Discover the woman behind Left Reel Experiences—a writer and teacher whose life has been shaped by movement, both inward and across diverse landscapes that have influenced how she sees and writes about the world.
With a background in Depth Psychology and a minor in English, Silvie’s work is rooted in understanding the inner life and giving it language. She has spent years in classrooms guiding students to find their voice, and just as many years writing her own way through questions of identity, loss, and becoming.
Left Reel grew from that intersection—where experience meets reflection. Here, retreats aren’t about escaping life, but about returning to it with greater clarity, creativity, and connection.
From classroom to coastline: a journey of understanding
I’m a high school literature teacher, but my work has always extended beyond the classroom. I’ve been writing since 2006—long before I ever thought of sharing it publicly. Writing, for me, began as a way to understand experience, not escape it.
Shaped by the waves: lessons from surf culture
My early adult life was shaped by travel within surf culture. I was married to a professional surfer for fifteen years, and during that time, I lived close to a world built around movement, risk, and the pursuit of something just out of reach. I also spent years mentoring young surfers on tour, watching how identity is formed not just through success, but through pressure, loss, and resilience.
Beyond literature: teaching life's deeper layers
I began teaching in 2010, bringing those experiences into the classroom. My focus has never been limited to literature alone, but on helping students think clearly, write honestly, and understand the deeper layers of both text and life. I’ve also led high school students on travel experiences, where the world itself becomes part of their education.