Jessica is Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw, a member and elected leader of the ‘Namgis First Nation with ties to the Kwagu’ł and Hax̱wa’mis Nations on her mother’s side and Ashkenazi-Jewish on her father’s side. She is a proud mother of two daughters, wife, Sundancer, Indigenous health researcher, educator, yoga teacher, and community wellness practitioner. She has spent over a decade working professionally in Indigenous peoples’ health and education, including roles in community-based research, education, health promotion, Indigenous public health, and trauma healing.

Jessica has a Doctorate in Applied Human Sciences from Concordia University. Master of Applied Science in Physical Therapy from McGill University and an Undergraduate Degree in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia. Jessica works with the University of British Columbia as an Assistant Professor in the School of Community and Regional Planning. She believes in a values-driven, relationship-centered approach to community planning. Jessica is especially interested in supporting community-led processes with Indigenous communities that center on language revitalization strategies and holistic approaches to wellness. As a mother, Kwak’wala language learner, and community wellness practitioner, she is dedicated to upholding traditional teachings and values while learning Kwak’wala alongside her two daughters in their home community of Alert Bay.