Laurel Nakanishi (she/her) is a VTS Coach, Teaching Artist, and writer from Kapālama, on the island of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. She continues to grow as a teacher and writer thanks to a wealth of mentors, teaching situations, and experiences in beloved communities. Her VTS journey began at the Hawai‘i State Art Museum in 2018, since then she has coached and facilitated VTS discussions in public schools across the island. With a focus on the intersection between teaching, writing, and community organizing, Laurel has collaborated with non-profits and schools in Hawaiʻi, Nicaragua, Montana, and Miami to bring creative writing opportunities to children and young adults. Laurel is the author of the poetry book, Ashore, and chapbook, Mānoa|Makai. She collaborated with educators in Nicaragua during a Fulbright Fellowship and researched Buddhist pilgrimage in Japan during a fellowship with the Japan-US Friendship Commission/ National Endowment for the Arts. Learn more about Laurel’s professional and publication experiences at www.laurelnakanishi.com.