Marni Gillard stumbled into the art of storytelling while teaching language arts to middle schoolers. She wrote STORYTELLER, STORYTEACHER (Stenhouse ’96) to trace how storytelling transforms one’s classroom and life. Her articles have appeared in Language Arts, Storytelling Magazine, English Journal, and several anthologies. Marni travels as a teacher-artist and education consultant, emphasizing the importance of oracy and writing, speaker presence, and self-understanding. “At every age, stepping into story builds character, a confident speaking voice, and knowledge of community-building.” WITHOUT A SPLASH, DIVING INTO CHILDHOOD MEMORIES, her double CD of life tales, offers models of memoir for young and old.

For over two decades Marni has worked with the Interfaith Story Circle of the Tri-Cities Area and Children at the Well (www.childrenatthewell.org) promoting intercultural storying for peace and justice. In 2015, she earned a Masters of Arts, examining storytelling as ministry. Her workshops for schools, businesses, retreats, and diverse faith communities are great fun and bring deep insight. Each July (17-19, 2015) Marni co-leads an inexpensively priced Storytelling Camp for beginning and experienced adult/teen tellers at Pyramid Lake in the Adirondack Mts. (www.pyramidlife.org).

Marni can fashion a program of performing and teaching just right for your organization. She especially loves Irish myths, fables for all ages, tales of strong women, everyday “saints,” and life’s unforgettable moments. She sings and gets people singing – even when they think they can’t.