Jess earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology in 2005 from Goucher College in Baltimore Maryland. Taking time off from school to gain experience and perspective, Jess worked as an Outdoor Therapy Counselor at FDR Wilderness Program in Warm Springs Georgia serving the youth with mental health diagnoses who were on probation with the juvenile justice system.

She also worked as a Behavior Specialist on the Evaluation and Stabilization unit at Hillside Hospital in Atlanta serving the youth of Atlanta with severe trauma, emotional and behavioral issues.

Having developed a strong sense of purpose as a therapist and a particular interest in family dynamics, Jess pursued graduate education in Boone North Carolina. She earned her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Appalachian State University. During her time in Boone, Jess practiced therapy at Family Solutions Substance Abuse Treatment Program. Taking a systemic approach to substance abuse treatment, this program specialized in the treatment of stimulant addiction and was created in response to the regional Methamphetamine production and dependence crisis.

Returning to Atlanta in 2010 with her MA, Jess spent a year as Coordinator of the Family Support Partner’s Program at a Foster Care agency called Creative Community Services. Utilizing the experience and wisdom of seasoned foster parents; she developed and managed the program that contributed to retention of foster families, and to the success and stability of many child placements. Upon resignation from the agency, she was offered a seat on the Board of Directors. In 2012, Jess transitioned to the Women’s Services Unit at Ridgeview Institute. Here she became highly specialized in the treatment of Eating Disorders at all levels of care. Jess has been asked to present to Dieticians on the Dynamics of Eating Disordered Families, and to Healthcare Professionals on college campuses about Eating Disorder prevalence and Recognition Strategies. In 2013, Jess established a private practice in Northwest Atlanta. For the past three years, she has been helping individuals, couples, and families achieve success and develop a greater sense of value for their relationships and their lives.