I've always had a deep empathy for others — understanding why people think and act as they do, and being trusted with their stories, has guided my life and work.
This foundation led me into the helping professions, where I earned a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in School Counseling, and spent twelve years as a middle-school counselor supporting adolescents, young adults, and their families.
Through continued doctoral coursework and certifications in mindfulness and family trauma, I've deepened my expertise — but my passion remains in direct service. Most recently in a community mental health center and a remote Intensive Outpatient Program, where guiding others toward their most authentic, empowered selves continues to be the most meaningful part of my work.
My training shapes the room, but you shape the work. These four orientations are the way I listen, ask, and help you move.
A judgment-free space met with unconditional positive regard.
Person-centered theory resonates with my core values in the coaching relationship. I provide a judgment-free space for self-exploration where you are met with unconditional positive regard. I believe in your agency to create change and growth.
Grounding, presence, and the comfort of being a little uncomfortable.
Anything that links a perception and a sensation is an exercise in mindfulness. Grounding and centering, distinguishing past from present, regulating yourself in real time — these are the central features. The goal is to get comfortable being a little uncomfortable, and to use the connection of mind and body to improve wellness.
“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”
More attention to solutions than to the issues we are addressing.
A solution-focused approach is a marriage of these other ideas. We focus more on solutions than on the issues we are trying to address. We draw on the skills and support you already have and make them work more efficiently for you in a goal-oriented way.
Practiced gratitude, visualization, and cultivating strengths.
Positive psychology includes exercises to increase awareness of positivity, reflecting on past successes, generating positive emotion, expressing gratitude, visualizing yourself at your absolute best, counting kindness, and cultivating strengths.
“Founder of the field; emphasizes what's right with people, not what's wrong.”
“Working with Jessica gave us language for what we were going through, and a real plan instead of just hoping things got better. She gets the school side, the family side, and what's actually possible.”
“I came in thinking I was the problem. Jessica didn't try to talk me out of that — she just helped me see what I was actually carrying, and what was mine to put down.”
“Jessica spent twelve years inside schools. It shows. She walked me through the IEP meeting like she'd been there a hundred times — because she had.”