Meet Our Counselors

We have put together an incredible group of counselors that will give creative writing worskhops from all different perspectives at this year's Creative Writing Conference. Not only will they spark your creativity and show you new techniques on how to express your inner thoughts, but they will show you how to make writing fun! Check out their biographies below to learn more about them.

Heidi Curtis

After five years of University and two years of work, Heidi had no idea what to pack in her allocated two pieces of luggage. She was about to set off on an epic journey to the other side of the world where she would meet new friends and co-workers, be adopted into a new family, and visit a place she could only find on a map. She wasn’t quite sure what she was into, but one thing was for certain- there was no turning back. After two years of training that involved napping on furgons, photographing tons of plants and baby animals, and teaching local kids, she was just about ready for the next step. A new journey awaits.

Heidi is a second year PCV living in Kucove, Albania. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Parkside in 2010 with a BA in English and Political Science. She enjoys reading, traveling, photography, and cats (among other things).

Makena Doherty grew up in Florida, swimming, riding bikes, reading, laughing, camping, kayaking, star-gazing, and avoiding baths. As she got older (and cleaner), she began traveling, making friends from all over the world, and (therefore) learning more about the world and what is important to her- like family, world peace, and sunshine. She joined Peace Corps for the challenge, the adventure, and the time to think about her future. In Albania, her colleagues in Orikum know her as the American from Dukati because she speaks Albanian like a villager. She works as an English teacher in the high school and 9-year school in Orikum and also loves helping the Bashkia with their youth development projects. Her hobbies include cooking, writing bad poetry, reading, riding her bike, giving English courses, studying Albanian, and exploring the seaside and mountains of Vlora.

Makena Doherty

Hi, I am Martin Feess, PhD. I live in beautiful Tirana. I’m from Arizona, where I taught history and mathematics. I have written two books. I like to play tennis, explore, and read.

In a blender, combine equal parts Chess, Pink Floyd, Flute, Don Quixote, Cycling, Guitar, Failure, Plato, American Beauty, The Elder Scrolls, Tool, Soccer, Tattoos, Traveler, Hum, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, Dungeons & Dragons, Dostoevsky, Percussion, Apocalypse Now, Black Market Flowers, Lord of the Flies, and Greco-Roman History. Blend on medium-high until well done.Makes one, although ingredients listed may not be accurate for a full serving, and listed ingredients may leave cook feeling unsatisfied that they haven't captured the full essence of Ian Fornshell; recipe subject to capriciousness.

Heather Hilt is a current Peace Corps Volunteer serving as a Community and Organizational Development Facilitator in Corovode, Skrapar, Albania.

Originally from San Francisco, California; she now claims Milwaukee, Wisconsin as her home, which means she loves cheese. In Albania, you can normally find her in the mountains, or on the beach, or anywhere in between. She loves to travel, and has been to 39 countries. Throughout her travels she writes in her travel blog under the pen name, The Lone Blonde. Someday she will write a book, but she is still searching for the ideal location for inspiration.

Ian Fornshell

Heather Hilt

Marty Feess

Jamielle Lamson-Buscho, aka Jamie, born in Mankato, Minnesota; raised in Senfeld, Germany; and currently living in the beautiful town of Leskovik, Albania. One of her favorite quotes of all times is "Education is essential to change, for education creates both new wants and the ability to satisfy them," by Henry Steele Commager. Needless to say she is a education volunteer. She loves travelling, anything with sugar in it, any sport that involves being pulled behind a boat on a lake, crafting, cooking for other people, snow (in moderation), and making a fool out of herself in front of large groups of students.

Jamie Lamson

Ivy Olsen

I was born in california, but grew up all over for america, until college when I headed back home to sunny California! I studied philosophy in college. My hobbies include, reading, listening to audiobooks, swimming, sunbathing (I do live in Ksamil!), daydreamining, arts, crafts, baking and good naps!

Mark is 26 years old and lives in Rubik. He graduated from college with a degree in Psychology and Theater. He's married to five people and has 15 kids; all of them are 6 years old. He once fought off a bear with a scarf and a pencil. He's excited to do Write-on for the first time.

Mark Smedburg

Conner Gary

Connor Gary grew up on the East Coast of the United States and went to Northwest Missouri State University for Applied Advertising and Interactive Digital Media. For the past two years, he has served as a COD volunteer in Gjirokaster and is now preparing to return to the States in pursuit of his masters. Connor enjoys reading, eating, exercising, and avoiding open water.

My name is Geena Torti and I hail from the great state of Texas. I currently live in Fier, making me half Fierake-half Koplikse. My main role is teaching English and I've been all over the country working with Albanian youth in different cities. The students I've been fortunate enough to work with have shown me just how hard-working and intelligent they are and I expect no less from the amazing students involved in Write On. I've always loved writing, especially creative writing, and am excited to see what crazy and imaginative things we come up with at this year's writing conference.