Welcome
I’m Jackie and I’m happy to connect with you.
I’ve been working as a visitor researcher in museums for over 10 years, but I’ve been a researcher and writer for much longer. Increasingly I’ve been leaning into my personal experiences with trauma, mental illness, and disability, to guide and deepen my research, as well as educate, advocate and inform my work in the museum field and my life in general. I believe that we all have a responsibility to learn about trauma and to align with trauma-informed values and practices. Trauma-informed principles are human, healing, and social justice oriented.
Together we can create environments and facilitate experiences and interactions that support all nervous systems, acknowledge lived experiences and foster a greater sense of connection and belonging. Artful Practices for Well-Being at MoMA is an initiative that stems from this work but there’s so much more I hope to do in this area, both inside and outside the museum field.
For much of my life I didn’t feel safe in my body and safe people seemed few and far between. I’ve put a lot of work in cultivating safety within me, becoming the person I needed. Each of us can learn to become a safe person, for ourselves and for others. I share my experiences and research because I know what it’s like to exist in this world feeling the weight of trauma and all that it brings, the hopelessness, the sense that there’s no way out, the constant terror, the impact of hypervigilance on the body and so much more. I want to help in all the ways I’m able to.
“I had the privilege of attending a workshop on Trauma-informed Practice for Art Museums led by Jackie, an outstanding researcher and educator. This workshop was well-organized and thorough, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have learned from her expertise.
Jackie’s depth of knowledge and commitment to the subject matter was immediately evident. She seamlessly blended her extensive research findings with practical insights, creating a comprehensive and enlightening learning experience. Her ability to communicate complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner was remarkable, making the topic of trauma-informed practice approachable for all attendees, regardless of their prior background.
What struck me most about her work was its thoughtfulness and relevance to the field of art museums. Her research is not only groundbreaking but also highly applicable, offering invaluable insights that can inform the entire museum industry. Her workshop provided concrete strategies for implementing trauma-informed practices, and I left feeling equipped with the tools necessary to foster a more inclusive and empathetic museum environment.
In a rapidly evolving field like museum education, her work is a beacon of innovation and progress. I have no doubt that her research and insights will continue to shape and improve the way art museums approach trauma-informed practice. I wholeheartedly recommend her workshops and research to anyone looking to make a positive impact in the museum world and beyond. Her dedication to this crucial topic is both commendable and essential for the advancement of our field. Thank you for the eye-opening experience!”
Judith Koke, Director of Professional Learning, Institute for Learning Innovation
“Jackie Armstrong is an asset not just to the arts and museum community, but to the therapeutic community. Her work on MoMA’s “Artful Practices for Well-Being” has not only enriched the museum experience, it has changed my clients’ relationships to their trauma and their bodies. As a trauma-informed, eating disorder art therapist I feel that Jackie has provided more work and opportunities for healing than I ever thought possible.”
Wednesdae Reim Ifrach (Co-owner of Rainbow Recovery, REAT, ATR-BC, ATCS, LPC, NCC, CLAT, LCMHC, LPCC)
“Jackie is an astute observer of what works and doesn’t work both in personal life and in institutional settings. She pairs insight with grace when offering feedback. Jackie is an avid reader and writer in the area of trauma and her pieces are regularly published in well regarded online magazines and communities. Writing about trauma has helped Jackie achieve an understanding of trauma and related disorders that is rare even for licensed professionals. Her articles have also allowed her to authentically connect with and offer support to others on similar recovery journeys.”
Dr. Sarah Chipps, PSYD, CEDS (Founder and Director of Well Williamsburg; Founder and Chief Clinical Officer of Sanctuary Healing NYC)