Jess grew up in the Chicago land area and was exposed to the outdoors at an early age, traveling around in her family’s pop-up camper. She was captivated by the environment that surrounded her and was eager to explore as often as possible. 

She went on to graduate from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management and Outdoor Leadership. Her studies brought her a myriad of opportunities throughout her career, working for various land management agencies and living in 7 different states and another country. 

After completing the Juniper Canyon program she fell in love with the outdoors all over again and continues to choose a life of recovery for herself. It seemed foretold to come back as a guide to share her experience, strength, and hope with other’s looking to change their path. She is passionate about recovery and extending the Legacy and Juniper Canyon community past the 90-day stay through the Alumni program. 

In her spare time you can find Jess adventuring around getting into nearly any outdoor sport you can imagine while also continuing her education in hopes to get her SUDC in the future.