Jessica grew up in and spent most of her life in Minnesota and was excited to join the Salt Lake City community in 2025. An experienced and culturally responsive educator with more than 20 years in education, she believes deeply in educating the whole child. Jessica is thrilled to begin her third year as Assistant Principal at Elizabeth Academy.
Jessica holds degrees in Elementary Education and Middle School Social Studies, along with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Principal Certification. However, her educational journey began long before earning those credentials.
At just 16 months old, Jessica’s parents embraced the Montessori philosophy, nurturing her lifelong love of learning, exploration, and curiosity. Her first teaching experience came in high school when she became a certified ski instructor, teaching some of the youngest adventurers on the slopes. At the time, she never imagined a future in education. More than two decades later, after serving as a classroom teacher in grades 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9, as well as an instructional coach, curriculum coordinator, curriculum developer, and Assistant Principal, including seven years at Seward Montessori, she knows she has found her calling.
Jessica and her husband, Todd, are proud parents of two children, Olive, a sophomore at Montana State University, and Porter, a junior at Highland High School. Outside of school, Jessica enjoys spending time in the mountains hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, and adventuring with her new puppy, Moose.
