Jessica serves as the NY Area Manager for the mid-Hudson, a co-facilitator for the MRYTT and a lead facilitator in training for the MRCC. Jessica’s introduction to Veteran’s Yoga Project was during her 300h YTT in 2018, as a one-off workshop taught by President Deb Jeanette. The culmination of Jessica’s 200h and 300h YTT’s, teachings within the USMA at West Point Yoga Club and her diverse roles within military life led her to co-Found the non-profit TRIBE with the guidance of Phoebe Miller of nOMad, always at OM.

Since Jessica attended the MRT, she knew VYP, too, was her TRIBE. She believes everyone desires community – which is why when we leave the military, we struggle if we do not have it. Jessica struggled in isolation after leaving the Army as a combat medic (Iraq/Afghanistan) – making many of the wrong decisions for herself; she was struggling not knowing how to respond to the triggers of PTS(d), MST, domestic violence, anxiety, substance use abuse… She proclaims it was meditation that saved her life. She believes in military veterans helping each other; she says it’s her duty now – to SERVE her TRIBE. “We are kindred spirits – no words need to be spoken; we know one another, we feel one another, we see one another, we hear one another, we breathe one another, WE ARE ONE ANOTHER.” And, she believes VYP creates a community of acceptance: no matter where you are at – there is a space to do, be, heal, grow!

Jessica currently is working as a veteran peer and the Wellness Director for the Hudson Valley National Center for Veteran Reintegration, where she is empowered to use all her skills – community, nature, movement, storytelling and the breath are her pillars.

She will be an Experienced 500h registered yoga teacher in April with plans to continue guiding her community to seek that which is within them already, prana – the life force energy… “there is no need to go towards the external – once you YOGA, or rather yoke – bring together, the physical body, breath, mind and spirit – you are whole, you are ONE – WE ARE ONE!”