Our Teachers
Our creative writing workshops are taught by an all-star group of teachers ranging from poets to illustrators, filmmakers, novelists, performers, clothing designers, and comedians – many of whom hold several of these titles!
Above all, they are experienced classroom practitioners. Uptown Stories teachers write terrific curricula, are dynamic and engaging in the classroom, can tailor their lessons to different age groups and abilities, and most importantly, are passionate about the craft and art of writing.
To top it off, most of our teaching artists are residents of upper Manhattan. Discover more about the fantastic Uptown Stories teachers below!
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Education expert Njoli is a teacher of pedagogy and facilitator of programs with a passion for engaging the community in the process of discovery.
A freelance writer, Njoli uses his dedication to restorative practices in generating pointedly introspective and connectively extrospective works.
An activist, public speaker, martial artist, and explorer, Njoli seamlessly integrates his love for adventure into his outlook on life and work.
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A teacher and committed children's book illustrator and fiber artist, Cozbi is a Parsons School of Design graduate and is trained as an art director.
With numerous illustrated titles, Cozbi authored and illustrated My Hair is a Garden and Me and Mama. She has gained fame for her Honduran muñecas.
Cozbi is also an accomplished clothing designer and quiltmaker. Her handcrafted muñecas have been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show!
Writer and local mom, Shamie has been an educator in NYC independent schools for five years, and teaching creative writing workshops for a decade.
Shamie published several social perspective pieces for Circle Magazine and is currently working on a collection of NYC-based stories for children.
Shamie’s obsessed with her nephew, Oboe, who is a Shih Tzu and she wrote a musical about him.
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Stacy shares her expertise in creative writing and musical theater with kids of all ages, drawing from experience as a performer and published author.
With a rich catalogue of plays, musicals, and award-winning children’s books like Chance to Fly, she's acclaimed for her Camp Rolling Hills series.
Stacy once sang the National Anthem solo for a NY Jets game! She was 16 at the time.
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Nicholas, a versatile artist skilled in production, art direction, mural painting, and writing comic books, shares his expertise through education.
He created a comic book that released issues monthly for all of 2022, has illustrated for brands such as Marc Jacobs, and paints murals here in NYC.
Nicholas worked as a production specialist in Takashi Murakami and Frederico Solmi’s studios!
CJ lives the filmmaker's dream, as a producer's assistant, indie filmmaker, and educator! He shares his passion and creative expertise with students.
CJ has served as a producer's assistant at Robert Altman's Sandcastle 5 Productions and assisted world-renowned director Noah Baumbach!
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Assal is a filmmaker, performer, writer, and professor at NY Film Academy, sharing her vast skills and experiences with our young artists.
Her films grace international festivals, she directs music videos, co-founded Every Woman Biennial Film Fest, and co-created Iran Mustache Crisis.
Whenever she is not writing, teaching, reading, or preparing for a shoot, Assal spends quality time with her husband, their snails, and goldfish.
Miss is a published author and illustrator of celebrated graphic novels and comic books. She specializes in teaching comic writing and illustration.
Her graphic novels such as Henni and Escape From “Special” have made top book lists, The New Yorker’s Daily Shouts, and been nominated for awards.
Miss once played a zombie in a low-budget horror movie.
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Jane - poet, performance artist, and educator - publishes student work and teaches writing, literature, and performance across all age groups.
Jane's published poetry book Names is part of the award-winning ABC Chapbook Series. One of her poems has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize.
Jane fronts the band The Icebergs and was a part of Sister Spit, the famed west coast women’s poetry troupe!
Tess Michaelson is a writer, interdisciplinary artist, and educator with an MFA in nonfiction writing from Columbia University.
Tess’ articles have been published by The Chicago Review, independent online magazine The Rumpus, The Brooklyn Rail, and more.
Tess has an identical twin!
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B. Sharise is a poet, short story author, poetry editor at Fiyah Literary Magazine, host of “Moore Books with B. Sharise” on YouTube, and educator.
Her works have appeared in several anthologies and journals including For Harriet, Chosen Realities: Summer 2020, and Fiyah Literary Magazine.
In addition to writing, teaching, and mothering, B. Sharise is a classically trained pianist!
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Our deputy director, Dorkys currently educates students of all ages in writing and art across Washington Heights and Inwood.
Her bilingual works have appeared in Time Out NY Kids, BET, Parents Latina, Syracuse Post-Standard, and the Manhattan Times.
Dorkys keeps the gears of Uptown Stories turning, but when she's not at US she spends her time painting and illustrating!
A Puerto Rican, published, and award-winning playwright, Alejandra is a dedicated teacher with Uptown Stories.
The 2020 winner of Miranda Family Voces Latinx Playwriting Competition, she has multiple published plays and recent off-Broadway triumphs.
