“It was a joy to co-lead the Power of Creativity workshop with Jessica. From the earliest stages of planning to the final moments of facilitation, Jessica’s professionalism, reliability, and creative insight were invaluable. Her thoughtful approach ensured that every detail was intentional, and her calm, grounded presence set the tone for a meaningful and engaging experience.

During the workshop, Jessica guided participants through mindful, therapeutic art practices while sharing moving anecdotes from her work in the field of art therapy. She spoke passionately about why guidance in art therapy matters, emphasizing the healing power of the creative process itself over the fixation on a final product. Jessica also elaborated on how many adults hesitate to engage in art therapy because they don’t identify as artists, and how reclaiming creativity can be a transformative act of self-compassion and healing.

Jessica’s ability to blend clinical expertise with warmth, humor, and authenticity made a lasting impact on everyone in the room. Her work through Thrive by Design truly embodies her mission to help individuals and organizations grow through life’s challenges with creativity, resilience, and self-awareness.”

-Libba, Owner of Charlotte Thrives

“Jessica is amazing! She helped us at a camp for bereaved children and families where she worked alongside caregivers to provide them with a therapeutic art activity for really meaningful, impactful reflection around their loss and life in general. I personally received nothing but great feedback from the caregivers who participated and even had someone come up to me halfway through the day just to let me know how much she was enjoying her time with Jessica. Another parent emailed me the following night after camp: ‘I just want to say that today’s camp was absolutely wonderful. I honestly just don’t have the words to explain the gratitude I feel for my son and for myself.’ Jessica was a big part of making camp so special this year, and I truly look forward to working with her in the future!”

-Kaela, MSW, LCSW Executive Director| Clinical Director at KinderMourn

"Ms. Jessica Rodriguez facilitated a workshop for my classroom and she went completely above and beyond! Her rotation group for the grade incorporated buy-in from the kids, friendly competition, and cooperation from the beginning. Students were highly engaged in the doodling with music. They employed their creativity throughout and had smiles on their faces the entire time!!! Ms. Jessica ended the activity with building self-esteem. I can honestly say this was one of the most well-rounded workshops and all 5 of my classes bought in, left happy and practiced keeping a beat, drawing and working together!"

-Sarah, CMS 4th Grade Teacher at
Myers Park Traditional School

“Jessica has been a wonderful addition to our team. She brings a calming presence into the room and creates a safe, welcoming space for clients. She appears very comfortable in her role, which helps clients feel at ease and open to the therapeutic process. Her sessions are engaging and thoughtfully planned, often incorporating creative ideas that invite exploration and expression in meaningful ways. Clients consistently respond positively to their time with her and seem to benefit from both the structure and freedom her groups provide. We deeply value her contributions and the positive impact she has on the clients and overall program atmosphere.”

-Jacquelyn, Clinical Assistant at
The Blanchard Institute

"Jessica is such a kind, knowledgeable art therapist. Every time she came to Charlotte Clubhouse, our members enjoyed her presence and the openness and care that she instilled into each session. Not only did she come in with supplies and knowledge, she brought healing and the re-emergence of joy in the act of creation! If we could work with Jessica every day, we would all be better for it! "

-Kristin, COTA/L at Charlotte Clubhouse

"Thank you for allowing us the safe space to share our pain and to express whatever it is that we are feeling through art and “design”. I feel honored to have been in your presence today as you made me feel so much lighter than I have felt in a very very long time."

-Participant at KinderMourn Art Therapy Grief Workshop

"I had the pleasure of collaborating with Jessica on The Charlotte Observer's Power of Creativity event. Throughout the process, she came prepared with great ideas and a positive attitude. Her expertise and ability to connect with audiences as a presenter elevated the event. Working with Jessica was truly a wonderful experience, and I would jump at the chance to do so again."

-Mary, Local Government Accountability Reporter at
The Charlotte Observer

“Jessica is truly gifted in creative arts therapy and helping teams build community and connection. We had her recently conduct a session for our entire team (20+ professionals), and the session was very inclusive of people who both loved creativity and those who didn't think they were creative. Jessica brings a calming presence and compassionate approach in her practice and presentation, and I would highly recommend her for other groups who are looking for a positive and powerful "pause.”

-Suzanne (Ph.D.), UNC Charlotte Career Center Faculty & Staff Engagement Manager

“Jessica is a huge asset to our clinical program. She is not only an amazing art therapist, but she brings creativity, compassion, and energy into every group. Her skills combined with experience working with mental health disorders is inspiring to our clients and staff.”

-Samanda, LCMHC, LCAS, CSI, NCC, AADC, Clinical Director at The Blanchard Institute

“Two themes that really stood out to me in this class were the sense of community and the idea of using art as a way to experience healing. Both made me think about how our classroom is set up and run by Ms. R. I truly feel safe, seen, and respected here. Talking about creativity, openly reflecting, and knowing that ‘there is no right or wrong way’ to make the art our own showed me the supportive community she creates.

I also discovered how healing art can be. Being in this class brought back the little kid in me, especially since I haven’t taken an art class since elementary school. Appeasing my inner child and having no limits on my dreams has been a form of healing.”

 -Miana, UNC Charlotte Student,
‍ ‍ Arts (Creativity) Integration ‍ ‍ Across the Curriculum Course