Hello, my name is Jessica Brewster

I have a B.S. in Neuroscience with an emphasis in brain-gut health, as well as a degree in Art History. While at the University of Arizona I studied Alzheimer’s dementia and the gastrointestinal system. Following my graduation I worked at New York University, where I studied Parkinson’s disease. After 5 years in laboratories, I felt removed from the actual reason I went into neuroscience—to help people close up. I felt far removed and filled with questions that could not be answered by studying micro-systems. that is, in part, why I now work with the elderly in Memory-Care as a care partner.

I have spent a lot of time thereafter making and teaching art. I have a small business designing and creating clothes, I instruct crochet classes at a local yarn store, I lead painting classes and sewing circles. I have always known that I could figure out how to tie my love for art and science together. I attended the Society for Neuroscience conference in 2024 and my belief was reawakened when I listened to Susan Magsamen’s opening speech about her new book “Your Brain on Art” and she affirmed that, indeed, art and science belong together.

As another passion project I have dedicated much of my life to movement practices. It is, of course, in part to feel strong and mobile, but it’s also in the name of fun. I have taken to teaching kid’s parkour classes to underfunded communities and foster care homes, leading mobility/yoga classes, and need not forget my 15 year commitment to playing roller derby. I have noticed in my time consulting with those who have neurological and/or gastrointestinal problems, that there is a commonality among them. That they lack fun, that they have forgotten how to play.

I have realized that most everything I do is a momentum towards self-expression. An effort to feel real feelings in my body without the judgement of my internal critic. My love of these workshops is founded in helping people better understand how to nurture themselves and have compassion for their unique inner world. After several years of practicing and exploring various techniques, trials and tribulations, I am excited to share my beloved workshop with you.