Our Leadership Team

Founder, Executive Director & Writing Teacher

Elizabeth Perlman (she/her)

Elizabeth created this organization because it was what she wanted and needed when she was a teen: a safe place to write, speak and be heard. Even after twelve years of leading workshops and developing curricula, Elizabeth continues to be inspired (and often moved to tears) by the wisdom, depth and raw, world-changing courage of young writers.

Elizabeth has a BA in Media Arts and a Masters in Transformative Arts, the study of creative expression for healing, connection, and growth. She is also a certified Group Leader in The Amherst Writing Method. Before launching TIWP in 2013, Elizabeth worked for over a decade as a graphic designer and art director in the advertising industry.

Elizabeth lives in Greenville, SC, where she loves to run in the woods, roller skate on the SRT, and work on her upcoming book about the magic of intuitive writing. You can read more about her here, read her writing here, and learn about her approach to story coaching, here.

You can email her at elizabeth@intuitivewritingproject.org.

Senior Writing Teacher

Gretchen Cion (she/her)

Gretchen is a writer and an educator who has been bringing the magic of creative writing to students for over twenty years. She has taught as a classroom teacher, literacy specialist and writer in residence, working with both children and adults. She is grateful for the way in which her students inspire and inform her own writing.

She holds a B.A. from Washington University and an M.A. in Education from Hunter College in NYC. While in NY, she was involved with Columbia University’s Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. Thanks to her profession as an educator, she has written countless stories to help teach the craft of writing. Gretchen is currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Nonfiction at San Francisco State University.

When she is not writing, she can be found compiling the perfect mixes for her rise-and-shine dance parties or practicing her Italian as she stretches toward becoming a polyglot. Gretchen lives in Berkeley with her artist husband and their two wildly cool boys.

You can email her at gretchen@intuitivewritingproject.org.

Director of After-School Programs & Teacher

Elana Joy (she/her)

Elana's favorite way to capture a moment is by telling its story, and she is passionate about supporting others in this practice. Elana has a BA in English from Arizona State University, where she interned as a creative writing instructor (remotely) with incarcerated students in solitary confinement. She also continues to work as a writing coach at Berkeley City College.

Elana is currently leading our grade school after-school enrichment program, where she teaches creative writing to all our up-and-coming writers, grades third through fifth. Regardless of age, gender or background, Elana is committed to supporting all her fellow storytellers in the creative process of writing things down.

Elana lives in Berkeley where she's working on her first book. When she's not writing, she loves to hike with her dog and take her on excursions across the US in their van.

You can email her at elana@intuitivewritingproject.org

Melissa Quiter (she/her)

Writing Teacher

Melissa has been part of the TIWP since 2016. She taught high school Journalism and World History at Miramonte for 10 years, bringing their student newspaper to national prestige, and is now a History teacher at Monterra Middle School.

She holds a BA in Journalism from Boston University and a secondary teaching credential from San Francisco State University. Earlier in her career, she worked as a journalist at the Sunday Times in London, an international trip leader for high school students, and a rock climbing instructor.

Melissa is a proud Oakland resident, where she lives with her husband and 3 kids. She is an avid snowboarder and an accidental ski mom.

You can email her here.

Jake Sawyer (he/him)

Writing Teacher

Jake is passionate about helping young people discover their voice and believes that everyone is a writer. He earned his BA in Media & Society and English from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he was a division one student-athlete. He has been studying various forms of writing since 2014 and currently works as the Marketing Director for a data science company. He also works with kids of all ages as a lacrosse coach, TIWP writing instructor, and ‘hype man.’ Regardless of who they are or where they come from, Jake is dedicated to providing support for all our young writers.

Jake lives in Denver, CO with his wife, Lillian, and his dog, Bucket. When he’s doing his own thing, you can find him playing sports, enjoying the outdoors, making music with his friends, and cooking up a feast.

You email him here.

Kade Sawyer (they/them)

Writing Teacher

Kade is a Baltimore-based creative, originally hailing from Denver, Colorado. Kade is a firm believer in the fundamental power of writing to express, to unite, to change, and to heal. As the newest addition to the Intuitive Writing Project team, they are excited to pilot queer-specific programs for teens.

