Jessica, in her first year as Assistant Guide in the Poppy classroom, has lived in Santa Cruz with her husband Louie for around 14 years. 

They both grew up in the foothills of Sequoia National Park, an experience that developed a passion for the outdoors, camping, swimming in rivers and lakes, and the scent of orange blossoms.

These loves brought her to Jackson, Wyoming, where she serendipitously was offered employment at a local preschool that had a primary Montessori classroom in which she substituted times, providing her first experience with the Montessori philosophy and the underestimated capabilities of very young children. Since then, she has worked at many differently structured preschools, received an A.S. in Early Childhood Education from Cabrillo College with Certificates of Achievement in Teaching, Administration, Anti-Bias Curriculum, and Infant-Toddler Care.

Jessica went on to earn her AMI Assistants to Infancy Diploma from Montessori Northwest. She finds joy through building connections with the children in her care, providing a safe space for all and embracing the challenge of meeting their unique needs. She looks forward to getting to know members of the SCM community!