Workshops and Offerings


Current Workshops

At the Attic Institute of Arts and Letters

The Camera Work of Poetry

The zoom, the jump cut, the montage, the pan: in this generative poetry workshop we will learn to borrow cinematic approaches and apply them to our own writing. This workshop will delve into the impact of line and stanza breaks on our images and sounds to shape attention and feeling. Together we will engage in weekly writing experiments, delve into published poems, and share our own. We might even explore when and how to turn the camera on ourselves. All are welcome in this generative workshop.

Time: Wednesdays, 6 - 7:30pm, Jan 7 - Feb 11, 6 weeks

Location: Virtual, on Zoom

Register for this workshop

Poetry of the Everyday

Poetry is as much a practice in observation as it is in writing. In this generative workshop we will cull our daily environments for sensory details and inspiration—letting the mundane move us. We will engage in readings, writing prompts, and activities that encourage us to see the humor and beauty of the everyday. No prior experience with poetry is needed, just a curiosity in capturing moments.

Time: Wednesdays, 6 - 7:30pm, Feb 25 - Apr 1, 6 weeks

Location: Portland, OR

Register for this workshop

“Throughout her Movement in Poetry class at The Attic, Lila welcomed the full spectrum of our experiences and gave me the courage to discover my voice. Guided by her compassionate wisdom, I learned to pause, notice the world anew, and savor the subtle beauty in everyday moments. Lila inspires her students to experience poetry as a living expression of grace.”

— Jennifer Lee, Attic participant

Frost-covered green fern leaves overlapping each other.

Individual Writing Consultations

Every writer is in a unique place, which is why I offer personalized consultations to provide tailored insights. Whether you are preparing a poetry portfolio for an MFA application, polishing work for publications, or honing your voice for a personal project, I am excited to support.

Additional Experience

Education

  • MFA Creative Writing, Oregon State University, 2024

  • BA English, Creative Writing Track, University of Iowa, 2015

  • Towards BA, Literature / Publication Action, Bennington College, 2013

Selected Work Experience

  • Instructor, School of Writing, Literature and Film, Oregon State University, 2022-Present

  • Adjunct Fellow, The Attic Institute of Arts and Letters, 2025-Present

  • Poetry Reader for CALYX Press, 2025-Present; 45th Parallel , 2023 Earthwords, 2013-2015; Plain China 2011-2012

  • Creative Writing Instructor, Ireland Creative Writing Program and Pre-College Program at Colby College, Putney Student Travel, 2023; 2024

  • Manager and Coordinator, 826 Valencia, 2017-2022

Professional Development

  • Community Co-Educator Fellowship, University of San Francisco, 2021

  • Facilitating Racially Just Spaces Course, University of San Francisco, 2021

  • Managing to Change the World Course, Management Center, 2019

  • Train the Trainer Workshop, Nonprofit Learning Lab, 2019