Birch Dwyer, PPM

Birch believes that magic is afoot when people write together.  She delights in creating a space in which people feel safe enough to explore the wild edges of their writing, give voice to their truth, and be nourished by the gifts of a supportive community.  She hopes that after taking part in a circle, you feel more connected to yourself and to others, empowered, and alive. 

In Portland, Birch facilitates weekly circles through Portland Women Writers and for Jean’s Place, a transitional housing residence for women whose lives are affected by houselessness.  Several of Birch’s circles take place on Zoom, which make them accessible to writers outside of the Portland area.   

She has led expressive arts circles in a variety of settings since 2002, including those for women whose lives are affected by life threatening illnesses, addiction, eating disorders, and houselessness.   In Oregon, she has led circles at The University of Oregon, The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Open School, and The Center for Earth Regenerative Studies.  Before moving to Portland, she led the writing and art groups for UCSF Medical Center’s Art for Recovery Program.    

Prior to receiving her certification from IPM, Birch earned an MFA in fiction from Saint Mary’s College and a BA in design from Stanford University.  Her poetry has been published in VoiceCatcher, The Clackamas Literary Review, and Windfall. 

You can reach Birch at ebircht@hotmail.com