About Us

Pacifica Writers' Workshop LLC provides creative writing opportunities for youth and adults through classes, workshops, camps, and tutoring. We believe that each person has the capacity for creativity and imagination. It is our great honor to have fun with them in this process.

The goal of every program we offer is to have each student generate a new piece of creative work. This could be a poem, comic book, story, movie, or even a standup comedy routine. We do this by first learning about a subject through readings, lessons, and guided discussions. We immerse students further into the material through games and other activities. Then we let the imaginations of our students take over as they put their ideas on the page while instructors and other students offer feedback and encouragement on the way. The end result is a greater depth of knowledge on a subject and a sense of accomplishment upon completing an exciting task!

Our classes meet in a variety of schools and community centers. Please check our registration page to see if we are offering a program near you. We can't wait to hear your ideas!

Our Team

Benjamin Schmitt, Co-Founder and Executive Director

Benjamin Schmitt is the author of four books. His poems have appeared in Sojourners, Antioch Review, The Good Men Project, Hobart, Columbia Review, Spillway, and elsewhere. You can read his scary stories for kids in the Amazon Rapids app. He has taught writing in schools, retirement communities, and community centers across the Seattle area. Mr. Schmitt has also written articles for The Seattle Times and At The Inkwell. To read selections of his work please visit benjaminschmittpoetry.com.

Thomasina Schmitt, Co-Founder

Thomasina Schmitt is a passionate arts advocate and has worked in arts management for nearly 20 years. Mrs. Schmitt worked for the Grammy winning Seattle Symphony as the Education and Community Engagement Manager. During that time, she managed the Symphony’s annual Arts in Education concert program series which involved nearly 12,000 fifth grade students in almost 20 school districts. Mrs. Schmitt holds an MA in Arts Administration & Cultural Policy from Goldsmiths College, University of London.

Brooke Lambert, Instructor

Brooke Lambert is a musician pursuing a degree in jazz performance at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music. Brooke is a National YoungArts winner, and is a five time DownBeat Magazine Student Music Awards winner in Vocal Jazz. She's a passionate advocate for women in jazz, and proud to be a part of Seattle JazzEd, home of the #JazzGirl movement. Brooke joined Pacifica Writer's Workshop in 2022, and is eager to return for another summer of education and fun!

Bryan Edenfield, Instructor

Bryan Edenfield is the author of the prose-poetry collection, Cake, and an educator in Washington State. He produces and hosts the Foolish Oracle Variety Show in Seattle's University District. Edenfield formally studied history and philosophy at Northern Arizona University and informally studies almost everything at various libraries, bookstores, cafes, and secret caves. He was born in the Southwest, but now calls the Pacific Northwest home.

Rachel Shine, Instructor

Rachel Shine is an esteemed educator with over a decade of experience dedicated to cultivating inclusive learning environments. Specializing in English Language Arts, Rachel is passionate about empowering students from diverse backgrounds through innovative curricula tailored to both standards and individual student interests. She is widely recognized for her steadfast commitment to anti-racism initiatives and community engagement, having led numerous professional development sessions and spearheaded impactful service projects. Rachel possesses proficiency in utilizing educational theories and technology to optimize student engagement and achievement, ensuring a dynamic and enriching learning experience for all.