Jess is a passionate advocate for inclusion in education and workforce development. Through her experiences as a teacher and leader in New York City public charter schools, Jess developed a passion for collaborating with students, families, and community partners to improve support and opportunities available to all students both in high school and beyond. As the Director of Postsecondary Opportunities, Jess leads the organization’s efforts to improve the systems and structures available to students, families, and schools to ensure equitable access to success after high school.

Prior to joining SPED Strategies, Jess served as the Apprentice Support Lead at Multiverse, a tech company specializing in workforce development and apprenticeships. There, she led the strategy and development of support for apprentices with additional learning needs and developed soft skills curriculum utilized in both the US and UK. 

Jess began her career as a special education teacher at Democracy Prep Charter Schools in New York. Over the course of a decade, Jess became a special education department chair and assistant principal, as well as the founder and director of special class settings of her charter network. In this role she developed inclusive curriculum, professional learning, and postsecondary pathways planning for all students.