Monique Avakian is a high-energy, nature-based teacher, writer, poet and musician.

 

TEACHER:

 (MS in Literacy Education, BA in Elementary Ed.; Certified in NY, MA and soon, CT)

 

As a Literacy Specialist, Monique works with struggling readers and writers ages 6 - adult. She also creates enrichment programs for youth and professional development workshops for adults. She specializes in multiple intelligences, creativity, critical thinking and writing. She is employed by Trailblazers Academy Middle School in Stamford, CT and runs her own tutoring and consulting business in Westchester County, NY. Monique also co-teaches the Westchester-based adult writing group From Page To Performance™ with Golda Solomon.

 

WRITER:

Monique is the published author of several historical reference books for middle and high school students. She has earned honors and awards for her non-fiction and poetry, including Library Journal's Best Reference Source List/Print, the Carter G. Woodson Honor Book Award, the Richard A. Seffron Memorial Poetry Prize, New York Public Library's Recommended "Books for the Teen Age," and the Colorado Springs Junior League Creative Writing Award, First Place, Poetry; Third Place, Fiction.. She’s also published several magazine articles.

 

POET:

Monique performs her “off-the-hook” poetry in NYC and Westchester as a solo performer and with the poetry/jazz music program, Po’ Jazz. She is also a veteran performer in the annual festival known as Mamapalooza. Her spoken word CDs, Devil’s Knot and As Yet Untitled, are available via email. She’s been published in several journals.

 

MUSICIAN:

Monique plays drum kit, vibes and keyboard. She plays drums with two Westchester-based bands: the Blues Mothers and the Rock ‘N Soul Revue. She’s currently looking for a jazz group (old school) where she can play drums and/or vibes.