Testimonials
As a writer and a teacher, I can't recommend Jackie's workshop highly enough! Her writing feedback is straightforward, honest, and encouraging ... and the weekly workshop environment is a warm, inviting, and inspirational space that fosters real creative growth.
—Jesse G.
Jackie is the best kind of teacher: nurturing, honest, and insightful. She knows how to critique the work while encouraging the writer. —Christina M.
Jackie knows how to find each writer’s strengths and knows how to praise those moments, and she knows how to point to the weaker spots with encouragement and humor. As a creative nonfiction writer, my work has gotten stronger and clearer and richer. But in all honesty, at some point along the way, the strength of my writing became less important than the discoveries I was making about myself and my life. I’ll forever be carrying the gifts she’s given me, the tools and feedback and general encouragement. —Molly H.
Jackie is direct and kind and funny and she uses her formidable mind for the good. Her workshops reflect a commitment to nurturing craft through compassionate criticism and careful attention. —Mary B.
Jackie is a nurturing, perceptive, and committed teacher. She believes in your writing more than you believe in your writing. She’ll find strengths in it that you didn’t even know were there, and she’ll help you draw them out. —Kristen S.
Jackie brings her passion, thoughtfulness, and expertise to every class—and her notes are spot on. —Amy P.
Jackie is a deep listener because she hears behind what you say or write, to the heart of the story, and she isn't afraid to gently yet firmly nudge you towards it. I can't think of a safer place to share your words and feel seen and heard. —Katya F.
My mind and heart were both on fire by the end of each session! —Melanie T.
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More praise submitted anonymously from UCLA Ext. students on their course evals:
Jackie is an excellent instructor who has excellent insight and boundless enthusiasm for students. I greatly appreciated her input in my work, and compassion for me as a person.
10 Plus! Jackie is incredibly knowledgeable and knows how to break down really big ideas into palatable bits. She's been a pleasure!
A delight!
Jackie was the first person who made me feel like [writing] was totally something that I could practically do. She provided a process that has given me the confidence to turn my goals into reality.
Jackie is not only an engaging instructor with a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, but she is inimitably kind, encouraging, and open. Compelling, constructive, but most of all considerate—Jackie took the time to get to know us as people and as writers, and not only did my writing immediately improve from her feedback but my perspective on my writing journey and my outlook on life were transformed by Jackie.
Jackie created a supportive, open environment for writers to share their work. I was blown away by the level of feedback she provided each student. She was thoughtful, kind and energetic.
Worth her weight in gold.
Jackie has been very engaged in the class. She provided genuine and authentic feedback. Out of all of the instructors I've experienced in this program, her accessibility to answer questions in and outside of class has been the most helpful and appreciated.
Jackie was a great instructor. She's funny and warm which set everyone at ease and created a great classroom environment.
Jackie is fantastic! All of her feedback on our work in class was incredibly insightful. Always constructive and supportive, and I look forward to taking another course with her.
She’s the best!