Dr. Judy Willis, a board certified neurologist and middle school teacher in Santa Barbara, California, has combined her training in neuroscience and neuroimaging with her teacher education training and years of classroom experience. She has become an authority in the field of learning-centered brain research and classroom strategies derived from this research.

After graduating Phi Beta Kappa as the first woman graduate of Williams College, Willis attended UCLA School of Medicine, where she remained as a resident and was ultimately Chief Resident in Neurology. She was in private practice for 15 years, and then received a credential and master's degree in education from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has taught in elementary, middle, and graduate schools; was a fellow in the National Writing Project; and currently teaches at Santa Barbara Middle School. Her articles about the neurology of learning have been published in many educational journals. She has spoken at professional educator conferences and is completing a second book for educators about research-based strategies for special needs students in inclusive classrooms.

Willis is also a regular contributor to wine literature and writes wine columns for two newspapers. Her 2005 article in Decanter magazine described the impact of the film Sideways on California Pinot Noir sales. She can be reached by e-mail at jwillisneuro@aol.com.