Brennan Staffieri
Brennan Lucas Staffieri (they/them) is a non-binary educator and poet born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. He has experience working with students of different ages in schools and through tutoring, strives to build community through learning, and believes that reading and writing open the door for deeper thinking and self-awareness. They completed their MFA in creative writing with Pacific University. They are a former intern with CALYX Press, where they were in charge of developing queer workshops and programming. Their work has appeared in Oddball Magazine and on Portland stages, and has work forthcoming from Pen and Plow press. “Poetry, writing, and other forms of creative expression are pivotal for children because they build towards an understanding of the self. Art is about tuning in, being aware of the senses, and articulating your experience through play and artmaking. Regardless of if they stick with writing, or whatever form of art they find passion for, engaging with arts in developmental stages helps young people grow up and know themselves better.”