Quintessential Listening: Poetry Online Radio Presents Diana Benskin

Ellen Thea is an award winning performance poet, drummer, dancer, and holistic counselor, utilizing tarot, astrology, crystals and energy work. Her life’s journey has taken her from New York City to South Florida to rural Alaska. She has been writing and performing almost her entire life, learning to write and starting dance at age 4 with her first audition (on Broadway) at age 5, writing, directing and performing original sketches by third grade. Growing up in the cultural wonderland of NYC in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, Ellen decided to use words and movement as both her paintbrush and medium. Ellen received a bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Psychology with an (almost) minor degree in theatre from Union College, Schenectady, NY in 1978. Her master’s degree is from Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida 1996 in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in medical family therapy. After college, Ellen moved to South Florida where she had her three children (now adults). After suffering a head injury from a vicious mugging, she heeded the counsel of a Cherokee medicine woman, who sent her to Alaska for a healing walk in 2004. She’s made her home in rural Alaska ever since. Her awards: Bitterroot Poetry Magazine Award 1986, the Douglas Freels Poetry Award 2002, the Dancing Poetry Competition 2013, and the Poetry Matters Award 2014. Her book, “On My Way To The Apocalypse” (a non-linear 55 page prose poem) was published by Dingaroo Press in 2012 (That same year Ellen became a grandmother). She’s created and performed her original works (full shows and as a featured artist) in Florida, Ohio, New York, Michigan, and Alaska. Her work (both writing and esoteric) has been featured on various radio programs. She’s also been a news reader and d.j. on the local radio station in Alaska. Ellen has also created a number of specialized curriculums and workshops for children through adult learners.