A native of Toronto, Ontario, Jessica is a versatile development professional who excels at building authentic and lasting relationships in both the non-profit and private sectors. Over the past 30 years, she has held almost every development role, but her passion lies with planned giving. She has worked in a broad range of fields, including the arts (National Ballet of Canada, Canada’s National Ballet School, Opera Atelier), health care (Toronto East General Hospital Foundation), conservation (Land Trust Alliance, African Wildlife Foundation), animal welfare (Toronto Humane Society, Montgomery County Humane Society, Jane Goodall Institute), and the environment (Environmental Defense Fund).

 In 2011, Jessica founded Xpress Dance & Fitness LLC, a Washington, DC-based staffing agency for dance and fitness instructors. Jessica is an ACE® Certified Group Fitness Instructor, ABT® Certified Teacher in Primary through Level 7 and Partnering of the ABT® National Training Curriculum, and graduate of the Maryland Dance Teacher's College.  Jessica teaches adult ballet, ballroom dance, LaBlast® Fitness (created by Louis Van Amstel of Dancing with the Stars), and choregraphs wedding dances.  

Jessica lives and works remotely in St. Paul, MN, and spends as much time as she can at her cottage (“cabin” as they call it in the US) on Lake Vermilion.  She has a husband, two stepsons, and an Old English Sheepdog named Lucy.  A fun fact? Jessica has seen U2 live 54 times and belly danced on stage with the band twice!