rates are considered for community organizations and schools in high-needs areas.
Send me your event details and I’ll follow up with a clear quote.
Let’s talk.
Tell me what you’re planning and what you need, and we’ll shape it together.
Response time: 24–48 hours