Ask Jessica what her best quality is and she will say “Integrity”. Showing up for others when expected is important professionally, but also in all aspects of life including family, friends, work and most importantly, for yourself. Keeping realistic expectations as plans and circumstances change draws upon adaptability and flexibility when life throws us curveballs, as it so often does. 

Receiving her undergraduate BS degree from Towson University focusing on communication and communication disorders, she advanced to Northwestern University’s Feinburg School of Medicine and the intensive post-baccalaureate certifications and duel certifications in the Orthotics and Prosthetics program (NUPOC). She completed two separate residencies at private companies residing in level 1 teaching hospitals, John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek, CA and Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Jessica made it a point to acquire as broad range of knowledge covering many aspects of her field from pediatrics to advanced aging care of those with strokes, vascular issues, amputations and progressive orthopedic needs. Spinal trauma, orthopedics, vascular care and prosthetic care of diabetics quickly became top care points.

A career in direct clinical patient care for 17 years with patients having multiple disabilities and illnesses that often advanced quickly and severely, Jessica is familiar with care in all settings such as hospitals, nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, physician offices as well as in the home. Working with patients and their direct families and caretakers to communicate efficiently with physicians and rehabilitation specialists often includes teamwork to achieve common goals and problem solving to create the best quality of life for patients and remain as independent and safe as possible.

Spending quality time with clients to understand needs and expectations is important. Getting fresh air and getting outside to enjoy life and breathe a little deeper when we can. Volunteering with hospice locally, she enjoys getting to know backstories and focusing on goals and what can be done to bring a little more joy into our lives.

Outside of owning and operating Dawn of Aging, she can be found being inspired by Norfolk’s Botanical Gardens and creating her own garden oasis. Recently, Jessica completed an introductory course with the School of Thanotology in Thanabotony. The study of how plants are and have been used in death, dying and grieving throughout history. She also enjoys time with her 3 legged dog, Mortimer, and helping those in the community creating wheelchairs, braces and prosthetics for their pet companions.