Miss Jess grew up in Queens, NY and is a fan of some of the best sports teams around: the New York Yankees and the Rangers! She found it difficult when her family moved to Sherman (where her parents still live today) when she was 12. Many things changed that year: her address, a transition into high school, and a new diet as a vegetarian. Though moving to a new type of setting was tough (no more walking to school, friends’ houses, the park, or really anywhere), Miss Jess is glad that she found Connecticut because of the lasting friendships that started here. She is now a resident and business owner here in New Milford.

After high school, Miss Jess moved back to New York to attend college at Pace University. She lived with her aunt in Westchester while attending Pace to study Psychology. She knew early on that she wanted to help people that felt, perhaps, a bit lost or unheard who, with some support, could realize a new positive perspective on themselves and their lives. She immersed herself in a combined degree program, earning both a BA in Psychology and MS in Mental Health Counseling in just 5 years. Other activities that influenced her were her work in Manhattan for a fund-raising office for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, resulting from her role on the executive board of Up ‘Til Dawn – a philanthropic organization on college campuses nationwide that fund-raises for St. Jude – and visits to the hospital’s location in Memphis, TN.

While finishing up her secondary education, Miss Jess began to work in CT schools as a behavior therapist to children with autism and learning challenges. She pursed education in this field and plans to finish her BCBA in the next few years. After spending several years in various districts, Miss Jess decided to move back here and continue working with children in a different capacity, reviving her occupation as a tutor (something she had done in years past, while still in college).

Now, Miss Jess has her own private tutoring business and is excited to be compiling new programs in math, phonics, writing, and exam prep to benefit the students in New Milford and beyond! She is lucky to have a wonderful staff of instructors that make learning clearer and enjoyable for the students at Reis Learning Center! She is grateful for being surrounded by fun and positive people daily – staff and students alike – while doing something she loves!

If you want to know more, Miss Jess loves questions and would be happy to tell you more about her experiences thus far and her hopes for the future!