Jessica is from Chicago, IL where she grew up with a love for nature, despite the immediate surroundings of the city. She graduated Cum Laude from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in Biological Sciences and a Secondary Education license. After graduating, Jessica worked at a summer camp in California and fell in love with the state. She found a way to stay, as a naturalist at Shady Creek Outdoor School. There, her passion for camp and love of education blended seamlessly. She learned an incredible amount and gained invaluable teaching experience during that time. After a year, Jessica was ready to return to the classroom. She was drawn to Truckee because of the students that visited the outdoor school. They brought a sense of community that she wanted to be a part of. Jessica loves the community aspect of Truckee, and how it positively impacts education. The goals and ideals of SELS reflect her own, and she feels lucky to have found a home here.