Ana is a gifted mentor. She creates an atmosphere of mutual acceptance that encourages her students to share intimate memories and emotions without fear- and only a little trembling. Her guidance is always given with loving kindness and a concern that each individual develop their unique voice. I leave each session feeling that I have gained new insights into my own experience- and with great respect and affection for my fellow students.
Bill Olson, Salem, OR
Ana Callan's ability to integrate language and divine essence is a revelation. It has been my deep privilege over several years to study and reflect on the sacred nature of life through Ana's literary tutelage. Never have I known a more gentle-hearted teacher whose wisdom radiates unimpeded from her smile, from her words and from her craft. She ably steers her students into the ocean of their own experience, sets them adrift to find the strongest currents, ever mindful of their course and safety. Under Ana's guidance I have plumbed the depths of my life for treasures I never would have found if it were not for her breathing the love of true mentor into my pen and into my heart. Ana Callan is a blessing on two feet, an everyday mystic, a poet for the ages. Seek her out!
Amrita Brummel-Smith
"Unlike any poetry class I've ever taken, Ana's concern has been not only with developing the craft of poetry, but also with developing the heart and humanity of the person writing it. Her gentle urging has been reminiscent of the Sufi mystic Hafiz when he wrote, 'You are a divine elephant with amnesia/Trying to live in an anthole.' She has an uncanny ability to know exactly what to provide and when, and the impossible generosity of actually providing it."
Cindi Stewart-Rinier, Mystic Poetry student
"Ana is a teacher unusually gifted at getting beneath the surface of things. In her workshops, I begin by scribbling "any old thing" during time set aside for writing and am amazed to discover-with her help-a wealth of possibility and meaning in what I've written. I invariably walk away just a little bit transformed."
Martha Ragland, Spiritual Memoir Student
Ana has an uncanny sense of how to draw each of us toward one another and deeper into our work. She asks us not only to write lucidly but also with heart and with sometimes painful honesty. Ana is not satisfied with technical proficiency or glibness; she gently pushes us to go deeper and to find the emotional center of the work. It is sometimes uncomfortable, but it is always meaningful.
Wendy Radmacher-Willis
The key to Ana Callan's successful teaching approach lies in her ability to create a high degree of safety for her students. At the same time, she never sacrifices the penetrating critique necessary for learning. In our small group, our creativity continues to take surprising turns in the atmosphere she creates. We are writing poetry, memoir and fiction, and are free to explore new genres under her gentle guidance. Ana respects our work and helps us improve it. This I believe is the ultimate gift of a gifted teacher.
Sally Petersen
Keeping company with Ana is a journey into the soul. Lovingly, we clarify and burnish our poet's voices. Now, after three years under her tutelage, writing has become my child and my mother. Ana is the best.
Susanne Stanford
