Dr. Jess is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to being a proud financial member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., her work embodies a commitment to mental and emotional wellness, advocacy and opportunities for people with and without disabilities. Dr. Jess completed her Ph.D.  in Counselor Education and Supervision from Ohio University and she currently works as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Rehabilitation and Human Services (RHS) in the Department of Education Psychology, Counseling and Special Education at Penn State. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, she is considered an expert in wellness, stress management, and leadership at both the personal and organizational levels. Dr. Jess is a phenomenal educator and prides herself on her ability to captivate an audience with intent to assist them in living their best life. Her mantra is “what we learn with pleasure we never forget”–Albert Merci