Dr. Cohen has led poetry workshops in a variety of secular and parochial schools of all faiths throughout Philadelphia since 1989. She has trained teachers in poetry techniques through the Aaron A. Gold Scholars Program and NESS, joint efforts of ACAJE at Gratz College and the Penn Literacy Network. A poet, exhibiting painter, and maker of artists’ books, she is the co-author of articles on spirituality and a handbook on teaching poetry and Jewish prayer.

She received the Public Service Award (2004) from the National Association of Poetry Therapy, and the Interfaith Relations Award (2003) from the Montgomery County Advisory Board to the PA Human Rights Commission. Dr. Cohen's doctorate is in Learning Disabilities from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.  She also holds a certificate in painting and printmaking from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA.