Hey there! My name is Jess. I was born and raised in Southeastern Michigan and currently live in Rochester Hills with my family.

I attended the University of Detroit Mercy for undergrad and Wayne State for graduate school, so I like to think that I knew Detroit before it was cool. I remember when Atwater Brewery was new, small, empty, and offered pint night to a bunch of college kids who rolled in after stuffing our faces in Mexicantown. I am absolutely loving watching Detroit become such a hub for food, art, and culture, as well as seeing it recognized on a national level.

First Comes Love

My husband, Jeff, and I were a successful setup. Our first date was at Target Sports on Woodward, hitting some targets, followed by dinner at Lily’s Seafood and then some Hank Williams on the jukebox at Gusoline Alley. Second date was a Tigers game, and I was pretty smitten after that. We were engaged seven months later and had the best wedding in Vegas, the day after my birthday. Seriously. Surrounded by our closest friends and family, the Bellagio fountains, Mexican food, and a mariachi band playing Johnny Cash…what more could a girl want?

Shortly after our wedding, I took a leap of faith and accepted my dream job. I am a Physician Assistant in plastic and reconstructive surgery. I could not imagine doing anything else. I work with an extraordinary surgeon and tight-knit team. Every day is different, whether we are seeing aggressive cancers, complex facial trauma, a baby with a cleft lip and palate, or a patient following their mastectomy, we are here for it. I love all of my patients but have a special connection with those undergoing breast reconstruction and consider myself so privileged to be a part of their journey. 

My first kids are my dogs. Ari is a German Shorthaired Pointer and was Jeff’s before we met. She is my big gentle giant and has the kindest soul although she will eat anything she shouldn’t if you’re not paying attention. Bailey is a Vizsla and is my heart dog. She was surrendered by her previous owner when she was a year and a half, and we became the family lucky enough to love her back to health and happiness. My girls love everybody, and I’m only half joking when I say you’re only welcome over if you’re a dog person because they are totally going to be all up in your business. 

Becoming “Mom”

In 2017, we welcomed our son, John, into our lives. I had an easy pregnancy followed by a rather complicated labor and delivery. I was hit hard with postpartum anxiety and didn’t recognize there was something wrong with me for a while. My physical and mental recovery has been a struggle, but it is something I am an open book about because we need to talk about maternal mental health and start taking care of moms. There is so much work that needs to be done, and the easiest place to start is sharing a story. The more we open the dialogue and fight, more women will get help and not suffer in silence.

Motherhood added an incredibly rich layer to a very happy life. I have never found myself more challenged, excited, in complete wonder of the little things, and so full of love than I am when I am the “mom” version of myself. We are expecting our second child at the end of this year, and the gender will be a surprise. We can’t wait to expand our family and welcome another into the zoo. 

For me, I’m just trying to keep it together. I love my career and the balance that being a working mom gives me, but sometimes I hate the loss of control when the scales tip. I drink my coffee black and love craft beer or a strong Old Fashioned (when I’m not pregnant of course). I’ve loved true crime since my grandpa terrified me with “Unsolved Mysteries,” and I have been a voracious reader since the “Baby Sitters Little Sister” series. I love to cook and feed people. My hair is usually messy, our family pictures are mainly selfies, and I will always believe that laughter is the best medicine. 

I am honored and excited to be a part of DMB because, let’s be honest: we can’t get through this without support, encouragement, and a little bit of humor.