Teaching Artists:
Born and raised in Chicago, avery r. young is a writer,
teaching artist and performer. avery has traveled throughout the world
amazing audiences with his performance style of "sunday mornin
jook-joint". His "urban hymns" have been captured on
television, movies, cd's and in anthologies.
avery is a columnist for "Say What Magazine" and serves as
Male Initiative Director for POW-WOW Chicago, avery's involvement in
youth and community organization speaks not only of a man dedicated
to craft, but also the work of a warrior in the struggle.
Rebecca Fox
Rebecca Fox is an actor, comedy writer, and educator originally from Greensboro, NC and currently residing in Chicago. As a member of comedy trio Triplette, she collaboratively wrote, produced, and performed shows all over the US at colleges and at some of the country's most reputable comedy institutions, including The Second City, The Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, and iO Chicago. Other writer/performer credits include Redmoon Theatre, Hermit Arts, sketch group Local 386, and the Danztheatre workshop. Rebecca has appeared in videos, commercials, and short and feature films of varying notability.
Among other places, Rebecca has taught at Freestreet Programs and is a teaching Artist in Residence at Telpochcalli Elementary School. She is a graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts and Northwestern University.
Our Staff
Ryan Keesling, Executive Director
Ryan Keesling has served as the primary literacy educator and Director of Free Write for nearly eight years. He received a Masters degree in Education from Northwestern University in 2004. When he's not teaching literacy and music production to boys in CCJTDC, Ryan loves to make music of his own, play capoiera, and to produce weekly radio shows for WNUR 89.3 Fm,Destroyer.net, Dubstep.Fm, and DnBRadio.com.
Amanda Klonsky, Girls Program Director
Amanda Klonsky teaches daily writing workshops to girls in detention. She began her work with Free Write Jail Arts and Literacy Program in 2005, and feels it is the most satisfying and rewarding work she has ever done. Amanda writes poetry and non-fiction essays, and is active in Chicago's vibrant poetry community.
Prior to teaching, Amanda lived in South Africa and worked for the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation as a writer. There, she also volunteered at the Institute for the Healing of Memories. I n South Africa, Amanda learned about the healing power of story telling for survivors of trauma and violence. Amanda has also worked as a journalist, a community organizer, a documentary maker and waitress. She attended University of Wisconsin and studied African American History and Documentary Studies.
