Jess graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation. She discovered her passion for this field in 2015 while volunteering for respite weekends, later becoming a direct support staff member at Comprehensive Systems until her graduation in 2018.

Since then, Jess has worked in adaptive outdoor recreation in both Washington and Iowa, and has also volunteered with Special Olympics. With nearly a decade of experience in the human services sector, she is dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and making a positive impact in their lives.