ATR-P, LCAS registered
Masters Level Licensed NC Educator
MA, MAT, BFA

Jessica Rodriguez, Owner,

Masters of Art Therapy and Counseling (MA)
Masters of Art and Education (MAT)
Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA)

Education

Thrive by Design LLC is dedicated to enhancing employee and individual well-being through the power of art and creative communication. I offer a range of services, including workshops, therapy sessions, and corporate engagements, all designed to foster emotional wellness in the workplace. By integrating creative practices with psychoeducation and art therapy, I equip employees with effective tools to manage stress, build resilience, and improve communication skills.

With 17 years of experience in creative communication through education positions, working closely with both students and staff, Thrive by Design now tailors its offerings to meet the unique needs of educators, businesses, and organizations. I help teams cultivate emotional intelligence, enhance collaboration, and foster a more supportive, positive work environment.

Thrive by Design’s ultimate mission is to empower individuals and teams to proactively design a life they love—one in which they have greater control over their work and well-being, and where creative expression becomes a vital tool for achieving balance and success.

Note for schools and colleges:

As an art educator, I noticed a recurring theme in the art room: students often use creative expression to release emotions like grief, fear, anger, and rejection. The art-making process becomes a safe space where their voices can be heard—often without words. Yet, art is a powerful tool that many educators, counselors, and even art teachers aren’t fully trained to interpret or use therapeutically.

This gap inspired me to expand my expertise. After earning my BFA in Fine Arts and my MAT in Art and Education, I pursued and earned a master’s degree in Art Therapy and Counseling. I now have my art therapy credentials, ATR-P, and am registered to work in the field of addiction with my LCAS-registered credentials. I’ve also created and tested a Creative Communication Curriculum for Social and Emotional Learning that has been used successfully with teen mental health students, including those battling addiction. This curriculum integrates creative expression as a therapeutic tool, helping students build resilience, improve emotional intelligence, and find healthier ways to cope.

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”
– Thomas Merton