Jess has served as the Adventure Programs Supervisor at Mount Royal University since May 2016, leading programming and facility operations at the climbing wall, coordinating outdoor recreation trips and club support, and advancing accessible programs and services across Cougars Athletics and Recreation. Prior to joining MRU, they developed extensive leadership experience in indoor and outdoor climbing, high- and low-ropes challenge courses, expedition leadership, and recreational sport administration with a range of organizations across Canada and the United States.
They hold a Master of Science in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Alberta. Jess also regularly teaches academic courses in Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership within MRU’s Health and Physical Education Department. Their wide-ranging certifications include credentials from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, Outdoor Council of Canada, Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine, Centre for Suicide Prevention, National Outdoor Leadership School, Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor Ethics, Sail Canada, Avalanche Canada, and the American Canoe Association.
Passionate about amplifying the voices and experiences of those who continue to face barriers in outdoor pursuits - particularly at the intersections of marginalization - Jess is committed to fostering connection, inclusion, and growth through adventure.
