Before she became a physical therapist, Jess was a faculty member at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and trained as a strength athlete. She competed and coached with Illini Powerlifting, and directed charity meets to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Jess got injured while preparing for a nationals-level meet; physical therapist turned mentor Kim Hardin, PT, ATC helped Jess return to the platform and inspired the pursuit of physical therapy.

Though intending to specialize in sports rehab, her worldline shifted when her father survived his first stroke. Jess developed a passion for helping those after neurological injury find their inner and outer strength. She graduated as a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Illinois Chicago, and then became a Neurological Physical Therapy Resident at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in partnership with Grand Valley State University, where she treated individuals with a variety of complex neurological conditions.

She went on to work at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo providing physical therapy services for adults with neurological and orthopedic conditions. She left that position to found Headstrong Physical Therapy, LLC to provide high quality, intensive neurological physical therapy services in a clinic designed to accommodate all levels of ability, from competitive strength athletes to those trying to get their independence back after stroke.

Her passion for academic pursuits continues to burn brightly; she attends national conferences yearly, and is an annual member of neurorehabilitation groups including Brain Bytes.

Outside the clinic, Jess spends quality time with her husband and their furchildren, enjoys local theater at Farmer's Alley and the Civic, baking sourdough, hiking, and of course, training for the next powerlifting meet!