Kade holds a BA in Anthropology from Tulane University, where they studied writing, storytelling, visual art, and craftsmanship. Since graduating in 2022, Kade has worked in various museums and non-profits, seeking to tell new stories and provide a platform for others to do the same.

Kade recently relocated to Baltimore, where they are building community, pursuing new independent projects, and enjoying life by the water.

You email them here.

Crystal Williams (she/her)

Bookkeeper Extraordinaire

Crystal is a QuickBooks ProAdvisor with over 20 years of experience in the small business bookkeeping and accounting industry. She is the founder and owner of CW Bookkeeping, a full-service firm that provides a wide range of services to businesses within multiple industries. Before starting her own company, she worked as a senior accountant and controller. She is passionate about helping businesses succeed and feels a special affinity for The Intuitive Writing Project, as she herself is also a writer, currently working on her first documentary film. In her spare time, Crystal enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and playing golf.

Our Youth Advisory Team

Kayli Harley (she/her)

Youth Advisor

Northeastern University, majoring in Communication Studies

TIWP Writer: 10th - 12th grade

Writing matters because words are the fabric of our world; they make us feel understood and have the power to ignite our passions. For me, The Intuitive Writing Project is a safe space for young individuals to write and create without reserve, a place to discover one’s authentic voice and speak it confidently.

Caroline Hesby (she/her)

Youth Advisor

The University of Washington, majoring in English and creative-writing with a minor in business

TIWP Writer: 10th - 12th grade

Writing matters because it is both the medium by which important voices can be heard by the world, as well as a restorative practice. For me, The Intuitive Writing Project is the place where young women can create, lead, and inspire—while growing into their most confident, unapologetic and truest self.

Reagan Kaelle (she/her)

Youth Advisor

The University of Michigan, majoring in Political Science and Economics

TIWP Writer: 6th - 12th grade

Writing matters because it immortalizes extraordinary thoughts. For me, The Intuitive Writing Project is where I forged my voice and discovered the power of self-assurance.

Audrey Lambert (she/her)

Youth Advisor

Reed College, majoring in English with a Creative Writing emphasis

TIWP Writer: 6th - 12th grade

Writing matters because it allows for self-reflection, self-discovery and self-expression. For me, The Intuitive Writing Project is the place I go to for nonjudgmental and unfiltered female community.

Julia Lima (she/her)

Youth Advisor

Pre-law student at the University of Southern California, majoring in law, history, and culture, with a minor in social justice

TIWP Writer: 9th - 12th grade

Writing matters because it’s the single-best thing a young person can do to learn and understand themselves throughout their developing years. For me, The Intuitive Writing Project opens space for healing, learning, vulnerability, self-love, creativity, and magic.

Maxine Pollock (she/her)

Youth Advisor

Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Reims &
UC Berkeley, majoring in politics and government with a minor in legal studies

TIWP Writer: 6th - 12th grade

Writing matters because it allows us to express our innate wisdom and creativity and provides a platform to share the stories the world needs to hear! For me, the Intuitive Writing Project is a magical initiative where young people are celebrated for who they are, supported in and out of class, and ultimately learn to find their voice.

Our Board of Directors

Board Chair

Praveen Singh (she/her)

Chief Marketing Officer
at TYT Network

Writing matters because it fuels creativity and imagination. For me, The Intuitive Writing Project is a program that creates a safe and joyful space for girls to build confidence through encouragement and positive feedback.

Secretary of the Board

Janet Moga (she/her)

Director of Digital Health
at Sage Therapeutics

Writing matters because it is a powerful form of communication that allows you to express yourself in your own unique way. For me, The Intuitive Writing Project is a place for girls to find their voice through writing and to build self-confidence in a safe, trusted environment surrounded by positivity and support.

Treasurer of the Board

Jodi Kaelle (she/her)

Co Founder & Managing Partner
at MontaRosa

Writing matters because when you thoughtfully curate your words, there is no other art form that feels more concrete to share an inspiration, idea, plan or strategy. For me, The Intuitive Writing Project is a courage builder, a creativity feeder and a self-therapy all wrapped into one complete package that makes you feel more open to the world around you.