Jessica is from Vienna, Alabama, a small community south of the town Aliceville, in Pickens County. Born and raised in the Black Belt, Jessica noticed the lack of mental health resources that her community was lacking.
After graduating from Aliceville High School in 2002, she went on to work for Partlow Developmental Center and DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, AL. Jessica later continued her studies at Shelton State Community College, Stillman College, and The University of Alabama where she received a bachelor’s in social work degree. While attending The University of Alabama, Jessica received a social work internship with Ability Alliance of West Alabama. Once she completed her internship, she was offered a Support Coordinator position, and was later promoted to Basic Assurances Coordinator/Intern Supervisor where she was employed for 7 years.
Jessica went on to work for High Certified Residential Facility where she assisted with developing a personal care program. She was later employed as a Residential Community Service Specialist II/State Monitor with Alabama Department of Mental Health (Developmental Division/Region 2) until April 2021. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Jessica decided to return to college at The University of Alabama to pursue the MSW/JD program as well as fulfill her dream of opening a nonprofit.