I am a recent graduate of the Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at the University of Guelph, where I honed my skills in screenwriting, playwriting, and creative nonfiction. My MFA experience allowed me to learn from acclaimed writers and produce various creative projects including two feature-length screenplays and a stage play. I have also collaborated on series writing and documentary films, bringing important social issues to the forefront through storytelling. Currently, I work as a library assistant and information services assistant at Kitchener Public Library, providing customer support and managing community programs. Additionally, I am producing and writing my first feature film, "Stages of Change", scheduled for production in 2025. My professional background also includes case management and curriculum facilitation in social services, demonstrating my commitment to community engagement and trauma-informed care.

Alanna Schwartz

I am a recent graduate of the Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at the University of Guelph, where I honed my skills in screenwriting, playwriting, and creative nonfiction. My MFA experience allowed me to learn from acclaimed writers and produce various creative projects including two feature-length screenplays and a stage play. I have also collaborated on series writing and documentary films, bringing important social issues to the forefront through storytelling. Currently, I work as a library assistant and information services assistant at Kitchener Public Library, providing customer support and managing community programs. Additionally, I am producing and writing my first feature film, "Stages of Change", scheduled for production in 2025. My professional background also includes case management and curriculum facilitation in social services, demonstrating my commitment to community engagement and trauma-informed care.

Available to hire

I am a recent graduate of the Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at the University of Guelph, where I honed my skills in screenwriting, playwriting, and creative nonfiction. My MFA experience allowed me to learn from acclaimed writers and produce various creative projects including two feature-length screenplays and a stage play. I have also collaborated on series writing and documentary films, bringing important social issues to the forefront through storytelling.

Currently, I work as a library assistant and information services assistant at Kitchener Public Library, providing customer support and managing community programs. Additionally, I am producing and writing my first feature film, “Stages of Change”, scheduled for production in 2025. My professional background also includes case management and curriculum facilitation in social services, demonstrating my commitment to community engagement and trauma-informed care.

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Language

English
Fluent
French
Advanced

Work Experience

Library Assistant - Southwest Branch at Kitchener Public Library
May 1, 2023 - Present
Provided high-level customer service at the Community Library for all members of the community, supporting individuals regardless of age, background, or ability. Assisted customers living with addiction, mental illness, and homelessness. Delivered Reader’s advisory, prepared support for children’s, adults’, and food programs, created displays, and managed general circulation of library materials.
Library Assistant - Information Services at Kitchener Public Library
June 30, 2025 - August 28, 2025
Supported community partner-run programs, provided technical support and reference for level 2 collections, printers, and computers, and managed statistical reporting for the department through visualization and spreadsheet tracking. Assisted with local history collections and community engagement initiatives.
Writer/Producer at Stages of Change - Feature Film
January 1, 2024 - Present
Currently in pre-production for my first feature film, "Stages of Change," to be filmed in Waterloo in 2025. The film follows a case worker whose decision to let a young client crash on her couch instead of going to the shelter leads to life-altering consequences. The project is directed by Cassidy Civiero with an original soundtrack by Jaguar Sun and partially funded by Canada Council for the Arts.
Writer at Numera Films - Eyes in the Woods (Series)
December 31, 2025 - August 28, 2025
Co-wrote the series alongside creator Morgan Ermter, focusing on sisters fighting a cult, mysterious cryptids, and internalized homophobia during a summer at their family cabin in the woods. Contributed to storyline development and character arcs across seasons 1 to 3.
Creative Writing Instructor at Parkdale Public School & University of Guelph MFA
March 30, 2022 - August 28, 2025
Facilitated six creative writing workshops for grade 7 and 8 classrooms, collaborating with MFA peers. Workshops included reading, responding to writing prompts, movement activities, and revision focused on creativity and imagination.
Graduate Teaching Assistant at University of Guelph Faculty of English and Theatre Studies
December 31, 2022 - August 28, 2025
Assisted novelist and professor Catherine Bush in teaching and grading the Introduction to Storytelling class. Responsibilities included responding to student inquiries, grading assignments, organizing workshops, and holding office hours for student support.
Case Manager & Curriculum Facilitator at Hera Program – Trellis
August 31, 2022 - August 28, 2025
Full-time case manager for an in-school program supporting 13-17 year-olds experiencing commercial sexual exploitation. Supported youth in behavior regulation, resource connection, and harm reduction. Planned and facilitated experiential learning programs including kickboxing, equine therapy, yoga, community art, and volunteering with a focus on reducing risk of exploitation.
Case Manager at The Maple – Trellis
February 28, 2021 - August 28, 2025
Full-time case manager at an in-school program supporting 13-17 year-olds facing commercial sexual exploitation. Assisted youth with behavior regulation, connecting to resources such as counselors, peer supports, doctors, addiction workers, and harm reduction supplies. Facilitated an experiential learning program introducing new experiences and sober fun.

Education

Master's of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at University of Guelph
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2024
Bachelor of Arts: English Literature (Cum Laude) at Ambrose University
September 1, 2013 - December 31, 2017
Visiting Student: Indigenous Studies (Unofficial Minor) at University of Calgary
September 1, 2014 - December 31, 2017

Qualifications

First Aid C + CPR Training
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2025
ASIST Suicide Prevention Training
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2025
Med Admin and Universal Precautions
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2025
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2025
Trauma-Informed Care Certificate
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2025
Indigenous Awareness Training
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2025
LGBTQ2S+ Training
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2025
Driver’s License
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2025
DELF B2 French Language Certificate
January 11, 2030 - August 28, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Healthcare, Non-Profit Organization