YOU ARE ALREADY BRAVE
Allison is a writer, curator, educator, and facilitator whose work is deeply rooted in storytelling, experiential learning, and social justice. Her life’s journey—from her upbringing in Southern Appalachia to her work with archives in Provincetown, MA—has shaped her perspective as both an artist and a mentor. Whether she’s writing literary nonfiction, curating forgotten histories, or leading workshops that inspire personal and collective growth, Allison is committed to the idea that stories matter—they shape who we are and how we understand the world around us.
In her writing, Allison explores themes of place, identity, and transformation. Her current project, a multi-genre memoir, interweaves her personal narrative with the life of Hazel Hawthorne Werner, a 20th-century writer whose works had largely been forgotten until Allison took on the challenge of bringing them back to life. As the curator of the Hazel Hawthorne Werner Archive, Allison has dedicated herself to preserving and reviving Werner’s legacy, drawing on archival material and the voices of students and community members to breathe new life into the work. She wrote the afterword for The Salt House, Werner’s out-of-print novel, and spearheaded an initiative to have it transcribed and published with the help of high school students, proving her belief that learning and growth thrive when we work together across generations.
Allison’s passion for teaching and learning extends into her role as a facilitator and speaker. With a deep commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) values, she works to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential. From leading faculty workshops to guiding students through the writing process, Allison is always seeking ways to help others find their voices, connect with each other, and build communities that celebrate differences and foster belonging.
As a leader in the field of experiential education, Allison continues to advocate for transformative learning that challenges the status quo and offers new opportunities for connection and growth. She believes in the power of storytelling, the importance of cultural responsiveness, and the need for ongoing reflection and action to create a more just and inclusive world.
Allison is currently working on completing her memoir, engaging in various curatorial projects, and available for speaking engagements, workshops, and educational consulting.
Allison is a writer whose work explores identity, grief, place, and transformation. She is currently writing a multi-genre memoir that intertwines her personal experiences with the life of Hazel Hawthorne Werner, a 20th-century author whose work was overlooked for generations. As part of her ongoing research, Allison is committed to preserving and sharing Werner's literary legacy. Through a combination of historical fiction and memoir, Allison’s writing is grounded in place, deeply personal, and always reflective of her commitment to social justice and storytelling as a means of understanding our shared human experience.
WRITER
As the curator of the Hazel Hawthorne Werner Archive, Allison's work goes beyond simple preservation. She is passionate about bringing overlooked voices to the forefront, and this archive is a prime example of her commitment to archival storytelling.
CURATOR
Through a collaboration with student interns, Allison transcribed and republished Werner's The Salt House, making the work accessible to a new generation of readers. In addition to curating the archive, she facilitates hands-on learning opportunities that allow students to engage directly with historical materials, gaining invaluable skills in research, transcription, and interpretation. Her approach to curating is rooted in community-building and experiential learning, ensuring that those who interact with the archive become active participants in its ongoing story.
FACILITATOR
It Allison is an educator and facilitator who excels in creating spaces where people can connect, learn, and grow. She has facilitated workshops on diversity, equity, and inclusion, led faculty development sessions, and worked closely with students to develop their writing and critical thinking skills. As a speaker, she brings a depth of experience in leading conversations about identity, culture, and community, always with an emphasis on reflection, empathy, and inclusion. She is passionate about using literature and writing to help individuals understand themselves and the world around them, encouraging them to think critically about the role they play in their own communities. Whether leading professional development or speaking at conferences, Allison’s work is always centered on creating an environment of trust, respect, and belonging.