Katie Turner
California Program Director
Katie Turner received her BA in English at the University of Vermont, her MA in Arts Education from the Gallatin School of Independent Study at New York University, and her California Secondary Credential in 6-12 English at the University of San Diego. She began her professional life as a teaching artist in the New York City and Austin public school systems before a 15-year career teaching AP Literature and creative writing in a San Diego high school. In 2019 she added Southern California to the growing regions served by Poetic Justice. As Program Director, Katie develops new curriculum and collaborative opportunities, writes grants, and oversees programming for a team of 11 gender-responsive and trauma-informed facilitators at Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility, California Institution for Women, the Central California Women’s Facility, East Mesa Detention and Reentry Facility, and the Youth Transition Center.