Meet the Co-Creators

Neuroscientist D.C. McGuire & writer Isabel Oakley have teamed up to create a magical approach to real science.

D.C. McGuire

Neuroscience Researcher

Isabel Oakley

Writer, Activist

D.C. McGuire is a neuroscientist and co-creator of The Brainy Books of Wow. For 30 years her work has included psychoneuroimmunology, neuroplasticity, and brain chemistry. She studied psychobiology at Wellesley College/MIT and has a graduate degree in clinical psychology. Fellowships included study with Elmer Green at Duke and Bernie Siegel at Yale. Inspired by 9/11, the last 14 years her research has focused on the profound influence of dopamine on thinking and behavior, and the remarkable, constructive potential of our brains to be selectively rewired.

Her private clinical practice utilizes brain-related therapies to permanently re-wire the brain and release traumatic memory, for the promotion of peak physical and emotional health. D.C. is a consultant and speaks internationally to schools, corporations, and professional organizations about highly skilled brain management for predictably successful outcomes.

Her goal is to educate parents, teachers, children, and adults about very selective use of the brain positively integrated into every aspect of life, for the good of everyone.

Want to learn more about D.C. McGuire?

Visit her personal website HERE.

Isabel Oakley is a writer and co-creator of The Brainy Books of Wow. She is an author, journalist, and spirited activist. Oakley graduated cum laude from The University of Oregon, focusing her education on International Studies, Conflict Resolution, and Creative Writing. She recently received her journalism certificate from NYU and Rolling Stone Magazine’s Modern Journalism program, and is excited to share that she is currently choosing between her acceptances to 4 Writing MFA programs.

Growing up between the United States and Mexico has gifted Oakley a unique perspective on cultural diversity and global citizenship that can be tasted in her writing. One of her poems landed in the semifinals for the 2023 Tulip Tree Poetry Prize.

Inspired by her exposure to many cultures, Oakley is a devoted activist, working with organizations dedicated to cultivating social and environmental justice. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and holds a certificate in Connected Leadership from Yale.

Oakley is also an avid BreathWorker. She completed one BreathWork training in 2021 and is now finishing her instructor training.

Want to learn more about Isabel Oakley?

Visit her personal website HERE.

Advisors & Endorsements

Even prior to publication, The Brainy Books of Wow is receiving lots of attention, as many of McGuire’s friends, colleagues, and connections from her extensive neuroscience career have jumped to get involved in our project. These individuals have graciously offered to promote, endorse, and to contribute their expertise to our books. We are blessed to say that many of these names include well-known authors, scientists, childhood-development experts, visionaries, activists, and more.

This team is essential to help us craft the most impactful and beneficial series for young minds possible!

The complete list of our endorsers, promoters, and advisors will be made public soon.

What does our partnership look like?

As co-creators, we are truly a remarkable team! We have woven McGuire’s renowned neuroscience research, with Oakley’s creative writing, to construct a one-of-a-kind approach to brain science that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

We are members of Storyteller Academy and SCBWI, and recently participated in the SCBWI Summer Conference. We were honored to speak at The International Breathwork Foundation’s conference, where we spoke to the thousands of attendees about the importance of certain breathing techniques for brain development.