Upcoming CHATS speakers:

Dr. Phyllis Blackstone

Bio: Dr. Phyllis A. Blackstone, storyteller extraordinaire, is a retired educator and professor who used storytelling as her preferred teaching tool from first graders to graduate students. In retirement she tells stories of wisdom and truth, including folktales, personal stories, and creative narratives. Her audiences include children, families, adults, and senior citizens in venues from classrooms to retirement homes. MY STORIED LIFE is an eclectic collection of real and imagined stories that will tickle the funny bone and bring a tear to the eye. Dr. Blackstone currently resides in Brunswick, Maine. More information is available at blackstonestoryteller.com.

Dr. Shannon Jackson

Bio: Dr. Shannon Jackson is a licensed clinical psychologist whose career centers on fostering inclusive, student‑centered mental‑health care in higher education. Appointed Director of Counseling Services at Bowdoin College in October 2023, Dr. Jackson leads a multidisciplinary team providing short‑term therapy, crisis intervention, outreach programming, and culturally informed support for Bowdoin’s student community. Jackson has connected with students in other aspects of college campus life, including helping to establish an Active Minds chapter during his time at the University of New Haven and serving on the LGBTQ+ advisory committee at Central Connecticut State University.

Stevie Trevino

Bio: Stevie Trevino is a typewriter poet. She has been writing poems for strangers on the street since 2012. Her live typewriter poetry is a co-creative experience in which she crafts unique typewritten poems in the moment, based on requested topics.

Valerie Upham

Bio: Valerie brings the art of concept presentation to the audience in the form of quick “commercial breaks” between each guest speaker. She’ll share her experience in the concept development and advertising industry. See how to deliver your message to your market in these focused, brief skits.