JESSICA WAUGH
Owner/Founder
Jessica Waugh is a passionate advocate for embracing neurodiversity in the learning process. With a background as a certified residential architect, Jessica transitioned from her architectural career to follow her true passion for wine. Her journey led her to become a leading educator in the beverage industry, including roles as Director of Wine Education at SGWS Nevada and sommelier at prestigious establishments like Gordon Ramsay Steak and Aureole in Las Vegas.
Through her extensive experience in the beverage world and her roles as coach and educator, Jessica discovered her own neurodivergence. This revelation illuminated why her approach to studying and learning differed from others, sparking a profound connection with her own unique cognitive style.
Recognizing the prevalence of neurodiversity within the beverage industry, Jessica revitalized her company and launched NeuroSips™ — a platform dedicated to supporting neurodiverse learners. Her mission is to empower students to embrace their individuality and thrive in their studies, no matter their unique learning styles.
Jessica’s goal is to demonstrate that each learner's distinct approach is valuable and that, just as she navigated the challenging world of certifications with her own neurodivergence, they too can achieve their goals and excel in their professional journeys.
Jessica passed the Advanced Sommelier Exam in 2016 with the highest score, granting her the Rudd Scholarship. She also passed the Master Sommelier exam in 2018, however, due to abuse of power and proctor tampering, and a portion of the exam being invalidated, she cannot use her Master Sommelier title. Jessica was one of the few to accomplish the feat before turning 30 years of age and even fewer as a woman.
Jessica became a WSET 3 Wine Educator in 2018 and a WSET 3 Sake Educator in 2019. Other credentials she has achieved are: ICEX Spanish Wine Educator (2023), Certified Wine Specialist (2022), Spanish Wine Scholar Instructor (2021), Spanish Wine Specialist (2021), Certified CBD Consultant (2021), French Wine Scholar Instructor (2019), WSET 2 Award in Spirits (2018), Advanced Sake Professional (2017), Italian Wine Professional Instructor (2016), and Certified Beer Server (2015).
PRESS LINKS
Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, Young Sommelier Competition