Upcoming Events

  • SOLD OUT! - Online Memoir Writing Class March 3 - April 28, 2026 - SOLD OUT!
    Class meets online for 9 weeks Tuesday nights 7pm-8pm PST

    Before class begins in March:
    Watch the documentary My Mom Jayne: A film by Mariska Hargitay
    Read Cocoon, a memoir by Sarri Gilman (2023)
    One more memoir (a 2025 selection) will be assigned to read when you enroll in class.
    After you enroll in class, please send a single page or email describing what your memoir is about, where you need help, and where you are in the process.
  • Details:
    Class meets online for 9 weeks. We are online 7pm-8pm PST – Tuesday nights.
    I will record each session and the recordings are available for 6 days after the class meeting. I recommend only using the recording if you have to miss. Class is richer when we are all present online.
    . The class size is 10 people. This class is only offered once a year.
"I taught memoir for years and loved being in the “student chair” with Sarri. I learned things from her that I wished I had had to offer my own students and that I am now using in my own writing. Sarri combines an easy, supportive environment with solid information and inspiration. Write on!"
Christina Baldwin, Author - Storyteller - Teacher
"There were so many rich insights in this memoir writing class that I am compelled to take it again. Sarri guides a thought provoking discussion using others' memoirs to demonstrate the various approaches to a writer's subject matter. As a group, we examined how readers are transported into a deeper understanding of themselves when writers use effective techniques to share their truth with vulnerability and clarity. Since taking this course, I see my own personal narrative with more honesty and grace and I keep a lexicon journal to track what words resonate with my story. Sarri shared her journey in writing a memoir with such humor and humility that it all seems possible now."
Jeannine Acantilado, executive leadership coach, and award winning producer of Breathe: Honoring Voices of Healthcare short films.
"As someone who had never written a book, I wanted to learn from someone I respect with real-life experience. Sarri's class was perfect. The environment felt safe for writers at any level, and I walked away with practical tools I actually used. More than that, I gained confidence. The seeds she planted—how to approach the work, patience with myself, concrete writing strategies—were invaluable to my process. I've now written a book that's with a publisher. If you're even a little curious about this class, do it. You won't regret the time or the writing community you'll find."
Kathy Solberg - CommonUnity - creating, maintaining, connecting, supporting and growing community.

Hiring Sarri for Your Event

Schedule Sarri to work with your organization

    How To Schedule an Event with Sarri

    1. Sarri accepts a limited number of workshops and keynotes in a year. These are planned in advance.
      Presentations are online or in-person.
    2. The audiences I serve are people who serve. I am a fit for public health, healthcare, human services, social services, education, and organizations who are lifting others.
    3. Please email me for more information.
    Sarri speaking at TEDx event

    I have four published books and these are the topics I can address for keynotes, presentations, or workshops.

    Cocoon, How One Woman Created a Shelter for Teens and Found Hope Along the Way

    Topics I cover are: Community Building, Grit, Failure, Leadership, Stewardship, Secondary Trauma, Hope.

    New Offering: Using memoir writing and collage to find our way in the dark and create connection

    In this half day workshop Sarri will present ways attendees can use memoir writing and collage to help manage trauma and grief

    • Identify the trauma exposure people are experiencing in their communities and with current issues
    • Explore ways to meaningfully engage with attendees around these events using memoir writing and collage
    • Define expectations for memoir writing that protects privacy and safety for those who are vulnerable in their writing
    • Craft prompts that would create a safe container to share the writing and collages

    Transform Your Boundaries

    Topics I cover are: 4 Basic Keys to Boundary Building, Extreme Boundary Challenges, The 7 Patterns, Self-Care, Becoming a Boundaries Expert and the Art of Listening to your Boundaries.

    Naming and Taming Overwhelm

    Topics I cover are: Overwhelm, Prevention, Recovery, Trauma, Self-Repair, Overwhelmed Communities, Overwhelmed Organizations, Leadership Responsibilities, Navigating beyond Overwhelm, Self-Compassion.

    The Mystery of Knowing Journal

    Topics I Cover are: Tips on writing and Journaling, Building a Self-Care Toolkit, Writing Skills for any Writing Project.

    Please email me for more information.

    Organizations Sarri has worked with

    • Parent to Parent Washington
    • Kaiser Permanente
    • Ronald McDonald House Global Charities
    • Within Reach
    • CMO’s For Washington State Hospitals
    • Federation of State Physician Health Programs
    • The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
    • Cocoon House
    • Tulalip Tribes
    • Northwest Indian College
    • Tacoma Public Library System
    • Sno-Isle Libraries
    • Timberland Library
    • United Way of Tacoma
    • Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County
    • IGNS (national association of respiratory therapists)
    • Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials
    • Leadership Snohomish County
    • Northwest Education Service District
    • University of Texas for a Five State Region
    • Palm Beach Jewish Women’s Leadership Group
    • Island County Public Health
    • Dropbox
    • Tacoma Nurse Family Partnership
    • Peninsula Behavioral Health
    • Oregon Environmental Council
    • eWomen Network
    • Resource Innovation Group
    • Washington State Department of Early Learning
    • Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
    • Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network
    • Medical Officer Collaborative