[marciarutan]

Hi, I’m excited to be in the certification program with you. My project is beginning PONGO at Ryther Child Center which is across the street from where my husband and I live.  Normally a residential program for young people out of other options, the cottages are currently closed – partly due to covid but substantially due to inadequate funding from the Washington State legislature. However, there are some day programs including counseling, ropes course, a summer camp and more so I’m hoping to begin small and then, when the cottages reopen, expand.  An experienced PONGO mentor is on staff at Ryther and she is also interested in bringing this opportunity to the youth. I’m happy to find a partner!  https://www.ryther.org/

I’m new to PONGO but have some experience as a poet and as a facilitator for poetry as medicine with adults. My degree was in art education (centuries ago) and my career in local government involved informal training with adults as well as some work with youth starting the Washington Green Schools program (now re-named EarthGen).  Now retired, I’m writing quite a bit more and eager to offer the benefits of poetry to youth and adults, so PONGO is a perfect fit!