Education:
The Union Institute, Ph.D., 2000 Social Work
Certified Social Worker, New York State l988
Yeshiva University, M.S.W., 1988 Major: Group Work and Group Therapy
New York University, M.A., l976 Educational Theater/Arts Therapies
Emerson College, B.A. with Honors, l972
Registered Poetry Therapist, l990 from National Association for Poetry Therapy, Certification in 1976
Registered Drama Therapist, l986 from National Association for Drama Therapy
Work Experience:
2002- 2006 Union Institute & University/Vermont College. Field Faculty for Vermont College students.
1995 - Present The Creative “Righting” Center, New York, Director. Two year training program for helping professionals working toward credentials in poetry therapy. Mentoring, supervision, and educational workshops.
9/87 - Present Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, New York, Lecturer and Workshop Leader of Family Life Education Workshops.
9/87 - Present Touro College, New York,Assistant Professor. Teaching courses in Human Services , Psychology and Interpersonal Communication
1981 - Present Hofstra University, Long Island. Adjunct Faculty in the Dept. of Counseling, Psychology, Research and Education & Creative Arts Therapy.
11/89 - 2/99 Bushwick Day Treatment Center of Kingsboro Psychiatric Hospital, Social Worker II. Conducting individual casework and group therapy.
1984 - l986 Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst, Bklyn. Director of Senior Center, and Program Director for Young Singles.
1978 - 1983 New School for Social Research, N.Y. Instructor of “Poetry Therapy: Toward Self-Knowledge.”
1972-1976 New York City Department of the Aged, Division of Senior Centers. Recreation Director. Conducted groups in drama, creative writing, sociodrama. Edited award-winning newsletter.
Public Service:
2007 Recipient of Morris Morrison Education Award-For teaching poetry therapy and making poetry therapy available to marginal populations
2005 Recipient of Art Lerner Pioneer Award -Lifeime Visionary of Professional Standards in the field of Poetry Therapy
2002 Recipient of Distinguished Service Award from NAPT.
2000-Present Editorial Board Member, Journal of Poetry Therapy
1993-2004 President, National Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy.
1998-Present Administrator, The Weisberger Funds: Projects for Persons Who Suffer from Mental Illness, Life-Threatening Illness, and Dementia
1993-1995 President, National Association for Poetry Therapy.
1978-1981 Coordinator of Annual National Poetry Therapy Conferences.
1982 Recipient of Outstanding Leadership Award from NAPT.
Publications and Interviews:
"Coping with Grief and Loss." The Healing Fountain; Poetry Therapy for Life’s Journey. Eds., G.G. Chavis & L.L. Weisberger. St. Cloud MN., North Star Press of St.Cloud, Inc., 2003, pp. 110-146.
“An Interview with Poetry Therapist Sherry Reiter.” Fox Cable TV, March 7, 1997.
“Poetry Therapy: An Interview with Sherry Reiter,” Philomel, Spring, 1997, Volume 31, pp.26-31.
“Testimony for Capitol Hill: The Healing Power of Poetry Therapy,” published by The National Association for Poetry Therapy, 1995.
“Enhancing the Quality of Life for the Frail Elderly: Rx: The Poetic Prescription.” Journal of Long-Term Home Health Care, 13 (2), New York: Pride Institute.
Twice Chai, co-authored with Marcia Hain, New York City, The Coordinating Council of Bikur Cholim, 1991.
“Early Sixties.” Lerner, A. & Mahlendorf, U.R. (Eds.). Life Guidance Through Literature. Chicago, IL: American Library Association, 1991.
“The Wizard of Oz in the Land of Id,” in the Poetry Therapy Journal, Volume 3, Spring 1988.
“The Uses of Poetry in Drama Therapy,” co-authored with Dr. Jack Leedy, in Drama in Therapy for Adults, eds. Schattner, Gertrud, and Courtney, Richard, Drama Book Specialists, 1981.
Editor, Getting Your Foot in the Door, Volumes I and II, New York City Board of Education. Exercises for adolescents to develop skills of communication, values and decision-making, 1980 and 1981.
Note: Articles that are listed may be viewed at www.thecreativerightingcenter.com
