I write because the world is losing it's addicted kids. I continue to write books, articles, plays, and blogs because my community is confused and frustrated over this loss. I write because the police and community are at odds over the drug/alcohol problems. I am committed to give voice, place and space to at-risk youth in the juvenile justice system and on the streets and to my community. As a member of Portland, Oregon's gang violence task force and Police Review Board I can testify to the fact that there is more work to be done in this field. I found the best way to reach at-risk youth is to give them more chances for better choices through poetry, playwriting, stories, and art work.

Founded Chances for Choices Youth Group
Letters from the Inside Out
Grandmothers Speak
Eagles World Theatre and Art Group
Directed Scenes from Mother Courage UAF
Educational Achievements, MA Conflict Resolution---BA Drama Therapy---AAS Human Services

Published books 'Negotiating Dramatic Events' 'Needs' and 'Negotiating Shadows: Journey to the Sun' after a two year creative expression research with at-risk youth in juvenile justice and on streets of Portland, Oregon. A script my youth and I wrote ('Children of the Other Shoe') was presented at Portland State University theatre. Working on a documentary 'The Fire of Street Joan' and on children book 'The Making of an Eagle'. On June 4th (2011) I will start a roaming poetry group for the summer for street youth. We will be reactivating theatre work this summer.

Negotiating Shadows
This site gives background on my work and projects and where I can be reached.

Portland Addiction Examiner.com
My online journal writing on addiction issues.

Needs
Needs ISBN 978-1-4276-44-77-0

Negotiating Shadows: Journey to the Sun
Book ISBN 978-1-42776-4909-0