Olivia Piper is an English teacher, a writer, and a New Englander. She grew up in the Farmington Valley, and is very excited to be coming home after two years spent in Virginia earning an MFA in Creative Writing from Hollins University. Olivia also holds a master’s degree in English & Language Arts Education from Boston University, and a bachelor’s degree in both English and Journalism from The University of Connecticut. Previously, Olivia spent three years working as an English Literature Instructor with Hartford Youth Scholars, and has worked as a writing instructor in the academic summer programs at both The Loomis Chaffee School and The Kingswood Oxford School. Additionally, she worked as a Public Ally through Americorps, serving the state of Connecticut as the Academic Coordinator of the Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Program.

As a journalist, Olivia worked as a staff writer for both The Valley Press and The Valley Life Magazine covering the Farmington Valley, and as a News Production Intern with WNPR. As a writer, her work, which is anchored firmly in a deep reverence for girlhood, has previously been published in The Connecticut River Review, Funicular Magazine, Black Fox Literary Magazine, Devastation Baby, and Sky Island Journal, among others. In 2024, she was a finalist for The Jack McCarthy Book Prize through Write Bloody Publishing. Olivia also has a background in the theater, having directed Little Women, Brownstone, and Almost, Maine during her time at UConn. In addition, she worked with The Avon Old Farms School as a co-director during their 2017-2018 theater season.

What other roles do you hold on campus?

Winter Play Director, Spring Musical Assistant Director, Dorm Affiliate

What was it about Walker’s that made you want to work here?

I was immediately drawn to the Walker’s community during my interview process due to the warmth of the faculty and the beauty of the campus. Though I’m new to this community, I can already feel the deep dedication that the faculty and staff here have to their students, and I am so excited to work alongside such empathetic educators. I have always wanted to teach in an all-girls school because I am a firm believer in the necessity of the courage, power, and confidence that an all-girls education imparts to its students.

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

My favorite things to do in my free time include writing (usually poetry or nonfiction), singing, playing my guitar, belly dancing, organizing my ever-growing bookshelf, spending time with friends and family, and continuing my search for the best thrift shops and bagels in New England.

Awards and Distinctions

Finalist for the 2024 Jack McCarthy Book Prize through Write Bloody Publishing

School of Education Graduate Award Recipient at Boston University

Notable Publications

“Horse Girl” via Devastation Baby Lit

“Calf Poem” and “You’ll Never Get Away From The Sound Of The Woman That Loves You” via Black Fox Literary Magazine