About Dr. Liz
I love helping people find and use their voices. I love pushing back against the status quo. I love dismantling interlocking systems of oppression. I love telling untellable stories and guiding others to do the same. I love empowering people to break silences. I love connecting through stories. I love helping people heal.
I earned a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Humanities & Culture) from Union Institute & University (certificates in Women’s and Gender Studies/Creative Writing), an MA in English from the City University of NY (College of Staten Island), and a BA in Theatre/Speech from Wagner College. As an interdisciplinary scholar-artist-activist I’m committed to changing systems and helping people navigate trauma through creative processes. I believe that stories are powerful change agents and when we can write them and share them we connect and heal.
I use storytelling, performance, and narrative techniques to invite others to create space for empathy and begin healing individual and collective trauma connected to race, gender, sexuality, disability, ethnicity, and other intersections of identity that are misunderstood or misrepresented in dominant culture. This stems directly from my lived experience as an adoptee, survivor of gender based violence, and advocate for change by speaking truth to power using my own story.
I am a proud member of Actor's Equity, SAG-AFTRA, Affiliate Faculty at the Institute for Research on Women and Gender and part of the Diversity Scholars Network at the National Center for Institutional Diversity at the University of Michigan.
Testimonials
“Liz has found her purpose and lives her truth. She has made it her life's mission to share her personal adoption journey to help and support others on a similar path. I am inspired by her every day.”
— Genevieve Piturro, Author, Speaker & Founder of Pajama Program
“Liz is a shooting star who serves as a beacon of light, love, and guidance to all of those she’s touched. Her work has just begun, and hers is a crucial voice in the social justice narrative. I can’t wait to see how much good Dr. D will do in this world!”
— Dr. Vanessa Stretch, Author
“If one yearns to do the hard work of healing through stories and soul-sharing, Dr. D is a light to help you through the darkness. Be ready to examine your story from all perspectives in a safe, caring, and empowering environment.”
— Dr. Elizabeth Hommowun
“Dr. D is an inspiration to so many. She touches our lives in so many ways. She gives her time to those who need the push to do better and is part of their success. She listens without judgment which is great feature to have and is so rare in today's world.”
— Judy Pieper-Young
“Liz (through her workshop) enabled me to see myself from the outside in, and see those hidden feelings about my birth mom.”
— Rebecca T. (Expressing the Primal Wound: Poetry for Healing)
"Liz! Thank you so much for your presentation. I think it was just what the "Dr>' ordered ;). Your expertise and the magical way you can make a whole room feel safe is so incredible!"