Alejandra achieved a 2021 Emmy nod for Voice Over Actress in La Cucarachita Martina’s Musical Adventure!
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Kate, a dedicated educator, taught middle and high school humanities in both public and private schools for over 25 years before founding Uptown Stories.
Her own fiction has appeared in The Madison Review, Brain Child, Salamander, and The Ledge!
Kate is a lifelong New Yorker and has lived in Washington Heights since 2003 with her two kids. Thank you Kate for the gift of Uptown Stories!
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Luis, a Puerto Rican actor and educator, holds an MFA in acting from Brown University. Proudly bilingual, he creates vibrant spaces for fun, learning, and growth.
Luis has taught writing, acting, and speech in Puerto Rico and at Brown University. His acting credits include “The Glass Menagerie”, “Nicky Jam”, and more!
Luis’ first job was at Cold Stone Creamery where he performed mini ice cream ball juggling shows while preparing orders!
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Dave is an author, illustrator, and teacher at the School of Visual Arts. He shares his artistic skills with our young writers here at Uptown Stories.
He is the author/illustrator of the Astronaut Academy series and writer of graphic novel, Teen Boat! Race for Boatlantis (with John Patrick Green).
Dave is a former editor at Nickelodeon Magazine, current editor for First Second’s Science Comics and History Comics series...and he loves waffles!
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Mx. Mimi is an educator in Washington Heights. For the past four years they have taught middle school English at independent schools and non-profits in Philly and NYC.
Mx. Mimi wrote for GLSEN on supporting Black, Queer, Trans & GNC Educators, and contributed to The Indispensable Guide to Undergraduate Research.
When they aren’t advocating for collective liberation, Mimi loves to roller skate, watch professional wrestling, and dance.
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Noelle is a vocalist, songwriter, producer, composer, and educator. She teaches music at community programs and schools in NYC and New Orleans.
Noelle has written and produced 3 studio albums, toured nationally, and performed at acclaimed venues and festivals!
Noelle has studied under Pulitzer Prize winners Du Yun and Joel Those. She is a born and bred New Yorker from our neighborhood, Washington Heights!
Tallulah
Student
Kimberly
Parent
Elias
Alumnus
Kayla
Student
Graydon
Alumnus
Anna
Student
Nina
Parent
Isabella
Student
Ready to Join a Workshop?
There’s always more to learn, fiction writers! Come build on the skills you’ve already got, and dig deeper into the qualities that give all the best stories that extra POP.
Whichever genre of fiction you prefer (historical, fantasy, realistic, etc.) is welcome! We’ll focus on the fine details that will take your writing from good to great: natural, character-driven dialogue; proper pacing; inciting incidents; raising the stakes; plot-twists; and, of course, the art of the satisfying ending. We’ll look to our favorite fiction writers for inspiration, and discover new works worthy of your attention.
This workshop is for students who are familiar with the basics of fiction writing, and who would like to grow as writers.
If you can’t wait to turn the page, the writer has succeeded in telling you a great story. What does it take to develop characters, settings, dialogue, and plot elements that have you on the edge of your seat? This workshop answers those questions and more! We’ll breakdown the parts of fiction writing each week and test out what we’ve learned with some on-the-spot writing. You’ll work with your peers, too–giving advice and feedback, while hearing what they have to say about your work. Not only does this workshop make you a better writer, but when you understand the process, it makes you appreciate your favorite writers even more. Don’t leave us on the edge of our seats–register for now for this workshop!
Girls, it's time. Time to be smart, time to be creative, time to let your voice be heard! Every girl has a story that she needs to shout from the mountain tops—that includes you. Come write, discuss, and revel in what you love, in what inspires you, and discover how you're going to change in the world. During this girls-only writing intensive, you'll get energized by a few lady rebels from history, and be surrounded by girls who are ready to take on the world, just like you. Class will enjoy field trips to the Met Cloisters, The Met Fifth Ave, the Whitney Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art.
Any and all kinds of writing are welcome - from real-life to poems to fiction - you just need bring the unique girl you are. All awesome girls (and those who self-identify as a girl) should apply NOW! Space is limited.
Interested girls should complete this registration in order to be considered for a spot in the Girls Rising Winter 2024 workshop series.
In order to be eligible to apply, you must…
· Be a girl or self-identify as a girl
· Be currently in High School (grades 9–12)
· Be interested in writing and self-expression
Upon successful completion of the sessions, all participants will receive a $20 stipend for each class attended.
If selected, you will need to become a member of the Uptown Hub. If you are already a member, great! If not, you will be asked to enroll during your first week.
Registration is rolling and will remain open until the workshop is full or the class begins. Applicants may be contacted for an interview.
Once registered for the workshop, your guardian will be emailed at the email address provided to sign a permission slip electronically.