Desi Di Nardo has authored several poetry collections, and her work has been published in hundreds of journals and anthologies, performed at the National Arts Centre, featured on the TTC, printed on Starbucks cups, composed into opera, and displayed in the Prime Minister's Official Residences of Canada.
Desi was an editor for universities, writer-in-residence, June Callwood literacy facilitator, TDSB Italian language teacher, and the first-ever TDSB poetry instructor. She worked as an on-air tv host and is currently an English professor at George Brown College. Desi creates poetry-based content and modules for post secondary faculty and implements strategies and methodologies for incorporating poetry into all classrooms. Desi hosted Poetry Parade with Canada's Parliamentary Poet Laureate. She conducts in-person and online writing workshops at venues like Stephen Leacock Museum, SickKids Hospital, schools, libraries, art galleries, and retirement homes across Ontario. Her writing was translated into foreign languages and is found in curriculums for schools like Vanier CHS, Michipicoten HS, and the University of Toronto. Desi's poetry is included in syllabi for MA English Literature programs in universities abroad such as Thiruvalluvar University and PSGR Krishnammal College for Women in India. Desi was commissioned by Desjardins to appear in commercial and to inspire and create poetry for their corporate brand advertising. |
Shams Erfan, Canada PEN Writer