​Isa Milman: writer & artist
I've had a wonderful professionaI career in occupational therapy, as a clinician, educator, and entrepreneur. My focus has been in mental health and rehabilitation in both institutional and community settings. I spent 14 years as an epilepsy program coordinator in a community non-profit in Victoria. Prior to that, I worked in Montreal and taught occupational therapy at McGill.
My interest in poetry, visual art and craft has been life-long. The balance shifted to this side of the scale since I've retired, and I no longer engage in clinical practice. My focus is writing and fibre arts.
Clinical Experience
Epilepsy Program Coordinator, Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson's Centre, Victoria BC,1996-2011
Psychiatric Occupational Therapist, St. Mary's Hospital Centre, Montreal, QC, 1988-1996
V.P. & Founder, Les Services d'ergotherapie de Montreal (S.E.M.), 1984-1988
Psychiatric Occupational Therapist, Douglas Hospital, Montreal, 1975-1978
Languages
English
French
Hebrew
Yiddish
Skills
Public Speaking
Writing
Teaching
Counselling
Creative Expression
Academic Experience
Sessional Lecturer, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Victoria, 2011
Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, McGill, School of Physical & Occupational Therapy, 1986-1988
Faculty Lecturer, McGill, School of Physical & Occupational Therapy, 1979-1988
Writing & Publishing
Three poetry collections, two chapbooks, and appearances in numerous poetry anthologies. Published poems and articles in literary journals, magazines and newspapers such as: Sh'ma: A Journal of Jewish Responsibility; Tufts Magazine; Hadassah Magazine; Canada's History Magazine; Parchment: Contemporary Canadian Jewish Writing; and The Montreal Gazette. My latest book, Afterlight, is a memoir published by Heritage House Press in October, 2021.
My Professional Life
2010 - present
Visual Arts
I've exhibited in group shows at Martin Batchelor Gallery, The Wings of Peace Gallery, Sooke Fine Arts, and the B.C. Festival of the Arts. My two solo shows, Israel on Fire (2001) and Maimonides Girl (2003) were both sellouts.
2010 - present
Awards & Grants
Canadian Jewish Book Award for Poetry: 2005, 2009, 2013
Book of the Year, Poetry, ForeWord Magazine, 2008
Canada Council for the Arts, Emerging Writers Grant, 2005
BC Arts Council Professional Development Grant, 2006
Community
Secretary, Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island, 2015-2019
Chair, Jewish Arts Festival 2013, a year long festival in celebration of Congregation Emanu-el's 150th anniversary
Education
Tufts University, B.S.O.T., magna cum laude,1971
McGill, M.Sc., Rehabilitation Science, 1983