A native of St. Louis, Missouri, I lived for five years on the East Coast and twelve years on the West Coast prior to caravanning back to the Heartland with my partner in 2022.
Both my parents died by the time I was 25, and for many years my primary focus in life was engaging with psychological and spiritual healing practices to heal my complicated grief and find the “missing pieces” buried by developmental trauma. I have come to believe that we find our way much more capably through loss and transitions in communal spaces, and I am passionate about offering support and space for others as a way to help others navigate challenging life transitions with awareness and grace.
As an expressive and creative writing facilitator, I offer readings, guided meditations, and gentle movement practices alongside writing prompts to help participants “drop in” to their deeper selves and resurface with greater self-compassion, clarity, and wisdom. I hold a bachelor’s degree in English from Yale University and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Pacific University of Oregon. I’ve taught creative and expressive writing to children, teens, and adults, and volunteered at Annie’s Hope: The Center for Grieving Kids.
In my day job, I work as a writer/editor for clients in the fields of psychology, integrative health, and spirituality. I enjoy swimming and practicing qigong, being in nature, listening to music, and spending time with my wonderful spouse, family, and friends of all ages.
I can be reached by email at: contact [at] jennruss.com
December 4, 2023
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