Jess began her journey as an educator in middle school, teaching violin to children throughout her neighborhood. She found deep fulfillment in introducing students to music they connected with and witnessing the joy it brought them. As she moved through the traditional public school system, she began to notice gaps—areas where learning felt disengaging or inaccessible—and started to question how education could better support and inspire all students. Throughout high school and college, Jess worked as a peer tutor, forming meaningful connections with her fellow students. These relationships, coupled with her own experiences navigating an imperfect school system, inspired her to apply to UCSB’s Teacher Education Program. There, she earned her California teaching credential and a Master’s in Education. Her master’s thesis focused on outdoor education, exploring how fostering a connection with the environment can enhance student engagement and support social-emotional learning. Outside the classroom, Jess’s greatest passion is music. She grew up playing the violin, piano, and cello, and is constantly listening to and discovering new genres—from bluegrass and rock and roll to classical. She also has a lifelong love of sports, having played water polo and tennis growing up. These days, she enjoys lifting weights and going for bike rides to stay active.