HI, I’M SHANTI
I help people know themselves and write their stories so that they can grow and make their unique impact on the world.
here’s my story
I grew up in a small town in the central valley of California, lots of farms, standard strip malls, and uninspiring public schools. After college at UC Berkeley and law school at Stanford, I knew I wanted to help people and make an impact in the world.
For many years I was a criminal defense attorney on the appellate level. The personal cost of facing so much injustice wore on me and I needed a change.
I began to write my memoir. I re-examined my life, made new connections, and saw patterns.
Writing allowed me to know myself, heal myself, and grow into the person I’ve always wanted to be.
Through my workshops, I can help you do this too.
Fun Facts About Me
I’m a mother…
I am a mother of three kids. I struggled with the daily grind of mothering young ones and the emotional toll of the teenage years. Now two of the three have graduated from college, one is in high school, and they are all nice people; I must have done something right.
a wannabe bartender…
I love cocktails. From the perfect whiskey sour to my own recipe for a peach sangria, I get a thrill out of mixing it all up for friends and settling in to talk and enjoy.
A Native Woman…
And a music lover.
I am an enrolled member of the Muskogee (Creek) Nation and still make visits to my family’s allotted land (we call “the Homeplace”) near Olkmulgee, Oklahoma.
I love going to live concerts. Country with my kids, 80s stars with friends, and EDM with my husband. I aspire to be a groupie of Fleetwood Macramé.
I am foremost a storyteller. For over ten years I represented people convicted of crimes as their advocate and attorney, sharing their stories with judges and other legal leaders.
I wrote a memoir (Almost Innocent: From searching to saved in America's criminal justice system (Amplify, 2021)) about our shared stories of navigating and surviving the tragic and messy criminal justice system, and about being a woman, mom, and partner through all of it. It was named one of the “Best Memoirs of the Year” by Kirkus Review.
I co-founded Fogbreak Justice, a national organization that collaborates with and educates leaders and change-makers on fairness, trust, and building strong communities.
As a professor, teacher, facilitator, and expert on experiential learning for adults, I have taught thousands of people complex skills like reducing bias, managing hard conversations, becoming anti-racist, and writing for personal and social change.
The benefits of working with me
1
I have experience.
I have taught hundreds of people about writing for personal growth and writing their own captivating stories. I have facilitated workshops for thousands of people about becoming better humans and better community members.
2
I know what it's like.
I was a disillusioned lawyer, stuck in my past and overwhelmed with the problems in our world. On top of that, I wanted to raise kind, thoughtful kids and be a good partner and friend. I used writing and reflection to slow down and become more present, more patient, and more positive.
3
I believe in stories and I'm a storyteller.
I taught myself how to write a memoir--using the technique I now teach--that became a "Best Indie Book of 2021." I also published short stories and articles in local and national publications.
4
The people are awesome.
I bring together thoughtful, interesting, and creative people. All of my workshops create inspiring micro-communities of people who want to grow and create.
